A Hardball Leadership Essay

Politics is a battlefield for power. Throughout history, politics play an important role in shaping leaders and forming powerful states. Wars are even conducted to be able to get the advantage of politics. However nowadays, to get ahead into politics warfare is not necessary; it all depends on how an individual handles it. It is more than just the leadership skills, the charisma and the motivation to serve. It is the usage of the smartest strategies to get acquainted with the ‘who’ and to get the ‘what’. â€Å"The end justifies the means. Machiavelli famously imprinted these words in the world of politics. For Machiavelli, politics is more than just a career, it is an art that should be mastered and should be maintained. For Chris Matthews, politics is a game that should be learned by playing according to a set of rules. Both authors have goals in mind: to be on top of the power. Their works serve as guidelines on handling politics. Machiavelli and Matthews provide strategies on how to be an influential and effective political figure. These rules were patterned in the context of their current society. Though Machiavelli’s attack on The Prince is more aggressive than Matthews, this is mainly because of the political turmoil that has occurred during his time. Matthews on the other hand, wrote practical approaches that can be applied not just in government but as well as in business, job promotion or other aspects of life. This is to convey that politics is everywhere. Nonetheless, despite the differences between Matthews and Machiavelli, their works are cohesively direct to the path of power. To be the best player in the field of politics, one must maximize everything – including flaws and opponents – to his or her advantage. While Machiavelli focused more on state affairs, Matthews applied strategies not just to politics but to general ways of life. Like Machiavelli, Matthews related in his book on how to rise to power and maintaining it the moment it is achieved. The spread of influence and the utilization of wits will be able to bring someone to the top. Matthews enumerated his practical strategies that people within the Washington circle used. The ability to appear powerful is one of the tactics which Machiavelli has also cited. The embodiment of power is important to acquire power itself. From the famous saying of ‘what the mind conceive the body will achieve,’ people and competitors will believe a person portraying as a powerful individual. It creates a strong impression. To convince others that one has a power; it should reflect the outer attributes and incorporate the attitudes of a powerful entity. The Politician will have to utilize everything to be able to reach the top and at the top, his resources should be exhausted even more to maintain his or her stature. The Prince has the same aim. Machiavelli described most of his tactics with the likes of being a fox and to be a lion at the same time. On the other hand, Matthews associated it with a term of aggressive sports. In the field of sports, an athlete needs to play hard and it is necessary to lay out the strategies to be able to win the game. The aspects of deception and manipulation clearly reflect a Machiavellian theme situated in the White House. The politician works closely with the enemies rather than shunning them away. It gives the politician an opportunity to watch the actions of the enemy directly. Their capabilities can be used in favor of the politician’s gain. Both authors have stated the importance of alliances to strengthen influence and gain trust. Machiavelli stressed the importance of taking sides rather than going neutral. Win or lose, the Prince still has allies to aid him when crisis comes. Matthews mentioned having alliances to gain loyal supporters. He was able to portray in Washington, that people who actually do favors for the politician become great allies. The work of Chris Matthews is often compared with Machiavelli. Both of them preached the same aim of acquiring power, though their subjects are different. It can be viewed that Machiavelli’s The Prince is solely based on an individualistic approach since he focused on monarchies as a source of power. On the contrary, Matthews’ approach is more inter-personal. By the title of his book Hardball: How Politics Is Played Told By One Who Knows The Game, it gives the impression of sports which is composed of individuals and teams. To be on top means to be the captain of the game. Hardball can be a useful reference for people who want to get ahead with life. As mentioned earlier, Matthews’ approach is not as aggressive as Machiavelli. This can be applied in other aspects of life because as what Matthews mentioned in his introduction, â€Å"there are enduring human truths in the rules that politicians play by† (Matthews 17). Matthews depicts politics as an exciting and thrilling environment where the most amusing personalities are passionately involved. Machiavelli, on the other hand, gave a cruel and ruthless picture. Since politics is compared with sports, the major player from Matthews’ book is a prominent figure in world politics. The United States is one of the most influential countries, economic-wise and political wise. As a state, the U. S. is good at keeping their alliances. The long years of friendship with other countries (i. e. Great Britain) contributed to numerous gains which helped the US to be a super power in the international community. Behind its status is the most powerful political figure in the United States. For the upcoming 2008 US Presidential election, it is notable to mention a candidate that created a name for him as the first colored American to be nominated for presidency. Barack Obama can be a perfect example of a major player in Matthews’ political field. Being raised in a multi-racial background, this became an asset for him to reach different minorities in the country. This particular asset of Obama became one of his forefronts of his campaign which focused on thriving for change. Modern United States is a diverse country made up of various racial origins and Obama thought that his colored skin can be an advantage. Obama revealed in his memoir Dreams from my Father about his previous lifestyle of smoking and drinking. Relating this particular detail of his life, it can be seen as a target for his opponent to dwell on. However, this can also be viewed as a method derived from Matthews’ book. Before the other party can even use it against him, he does the broadcasting himself. Admitting one’s flaw can lessen the negative impact of it, and the rivals will have to search for a new attack to use against the politician. Citing this example, it is seen how Chris Matthews’ strategies are put to use. This kind of political play inside the White House reflects how the United States moves in the arena of world politics. Taking that into account, Chris Matthews gives the readers a clear picture of the inner workings of America’s political center. Washington is portrayed as the battlefield, wherein politics is the game, and the athletes are the politicians who play hardball.

What the Bible says and doesn’t say about homosexuality

I waited to enter the debate again until my heart was In the right place and free of anger towards those who disagree with my viewpoint. Now I ask you prayerfully consider these words, not Just rejecting them in favor of your personal prejudices. Search the Scriptures, casting aside all previous viewpoints and open your heart to what the Spirit of God is speaking to you. Many well meaning people build their case against homosexuality almost entirely on the Bible. They, Just as l, value the ancient text, and seek its guidance In their lives. Unfortunately, many of them have never really studied what the Bible does and isn't say about homosexuality. I was unaware until about 2 years ago that a lot of what I'd been taught about the Bible by people who love God and want to teach others the words, was derived from an improper understanding of context, history, and also literalism, which was seen as heresy even going back to Origin and Popularly, early church fathers who were students of A postle John. When I searched further, I came to see the Bible as more.I saw Its many cultures, religions and spiritualistic, but more importantly, I saw people who were trying with their limited understanding of the universe, nature, biology, and overall knowledge, to make sense of a world, and a God, they didn't understand. The Bible has a powerful message for all regardless of gender, sexual orientation, personal philosophy or spiritual practice. But it's a message of love and acceptance, not condemnation and, hate, and fear. Don't take my word for It, though.I ask only that you'd consider what careful research. Prayer, and meditation has taught me about the passages used by some people to condemn God's children simply because of a biological factor like attraction. Premise 1: The rampant epidemic of biblical illiteracy in this country A recent study quoted by DRP. Peter Gomes in The Good Book found that 38 percent of Americans polled were certain the Old Testament was written a f ew years after Jesus' death. Ten percent believed Joan of Arc was Nosh's wife.Many even thought the epistles were the wives of the apostles. A few key points Jesus says nothing about same-sex behavior. The Jewish prophets are silent about homosexuality. Only six or seven of the Bible's one million verses refer to same-sex behavior in any way ? and none of these verses refer to homosexual orientation as It's understood today. Premise 2: Historically, people's misinterpretation of the Bible has left a trail of suffering, bloodshed, and death.Over the centuries, people, well meaning or otherwise, who misunderstood or misinterpreted the Bible have done terrible things. The Bible has been twisted to defend bloody crusades and tragic inquisitions; to support slavery, apartheid, and segregation; to persecute Jews and other non- Christian people of faith; to support Hitter's Third Reich and the Holocaust; to oppose medical science; to condemn Interracial marriage; to execute women as witche s; and Scripture for his purpose. Looking at recent history, within the past 60 years, countless LIGHT people, all of them children of God, were murdered, assaulted, abused, arrested, rejected, ostracizes, fired from Jobs, had their children taken away, and denied basic civil rights because of six or seven verses, most of them taken grossly out of context. Most of the people I know who say â€Å"the Bible condemns homosexuality' would never condone these acts. Most Christians have no idea that the people killing gay and lesbian persons go around quoting those few verses of Scripture as Justification.But it's important to hear these stories, because I'm not writing this little pamphlet as a scholarly exercise. It's a matter of life and death. I'm pleading on the side of love. Premise 3: We must be open to new truth from Scripture God is constantly speaking. What was once adamantly declared as truth in one age is now regarded with ignorance in another. SST. Peter was commanded to kil l and eat animals he once regarded as unclean to show that the old covenant dietary laws had been lifted. SST.Paul, who once killed those who claimed the name of Jesus, in a matter of hours loved the God-Man whom he once despised as a false prophet. Even Jerry Falafel, a bastion of evangelical and fundamentalist Christianity, believed the Bible supported segregation in the church until a black shoeshine man asked him, â€Å"When will someone like me be allowed to become a member of your congregation? † I ask you to look again, with careful prayer, study, and meditation, this issue of sexual orientation. Don't Just accept mindlessly the words of a pastor or priest, but as SST.Paul said in 1st Thessalonians, â€Å"†Test all things and hold fast to that which is good. † We must look at all verses within two frameworks Galatians 5:22-23 â€Å"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, Joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control. There is no law against such things. † Philippians 4:8 â€Å"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is Just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think upon these things.Even if we believe the Bible is â€Å"infallible† or â€Å"without error,† it's dangerous to think that our understanding of every biblical text is also without error. We are human. We are fallible. And we can misunderstand and misinterpret these ancient words often with devastating results. Premise 4: The Bible is a book about God, not human sexuality The Bible is about God's love for his children and all of his creation. It's a story of God who is healing, renewing, empowering, and loving us, his sons and daughters, so we can follow God's example with others.

Launch of the Camera Phone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Launch of the Camera Phone - Essay Example Promotional activities like advertising, marketing collaterals, personal selling and promotional activities should be all done in alignment with the goals and objectives of the company. Media should be managed and used to company's benefit and sales promotions should be used to attract people to new product and create market penetration. The camera phone is a 3G Smartphone which is a superior phone with an integrated camera. It has 100 hours stand by battery time and 20 hours talk time. It has all the functions of a phone including audio video conversation, organizer, text and picture messaging. It has an MP3 player and a 5 mp camera which ensures great result of pictures and movies. It has access to internet and has word processing applications. It can store up to 1000 contacts and messages. It has an internal built in memory of 2 GB and is priced at $ 320. Marketing Analysis is done to determine how attractive and receptive the market will be for this product. (McQuarrie, 2005)It also analyses the opportunities and threats of the market that may result in strength and weaknesses of the product. The target market of this phone is upper middle class, who need functionality, style and entertainment all in one phone. In the world today there are 4.1 billion subscribers of cell phones (Sachoff, 2009) , every 1 out of 5 phones sold is a 3G phone which makes the market size of 3G phones around the globe around 0.8 billion. The market growth in 2008 was approximately 14% this year it is estimated to be 13% even after the global recession. The camera phone industry in nowhere near the decline and it still has a lot of growth potential. (Palenchar, 2009) All the major competitors in the market like Nokia, Motorola, and Sony Ericsson are showing 18% -25% of net profit so market profitability can be assessed to be around 20% for this phone. This also indicates that the buying power of the buyer allows him to buy the phone easily. The supply needed for the making of the phone is easily available, in most countries barriers to entry are very low, only in highly developed countries there are some legal implications. The camera phone had to constantly redefine itself and innovate as it may be substituted by other products. The competition is intense and rivals are working day and night to achieve a new universal selling proposition daily. (Glader, 2006) According to the current market trends a mobile phone should be able to provide basic functions of the phone that is voice conversation and text messages. (New smart phones can be a smart buy, 2006) Along side this people want their mobile phones to have cameras and mp3 players and the capability to enable video conversations. Bluetooth connectivity, organizers, e-mail facilities , instant messaging, games, radio, infrared and ability to watch streaming video and download video for, wireless modems and wireless accessories, memory cards are becoming the essential demands of customers. The makers of this phone have kept in mind the changing market trends and made sure that their phone attracts a large number of people through its functions. The distribution channel used for this of phone is shown below: The manufacturers in this market select

Special Interest Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Special Interest - Essay Example The aims and objectives of Interest groups are set in such a way so as to benefit the group members or a specific portion of society, for example procuring government subsidies to farmers. There are also issues which cover the public interest in the broader sense such as improving air quality. Berry (1999) believes that the interest groups in the United States act as mediators in conveying the opinion and requirements of the common man to the elected representatives. Individuals can find an interest group that can address or focus on his personal problem. The directories of American Voluntary Associations provide an overview of what these interest group associations aim at and why they are formed. The Gale Research Encyclopedia of Associations is considered as the most acceptable listing of interest groups. Most of these groups seek to influence the public policies. Prior to 1970, the records in America had information on interest groups which were actively involved in business, labor and agriculture. As per the findings of Baumgartner and Leech (1998), the interest group universe has become more complicated since then. With the industrialization, the agricultural groups have started dwindling and have lost influence in the United States. Large number of new interest groups has come into existence, some of them are mentioned below: The large multinational corporations have much influence and say, states Sinclair (2000). These companies will be generally members in more than one trade association. These associations represent the view of the industry they are associated with. The National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are supported by the big corporations and these â€Å"umbrella† groups represent and speak on behalf of the entire business community, believes Victor (2001). Professionals also

HNC Electrical Engineering Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10000 words

HNC Electrical Engineering Project - Essay Example As the proposed building extension is to be progressed beyond the feasibility stage, this project proposal has been requested by the Estates and Facilities Department within the Trust to examine the proposals for the upgrading of the existing standby electricity generation provision in order to supply the extension. This project intends to give a detailed design and testing of the electrical generator system for the expanded building. 1.1. The electrical layout of the Royal Lancaster Infirmary: The electrical load requirement of the existing Royal Lancaster Infirmary, is in the high voltage range. The maximum electrical load demand of the existing sites peaks to around 875 KVA. According to the guidelines of the management policy of the Health Technical Memorandum 2011 (1992), this electrical load requirement is being satisfied by two 500 ampere, 11 KV high tension supply running in parallel. The incoming 11KV is taken to an incoming breaker through a RMG from the incoming breaker, t he 11 KV supply is passed on to the group coil breaker. From the group coil breaker, it gets split into four transformers for supply boost up. There are four high tension breakers connecting the group coil breakers to the four transformers. To satisfy the load demand, two transformers of 500 KVA and two transformers of 315 KVA are used. ... Among the existing buildings, most of the electrical consumption is due to the demand in the medical unit that comprises the blood storage unit, the coronary care unit, the wards. These sections of the hospital demand critical supply of electrical power. The medical unit encompasses the plant rooms in the roof and the basement. The other units like the women’s unit, the wards, the pharmacy, the pathology unit, the kitchen cum restaurant also consume considerable power. The wiring layout does not split the essential and critical sections of the electrical requirement from that of the non essential sections. Hence at present the generator load is same as the entire site load. The generator that is operational at present is a single generator that has a capacity of 530 KV at around 750 amps. This set up is already highly loaded and the possibility of additional load is less. Also the existing generator is class 2 type and is capable of handling only 50% of the rated capacity. To manage this, there are additional control systems that shed the load of non critical systems. 1.2. The current problem in electrical backup: The electrical requirement of the existing building as discussed earlier is being satisfied by a single generator. In this context, the proposal for extending two more phases of the hospital building has led to additional electrical load. The proposed new building phases include that of the phase 3 building called as the centenary building and the phase 4 building which is a new extension in the Royal Lancaster Infirmary site. The centenary building encompasses many blocks. The various blocks include the accident and emergency unit, radiology unit, paediatric unit and the HSDU unit. These major units are located in the

Organizational behaviors and leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Organizational behaviors and leadership - Essay Example Advance scenarios played reflection 20 5.2 Appendix II leader self-sight reflection 22 1.0ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIORS AND LEADERSHIP 1.1Introduction Ability to not only influence but also inspire others to endeavor the leader towards leaders’ goal is referred to us leadership. On the contrary, it is argued that leadership is a process of an individual influencing others to attain a certain goal. Further, it is important to realize that leadership can be those qualities that viewers see but on the other hand, cannot describe. Leadership is manifested in the following ways, when there is a crisis and someone comes in to solve, or when someone influences others, or when some people tent to follows others. To crown it all, leadership usually comes in a visible state when there is someone who responds to something innovatively. Four main theories for generations erupt as follows: there are traits theories, contingency theories, behavioral theories and lastly transformational theories just to mention but a few. According to the article written by John Mark, it is evident that all of the four theories outlined above none of them is neither time bound nor mutually exclusive. However, according to experts, it is true that each of the generation above, it has to some extent benefit to the leadership debate although still debate continues up to date. There are different titles that are used to describe the division of modern management. Therefore, leadership can be discussed under the following categories, for instance charismatic leadership in the current ongoing debate on leadership that replaces transformational leadership. Secondly, there is an approach based on skills, self-management, and leadership that involves sharing just to mention but a few. Due to the above, it is pertinent to approach the above phenomena with the model of leadership that is classical. The following are some of the pertinent traits that a leader should have. It is, a leader should have a need for achievement, resolution, and courage, capacity to motivate individuals and should have trustworthiness character just to mention but a few. The above figure shows the New Reality of Leadership 1.2VIRTUE LEADERSHIP PRACTICE AND THEORY 1.2.1Origins of Leadership Theory According to the great man theory, it is evident that there are those people who are born naturally as a leader. The article goes further to site people like Alexander the great and Caesar Julius. In addition, people like Mahatma and bush George are related in the theory of Heroic conception of leadership (1880) as being leaders by natural phenomena. This is due to their high level of clear vision and ambitions to their destinations. The above is because they have a unique set of personal qualities, which propelled

How Google's Social Network Changes Everything Essay

How Google's Social Network Changes Everything - Essay Example This paper illustrates the main reason for the rampant growth of Google+ as the added features in this social networking site that lack in others such as the map to view the location of the site, it helps Google serve ads better which are good for exposure of businesses hence attracting many businesses and marketers. It is also integrated into other Google products such as Gmail and YouTube hence exposing it further and increasing the chances of people connecting with others without having to struggle to search for them. The rise is also brought about by the fact that it belongs to Google which is the most used search engine hence increasing its growth and success rate. It, however, has its downside and which have contributed to it not surpassing the capacity and fame of facebook. Its sharing rate is way lower than of Facebook and it has problems with making its users stay on the site hence the large difference between the registered and active users. Most are forced to use it becaus e of its connections with other Google products but it does not mean they will stay active. The fact that whatever photo anyone registered to the site uploads automatically goes to the site and can be seen by others even without sharing is sometimes a downside of the site. Many people also do not really understand its features and hence fail to use it regularly. For businesses that market in Google+, they risk not sustaining their customers as people are rarely active on this social media site. They log in in spurts and this will be the case even with the growth of the business. With its low sharing power and ability as compared to Facebook, people will also share less about the businesses and the products in Google+.

Income Inequality and Economic Growth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Income Inequality and Economic Growth - Essay Example In an attempt to achieve income equality, there are various approaches that may be applicable. One is the redistribution of income through progressive tax regimes where the rich are heavily taxed and the poor are exempted from taxation, thus, increasing their disposable income. Another way may be to invest in activities that create employment and wealth for the poor such as infrastructural development and education (Alam 46). Another way to promote equality is by encouraging high-income earners to invest their excess incomes in projects that create employment for low-income earners. This can be achievable by making luxury items unattractive to buy and making investment opportunities very attractive. It is imperative to assert that attainment of equality is never free. Therefore, the opportunity cost of enjoying luxurious items or investing in other sectors should not provide incentives for the low-income earners. Economies should aim to reduce the economic burden on the poor through income redistribution, which eventually leads to

Development of Economic Thought Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Development of Economic Thought - Assignment Example They came up with the theory of imperfect competition revolution. They were having the socialist opinion and support the equal right mandate to be chosen. In other words, Robinson and Chamberlin tried to modify the price theory. They were having the opinion that the ideal competitive process leads to the reduction in the welfare of the state whereas imperfect competition results in the welfare of the state. By introducing imperfect competition, the variety of products increases. This results in providing people with a range of accessories. This new price approach, therefore, brings about change not only in the terms of the welfare of society but also in the approach of people(Bellante). People start paying for the wider range of products, thus resulting in the greater amount of revenues generated. Although this approach is being effectively implemented in the socialist economies of today, in the past when this approach was first introduced, it faced the number of challenges. According to Robinson and Chamberlin, this approach is not only the means of generating more revenue but also provides added benefits of more employment opportunit ies. But Lange was having the opinion that although this approach is good from the perspective of person individually, but not from the perspective of nation-building. This theory produces rapid changes in the socio-economic world and hence rapid changes thus take place in the demand of products. Therefore, job security is really reduced. Dobb was basically a 20th-century economist following Marxian political theories. Dobbin his famous book â€Å"the Development of Socialist Economic Thought† have discussed that according to the Marxist’s school of thought socialism is divided into two stages; categorized as a lower socialism stage and a higher socialism stage. The people or class belonging to lower socialism stage is those who solely depend on their income and this income comes as a part of their salary. They do not have any other  source of income. But the other stage of higher socialism results in the unequal distribution of resources(Cockshott).  

The Law of Connection Essay Example for Free

The Law of Connection Essay It can be said that in order to make other individuals follow a certain person, that person must first be able to touch the hearts of these individuals. By stating that a person must first touch the heart of the individuals, it is assumed that the person must primarily be able to communicate with the emotions of the individuals apart from anything else. That is, in order to be able to make a personal connection with other people, an individual is faced with the task of communicating first with the emotions of these people. In essence, one cannot expect others to follow him or her without first being able to establish an emotional rapport with others. For the most part, one can argue that individuals have a common bond that makes them at least one at heart. Hence, to be able to touch the heart of others and communicate with their emotions is to be able to make them understand how and what one thinks and seeks to do. In Genesis 12:1-7 of the Bible, for instance, it is stated that Abraham has descendants. More precisely, the Bible presents the idea that people are descendants of Abraham as God promised him â€Å"a great nation† where the descendants will receive the Promised Land. Moreover, it is apparent that God did this by communicating with the emotions of Abraham, by fulfilling what he earnestly yearns for in his heart. Another illustration in the Bible can be found in Exodus 1: 8-21. The context of the verses in, specifically in verses 8-11, suggests that an appeal to the emotion of individuals can indeed prove to be a good way of making other follow. For instance, when the new king of Egypt told his people that â€Å"the people and children of Israel are mightier† than them, and by adding that unless they do not begin to quell the Israelites they may soon find the latter joining forces with their enemy which my lead to their downfall, the people of Egypt began to act in accordance to the revelation of their new king. Such passage suggests the idea that, by striking at the emotions of individuals, one can arrive at a situation wherein these individuals will act in accordance o how one wants things to be. Further, from verses 12-21, one can find that, eventually, the Hebrew women disregarded the call of the Pharaoh for the reason that they fear God more than him. Since the â€Å"Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women,† it can be suggested that the emotions of the Hebrews are closer to their own beliefs than the commands of an Egyptian Pharaoh. It further implies the idea that, although one can be able to communicate with the emotions of others, it is nevertheless not a solid assurance that others will bend in relation to what the individual desires. More importantly, being able to communicate with the emotions of others and make them act according to one’s perception is augmented by an underlying commonality between the individuals and the person. This underlying commonality can come in many different forms such as tradition and religion. Hence, the ties that bind people together, or the connection that they all have, serve as a factor that one must consider in order to effectively communicate with the emotions of others. In Exodus 19:3-13, it is observable that God employs certain forms of warnings such as â€Å"whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death† in order to fulfill the higher purpose of God to â€Å"come down in the sight of all the people upon Mount Sinai†. In essence, warnings can help substantiate and strengthen the fulfillment of a certain goal inasmuch as it aids in preempting other people from disobeying commands and certain forms of beliefs. Moreover, warnings serve the purpose of reinforcing the task of making other people follow by communicating with their emotions. Lastly, in Deuteronomy 1 verses 1-5, it can be noted that Moses was commanded by God to deliver His message to the people of Israel. Notable in the passage is the thought that the message Moses will deliver are from God which presents the idea that the message of a supreme authority of a common people connected by their belief in the authority of God cannot be easily ignored. In essence, what can be maintained is the idea that being able to communicate with the emotions of other people grants the person the ability to make other people follow one’s plans or courses of actions. Since emotions are innate to humanity and it is what connects people together in one way or another, emotions allow communications between individuals, specifically those who belong to a group connected by traditions and other things. References King James Bible. (1997, February 18, 1997). Retrieved September 12, 2007, from http://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/browse.html Maxwell, J. C. (1998). The Law of Connection. In The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (pp. 101-107). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

The Usage Of Metaphors In Pauls Letters Religion Essay

The Usage Of Metaphors In Pauls Letters Religion Essay Reading through the letters of Saint Paul it is clear that he is a master on using metaphors. Actually, one of his main ways to communicate is the using of metaphorical imagery. Inspired by his religious genius, his biblical background and considering that he had a magnificent knowledge of the Hellenism, Paul has all the ingredients to outline a very persuasive speech. Pauls letters were written in order to persuade his audience of the powerful truth of the gospel that he learned from Christ himself. As such Paul is called to preach the crucified Christ in various sets of circumstances and in its many ramifications. Any reader of his letters is delighted by the many images he uses to transmit his message, which are very helpful for the reader to be close of Paul himself. 1. Usage of metaphorical speech by the first Christians As Francois Vouga states, in the early Christianity the pursuit for the truth about the Gospel had accepted a plurality of ways to express the same Creed in order to maintain a fundamental unity. Surely this plurality happened because the impossibility to reduce the God of Jesus Christ to a singles person view or to ones single discourse  [1]  . This could be one of the reasons why that Paul was impelled to use an imagetic language. Generally speaking, in the Bible the metaphors are tropes of language which are largely used to communicate the knowledge and the message of God to his children. As so it is very important to have over and over a deeper understanding of them. At same time each metaphor assumes various significances, in the sense that they can be interpreted starting from different angles  [2]  . Even, the metaphors within themselves can multiply themselves; those are the metaphors squared as Beverly Gaventa likes to call them  [3]  . For instance, when Paul says like a nurse nurturing their own children (2, 7) he his multiplying automatically its meanings. Latter on this work I will take a closer look to this example. 2. How Paul uses metaphor When analyzing a metaphor it is a need to be aware of the context, mainly because the metaphors are always born on a specific environment and refer to it. At same time it is a requirement to pay attention to all hits power: metaphors ask us change our minds  [4]  . Also the relationship between intimacy and metaphor is very important, especially in the paternal imagery that Paul uses  [5]  . Moreover, Paul in his letters uses many powerful images. It is very significant to work of Raymond Collins called The Power of Images in Paul  [6]  . On this book Professor Collins takes up the seven letters of Paul and pulls up the metaphors and all the imagery language that Paul uses. Through this work Raymond Collins concludes that Paul uses the ordinary to describe the extraordinary. Actually, it is correct to say that Paul is skillful on this matter and he uses a wide range of metaphors. Using many sources (for instance: secular language; religious language and biblical themes) Paul intents to speak to various audiences. Certainly Paul tries to persuade his addressees and also clarified them. It is also important that metaphors played an important role in Hellenistic rhetoric mainly because of their philosophical traditions. So, as some of listeners of Paul were Hellenistic he had to speak in their language. Also, he had to trust me to the same doctrine those who had Jewish faith. Meanwhile, being Jew Paul had to appropriate some of his language: For Paul, a Jew addressing a Hellenistic audience, correct relationships with God and ones fictive kin can be summed up in the dyad faith and love. For believers facing the impending eschaton, faith and love must be complemented by hope, the attitude that faith takes in the face of the future  [7]  . II Chapter In the second chapter, I will focus on Pauls itself, in his seven authentic (better, undisputed) letters  [8]  . Afterwards I will isolate some of the sentences where Paul uses the paternal metaphors, does how seemed from my reading of is letters to be the most important on this matter. Also, the order that I present them is according to my understanding of their strength as metaphors. So, after a brief introduction to the letter itself I will do a simple lexical analysis of the Greek words. Doing so, going to a deeper understanding of those metaphors. From there I will draw some of the implications of such images in their contexts as well as in parallel with modern psychology. First letter to the Thessalonians In the first letter to the Thessalonians Saint Paul is quite happy as he writes. This shows Pauls trust that the Thessalonians are following the Lords commandments. As many scholars say, this letter did not pretend to transmit a lot of theories, corrections or teachings. The main goal of Pauls letter was just to show a spiritual closeness to his community, exhorting them to be faithful. About its author in beginning this letter aims to be a coauthored letter (1, 1) by Paul, Silas and Timothy (as it does the second letter to the Thessalonians 2 Thess 1, 1-2). The scholars accept this authorship as true (especially concerning the first Thessalonians). Apparently this correspondence with the Thessalonians were started long after the departure of Paul and his companions from Thessalonica to Athens certainly Paul himself was hoping to come back but was hindered (2, 18), but he managed to send Timothy back. So surely this letters (and perhaps also the second letter also) was written afte r Timothys return with good news from Thessalonica concerning the stability of the community there (3, 6)  [9]  . So from Athens, a little after the year 50, Paul is exulting full of happiness with the good news the Timothy brought, showing at same time his interest for his fellow missionaries  [10]  . Together with Ugo Vanni I agree that there are three different parts on this letter. First off, there is an autobiographical part. On this one he speaks about himself as so as he recalls some aspects of the community. For instance he says We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. (2, 8). For sure, Paul wrought this letter just a few months after the foundation of this community, so it is interesting to see how he indicates right away those highest ideals of Christian faith. The second part Paul exhorts and explains what it means to be a Christian  [11]  . It is also important to note that the first letter to the Thessalonians was very close to the preaching of Paul himself: because the community was just in the beginning when Paul wrote to them. It also signifies that Paul was doing his first experiments on letter writing. Despite their brevity and their relative lack of significantly developed theological themes compared to the other letters in the Pauline corpus, the two letters to the Thessalonians Christians have become the object of much recent examination, particularly in the areas of rhetorical criticism, sociological analysis and the early development of Pauline theology  [12]  . In the beginning of this letter Paul presents himself as a role model of sincerity and integrity for his co-workers. Paul believes that a sincere faith is the key to his success as an apostle. So also, the ministers of the Word should transmit by their own lives the Word that they preach. This means, an incarnate Word. It is fair to say, like in all Pauls letters, that also here he claims the primacy of Jesus for all his work. He, Jesus, is that true center and to which all the communities should gravitate  [13]  . 1. Paul as a nurse lexical analysis 1 Tess 2, 7 (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ° à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ³ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ®ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¸ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ·ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ ÃŽÂ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ®Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ ÃŽÂ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ­Ãƒ Ã†â€™Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ³ à ¡Ã‚ ½Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ¶ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½, à ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ¡Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã‚ Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ °ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦)but we were gentle among you, à Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ¸Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ ÃŽÂ ¸ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã†â€™ à Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ° à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à Ã¢â‚¬Å¾ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ­ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ºÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±,  [14]  like a nurse keeping warm her little children  [15]   Chose key words analysis Relations with other Pauline passages and biblical texts Paul wants to be considered in the role of father and mother, founding his authority in Jesus  [16]  . Actually, it is in this context that Paul calls himself a nurse. In Greek the word à Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã…’à Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ does not mean a biological mother but an adoptive mother. So this word is full of symbolic meaning. This term refers to one adoptive mother, a nurse. As such, the word à Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã…’à Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ gives us a sense of motherhood, and, even though it is not a biological mother, it is a mother who nurses her own children (ÃŽÂ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ®Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ à ¡Ã‚ ½Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ¶ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½)  [17]  . Going deeper in the analysis, it is possible to conclude that Saint Paul shows that, in reality, those children are not his own but Christs children. If that is true, it is also true that he loves them just as if they were his own. Consequently, this metaphor is full of tender care. It is important also to take a look on the verb that expresses the action of nursing: ÃŽÂ ¸ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã†â€™. Literally, this verb means to keep warm, like a bird keeping warm her eggs. As Raymond Collins claims, the images used by St. Paul are powerful, In this case he says that the word ÃŽÂ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ®Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ (children) used by Paul describes his coworkers. He also notes that there are some doubts about this word: some scholars argue that the word here should be ÃŽÂ ®Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ (gentiles). He doesnt agree with that position like most scholars, saying that this word fits better with all the metaphor; it even helps to inten sify it. The word ÃŽÂ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ®Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ can even be translated as babies, so it goes along well with the word nurse, expressing the closeness and the deep knowledge shared by Paul and the Thessalonians  [18]  . 2. Rhetoric of excess metaphor in the context Context itself Parenetic perspective Affective perspective Theological perspective Apocalyptical perspective Other sources (ancient world use of this imagery) Thus, when Paul was in Athens, he remembered the Thessalonians and was afraid that their faith might weaken. As a result he sent them an affectionate message. As Jerome Murphy-OConnor asserts, Paul had a special concern for newly Christians that they left behind at Tessalonika. Of course they were under attack, as Paul itself was. But the physical persecution was just a part of the problem; the true danger was more subtle as Paul knew the Thessalonians were easily convinced or other doctrines. Paul feared that they would spread because of disillusionment, followed by a disappointment so great as to make them renounce their new faith. If the believers in Thessalonica would come to feel cheated, surely all would be lost  [19]  . 3. Before the modern psychology First letter to the Corinthians As its founder, Paul feels the responsibility to take care, at least through letter writing, of all his communities. The first (and the second) letter to the Corinthians are documents that express that concern of Paul for the community at Corinth and all the communities in the region of Achaia. On first Corinthians especially Paul applies his theological convictions, mainly Christology and Eschatology, when facing practical issues in the church. The authorship of this letter is generally accepted as authentic: is accepted to be Pauls letter (together with Second Corinthians). The foundation of the Church in Corinth (attested by Act 18) took place between the years 49-51 as part of Pauls second missionary journey. After Paul left, the Corinthians had some problems, mainly concerning ethical exclusions. So Paul, as the scholars agree, wrote a letter to them (which was lost) correcting them and giving them some specific advices. From there the Corinthians wrote back saying that they didnt understand or they didnt agree with Paul (also, was lost). So, the canonical first Corinthians followed, answering this letter from the Corinthians (cf. 1 Cor 1, 11; 5, 1; 16, 15-18). Paul was, probably staying in Ephesus trying making arrangements to go to Corinth when he wrote this letter. In the meantime he sent Timothy to visit the Corinthians on his behalf (1 Cor 16, 10-11; Acts 19, 22). This appended between the autumn of 52 and the spri ng of 55. The visit of Timothy, and the sad news brought by him triggered a painful visit of Paul to Corinth (cf. 2 Cor 2, 1; 2, 5-8; 7, 8-13; 11, 4). Then Paul wrote a second letter, which was to be at least a third following the studying line of some scholars, called by many as the tearful letter which he mentions on the second canonical letter (2 Cor 7, 6-13)  [20]  . Concerning to the general structure of First Corinthians it is right to say that it has five main parts. The first part is a salutation (1, 1-3) in witch are two situations that should be note: fist, it is a joint authorship Paul (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) and our brother Sosthenes (even thou afterwards it appears mainly the pronoun I); secondly this letter is addressed to the Corinthians together with all those who are calling upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place. The second part is a opening thanksgiving in which Paul, despite of the problems of the community, thanks God for them: The problems in Corinth are not due to their spiritual gifts per se, but to their attitude toward and use of them (cf. 12-14). From 1, 10 to 6, 20 is the third part on which Paul responds to the reports that he received about Corinth and also tries to clear Corinthians misunderstanding of his earlier correspondence. The fourth section of this letter responds to the letter from Corinth, dealing wit h specific issues like marriage (cf. 7, 1-40), food an idols (cf. 8, 1-11, 1); on the chapter ten Paul shows what are to be the consequences of their sinful acts, calling them to be instead imitators of him. Between chapters 12 and 14 Paul turns his attention to what means to behave Christlike in worship. Finally Paul closes this part calling to mind the cross of Christ on which he had grounded his letter (cf. 1, 18-25), drawing from there the consequences to the Christians, particularly regarding to the resurrection (cf. 15, 1-16, 12). The letter is completed with some concluding remarks, whit a closing sequence of admonitions (especially the need for perseverance in ones faith as it works itself out in love) and greetings from Paul and those with him in Asia (cf. 16, 13-24)  [21]  . Taking a closer look to the third chapter of first Corinthians, there is a metaphor that, again, shows the deep affection that Paul has for his communities. Despite the immense sin of the recipients, Paul is still showing a tender care in his letter. Actually, this metaphor seems like a strategy to get their attention and to make them listen to something important. Even though Paul was saying that the Corinthians are babies in Christ (ÃŽÂ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ·Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ ÃŽÃ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã†â€™Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ·) and he fed them with milk (ÃŽÂ ³ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±) (1Cor 3, 1-2), it also points out what is wrong among them. He reminds the ministers that they are to be humble (1Cor 3, 5); reaffirms the equality among all the members of the community (1Cor 3, 6-10); reminds them that they are built upon the same foundation (1Cor 3, 11-15); they are the Temple and in them the Spirit of God is indwelling (1Cor 3, 16-17); A s so, at the conclusion of the chapter he alerts each member to not fall on merely human assessments (ministers specially) and manipulative attitudes (1Cor 3, 18-23)  [22]  . 1. Paul feeds his babies in Christ (1 Cor 3, 1-2- lexical analysis) ÃŽÅ ¡Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ³Ãƒ Ã… ½, à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ´ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬  ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯, ÃŽÂ ¿Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ º à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã‚  ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ´Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ®ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¸ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ·ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ ÃŽÂ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã†â€™ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ à ¡Ã‚ ½Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿-ÃŽÂ ½ à ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ¡Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¾ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ºÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿-à Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¾Ã‚ ½ à ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ¡Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à Ã†â€™ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ºÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡, à ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ¡Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ ÃŽÂ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ·Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ ÃŽÃ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã†â€™Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ·. ÃŽÂ ³ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ± à ¡Ã‚ ½Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¾Ã‚ ¶Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã‚ Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ Ã…’à Ã¢â‚¬Å¾ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã†â€™ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±, ÃŽÂ ¿Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚  ÃŽÂ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ¶ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±Ã‚ · ÃŽÂ ¿Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã¢â‚ ¬ Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ° ÃŽÂ ³Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚  à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ´Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã†â€™ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¸ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µ. à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¾Ã‚ ½ ÃŽÂ ¿Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ´Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ² à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â‚¬ Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¾ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ ÃŽÂ ½Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ¦ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ ÃŽÂ ´Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã†â€™ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¸ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µ, Brothers, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ. I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were not yet able to receive it. In fact, you are still not able Chose key words analysis Relations with other Pauline passages and biblical texts In 1Cor 3 Paul has a corrective tone, even though it is still very affectionate. There can be find the maternal imagery once again, but this time it assumes a different approach. The newness lies in the action of feeding with milk, and calling the community babies/children (ÃŽÂ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ·Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡). Actually here is notorious the difference from 1Tess 2 because Paul juxtaposes metaphors of mother and father to express his relationship with the community at Corinth  [23]  . It is a clear that this familiar metaphor starts right away with the word brothers (à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ´ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬  ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯). But instantaneously he changes his discourse, calling these brothers little children, the ones who should see Paul as someone capable of feeding them spiritually. He does not feed them with solid food because they were immature in terms of faith. It is also very interesting that Paul uses a contrast between milk (ÃŽÂ ³ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±) and solid food(ÃŽÂ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ¶ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±). Various scholars have intended to give a meaning to this contrast. For example Raymond Collins claims that given that Paul does not propose two types of membership in the church or two levels of preaching and acceptance of the gospel message, any pursuit of specific references for milk and solid food seems to be inconsistent with his thought. It is also right that Paul does not say that he has provided solid food to anyone. Surely the pursuit for specific references for milk and solid food is not what should be done mainly because it deprives Pauls metaphor of its rhetorical force. It is simple for us to get the sense of the contrast between milk and solid food: it fits with Pauls metaphorical description of the Corinthians as mere infants. Proclaiming themselves to be fully mature, they are really like infants who can onl y drink milk, incapable as they are of eating solid food  [24]  . Even the phrase construction has some implications for our interpretation: Paul uses the phrase have given to drink milk; this use of the past perfect tense shows the maternal affection with witch Paul nourished them. Raymond Collins also explains that, in another way, Paul intended to describe himself as a servant of Jesus, and so is a keeper of his little brothers  [25]  . Note: compare to 1 Cor 4,14-15 (Im not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children. For you can have ten thousand instructors in Christ, but you cant have many fathers. Now I have fathered you in Christ Jesus through the gospel.); 1Cor 15, 8 (Last of all, as to one abnormally born, He also appeared to me.) 2. Rhetoric of excess metaphor in the context Context itself Parenetic perspective Affective perspective Theological perspective Apocalyptical perspective Other sources (ancient world use of this imagery) 3. Before the modern psychology Letter to the Galatians There were some problems among the Galatians, so Paul in writing them rehearses a number of perspectives with the goal of strengthening those Christians, who were influenced by Judaizing Christians. On this letter Paul shows some fury about this going to the extreme of calling the Galatians foolish Galatians (3, 1). Hence, freedom and unity in Christ are central themes of Pauls letter to the Galatians. About the authorship all the scholars (except a few radical critics) accept that Paul wrote this letter and it is considered as a standard example of Pauls style and theology. The proximity of themes between the letter to the Galatians, second Corinthians and Romans (particularly connected by the controversy over the role of the Jewish Law in Gentile churches) may perhaps point out that these tree letters were written during the same time. If that is true, is also true that it doesnt help much on defining an exact year when this letter was written. It is still a fascinating historical puzzle, but the outcome does not have much effect on the interpretation of the major themes of the letter. Despite all the controversies it is at least generally accepted that this letter was written after the so-called second missionary journey (after Acts 18, 22), sometime between 53 and 57  [26]  . Following Murphy-OConnor, Paul wrote this letter on the first year that he has staying at Ephesus ( between 52 and 53)  [27]  . On its constitution this letter shows some influence of the a regular appearance of an ancient letter form. As Betz does, the letter can be grouped as follows: Epistolary Prescript (1, 1-5); Exordium (introduction, 1, 6-11) Narratio (narration, 1, 12-2, 14); Propositio (proposition, 2, 15-21); Probatio (confirmation, 3, 1-4, 31); Exortatio (5, 1-6, 10); Peroratio (epistolary postscript or conclusion, 6, 11-18)  [28]  . In a simpler way, as G. W. Hansen does, this letter can be divide in four sections: salutation (1, 1-5); rebuke (1, 13-4, 11); request section (4, 12- ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­6, 10) and subscription (6, 11-18). On the salutation Paul stats clearly that he is an apostle (so he is speaking with authority), calling to mind already the unavoidable reality that as to follow Christians at all times with all its mystery: the Cross. After that Paul starts to censure the Galatians using not just his own live as an argument (cf. 1, 13-2, 21) but also the scripture (3, 6-21). Than Paul tu rns from rebuke to request: become as I am (4, 12) is the starting statement of a section where Paul uses again his own live (4, 12-20) and an allegory from the scripture (4, 21-31) to ask the Galatians not just to understand him but also to change their lives. Ending the letter Paul does it as was common in Hellenistic letters: he summarizes all the contents and, also, shows how confident he is on the conversion of the Galatians. Particularly in Gal 4, Paul writes about Galatians first experience of Christianity and all its main roots: the newness of the Gospel overcomes all of the Law (vv. 1-7); their conversion to Christ was a joyful choice (vv. 17-18); the community has a close relationship with Paul and they participate in his mission (vv. 12-16); there is negativity in those who wanted to pervert Pauls preaching (vv. 17-18). In verses 19 and 20, the ones important here, Paul shows his affection for the community. Finally, this chapter ends with a biblical argumentation which intends to explain that the primacy of Christ above the Law is already contained in the same Law. 1. Paul has labor pains lexical analysis à Ã¢â‚¬Å¾ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ­ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ºÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ± ÃŽÂ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦, ÃŽÂ ¿Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã¢â‚¬Å"à Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ à ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚  ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ´ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ° ÃŽÂ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ­Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ ÃŽÂ ¿Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½- ÃŽÂ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã‚ Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ °ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¸Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã¢â‚¬ ¡ ÃŽÃ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã†â€™Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ¸Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à ¡Ã‚ ¼Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ à ¡Ã‚ ½Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿-ÃŽÂ ½Ã‚ · My children, again I am in the pains of childbirth for you until Christ is formed in you. Chose key words analysis Relations with other Pauline passages and biblical texts Focusing on the verses 19 and 20 the verb à ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚  ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ´ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ° (that translated means having labor pains) calls the attention right away. The use of this verb presumes a double significance: in one way it expresses force in the sense that Paul has difficulty giving birth to his spiritual sons into a perfect life of faith; in another way, Paul recognizes the frailty of those little ones, meaning that they dont yet have spiritual strength to resist the attacks coming from outside thinkers. Paul shows, at the same time, that the ones at the head of a community should have a diligent presence in their communities, considering the little ones as a priority. The fact stated by Paul is also important that this birth only progresses as the community lets Christs body take shape among them. They still have to grow spiritually as individuals and as a community. The adverb à Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½, meaning once again also worthy of note. It tells us that this suffering is not the first time for Paul. Christ must be formed in the Galatians once more, i.e., the Galatians must be conformed to the crucified Christ (2:19-20)  [29]  . 2. Rhetoric of excess metaphor in the context Context itself Parenetic perspective Affective perspective Theological perspective Apocalyptical perspective Other sources (ancient world use of this imagery) Raymond Collins argues that, by writing this two these two short verses, Paul transmits what a mother would feel about her own children: just before his exposition of the Sarah-Hagar allegory, Paul writes to the Galatians as a frustrated mother might do: My little children (teknamou), for whom I am again in the pain of childbirth (odino) until Christ is formed in you, I wish I were present with you now and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you (4:19-20)  [30]  . As Collins continues, even though the internal image is still current, he says that the meaning in this context is quite different from that of the other metaphor found in the letter to the Thessalonians: in 1Tess 2, 7-8 Paul uses this metaphor to show the affection he had for them while he was with the community; in Gal 4, 9, on the other hand, the image of mother that he applies to himself is used to speak about the sufferings caused by the community. This image gets stronger if placed together the two idea s transmitted by Paul: in one way, Paul feels again labor pains (à Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ à ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚  ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ´ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ °); in another way, he continues to be puzzled until Christ is formed (ÃŽÂ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã‚ Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ °ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¸Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ¿Ã¢â‚¬ ¡ ÃŽÃ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã†â€™Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ãƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ¸Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡) in them. See also Gal 1, 15-16 (But when God, who from my mothers womb set me apart and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me, so that I could preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.) 3. Before the modern psychology Letter to the Romans The letter to the Romans as J. Dunn explains his bold least controversial of the major New Testament letters and the most important. Actually this text is a well-developed theological statement by a Christian theologian and one which has had incalculable influence on the framing of Christian theology ever since. About the author is accepted (as it has been accepted through the centuries) that the letter to the Romans was written by Paul. Most of the scholars would point its date somewhere between the year 55 and 57, probably when Paul stayed at Corinth for three months. Surely Paul had to calm down and concentrate himself as to write this marble piece of work  [31]  . About the recipients should be noted that some manuscripts omitted the word Rome, so is needed to search deeper for who were to be the recipients. As Paul himself states some of the recipients would be Jews: as known there was a large Jew community in Rome in the first century (between 40,000 and 50,000). It is also known, from the letter to Galatians, that there were some Christians over there bringing the Gospel to the circumcised (Gal 2, 9). Actually those Christians had a fruitful ground among the Gentiles proselytes and God-fears who were attached to many Diaspora synagogues as the book of Acts points out. So not just for Jews but also for Gentiles: to Jew, but also to Gentile (Rom 1, 16; 2, 9-10; 3, 9; 3, 29; 9, 24; 10, 12). Actually Paul writes not only addressing special groups of people but seeing the larger social context. Actually Jews, Christians and Gentiles attached to Judaism were largely influenced by Roman culture. Also there were among them some issues to resolve, a t the least because they didnt have a central spiritual at authority in Rome. About the purposes of this letter can be said that they are drawn from the context that was just described. For sure one of the goals of Pauls letter was to provide a support base for his project mission to Spain (cf. Rom 15, 24-28). Also Paul had an apologetic purpose because he felt himself and his understanding of the gospel under attack and needing to be justified. So this letter is an apology of the Gospel and also self apology, since his whole lifes work was bound up with the gospel preached. Altogether with his purpose the letter shows a pastoral reason mainly because Paul was writing to heal potential or real divisions among churches in Rome. Attempting to have a general understanding of the argument of the letter it can be divided it in seven parts. Firstly an introduction in wh

The Failure of the First and Second Reconstruction :: American History

The Failure of the First and Second Reconstruction The First and Second Reconstructions held out the great promise of rectifying racial injustices in America. The First Reconstruction, emerging out of the chaos of the Civil War had as its goals equality for Blacks in voting, politics, and use of public facilities. The Second Reconstruction emerging out of the booming economy of the 1950's, had as its goals, integration, the end of Jim Crow and the more amorphous goal of making America a biracial democracy where, "the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave holders will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood." Even though both movements, were borne of high hopes they failed in bringing about their goals. Born in hope, they died in despair, as both movements saw many of their gains washed away. I propose to examine why they failed in realizing their goals. My thesis is that failure to incorporate economic justice for Blacks in both movements led to the failure of the First and Second Reconstruction. The First Reconstruction came after the Civil War and lasted till 1877. The political, social, and economic conditions after the Civil War defined the goals of the First Reconstruction. At this time the Congress was divided politically on issues that grew out of the Civil War: Black equality, rebuilding the South, readmitting Southern states to Union, and deciding who would control government.1 Socially, the South was in chaos. Newly emancipated slaves wandered the South after having left their former masters, and the White population was spiritually devastated, uneasy about what lay ahead. Economically, the South was also devastated: plantations lay ruined, railroads torn up, the system of slave labor in shambles, and cities burnt down. The economic condition of ex-slaves after the Civil War was just as uncertain; many had left former masters and roamed thehighways.2 Amid the post Civil War chaos, various political groups were scrambling to further their agendas. First, Southern Democrats, a party comprised of leaders of the confederacy and other wealthy Southern whites, sought to end what they perceived as Northern domination of the South. They also sought to institute Black Codes, by limiting the rights of Blacks to move, vote, travel, and change jobs,3 which like slavery, would provide an adequate and cheap labor supply for plantations. Second, Moderate Republicans wanted to pursue a policy of reconciliation between North and South, but at the same time ensure slavery was abolished.

Essay on Dream Deferred in Song of Solomon -- Song Solomon essays

The American Dream Deferred in Song of Solomon      Ã‚   Beginning with the first African American literary works through the more recent successes such as Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon the topic of literacy is almost inextricably connected to freedom and power. A closer investigation, however, leads the reader to another, less direct, message indicating that perhaps this belief in literacy as a pathway to the "American Dream" of freedom and social and financial success is contradictory or, at least, insufficient in social and cultural terms. In this way, African American literature reconstructs the "American Dream" into an even more complex "dream deferred."    Toni Morrison deconstructs the "American Dream" and the "literacy myth" in The Song of Solomon by deriding formal education and literacy while emphasizing oral family history. A most blatant ridicule of formal education comes to the reader in the story of First Corinthians Dead, the only character in the novel to attend college. First Corinthians finds that education made her "a little too elegant" (188), and that "Bryn Mawr had done what a four-year dose of liberal education was designed to do: unfit her for eighty percent of the useful work of the world," (189). At forty-two, First Corinthians is untrained, unmarried and unfulfilled, thanks to her college education.    Milkman, on the other hand, is not sent to college and is ultimately educated by the oral family history revealed by Pilate and the townspeople of Shalimar, Virginia. Milkman's freedom comes only after he breaks the chains of the "American Dream" myth his father is slave to and seeks out his history, his culture, and his identity.    Milkman's father, Macon Dead II, is certain that... ...eedom, independence and equality built on the successful negotiation of not just illiteracy, but of a history of social and cultural denial. Such is the nature of the dream deferred.    WORKS CITED Bloom, Harold, ed. Modern Critical Views: Toni Morrison. New York: Chelsea House Publishing, 1990. Graff, Harvey J. The Literacy Myth: Literacy and Social Structure in the Nineteenth-Century City. New York: Academic Press, 1979. McKay, Nellie, editor, Critical Essays on Toni Morrison, G.K. Hall, 1988. Morrison, Toni. Song of Solomon. New York: The Penguin Group, 1977. Sapphire. Push. New York: Vintage Contemporaries, 1996. Peterson, Nancy J. Toni Morrison: Critical and Theoretical Approaches. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins UP, 1997. Rice, Herbert William. Toni Morrison and the American Tradition: A Rhetorical Reading. New York: P. Lang, 1996.

Models of Communication Essay

Communication Model: A model is an abstracted model of reality. A good model comes as close to reality as possible and discusses and explains the reality. But being an abstraction, a model is not a reality; it is only a representation of reality. For e.g: an architectural model is only a model of the house giving a fair idea of the number of rooms, layout etc; but it is not the house per say. Defination: communication model is a pictorial representation to show the structure of communication process in which various components/ elements are linked. They are based on assumptions that theorists make as to how communication functions and what effect it has upon individuals and society.a a variety of models exist, all of which strive to explain the different components of communication and the role each part plays in the total process. Advantages of models: * They allow us to ask questions * They clarify complexity by reducing the process to simple, more familiar terms. * They lead us to new discoveries by positioning hypothetical ideas and relationships. Limitations * Can lead to over-simplification. * Can lead to confusion between models and the actual behavior it potrays. * Models can be confused with reality. By looking at the models we hope to: * Represent the main lines of thought above the process of mass communication. * It provides us with historical review of the progress in human understanding of how communication works. Functions of models: * Providing images of the whole that one may not otherwise be able to see. * Helps in understanding information in a simplified way which would be otherwise complicated and ambiguous. Evaluation of communication models: * How general is the model? How much material does it organize? * How fruitful is the model? How helpful is it in discovering relations, facts or materials? * How accurate and original is the model? * How important is it to the field of enquiry? History: * Models started with a simple ‘source- message-channel-receiver’ process but were rapidly modified during the 50’s. * The 1950’s was a fertile period; critical aspects to the communication process were added to develop a more comprehensive picture. * During the decades of the 60’s and 70’s the interest in relevant model building had shifted towards search on specific aspects of the model rather than the process. * Also increasing complexity of understanding of the process made diagrammatic representation difficult. Aristotle’s model of communication: Writing 300 years before the birth of Christ, Aristotle provided an explanation of oral communication that is still worthy of attention. Based on five basic elements, his model is focused more on public speaking rather that interpersonal communication.

The Nile Turn to Blood

There was a Plague that God had put on Egypt called the Nile turn to blood. Once I read the passage I realized the many powers of God. He told Moses he would make him like God to Pharaoh and he was to say everything that God had commended him to say. God told Moses to tell Pharaoh to let his people go which was the Israelites. Pharaoh who had a hard heart did not listen to Moses and did not let the people go instead he asked Moses to perform a miracle and then he would. God gave Moses and Aaron the power to do so and turned their staff into a snake but Pharaoh’s Magicians was able to do the same. So Pharaoh didn’t believe he was a God and refused again to let the people go. Then the Lord told Moses to go back to Pharaoh and met him at the Nile when he goes out for water. Then tell him that the Lord God of the Hebrews said to let his people go so that they could worship him but since he did not listen he will make the Nile turn into blood and all the Fish will die and it will stink and the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water. Moses did what he was told and turned the Nile into blood. Then Pharaoh Magicians was able to do the same so Pharaoh still did not let the People go. This passage relates to this world today in many ways. We may not have a Nile full of blood but we have wars that are carried out in which many people have lost their lives in rivers and lakes and even ponds with their blood drained into them. We have murders who would kill someone and through the bodies in lakes and rivers. We have hunter who will hunt sharks and whales for the fun of it and kill them and their blood are lost in the seas and oceans . We may not have rivers and streams full of blood but we defiantly have blood in them. This whole world is cursed with blood stains and only we have the power to change that. God was in control of the blood in the Nile but we are in control of the blood that are lost in our streets and water. I’ve learned that God is a powerful God and is capable of mighty things. He will do what he says he will do.

Improving Secondary School Music through psychology Essay

Music education is a field of study that involves the teaching and leaning music. Music education goes beyond teaching of notes and rhythms to development of a person as whole. Music touches on developing of the affective domain that includes the appreciation of music and its sensitivity. On the other hand, music expands the cognitive development through the recognizing and interpreting the music symbols and notations. Music needs to be improved through any possible means especially in secondary school. These have been done through participation and performing different types music. Research Focus The focus of the research is how to improve secondary schools music through psychology. There are various ways that can apply to this as the most important issue is to make music enjoyable and helpful to the secondary school students. This can be done through applying music in the curriculum to enable learners understand the concepts and importance of learning music in schools. These can be determined through the responses that can be got from both the teachers and the learners. The decision as to whether music should be improved through psychology will only be determined through the responses that will be collected. Research Question The research question is whether music needs to be improved through psychology in secondary schools. If there is a necessity to improve music, how would it be done and how effective would it be in improving the students and their capability in education. Literature Review According to Hallam Susan, (2006, p8) the Music teachers are fighting to incorporate music in class. She says that music has a powerful psychological impact to students’ lives and has a great importance in education. When learning to play instrument, it has long demonstrated intelligence and when the students are playing together, it teaches them on how to corporate and how to do things together. (Barbara, 1985,p 14) It has also been proved that music has other effective impacts to education thus advocating for the need for it being improved. (Gonzalez, 1999,p 3) Music psychology in education can help in improving the student’s concentration as well as overcoming loneliness. Secondary school students, being teenagers, music has power to help them overcome conflicts. Music helps the students in improving their vocal skills as well as motivating them and enabling them moody through out their learning. Though music on the other hand has lots of unnecessary learning, learning too much of history makes has no impact to the music learning and has nothing to add to it. This is the reason why music has to be improved and only the helpful parts would be taught in secondary schools. (Edwin, 2003, p. 25) Research methodology There are only two methods that can be used to collect information from the respective parties; -Questionnaire -Interviewing In the questionnaires, a set of simple questions is given and either the learner or the teacher is supposed to fill in. Multiple choices are given to ease the viability in responses given. The answers provided are then sampled to give a conclusion regarding to the matter. In the interviewing, the interviewer and the person to be interviewed need to have a direct questioning and responses. They can either conduct the interview live or through the phone. The information collected is analyzed and the conclusion is met. Conclusion Music is an essential subject that should be taught in secondary schools. Music has an advantage and has been of the same benefit as other subjects that are in the curriculum. There is necessity to improve music in schools as it would help the student to always feel relaxed and concentrate in other subjects hence improving their performance. Reference: Barbara. K, 1985, Music education, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Edwin, G, 2003, Learning sequences in Music, Chicago, GIA publications Gonzalez, G. 1999, Music Education, Canyon College, Hallam S, 2006, Music psychology in education, London, Institute of education

Abridging Cultural Differences in Learning Essay

The world is not only composed of different races that come from different countries but also comprised of innumerable cultures unique from each other. Races from all around the world are greatly diverse. The diversity includes differences in practices, traditions and other cultural manifestations. Culture is one of the distinguishable characteristics of a group of people living in society. Culture is embedded in the community and is illustrated in various forms. In fact, even architectural design depicts culture of people in a particular place. Culture shapes and reshapes a person’s individuality. It is influenced by various factors including socio-political, sociological, religion, and historical. Culture continually conform and mold to provide the ever-changing needs of the people in the society. The difference in cultural identity of the people could be attributed to the inherent beliefs, traditions and practices they adhere or grew up with. It is also due to the geographical locations of where we live because culture should match or fit to the geographical and topographical characteristics of the place. For these characteristics greatly affects some aspects of the culture. Learning Styles Learning plays a big role in the lives of people for it is essential in acquiring knowledge that is utilized in understanding things. Learning is an inherent human ability that is honed by factors that affects this particular human process like parenting, formal schooling, experience etc. The process of learning is never-ending, as people reach old age they still acquire new things like information and knowledge they will be able to utilize in some way. Learning has biological and sociological aspects or dimensions. These aspects affect learning either in a positive or negative way. Students may have different processes in taking in information and different ways of learning. Teaching strategies and methods also vary among teachers. Whenever teacher-student education style methods and preference are the same, learning is more likely successful. When there is an existing discrepancy in the learning style preferred by both students and teachers, the students tend to get bored and become inattentive to the lessons (Felder). Every individual have their preferred way of learning things. They are often unaware of this particular preference, they are just aware that they learn more of things that way. People tend to learn more using certain activities and methods than others (Melkman & Trotman, 2005). The learning style preferences determine how people learn and the comfortable way in which they were able to learn more. These preferences exert influence learning efficacy (Melkman & Trotman, 2005). Some of the biological aspects of learning are sound and light (Shalaway & Beech, 1998), some people could not digest the things they should learn in the presence of loud noise and dim light, while there are some people who understand more of the lesson under that certain circumstances. The perception of an individual also affects the learning process of an individual. State of mental health is also another aspect that affects the learning process in which we determine if a person could easily learn the things being taught to them. This is where we could separate fast, average and slow learners. Developmental and sociological aspects that affect the cognitive processes include motivation (Shalaway & Beech, 1998), in which some persons need to be motivated in order to digest what is being taught. Being in the in-group also one of the factors that is mostly seen in the school setting where students are more eager to go to school when they are not ostracized by the cliques or social groups. In most classroom settings, noise is not tolerated. Teachers react negatively whenever students squirm or wriggle in their seats, whenever they tap their desks with their pencils or whenever they show restlessness. However, studies prove that some children need such activities for then to able to concentrate, think and learn (Shalaway & Beech, 1998). Research shows that when the learning preference of the children, either their biological or sociological aspect, there is a notable increase in achievement and behavioral response. Teachers also have individualized learning styles that affect their way of teaching. When the learning styles of the teacher and students happen to be the same, the more the students will learn (Shalaway & Beech, 1998). Various sources discussed many types of learning style preferences. The three main learning style preferences are the auditory, visual and kinesthetic. The auditory learning style explains that some students learn more using their sense of hearing. They tend to get oral instructions easily. The visual learning style, on the other hand, explains how some students tend to learn more using their sense of sight. They are the students who frantically take down notes and copy down keywords from visual aids in class. The kinesthetic learning style explains why some students opt to learn on their own. They tend to learn more through experience and discovery (Learning Styles, 2005). Cultural Differences and Learning Culture and learning are two inseparable things (Moore and Anderson, 2003). The innate cultural identity of a person tends to affect their learning capabilities through influencing their learning styles. Researches find out that cultural groups tend to have unique learning styles that are different from other ethnic groups. But there is also a contrasting finding that members of the family tend to have different learning styles. Instructors and learning facilitators should be aware of three important things. 1. There are existing universally accepted learning principles, 2. Culture greatly influences the learning styles of individuals, 3. Every person has their distinguishable learning style preferences that affect their potential achievement and acquired knowledge (Moore & Anderson, 2003). Culture could be held responsible in the developed learning style of an individual. Culture determines the preferences and values a person holds. United States is a multiracial and multicultural society in which the normal classroom is composed of people coming from the different ethnic groups (Shalaway & Beech, 1998). Oftentimes, we are having a difficult time understanding people who have dissimilar taste and preference, because we know that there is no commonality or common ground that that two person could talk about. We tend to be biased in some way. Cultural differences are persons’ strengths, knowing the cultural background of the student will greatly help us to facilitate and induce classroom learning (Shalaway & Beech, 1998). The knowledge in the cultural diversity and how it influences the learning process is very important especially to the course designers because there is an inevitable possibility that a group of individuals have different learning styles preferences (Moore & Anderson, 2003). The negative implication of the culturally diverse classroom setting is composed of individuals with various learning style preferences. The instructor or learning facilitator have no control over the heterogeneous mixture of learning styles for it is difficult to develop a mixture of training methods and teaching strategies for all the students to learn in class. Conclusion Learning is among the fundamental human process very essential in life. The process of learning occurs in every setting and outside the confines of school and we are unaware that it happens. Culture is the embedded characteristic deeply rooted in society. It somehow defines the social identity of a person. Culture shapes individuality and influences the different aspects of a person, including tastes and preferences. Variety is the spice of life. The global society is composed of different races and cultures. Cultural differences are reflected in learning style preferences. The negative implication of cultural diversity in a classroom and having too many learning styles is that the teachers do not know what teaching methods they should used in order the students to learn the subject. Knowledge in this particular matter is very important especially to learning facilitators and course designers to develop a comprehensive and efficient teaching method to be utilized in classrooms in which ever student’s learning style is utilized. In this way we will be able to abridge cultural differences in learning. References Felder, R. Learning Styles. Resources in Science and Engineering Education. Retrieved June 25, 2008 from http://www4. ncsu. edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Learning_Styles. html. Learning Styles. (2005). Student Development Services. University of Western Ohio. Retrieved June 25, 2008 from http://www. sdc. uwo. ca/learning/index. html? styles. Melkman, A. & Trotman, J. (2005). Training International Managers: Designing, Deploying and Delivering Effective Training for Multi-Cultural Groups. England: Gower Publishing Ltd. Moore, M. G. & Anderson, W. G. (2003). Handbook of Distance Education. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Shalaway, L. & Beech, L. (1998). Learning to Teach: Not Just for Beginners: The Essential Guide for All Teachers. New York: Teaching Resources/ Scholastic Professional Books.

Johnsonville Sausage

Johnsonville Sausage – Quality Improvement through Change Situation Post 1980, Ralph Stayer began to observe decline in quality due to inattention of the workers as well as ill-maintenance of the equipment in the production unit. With the help of Mr. Lee Thayer, Stayer has planned to implement a major change in the company’s philosophy. Transition from old philosophy purged Stayer’s responsibilities of decision making by decentralizing the power of decision making. The new philosophy was implemented to bring out changes in various departments of the company viz. management structure, personnel, compensation, manufacturing and also systems and controls. According to Thayer’s new philosophy, performance of the personnel and requirement of guidance to personnel to achieve their objectives were the key elements. Management structure was broken down by hiring experienced personnel for the new superior level management to oversee finance, marketing and operation s functions. Stayer emphasized people development as the core element of the new philosophy. Changes in personnel include development of list of responsibilities by the workers themselves and eliminating the performance review process.These changes in personnel function led changes in compensation with the implementation of â€Å"company performance share† program which increased individual responsibility of workers. However this transition was not in agreement among workers while some are excited about it. In terms of manufacturing changes, lead persons were installed at various departments, eliminating supervisors, to seek information and provide necessary measures to train and improve capacities of workers under designated group. Responsibilities of lead person also include development of budget planning and production requirement planning.Job switching and alternating works were practiced to enrich workers’ capabilities and enhance performance and also job satisfac tion. System and controls changes included individuals to develop and be accountable for their own budgets and forecasts and also allow them to analyze performance data. In addition, subordinates were needed to self-evaluate their performance to respective managers. Problem The main issue of the case is the resistance shown by the personnel towards the company’s philosophy transition. According to Stayer, upon implementation of new philosophy, workers at all level were expected to embrace the change.Instead, the company faced issues related to the final goal of the implementation, unsuccessful organization structural changes, clash of responsibilities among the workers, participation of less number of employees in the company decision making process and finally lack of high job satisfaction. However, these issues were expected to expire once the transition is complete. Palmer Sausage offered its consolidated business to Johnsonville but the issue here was whether Stayer could handle an expanded Palmer contract.Stayer examined the situation by understanding that in order to run the contract the company would require to recruit and train a big set of people along with existing people acquiring new skills and retain high quality on both the in-house and Palmer products. In order to achieve this, Johnsonville needs to run the production six or seven days a week for more than a year until its new plant was ready. On the other hand, the company may need to run the business at risk i. e. , if Palmer canceled the contract with 30-day prior notice leaves Johnsonville not only with massive layoffs and but also huge inventory with no market for it.Analysis As the year 1980 folded, Stayer recognizes to restructure his management structure for the growing company. Stayer also realized that there was decline in the quality of the products and employees were also demotivated to work. Later on, in collaboration with Thayer Lee, Stayer has planned to implement new philo sophy which is focused on performance and helps people accomplish their objectives through well-defined job descriptions, clear understanding on performance standards, and providing the required resources. Johnsonville’s new values are based on deep moral commitment to the individual.The main aim of the transition is to augment people capacities, rather than the business. Stayer changed view of his autocratic leadership to a role as a leader delegating his subordinates rather than directing them. Furthermore, the new philosophy also motivated each worker to commit to the company’s betterment. Upon full transition, Stayer expects to create an atmosphere of constant learning and development. The transition also supports creativity, encourages responsibility, and empowers employees to develop solutions rather than simply follow orders.Over the period of time, the company’s organizational structure was transformed in support to the new culture of worker empowerment. Autocratic management was decentralized in order to become more democratic. Conventional management position were replaced by lead persons and their teams who controlled their own compensation, hiring, firing, quality control, and near-and long-term company goals. Several ground-breaking solutions were instigated and evaluated and each member of the company was involved for the company’s success.Moreover, a rewarding compensation system was implemented to retain employees and hone their skills and performance. Over-the-time, Stayer had achieved a complete organizational transformation successfully. In terms of Palmer’s offer, Stayer has two recommendations – either he can accept or decline to take over the Palmer’s business. If Stayer had taken over the business, they might have the advantages of the opportunity for growth and additional revenue. On this regard, private label business offers a 25% return on assets.Contrariwise, the deal clashes with John sonville’s recent business strategy which prevents the company to push private label business over 15%. The company could compete for capital with the rest of the business once it crosses 15%. In addition to this, the company, while in contract with Palmer, is producing at huge capacity utilization. If the deal is on then the company might need to execute two long shifts for six or seven days a week in order to process the new business. Recommendation At this stand-off point, Johnsonville could be advised to accept Palmer’s deal which help the former to tap the revenue and growth opportunities.Stayer’s Johnsonville should continue to implement its new philosophy in a way that it does not affect the previous work-culture. During the agreement, Stayer should continue to involve employees in the decision making process to accept the private label business and planning to handle the additional workload as well. Apart from this, Stayer is required to motivate his tea ms to meet for evaluating staffing requirements, production and quality goals. With the involvement of workers and assigning responsibility for the important decisions, Stayer will help secure their buy-in for tackling the challenges ahead.

Workplace Conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Workplace Conflict - Essay Example Some are little that are resolved in no time with a little communication (Cahn & Abigail, 2007); while, some are big enough that a mediator is needed to resolve them. The mediator comes with his own mediation plans and strategies to work out the problems between the parties involved. In organizational context, conflict occurs due to a number of reasons. Conflicts may happen among employees of the same level but mostly conflicts arise when job satisfaction decreases at the employees’ part (Masters & Albright, 2002). This makes the employees enter into trouble with the management or higher officials. They may go on strikes or do other sorts of protests. Major conflicts occur when, for example, employees experience gender discrimination, work overload, forced overtime, short deadlines, and no opportunities for promotion, reward or compensation. These factors reduce job security and the employees suffer from work related stress. Other major causes may include dissatisfactory wages and salaries, and poor communication between the management and employees due to which the latter feel that their problems are not being considered. Also, when employees feel that they are not being able to participate in the decision-making process, they may acquire conflicting views about the project at hand. All of these conflicts may get serious enough to be requiring a mediation plan for resolution (Moore, 2003). No matter the conflict is small or big, the management should make serious efforts to resolve it as soon as possible so that employees do not lose their morale (Dana, 2001; Wimot & Hocker, 2007). My Experience This section of the paper describes a work related conflict that I experienced at my workplace. I am a teacher at a community college. As I stated, most conflicts occur due to unfair treatment or policy changes from the management side, this incident also involves a conflict between the assistant principal and I. It was about the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). For reader’s information, the major responsibility of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is to make accommodations for disabled employees, under the title I of the Act. ADA makes sure that the disabled employees do not have to face discrimination by their seniors or co-workers when they are at the workplace. In order to get protection by ADA, the individual must have a disability which is defined by the Act as â€Å"a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities† (U.S. Department of Justice, 2005). All persons who have in their medical history that they have been or are going through such a disability, or people perceive him as disabled, are accommodated by this Act. My college had also included this Act in its major policies regarding the selection and employment of teachers. Last year, when my college announced vacancies for professors, I was appointed to interview the candidates for selection. I ha d to select three candidates for a project. Two of the candidates I selected were medically and academically fit for the job, but the third one whom I selected, Mr. Harrison, was obese. His academic career was excellent. I selected him on the seat of disabled persons so that he could be given all the facilities that an obese employee would require in performing his job in a better way. Also, Title I of the Act clearly states that all the employers who have at least fifteen employees working under them, must give equal chances of employment to qualified disabled persons as well so that they get all the benefits that the organization is giving to the otherwise fit persons. To me, Mr. Harrison was a physically disabled person according to the Act because his weight was hindering with his job performance, as was the definition of