Genetically Modified Food Essay Example for Free

Genetically Modified Food Essay Genetically engineered food is an epidemic all around the world. There are factors that make these types of foods undesirable for many reasons. Public opinions on how genetically engineered foods will effect the consumer market and farmers cannot afford the new seeds that are genetically altered. There are many cons of genetically engineered food that have long term and short term risks. Some risks have been found by scientists while other risks are still unknown and will remain so unless a researcher tests for them. These foods have become very common in America as well as other countries. Almost every grocery store in the United States carries a wide array of food that has been genetically modified. Most of the genetically engineered foods in markets are not labeled to tell consumers they were altered in any way. Environmental risks are also a concern for genetically engineered food. Different animals, including farm animals or insects can be harmed from genetically engineered food. Genetically engineered food has negative effects on the human population. Genetically engineered food was first introduced into society in the early 1990’s. Many people today do not know what kind of extensive research and development goes into making these types of foods. Sharon Palmer, a reporter, writes that genetic engineering is either â€Å"Doomsday tech† or â€Å"biotechnology for the future† (Palmer 1). The process of altering an organism completely changes the original organism and transforms it into something new. This new way of altering an organism’s genetic makeup bypasses common breeding methods used by scientists (Genetically Modified Foods 1). The process of creating genetically altered food usually involves â€Å"identifying the genes governing a desirable characteristic in one organism, nd inserting them into another in the expectation that the trait will be transferred† (Genetically Modified Foods 1). Sometimes the process of creating these organisms does not work so scientists have to do the process over again until they get a transformed organism. In 1973 scientists were able to achieve using another organism as a vector which essentially was the beginning of the development of genetically engineered foods. Although genetically engineered foods were not fully introduced until the early 1990s, they were in the process of becoming what society knows today. Newer techniques have been introduced that make it easier for gene insertion. This new method is the use of DNA bullets where â€Å"microscopic metal beads can be coated with DNA fragments, and then â€Å"fired† from a miniature gun into the host cell, where DNA may integrate into the genome† (Genetically Modified Foods 1). A few of the genetically engineered foods are soybeans, corn, canola, cotton, squash and papaya (Palmer 1). There are many other foods that people see on the shelves in grocery stores that may be genetically altered but these are some main ones. Statistics show that â€Å"an estimated 70 to 75 percent of all processed foods in U. S. rocery stores probably contain ingredients from GE plants† (Palmer 6). Many foods have been genetically altered to make them â€Å"better† or resistant to herbicides. Despite the fact that scientists consider these foods to be revolutionary there are hidden consequences to the development of such organisms. The public opinion on genetically engineered food is that it is not a good improvement. Many citizens believe that the introduction of altered foods is going to have negative side effects on everything. People feel that genetically engineered foods should not be put on the market until they have had adequate testing (Current Issues 3). Many of the alterations done to food have not had extensive research conducted to find harmful effects that they might have on humans and animals. Any research that had been done usually had negative effects but scientists found a way to â€Å"throw out† the research so that it would not go against genetically engineered food. Andrew Simms states that the â€Å"evidence of harm is not evidence of the absence of harm† (Simms 1). In Simm’s article he describes how consumers do not need genetically modified food. Scientists brought genetically engineered foods into the market and advertised them as a way to help the world. Different techniques can be used to approach the issue of world hunger. Introducing these foods to third world countries can only harm them not help them. There is a high cost of development for making genetically engineered foods. Also there is a monopoly involved with these foods. There are only a few corporations in the United States that are developing genetically altered seeds. This in turn drives up the price of the seed making it more expensive and poor farmers cannot afford to buy them (Current Issues 3). Farmers have lost billions of dollars because foreign buyers do not want to buy genetically engineered foods (Kupfer 1). Many states have passed legislation against having genetically modified foods. States do not think that genetically engineered foods can help anything except make things worse (Kupfer 2). Foods are altered to have different traits that would normally take a few generations to make but with genetically engineering their DNA scientists are able to do a lot more. Scientist use genetic engineering to make crops or animals drought tolerant and be able to tolerate pests. Consumers do not want crops that are mutations. They want natural crops and animals. Other public opinions on worldwide hunger are that GM crops will not change it. â€Å"People go hungry because they’re either poor, powerless, both, or have no land to grow food on† (Simms 2). Public opinion on genetically engineered food is that they do not want it. Many factors have led people to choose not to accept genetically engineered foods into their lives. Genetically engineered food effects everything in a negative way. There are cons to the development and introduction of genetically engineered foods into civilization. There are many risks involved with these types of foods that are unknown to the public. Scientists try to cover up the experiments they had on genetically altered foods because they had negative outcomes. In one study scientists fed corn to rats and then checked the rats’ livers and kidneys, particularly males, and the study revealed adverse effects. In another study conducted on GM foods many of the mice that ate the food developed health problems or even died during the experiment (Current Issues 4). The introduction of genetically engineered foods has been linked to the rising levels of food allergies in the United States. Genetically modified foods can effect organic foods if they are processed in the same place. Allergic reactions are greater since genetically engineered foods have been introduced (Smith 1). There are many environmental concerns as well. Although long term impact is unknown many researchers can conclude some of the negative side effects. A few difficulties have already developed. Plants can cross-pollinate with other plants around them which may seem like a great thing but it is not. Some plants are engineered to be pest resistant which seems good but in all actuality those plants can cross-pollinate with the weeds around them which in turn makes the weeds stronger and become more resistant to herbicides. The cross-pollination of plants creates a problem for farmers who then have to spend additional money to buy more herbicide to kill new weeds (Current Issues 3). Another common modification is adding a gene called Bacillus thuringiensis which is a bacterium that helps that plant develop poison that kills pests such as bollworms and stem borers. This seemed like a good modification by scientists but in fact the plant emits these toxins into the environment and it is deadly to all insects, not just the pests. Reports have been shown that these toxins from the crops also killed a large amount of butterflies (Current Issues 1). U. S. Government does not require reviews on genetically engineered foods. Genetically altered foods are not FDA regulated either. Foods are being modified without having adequate testing and then put on grocery shelves. People are eating food that they do not know whether or not it is safe. There are many other potential concerns with genetic engineering like an organisms genetic makeup, anti-nutrients, viral DNA, antibiotic resistant genes, absorbing genes, and allergic responses. Many genetically altered foods have been used as feed for animals as well. These animals have shown effects on body growth, changes in blood, kidney, pancreas, liver, erosion and necrosis of the gastrointestinal tract, and alterations in reproduction, development and mortality (Palmer 6). There are many unknown risks of genetically engineered foods. Unknown long term health risks have not been identified and cannot be identified until researchers conduct more research. Genetically modified foods are not something people should rely on in the future as their base food. There are risks today and also many other unknown risks. Genetically engineered food is a hazard to the human population. This creation was introduced to try and stop world hunger, make food cheaper to buy and many other reasons. These issues have not changed because of the introduction of genetically engineered food. The effects these types of foods have on humans and even animals can be harmful. Research shows that there are long term risks involved with genetically engineered foods. Potential cancers, diseases, environmental changes, and possibly a rising cost in food are all negative factors of genetically engineered food. Genetically engineered foods should be eliminated from people and animal’s diets.

Scarlet Letter vs Ministers Black Veil Essay Example for Free

Scarlet Letter vs Ministers Black Veil Essay This essay is comparing and contrasting two stories by Nathaniel Hawthorn. The stories are The Scarlet Letter and The Ministers Black Veil. There are many similarities as well as differences. There are similarities in religious beliefs. They also have almost the exact same themes. We will begin with a couple paragraphs on what the two stories have in common Both stories involved sin. In The Scarlet Letter Dimmesdale whom was a minister hid his scarlet letter in shame while Hester Pryne was accused of adultery. This relates to the minister in The Ministers Black Veil since the ministers veil was used to hide the minister’s shame. So both the stories have very similar themes. Both stories are also very puritanistic in religious beliefs. They both had very strictly religious people whom were trying to obtain grace by weeding out sinners so they were better people. Both stories were made up of a lot of puritanistic beliefs. In both The Ministers Black Veil and The Scarlet Letter the supposed sinners were antagonized throughout the stories. Another thing the two novels had in coimmonm is that both ministers were being hurt in some shape or form There are also a few differences. Firstly in The Ministers Black Veil there wasn’t any prostitute. In The Scarlet Letter Dimmesdale never killed anybody like the other minister. There was good within the ministers black veil even though he hid his face in shame he tried to make up for it. Dimmesdale did not in fact Dimmesdale was spreading rumors behind Heste’rs back and just being horrible. These stories follow the main theme of the era they were written in (the puritanist era) Puritanism is an extremely strict religion. This has been my compare and contrast essay. I would like to thank the reader for taking the time to read the essay and I apologize if you find anything unsatisfactory thank you fr ypur patience.

Causes of and Needs Related to Intellectual Disability

Causes of and Needs Related to Intellectual Disability Demonstrate knowledge of causes and associated condition related to intellectual disability Candidate’s full name: Hangbun Tang Task 1 Give 2 definitions of intellectual disability in accordance with a recognised source. Follow prescribed APA format when citing sources. Definition 1: Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in the intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem solving), or adaptive behaviour, which covers a range of everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18. Source: Frequently Asked Questions on Intellectual Disability, American Association on intellectual and developmental disabilities. Definition 2: Intellectual disability is a term used when a person has certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communicating, taking care of him or herself, and social skills. These limitations will cause a child to learn and develop more slowly than a typical child. Source: National Dissemination Centre for children with Disabilities. Using a definition of intellectual disability give 2 explanations of how this impact on the person adaptive skill: Adaptive skills are those daily life skills needed for living, working and playing in the community. It includes communication, social skills, self-care, health and safety, basic reading, numbering, time, money†¦. Furthermore, adaptive skills are assessed in the person’s typical across all aspects of an individual’s life. When a person with an intellectual disability and they don’t know about their disability, it might be hard for them to learn about the realistic, and growing up to be a responsible person. If that person always treated as a child, it will be very hard when he/she grow up. Using a definition of intellectual disability give 2 explanations of how this impact on the person cognitive ability: Cognitive ability is the ability to think and process information. When a person grows up with an intellectual disability, this person will be hardly to receive the information or misunderstood about the instruction. Most of intellectual disability people are having a big issues of problem solving, comparing to a typical people. Task 2 2.1 Give 2 examples of causes of intellectual disability that occur before birth and describe 2 main characteristics of the effects. Example 1: Prader Willi Syndrome (Genetic factor) Source: The American Association on intellectual and developmental disabilities. Main characteristics: If a person grows up with the prader willi syndrome, his/her genitals not a well developed, has almond shaped eyes, and a small down turned mouth. And the skeletal abnormalities and has small hands and feet with the delayed motor skill. Example 2: Foetal alcohol syndrome Source: The American Association on intellectual and developmental disabilities. Main characteristics: The baby will have a low birth weight and has small head and facial abnormalities, comparing to a typical baby. Failure to thrive, developmental delay, has behaviour problems, hyperactivity and poor social skills. 2.2 Give 2 examples of causes of intellectual disability that occur during or immediately following birth and describe 2 main characteristics of the effects. Example 1: Hypoxia Source: FAQ on intellectual disabilities, AAIDD Main characteristics: Babies born with hypoxia condition present at birth with pale or blue tinged skin and slow heart rate. Baby will also find difficulty in breathing, feeding, and has a poor muscle tone (floppy baby). Example 2: Trauma Source: FAQ on intellectual disabilities, AAIDD Main characteristics: The baby will be unresponsive and inability to regulate or maintain the body temperature. The baby will have problem with breathing and tissue damaged (obvious bruising, swelling and/or intracranial bleed). Give 2 examples of causes of intellectual disability that occur during childhood years and describe the impact on the day to day support needs of the person. Outcome 3: Describe conditions frequently associated with intellectual disability. Task 3 Condition 1: Spina Bifida Cause/s: Birth defect of the spinal column occurs 21 to 28 days after conception. Sometime during the first month of the pregnancy, the two sides of the spine (backbone) join together to cover the spinal cord, spinal nerves and meninges (the tissues covering the spinal cord). Spina Bifida refers to any birth defect involving incomplete closure of the spine. Main characteristics 1: partial or complete lack of sensation or paralysis of the legs. Main characteristics 2: fluid buildup inside the skull (hydrocephalus) and dimpling of the sacral area. Description of the support needs of the person with the condition: Physical support needs: Medical and surgical interventions Mobility aids Continence needs Adapting environment Social support: Transport and community access Friendship and activities support Opportunity for education and work Cognitive support needs: Learning support Aids to support learning Condition 2: Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Cause/s: Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is growth, mental and physical problems that may occur in a baby when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy. Main characteristics 1: problem with face narrow, small eyes with large epicanthal folds and small head. Main characteristics 2: small upper jaw, smooth groove in upper lip, smooth and thin upper lip. Description of the support needs of the person with the condition: Physical support needs: Medical supervision. Physiotherapy. Assistance with daily living activities. Social support needs: Interaction with friends training. Behavior management training. Support activities Cognitive support needs: Support educational opportunities. Aids to support learning. Assist with communication. Condition 3: Prader Willi Syndrome Cause/s: a gene missing on part of chromosome 15. Normally, your parents each pass down a copy of this chromosome. Main characteristics 1: If a person grows up with the prader willi syndrome, his/her genitals not a well developed, has almond shaped eyes, and a small down turned mouth. Main characteristics 2: The skeletal abnormalities and has small hands and feet with the delayed motor skill. Description of the support needs of the person with the condition: Physical support needs: Specialist weight management. Exercise. Remove food (usually locked away). Medical supervision. Social needs: Consistency about food issues. Activities which are unrelated to food. Provide distractions so life is not centered on food. Cognitive needs: Routine about meal times. Educate about managing own diet. Educational support. Reference List: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.  http://aaidd.org Bray, Anne. (2003). Definition of Intellectual Disability. Donald Beasley Institute. Intellectual Disability Causes and Prevention  http://www.inclusionireland.ie/sites/default/files/documents/causesandpreventionbooklet.pdf National Dissemination Centre for Children with Disabilities.  http://nichcy.org/disability/specific/intellectual Oliver, Michael. (1997). The Politic of Disablement, critical texts in social work and the welfare state.  London: Greenwich Macmillan.

Australian Wool Industry Essay -- essays research papers fc

INTRODUCTION Australia is the world’s largest wool producing country, and has been for decades. The fine quality of wool from the result of fine breeding has definitely help contribute to the high demand of the wool industry. Much of Australia’s wool has been exported to other countries such as China, Italy, Taiwan, Republic of Korea and France. However, Australia’s wool production has been decreasing for the last 10 years and the demand has been declining because of the other, easier to manage, synthetic fibers and materials that have been introduced to the market. This following report is regarding the changes and effects the wool industry had on Australia in the 19th century, the reasons for the successful development of the wool industry, and also Australia’s current position in wool production. HISTORY – JOHN MACARTHUR The first sheep to arrive in Australia, Botany Bay was in 1788 on the First Fleet, brought by Governor Phillip. The sheep that were brought over were only to be used for food and not for wool production for the new settlement in the newly found country. They had thick, hairy fleeces and small groups of them were brought frequently, however only a few survived the journey and the few that survived were not use to the climatic changes and died soon after. Governor Philip later realised Australia’s soil and climate were better suited for livestock grazing than any farming. So after setting up many farms in 1792 Governor Philip headed back to England and left a temporary governor, Major Francis Grose to replace him until 1794. This was when the significant changes occurred, free settlers were allowed in Australia and officers and officials were given grants of land. John Macarthur, an officer in the New South Wales Corps took advantage of the grants of land, he was the most productive of the officers. He and two of his friends brought several pure blood Spanish Merino sheep to Australia, he then started breeding them some of his mixed breeds. He continued with this practice until he was certain that the result was that the quality of the wool was alike to the wools from Spain and Germany. John Macarthur’s success in fine-wool production gave Australia great wealth. AUSTRALIAN MERINO WOOL Australia produces the world’s best woollen fibre, Australian Merino wool, which is also the main sheep breed in this country (75% are Merino’s ... ...l to profitable levels. The price of broad micron wool has increased and in some cases is equal in amount paid for fine wool. BIBLIOGRAPHY  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Australian Bureau of Statistics, (2005). The Wool Industry [on-line].Available:http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/cd302ee1b133891eca256f720083301d?OpenDocument  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bird. J, (2005). This Bloody Disgrace is Called Mulesing [on-line]. Available: http://www.animal-lib.org.au/lists/mulesing/mules.shtml  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Curriculum Council. (1977). Australian People 1977. Education Department of Western Australia, Australia  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Elders, (2005).Daily Wool Prices. [on-line] Available: http://wool.elders.com.au/viewpdf.asp?PDF=media/reports/Reports_56.pdf  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fleet, M., (2000). Matilda – Australia’s First Cloned Merino [on-line] Available:http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/pages/showcase/media_releases/2000/matilda.htm:sectID=83&tempID=27  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mooney, J., (2003). Sheep Farming in Australia in the 19th Century [on-line].Available:http://athena.english.vt.edu/~jmooney/3044annotationsp-z/sheepfarming.html Australian Wool Industry Essay -- essays research papers fc INTRODUCTION Australia is the world’s largest wool producing country, and has been for decades. The fine quality of wool from the result of fine breeding has definitely help contribute to the high demand of the wool industry. Much of Australia’s wool has been exported to other countries such as China, Italy, Taiwan, Republic of Korea and France. However, Australia’s wool production has been decreasing for the last 10 years and the demand has been declining because of the other, easier to manage, synthetic fibers and materials that have been introduced to the market. This following report is regarding the changes and effects the wool industry had on Australia in the 19th century, the reasons for the successful development of the wool industry, and also Australia’s current position in wool production. HISTORY – JOHN MACARTHUR The first sheep to arrive in Australia, Botany Bay was in 1788 on the First Fleet, brought by Governor Phillip. The sheep that were brought over were only to be used for food and not for wool production for the new settlement in the newly found country. They had thick, hairy fleeces and small groups of them were brought frequently, however only a few survived the journey and the few that survived were not use to the climatic changes and died soon after. Governor Philip later realised Australia’s soil and climate were better suited for livestock grazing than any farming. So after setting up many farms in 1792 Governor Philip headed back to England and left a temporary governor, Major Francis Grose to replace him until 1794. This was when the significant changes occurred, free settlers were allowed in Australia and officers and officials were given grants of land. John Macarthur, an officer in the New South Wales Corps took advantage of the grants of land, he was the most productive of the officers. He and two of his friends brought several pure blood Spanish Merino sheep to Australia, he then started breeding them some of his mixed breeds. He continued with this practice until he was certain that the result was that the quality of the wool was alike to the wools from Spain and Germany. John Macarthur’s success in fine-wool production gave Australia great wealth. AUSTRALIAN MERINO WOOL Australia produces the world’s best woollen fibre, Australian Merino wool, which is also the main sheep breed in this country (75% are Merino’s ... ...l to profitable levels. The price of broad micron wool has increased and in some cases is equal in amount paid for fine wool. BIBLIOGRAPHY  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Australian Bureau of Statistics, (2005). The Wool Industry [on-line].Available:http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/cd302ee1b133891eca256f720083301d?OpenDocument  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bird. J, (2005). This Bloody Disgrace is Called Mulesing [on-line]. Available: http://www.animal-lib.org.au/lists/mulesing/mules.shtml  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Curriculum Council. (1977). Australian People 1977. Education Department of Western Australia, Australia  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Elders, (2005).Daily Wool Prices. [on-line] Available: http://wool.elders.com.au/viewpdf.asp?PDF=media/reports/Reports_56.pdf  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fleet, M., (2000). Matilda – Australia’s First Cloned Merino [on-line] Available:http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/pages/showcase/media_releases/2000/matilda.htm:sectID=83&tempID=27  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mooney, J., (2003). Sheep Farming in Australia in the 19th Century [on-line].Available:http://athena.english.vt.edu/~jmooney/3044annotationsp-z/sheepfarming.html

Relationships and Interdependence in the Works of Kurt Vonnegut Essay

Relationships and Interdependence in the Works of Kurt Vonnegut While on the surface Kurt Vonnegut's works appear to singularly contain the pessimistic views of an aging, black humorist, his underlying meanings reveal a much more sympathetic and hopeful glimpse of humanity that lends itself to eventual societal improvement. As part of Vonnegut's strategy for enhanced communal welfare, the satirist details in the course of his works potential artificial family groups to connect the masses and alleviate the lonely. Through his science fiction tales of misinterpreted, downcast protagonists and outrageous observations of real life, Vonnegut shines a light on America's problems, proposing a widespread cooperation of common decency and interdependence as viable solutions. Whether or not such notions actually augment the quality of relations, Vonnegut's well-reasoned and starkly ironic scenarios entertain, challenge, and enliven his design for relational welfare through synthetic families. Throughout his works Vonnegut's development of artificial families and expression of common decency between characters helps illuminate his universal theme of societal interdependence in family groups and proves that life is only worth living when individuals support each other. Throughout his writings, Vonnegut illustrates man's necessity of family, whether hereditary or artificial, as a vital contribution to his survival and healthy intercourse with society. All relatives, be they naturally procured or synthetically acquired, possess the unique ability, and responsibility, to support, contribute t... ...te. Vol. 25. Detroit: Gale, 1973. 451. Vonnegut, Kurt. Bluebeard. New York: Delacorte Press, 1987. Vonnegut, Kurt. Breakfast of Champions. New York: Delacorte Press, 1973. Vonnegut, Kurt. Cat's Cradle. New York: Dell Publishing Co., 1976. Vonnegut, Kurt. Deadeye Dick. New York: Delacorte Press/ Seymour Lawrence, 1982. Vonnegut, Kurt. Galapagos. New York: Dell Publishing Co., 1985. Vonnegut, Kurt. Mother Night. New York: Dell Publishing Co., 1963. Vonnegut, Kurt. Slapstick. New York: Dell Publishing Co., 1976. Vonnegut, Kurt. The Sirens of Titan. New York: Dell Publishing Co., 1959. Vonnegut, Kurt. Timequake. New York: G.P. Putnam's, 1997. Vit, Marek. Kurt Vonnegut Corner: Kurt Vonnegut Essay Collection. http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/4953/kv_essays.html Relationships and Interdependence in the Works of Kurt Vonnegut Essay Relationships and Interdependence in the Works of Kurt Vonnegut While on the surface Kurt Vonnegut's works appear to singularly contain the pessimistic views of an aging, black humorist, his underlying meanings reveal a much more sympathetic and hopeful glimpse of humanity that lends itself to eventual societal improvement. As part of Vonnegut's strategy for enhanced communal welfare, the satirist details in the course of his works potential artificial family groups to connect the masses and alleviate the lonely. Through his science fiction tales of misinterpreted, downcast protagonists and outrageous observations of real life, Vonnegut shines a light on America's problems, proposing a widespread cooperation of common decency and interdependence as viable solutions. Whether or not such notions actually augment the quality of relations, Vonnegut's well-reasoned and starkly ironic scenarios entertain, challenge, and enliven his design for relational welfare through synthetic families. Throughout his works Vonnegut's development of artificial families and expression of common decency between characters helps illuminate his universal theme of societal interdependence in family groups and proves that life is only worth living when individuals support each other. Throughout his writings, Vonnegut illustrates man's necessity of family, whether hereditary or artificial, as a vital contribution to his survival and healthy intercourse with society. All relatives, be they naturally procured or synthetically acquired, possess the unique ability, and responsibility, to support, contribute t... ...te. Vol. 25. Detroit: Gale, 1973. 451. Vonnegut, Kurt. Bluebeard. New York: Delacorte Press, 1987. Vonnegut, Kurt. Breakfast of Champions. New York: Delacorte Press, 1973. Vonnegut, Kurt. Cat's Cradle. New York: Dell Publishing Co., 1976. Vonnegut, Kurt. Deadeye Dick. New York: Delacorte Press/ Seymour Lawrence, 1982. Vonnegut, Kurt. Galapagos. New York: Dell Publishing Co., 1985. Vonnegut, Kurt. Mother Night. New York: Dell Publishing Co., 1963. Vonnegut, Kurt. Slapstick. New York: Dell Publishing Co., 1976. Vonnegut, Kurt. The Sirens of Titan. New York: Dell Publishing Co., 1959. Vonnegut, Kurt. Timequake. New York: G.P. Putnam's, 1997. Vit, Marek. Kurt Vonnegut Corner: Kurt Vonnegut Essay Collection. http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/4953/kv_essays.html

Literary Response to Gulliver’s Travels :: essays papers

Literary Response to Gulliver’s Travels 1.) Interpret the ending of Book IV in Gulliver’s Travels. How are we to understand Gulliver’s very strange behavior? In Book IV, Lemuel Gulliver’s fourth and final journey places him in the land of the Houyhnhnm, a civilization of intellectual, sensible horses, and senseless, inferior, and indecent humans. As Swift does throughout the novel, he ties his satire closely with Gulliver’s perceptions of the different world around him in his last adventure; these chapters do not change the method of Swift’s satire. During Gulliver’s experience in the land of Houyhnhnm, he encounters the wise and friendly Houyhnhnms, or horses, which are superior to the Yahoos, or salve humans. Although Gulliver is referred to as a â€Å"Yahoo,† the Houyhnhnms treat him with more respect than their captives, due to his intelligent division from the Yahoos. In theses chapters Gulliver comes to realize how much he loathes the human race, after being in contact with the Yahoos. Gulliver finds himself in a society controlled by creatures usually at the dispatch of humans, and in a sort of oblivion of his own, between the humane horses and the untamed, unruly Yahoos. The humans and their inability to compare to the Houyhnhnms instantly disgust him. Gulliver then grows fond of the Houyhnhnms and beings to enjoy life conversing with them about the differences in their worlds. He no longer desires to return to humankind. Soon Gulliver is accepted as an intellectual among the Houyhnhnms. He begins to think of every human he has ever known as Yahoos, and no longer has any respect for them, he thinks of the Houyhnhnms as the most respected and well-mannered living things on the earth. Gulliver is given a room, and is treated as a member of the family. However due to his acquired fortune, the Yahoos begin to complain and Gulliver is forced to return to Europe. He does not want to return to Europe, but decides that he would rather live with the barbarians that he once lived with, than with the uncivilized Yahoos. When Gulliver does arrive in England, he is filled with disgust and disgrace for them. For a year he cannot stand to be with his family, but instead buys two horses and speaks with them.

Implementing change Essay

Managers are entrusted with a leadership role for an organization with an aim to set out objectives and create the right environment and effective techniques to meet those objectives. There are supposed to come up with creative ideas on the change needed in the organization and how that change should be implemented with minimal difficulties while at the same time reaping maximum benefits from the change. A manager’s role and responsibility in implementing change One major step towards achieving this is of course through having a very clear sense of goals. When the management is equipped with a clear sense of goals and objectives, then it will be possible for an organization or an institution to have a new direction. The manager is important at this stage. He or she is responsible for coming up with specific objectives and determining what direction the institution is supposed to take. It is imperative that the leader or in this case the manager learn to be patient because in many cases change demands patience. As a manager, one should be well informed on his or her team so as to have a good knowledge on which members can be best used. Banutu & Banutu 2003) The task of management in times of implementing change demands good communication skills. One of the manager’s main tasks is relaying ideas, mission, goals, and objectives of the institution to the subordinates. It is therefore important that the manager is skilled in communication so as to effectively hammer the point home. Good communication skills are two way. The manager should also be a good observer and listener so as to understand any information or feedback that may be coming from the team members. Managers should also act as role models to their team by for instance setting an example of sacrifice. To make the process of change easier, the manager’s behavior should provide a model for motivation. He or she should be ready to listen to team members, respect them, delegate some powers to them, and assist them. Such characters and actions go a long way in motivating the team and elevating their interest to the task at hand. Team members are not only inspired with a mission but also motivated to initiate novelty and new ways of thinking. For a change process to be successful, the manager is supposed to build trust among group members and ensure that they think and work as a unit as opposed to working as individuals. The manager should be able to nurture intimacy among members, demonstrate self confidence, integrity, and honesty. He or she should be able to connect real life personal experiences with transformational requirements or behaviors of the institution. The manager should have a strong sense of involvement with the team and its activities. This way, the influence process becomes easier and more effective. It is imperative the manager fully understands the task ahead and relays that to the subordinates. This attribute should be coupled with high level commitment to the institution. Integrity and consistency are paramount in the change process if the laid down objectives are to be realized. (Banutu & Banutu 2003) Handling staff resistance to change One of the most common characteristics in the change process is resistance towards change by members of the organization. Though resistance to change is mainly viewed negatively, it can have positive outcomes too. For instance, staff resistance can lead to a functional conflict. This sought of conflict stimulates a healthy debate among members and the leadership as well. Such a debate sheds light on the various faces of change and ultimately leads to a better decision in the end. Staff resistance though could act as a major obstacle to an organization’s pursuit to achieve change and progress. If the staff is adamant to change its mindset to fit and adapt with changing times, then the organization will experience difficulties adapting and achieving progress. Managers are supposed to come up with ways to deal with staff resistance and ensure that the staff is collaborative instead of the other way round. (Kelly 1992) Communicating with staff members is a significant step in dealing with resistance. The leadership should take its time in demonstrating the logic of change to the staff and get rid of any chances of misinformation or misunderstanding. As indicated earlier, involvement of the staff in decision making is a beneficial tactic in ensuring that staff members not only implement change but also feel as being a part of it. This reduces the level of resistance, increases the change quality of the staff, and achieves commitment from the staff. The manager can also provide individuals who can handle and manage change activities or act as one. The manager or the change agents can offer facilitation and support to staff members so the idea of change and its actual implementation can be easier and more understandable. (Holton 2003) Another method through which managers can avert potential resistance is through negotiation with the staff. The management can offer the staff something like a reward in exchange of lessened resistance. The manager should however be wary of blackmail because some staff members may take advantage of this and demand rewards in any event of a change process. When ‘clean’ strategies fail or deemed unreliable to avert staff resistance, the manager can use cooptation and manipulation techniques so as to achieve his or her ends. Making facts look appealing more than they really are and hatching force rumors can get the staff to accept change and actually look forward to its implementation. The personalities leading the resistance can be bought off by the manager by offering them important positions in the change process. They are made to feel as if they engaged in opposing change but in actual sense the plan goes unhitched. The last trick on the book is the use of coercion. The manager gives direct threats to the staff members and applies direct force. Other measures include transfer of members, demotion, poor letter recommendation, or outright firing. It is important that the staff understands they are not indispensable as the change that the organization is seeking is more important than an individual career. (Bass & Avolio 1994) Steps of the change process The management with the collaboration and active participation of the staff should engage themselves in assessing the organization’s goals and objectives. There should be an extensive understanding of why the organization is taking the change path and how well equipped it is to actually implement its objectives. In the event that the management feels time is not ripe for a particular change process to be initiated, then it can be shelved until the right time comes. The management should put all facts on the table and analyze them before it starts to implement them. All possible scenarios to the process should be considered. In the planning process, it is important that the manager ensures that staff members fully comprehend the plan ahead of them. It is also important that staff members are to a certain level involved in the process. The reasons for using participation, as discussed earlier, is to gain the collaboration of the staff and reduce chances of resistance. Carrying out the actual change process calls for dedication from everyone involved. Any challenges such as staff resistance should be dealt with swiftly. During the evaluation, the management should go back to the aims and objectives outlined during the planning process. External evaluators should be invited so as to avoid any chances of bias. (Banutu & Banutu 2003) Conclusion Only one thing is certain in any place and that is change. Organizations, just as human beings, are in a process of change. It is up to the management to ensure that this is change is to the positive. The modern world is characterized by cutthroat competition and there is no room for being stagnant.