Adversities in of Mice and Men Essay Example for Free

Adversities in of Mice and Men Essay SteinbeckIn the novel Of Mice and Men, the problems experienced by the characters are often over looked in favor of the themes of the book. However, by looking at the adversities of all of the characters, one can see the same adversities expressed in our own lives; by examining these said adversities, one can also learn to face such difficulties in the real world and better determine how to handle them. In the novel, Lennie faces difficulty in explaining himself to the rest of the world. Since he is mentally challenged, most people, even George sometimes, underestimated his intelligence and logic skills. In Weed, the ranchers assumed the worst about him and didn’t stop to think of his motives. They chased George and Lennie out of town with a mob of angry ranchers. At the ranch in Soledad, Lennie is given most of the basic tasks. Everyone assumes he cannot do work like a normal ranch hand. And again, after he kills Curly’s wife, everyone, except George and perhaps Slim, assumes he killed her out of pure spite. This lack of interest in his true motives is similar to the lack of interest the world has for our motives for anything. The world focuses more on what we have done than on why we have done it. If one cannot display ones motives or desires, then the world assumes the worst, and often society labels situations in a less than satisfactory manner. George faces a barrier in achieving his dream of owning a ranch of his own. Partially this is his doing, as shown with the wasting of money on cathouses and booze, but there are other factors as well, like the death of Lennie. Also, George seems to abandon any hope in his dream at the end of the novel. In this case, one can see that if ample efforts are not taken in the right direction one cannot achieve his goal to its entirety. Furthermore, the way the workmen take away Candy’s dog is similar to the way the world takes away the joys experienced by some members of the society. Candy’s dog, symbolic of Candy’s life and livelihood, was more important to him than some of the other ranch hands. Carlson, the representative of the world, took Candy’s dog from him and killed it, just as the world will sometimes take what we hold most dear. One can learn from this to hold on to what is most important to them. One should never let the world dictate how to make decisions on how to live life. In conclusion, the problems of the characters in Of Mice and Men are very similar to the problems in the real world. In the novel, however, the difficulties are more apparent than in the world. By applying the experiences of the characters to one’s own life, one can learn how to better himself for his own benefit.

Virtual Reality A Modern Technology Media Essay

Virtual Reality A Modern Technology Media Essay Virtual reality is one of the modern technologies which was introduced a few decades back and has taken an important place in the field of technology in a very short time. it makes use of an artificial environment generated by the computer in which simulates the real environment. Besides gaining an immediate acceptance in the world of computer games, it is now being used in many fields of life including architecture, medicine, military and aviation. Scientists and researchers are expecting to explore a lot in this modern technology than what we know about it today. It is a great leap in the field of 3D and a lot of work is still under progress. The discussion below is an insight into the details of this technology, its uses, advantages, disadvantages and social impacts. The term virtual reality refers to refers to a modern technology providing an immersive, interactive experience using the three dimensional computer based graphic images. This technology creates an artificial environment with the help of computer hardware and software and is presented to the user in way which simulates the real world. The equipment makes use of a pair of special gloves, ear phones and goggles, the three of them being controlled by the computer. In this way, three of the users five senses are receiving and input from the computer. The goggles also act by detecting the eye movements of the user, thereby monitoring his actions. ORIGIN: The idea of virtual reality was first presented in 1930s, when the first fight simulator was invented by the scientists for the purpose of training the pilots. This was in an attempt to prepare them for the actual flight environment before being able to fly a real fighter plane. The invention got improvement in 1965, when Ivan Sutherland, an American, presented his theory of developing a portable virtual world using two tiny television sets, one meant for each eye. His invention worked, but to a very basic level. The images were rough and not clear. Another problem was the weight of the helmet used. It was quite heavy and needed to be supported from the ceiling. But the idea has actually got its base and now needed to be improved. Scientist continued working on this idea until in 1985, Michael McGreevy, from NASA introduced a much improved version of virtual reality. It was light weighted, using motorcycle helmet with mini display screens. It was also provided with the special sensors which were used to detect movements with the help of sensitive computer technology. Finally, during 1986, the invention got its final touch when a computer games programmer named Jaron Lanier introduced a new glove for virtual reality. In this way took the modern form in which we look it today. (Virtual Reality, 2004) TYPES OF VIRTUAL REALITY: There are three main types of virtual reality technology: The first one uses a helmet, ear phones and a pair of special gloves or joy sticks controlled by a computer and assisted by special sound effects and graphic images. The second one makes use of the video cameras. These cameras track the image of the participant in an artificially created virtual world. The participant can even move the objects in this world using virtual technology. The third type makes use of the three dimensional images. The screen used is shaped in a curve. This makes the images closer to the real world. (Nigel W. John, Joanna Leng (2001). CATEGORIES: There are six categories in which virtual reality can be displayed: Desktop displays, Head-mounted displays, Arm-mounted displays, Single screen displays, Surround screen displays and Volumetric displays. (Nigel W. John, Joanna Leng (2001). The head mounted displays are among the most widely used displays for virtual reality. In this device, a pair of display screens is placed right in front of the users eyes. These screens are attached to a helmet which the user wears. The arm mounted displays resemble a pair of binoculars mounted on an articulated arm. The user visualizes the virtual world by means of lenses. His virtual environment is controlled by his movements at an arms length and range of motion. Single screen displays use the Immersive Workbench products. These products mostly make use of a tabletop metaphor where the virtual objects give an impression of lying on the table top. Other types of single screen displays make use of a window metaphor. In this kind of display the image seems to be appearing in a large window opened into a virtual space. Another sort of display is known as CAVE, where the viewer sees the images in the form of multiple screens surrounding him as if he is present inside a large cube. The viewer can explore the virtual world by moving inside the cube. (Nigel W. John, Joanna Leng (2001). USES: Virtual reality is now being used in many professions including architecture, meteorology, military, medical and molecular studies. 1. Architecture. Virtual reality has been now used for long in the field of architecture. It has been used to establish the models of buildings before the construction is started. It has also proved to be helpful to determine how a building may have collapsed and to provide improvements in reconstructing a damaged building. 2. Weather Forecast. Virtual reality has also been used in the weather forecast profession by simulating the images with the data collected from the satellites and radars. 3. Military Training. Now virtual reality has officially been declared a part of the U.S military training. They make use of the environments created using virtual reality in whole rooms where soldiers are provided different experiences. These include the war fields as well as different exercises. 4. Cancer Chemotherapy. Another remarkable use of virtual reality in medical field is as a treatment for the cancer patients. Chemotherapy is a painful procedure for most of the patients, yet it is necessary as many malignant cancers cant be treated but their progression can be stopped by the chemotherapy treatment. It has been shown that if the chemotherapy is provided to these patients while they indulge themselves in some activity using virtual world, the pain felt is quite less that that experienced without it. Many chemotherapy centers are now making use of this technology. It is especially true in case of children suffering with cancerous lesions requiring chemotherapy. They feel the procedure less painful if they are allowed to play games or perform any other activity using virtual world and receiving the chemotherapy at the same time. Researchers explain this by the fact that three of the users senses become occupied while using the virtual world. These include, vision, hearing and touch. Thus the brain is actually distracted from the painful event being carried out. Images also play quite an important role in this treatment. The patient is given the option to select any image of his/her choice, like walking on a beach, or visiting an art gallery or performing deep sea diving etc. 5. Molecular Biology. The molecular biology is also making use of virtual reality in order to study the molecular and cellular structures. It enables the scientists to visit small sections of a molecule and study its properties. 6. Medical Studies. Virtual reality is now being used in medical studies as well. By using virtual reality, the medical students and even doctors can learn complex medical procedures without risking anyones life. In medical field virtual reality has been used in diagnosing various diseases using the images provided by other scans and then merging them using medical technology. (eHow, 2010) 7. Driving Lessons. In many countries now virtual reality has been used for driving tests as well. Apart from the actual on-road driving test, the candidates have to take a virtual reality based driving test as well which simulates the real environment. 8. Disabled Children. Virtual reality has also proven itself to be a blessing for the disabled children. A child who a wheel chair for moving needs around can gain an insight of many of the places which he cannot otherwise visit. He can select the images or environment of choice and go to the virtual world for flight, diving, walking, fighting, driving or many other activities. In this regard it is a great blessing for the bed ridden or wheel chair bound children or individuals. (itgs, 2010) ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES: The main advantages of virtual reality are as follows: Virtual reality provides the diverse types of data available in instant forms. It provides images from many different points of views. It is able to demonstrate the non-visible data to the user like in case of geochemistry. Allows a person to visit the places normally inaccessible to individuals. Provides an experience which can be repeated and revised. It can cover the education and knowledge related to almost all fields of life. Even children as well as adults can get benefit from it. It provides information in an interesting manner preventing the user from getting bored. (Weili Qiu, Tom Hubble, 2006). Virtual Reality 9 A remarkable research being carried out now a day is an attempt to make virtual reality usable by the blind persons in order to enable them to face the real world challenges using modern technology. Although the development of a virtual world can be considered as a great leap in the modern technology, yet a lot needs to be still done in this field. Given below is a chart displaying the possible harmful health effects of virtual reality: (Bing Images, 2010). The progress may be considered as slow mainly because of its complex technology. Other disadvantages include: This technique uses the computer visualization and digital techniques, yet it does not present the true three dimensional natures of objects. Although it is very close to reality, yet is unable to provide the feelings of touch, smell etc. It is still not as beneficial as being really in a field. Visiting a website using virtual reality is difficult and hindered by many factors like the network access, load on network and number of connections etc. Many websites accessed using virtual reality are ephemeral and not permanent. Yet needs much improvement regarding the teaching environment. The user may get lost over different websites, thereby increasing the problem of time management. (Weili Qiu, Tom Hubble, 2006). Some users complain of nausea and vomiting by an excessive and continuous use of virtual reality technology. CAN VIRTUAL WORLD REPLACE THE REAL EXPERIENCE? Virtual world is although quite close to the real world yet it is still unable to replace the feelings of a real world. As an example, the virtual reality technology is now being used for military training as well. But a soldier actually knows that he is not going to get any harm from any bullet coming from an unknown origin or a surprising attack. These feelings can only be experienced while being in an actual war field where all of a soldiers instincts are fully active in order to prevent him from any unknown danger, as he knows that it is real and he can even loose his life if he gets distracted from this actual environment. (Science Clarified, 2010) Similarly, it was found many years back that the pilots trained by using the flight simulators make mistakes while flying the actual plane. This occurs because of the actual differences found between the virtual and the real world. As for example, a flight simulator is unable to present the affects of simulation that a pilot feels during an actual flight. Thus, when he gets into a real flight, he faces confusion while experiencing the new sensation. Yet, this is a temporary problem and is resolved by allowing the pilots trained by flight simulators to fly a plane, only after twenty four hours have passed. These problems are although temporary, but they have raised questions about whether a long term use of virtual reality able to bring about permanent changes, especially in children, whose brains are still under developing stage and can easily be modified as compared to the grown ups. Some psychologists believe that a long term and frequent use of virtual reality is going to change the way, people are used to perceive the real world. According to some psychiatrists, a prolonged use of virtual world can make people avoid real life problems instead of trying to solve them. WORLDWIDE ACCEPTANCE: Although virtual reality technology can be still described to be in its initial stages, yet there are now about 61,000 commercial companies all over the world which are using the virtual reality technology to produce different products. Even at this basic stage, now virtual reality has become a part of the educational training at about 3,600 educational institutes all over the world. (authorSTREAM, 2010) There can be no doubt in saying this that the use of virtual reality has now increased to a great extent than the time when it was introduced initially, all over the world. Given below is a graph showing an increase in the use of virtual reality over the period of years. (Google images, 2010) CONCLUSION: Virtual reality can be described as one of the most important inventions of the modern world. Initially when computer was invented, it did not have much uses. With time, many improvements were made and computer started taking an important place at offices, homes and industries. Development of internet was a remarkable addition and it made the computer a necessity for every work place as well as homes. Likewise virtual reality was developed initially with a very basic knowledge. But now, it has started taking an important place at many work places especially those professions which are related to computer and technology. Still studies are being carried out in order to make further improvements in it, and we can predict its importance in the upcoming time mainly because of the reason that the virtual reality enables a person to visit any place or environment where it is sometimes practically impossible to go in person. One can visit the internal body, the space, the molecular structure s, deep sea, buildings, sky, planets or whatever one can think of. Science is amazing and the computer world is giving the mankind an experience of a totally new world which could not be imagined some decades back. Thus, virtual reality can be easily described as one of those inventions of science, which carry a great elasticity in them and with the research work going on in this field, we can hope to get even better results expected to bring great changes in almost every field using computer technology.

defamation Essay examples -- essays research papers

By definition defamation is the act of injuring someone’s character or reputation by false statements. Cases of defamation are only considered attacks on if they are made in a vindictive or malicious manner. The person’s name is considered not only personal but proprietary right of reputation. Defamation is synonymous with the words libel and slander in terms of law. Defamation is a term that encompasses both libel and slander. Libel is a term used to describe visual defamation; as in newspaper articles or misleading pictures. Slander describes defamation that you can hear, not see. It is mostly oral statements that tarnish someone’s reputation. Defamation is used mainly in politically based arenas; corporate workplace, entertainment, and definitely in politics. It can be traced back to as far as governments have been established. Different countries have various roots of laws dealing with defamation and its consequences. In pre- Roman time’s crimes dealing with slanderous and libel offences were punishable by death by law of the Twelve Tables. In Roman jurisprudence the offences were dealt with in a ways similar to modern law. Statements made in public were considered an offence, yet those made in private were not. The truth was a sufficient defense. Many libel and slander laws descend from the English law of defamation. The first documented case of libel was tried by the Star Chamber in the reign of James I. American laws regulating slander and libel began previous to the American Revolution. In one of the more significant cases New York publisher John Peter Zenger was accused and brought to trial on charges of libel. In 1734 the German immigrant published an article â€Å"attacking† Governor Cosby of the New York Colony. His case was won and the trial aquitted. This case showed the oppsite side of the spectrum, on how to fight aginst defamatory charges. Another important case occurred in 1964 in New York Times v. Sullivan. This case set a preesident for libel cases. It stated that officials could only win a suit if they demonstrated actual malice, knowledge that the information was false, and reckless disregard of whether it was false or not. In 1974 Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc. the supremecourt ruled that plaintiff could not win if the statements were oppionion rather than fact. These cases helped protect the first ammendment of... ...any claimed to have fired him for â€Å"cause† which means he had been convicted or entered a no-contest plea to a felony or had been found guilty of fraud or embezzlement. The suit seeks damages and a retraction of company statements that said Orlick was fired for "cause." This cases outcome has not yet been published. Another controvercial case of defamation includes now Governer of California Arnold Schwarzenegger. A Hollywood stuntwoman alleged that she was sexually harassed by Schwarzenegger. She claimed that she was touched during two of the films. When she spoke out aginst Mr. Schwarzenegger his campaign staff told reporters she was a felon with a long criminal record. After this she filed a defamation suit against him for ruining her good name in the public eye. Defamation laws along with those of privacy matters are among the most controvercial. In many cases it is hard to meet the criteria of what is actually concidered a libel and slander offence. As far back as governments can reach defamation has always been a problem and always will be. Defamation is very common and is easily found in things like propaganda, politics, magiznes, newspapers, and the television. defamation Essay examples -- essays research papers By definition defamation is the act of injuring someone’s character or reputation by false statements. Cases of defamation are only considered attacks on if they are made in a vindictive or malicious manner. The person’s name is considered not only personal but proprietary right of reputation. Defamation is synonymous with the words libel and slander in terms of law. Defamation is a term that encompasses both libel and slander. Libel is a term used to describe visual defamation; as in newspaper articles or misleading pictures. Slander describes defamation that you can hear, not see. It is mostly oral statements that tarnish someone’s reputation. Defamation is used mainly in politically based arenas; corporate workplace, entertainment, and definitely in politics. It can be traced back to as far as governments have been established. Different countries have various roots of laws dealing with defamation and its consequences. In pre- Roman time’s crimes dealing with slanderous and libel offences were punishable by death by law of the Twelve Tables. In Roman jurisprudence the offences were dealt with in a ways similar to modern law. Statements made in public were considered an offence, yet those made in private were not. The truth was a sufficient defense. Many libel and slander laws descend from the English law of defamation. The first documented case of libel was tried by the Star Chamber in the reign of James I. American laws regulating slander and libel began previous to the American Revolution. In one of the more significant cases New York publisher John Peter Zenger was accused and brought to trial on charges of libel. In 1734 the German immigrant published an article â€Å"attacking† Governor Cosby of the New York Colony. His case was won and the trial aquitted. This case showed the oppsite side of the spectrum, on how to fight aginst defamatory charges. Another important case occurred in 1964 in New York Times v. Sullivan. This case set a preesident for libel cases. It stated that officials could only win a suit if they demonstrated actual malice, knowledge that the information was false, and reckless disregard of whether it was false or not. In 1974 Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc. the supremecourt ruled that plaintiff could not win if the statements were oppionion rather than fact. These cases helped protect the first ammendment of... ...any claimed to have fired him for â€Å"cause† which means he had been convicted or entered a no-contest plea to a felony or had been found guilty of fraud or embezzlement. The suit seeks damages and a retraction of company statements that said Orlick was fired for "cause." This cases outcome has not yet been published. Another controvercial case of defamation includes now Governer of California Arnold Schwarzenegger. A Hollywood stuntwoman alleged that she was sexually harassed by Schwarzenegger. She claimed that she was touched during two of the films. When she spoke out aginst Mr. Schwarzenegger his campaign staff told reporters she was a felon with a long criminal record. After this she filed a defamation suit against him for ruining her good name in the public eye. Defamation laws along with those of privacy matters are among the most controvercial. In many cases it is hard to meet the criteria of what is actually concidered a libel and slander offence. As far back as governments can reach defamation has always been a problem and always will be. Defamation is very common and is easily found in things like propaganda, politics, magiznes, newspapers, and the television.

Retrospectives Essay -- Autobiographies Education Essays

Retrospectives I selected three autobiographical pieces and one analytical for the portfolio. The order is: "Multi-Threaded ThingTM," an autobiographical paper which took inspiration from the form of Susan Griffin's "Our Secrets," and represented my life by pseudocode written in different computer programming languages; "Autobiographical Comparison," which was a partially successful attempt to compare and contrast my beliefs with those of James Baldwin; "Virginia Woolf: Assertive or Introspective," an analytical assessment of Virginia Woolf's motives while writing her memoir A Sketch of the Past; and "The ideal Life," an autobiographical response to the fantasy life portrayed in Maxine Hong Kingston's "White Tigers." I chose this layout because it sorts the papers by an increasing amount of time spent on each paper, which coincides with an increasing order of my satisfaction with it, as well as for some other reasons. The first paper consists of alternating sections of computer code describing the period of the last four years of my life. It was an interesting experiment to write a paper in this structure. It was at once both easier and more difficult to write than a standard prose structure. I found it easier because I am used to and more comfortable writing with computer code. The structure of code is stricter than that of English in that fewer constructions can be used. I found it more difficult because I did not have a set vision of the content of the paper in mind, but rather only one of its form. I actually accomplished matching the form to my vision, something that is never done when the vision is of the content, but had no coherent picture of the piece while writing. It was an interesting experiment to expre... ...or get it down on paper I stop and try to search for a better verb to use. Since this is the way I think ("this is"), I continue to start with these sentences and verbs, but then try to revise it immediately and bring the creative process to a halt while trying to think of better verbs), I believe that it has helped me to develop my writing. It has reacquainted me with the whole process of writing, and while it's not any easier to produce the papers, at least I have the experience of producing, and the knowledge that I can probably do it again if forced. "In conclusion, I would like to thank you, gentle reader. What's that you say? Me thank you? No, it's not a misprint, for you see I have enjoyed writing this paper as much as you have enjoyed reading it." — Charles Montgomery Bums ("Bart's Blood" - Simpsons) Courtesy of an Anonymous Student. Used with permission.

Response to the Front Kick :: essays research papers

LINE Training 2 – Response to the Front Kick The purpose of this document is to provide the reader with a clear explanation of the maneuvers contained in Series 2 of Marine Corps LINE Training. LINE stands for Linear Infighting Neuro-override Engagement. It is based on the principle of using the brain’s involuntary reactions to traumatic injury to gain an advantage over an opponent. Despite its brutality, the technique is intended only to be used for self-defense. All LINE tactics begin with a quick reversal, followed by a ‘softening blow’ to cause some form of trauma, and then end with a killing blow. MATERIALS Because this will be an unarmed combat exercise, no extra materials will be necessary other than a willing opponent to assist with the maneuver. PROCEDURE 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Assuming that the opponent is kicking with the right leg, and that you are standing to face to face with him, quickly roll on the balls of your feet until you are facing nearly 45 degrees to the right of your original position. This should place you out of the path of the attack so that you could watch your opponent’s foot go by you. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Strike the side of their foot with both of your palms. The force of the blow, combined with their momentum, should be sufficient enough to spin your opponent away from you. You should now be standing behind him. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Close the distance between you and your opponent by grabbing their shoulders. Move quickly to take advantage of their lack of balance. Place your right foot against the back of their left knee and then step forward and down onto it. . Use your weight to force him to his knees. If done properly, this should break the patella, tear the cartilage in the knee, and possibly cause serious tendon and ligament damage as well. This is the softening blow. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Stand quickly and stabilize your opponent by placing your right hand on his right shoulder. You should still be behind him. Using your left hand, place your palm on the top of his head and sink your fingers into his eye sockets. Simultaneously gouge and lift upwards with your fingers, until his chin is high enough to expose his throat. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Release your right hand, close it into a fist and raise it into the air. Gouge the fingers of your left hand deeper into the eyes to keep your opponent incapacitated and strike downwards in a hammer-blow motion, using the side of your fist.

Organic Farming

Mary Sears Taylor ENG 1120 Blair Date Sustainable Agriculture: The Switch from Industrial to Organic P1: Agriculture is the most important user of environmental resources and plays a crucial role in the economy, human health, and production of food and fiber. Currently the debate over agriculture is how to feed the world’s growing population, but in a non-damaging process. Agriculture needs a change resulting in sustainability, but the debate begins with how to achieve sustainability in agriculture. One side insists on expanding the current system of industrial agriculture, which depends on monoculture and mechanization.This modern approach to agriculture, which developed during the 20th century, has successfully fed the growing population, but has resulted in devastating effects on the environment and human health. Organic farming techniques, on the other hand, have recently been introduced as another possible solution to sustainable agriculture. Organic methods, including of crop rotation, pest management, and cover crops, have proven to be less damaging to the environment. Despite the proven benefits, some believe that organic farming methods will not produce enough food to feed the world’s growing population.Therefore, this side of the agricultural debate insists on merging organic farming and industrial agriculture together. Even though feeding the world’s growing population is essential, human health should never be at cost. Organic farming needs to completely replace industrial agriculture. According to Gracelinks. org, â€Å"Sustainable agriculture is the production of food, fiber, or other plant or animal products using farming techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare. This definition proves that industrial agriculture does not meet the requirements of sustainability due to its cause of land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and pollution. Industrial agriculture has successfull y produced an abundant amount of food, but the harmful effects it causes on the environment and public health are unacceptable and unsustainable. P2: Sustainable agriculture techniques aim to embrace farming practices that mimic natural ecological practices.Methods that are sustainable will benefit the farmer, the land, and the community as a whole. Brodt Sonja from The Nature Education Knowledge Project states, â€Å"Agricultural sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. † This definition only begins to prove that organic farming is more sustainable than industrial agriculture. Industrial techniques compromise future generations’ ability to meet their needs.Even though industrial methods produce an abundant amount of food, the impacts are overwhelming on the environment and human health, resulting in an unsustainable world. Despite those who support i ndustrial agriculture or a combination of industrial and organic methods, I found research which proves that organic farming is solely the answer. The results I found confirm that the key to sustainable agriculture involves a complete shift of methods. After researching the debate, I am confident that a change from industrial to organic is vital to improve our environment and attain a sustainable agriculture.The organic farming approach to agriculture has proven to be more beneficial to the environment and public health, along with producing high yields. Agriculture will be made sustainable and ecologically sound by adopting organic farming techniques such as crop rotation, crop diversity, cover crops and pest management. These organic farming methods will continue to feed the world’s growing population without damaging consequences. P3: Sustainable agriculture strives to provide an abundance of food while using methods that do not harm the environment and improve human healt h.The Union of Concerned Scientists states, â€Å"Sustainable agriculture is grounded in the idea of stewardship: preserving the resources that allow us to meet our own needs, so that future generations can meet theirs too. † This means that an approach to farming needs to be economically viable, environmentally friendly, and beneficial to the society in order to be sustainable. Impacts of agriculture currently include land degradation, limits to water availability, loss of biodiversity, and pollution. These negative outcomes are caused by industrial agriculture methods.Yet, some people argue that industrial agriculture is more sustainable than organic farming. P4: Industrial agriculture is the current form of agriculture used in the United States and other developed countries. Economy Watch defines industrial agriculture as a â€Å"modern form of capital intensive farming which requires huge amounts of innovation in agriculture machinery. † The properties of industria l agriculture, which include monoculture, the practice of growing a single crop year after year, and reliance on chemical fertilizer, both result in destructive effects on the environment.Despite these consequences, industrial agriculture produces an abundant amount of food. Therefore, some people argue that the techniques of industrial farming need to be adjusted, not replaced. The article, â€Å"Will Organic Food Fail to Feed the World,† written by David Biello, argues a hybrid approach to sustainable agriculture. Biello states that industrial technologies have â€Å"fed the swelling human population† and â€Å"the world already produces 22 trillion calories annually via agriculture. The evidence supports his argument that the methods of industrial agriculture result in an abundant production of food that successfully feeds the growing population. However, the methods used to produce the great amount of food are harmful to the environment. David Biello also attempts to argue that organic farming will not supply enough food. Quoting environmental scientist Verena Seufert, from McGill University, Biello states, â€Å"We found that, overall, organic yields are considerably lower than conventional yields. By quoting Verena Seufert, Biello uses an ethical appeal to support his argument. It proves the importance of industrial agriculture due to its high yields and food production. His solution to agriculture, combining methods of both industrial and organic farming techniques, is not sustainable. The impacts caused by industrial agriculture out way the benefits. There is a completely sustainable approach that allows farmers to produce enough food without harming human health or the environment. The approach is organic farming.Even though industrial agriculture produces an abundant amount of food, the methods rely on mechanization, monoculture, and synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. The reliance on these methods exhaust the natural resou rces that human life depends on. The Pesticide Action Network states, â€Å"Industrial agriculture treats the farm as a factory, with inputs (pesticides and fertilizers), and outputs (crops. )† The use of comparison between farms and factories, two very opposite areas, informs the reader of the negative impacts of industrial farming.The production of food in factories and the use of chemicals result in negative externalities. The reliance on monoculture in industrial agriculture results in a threat to biodiversity. Monoculture farming depends heavily on chemical inputs because growing the same plant in the same place year after year quickly depletes nutrients that plants rely on. The only way to replenish the nutrients lost, is by adding synthetic fertilizers. The synthetic products added to soil deplete the nutrients in crops as well as producing harmful pollutants into the air.The Pesticide Action Network notes that industrial agriculture uses 70% of the planet’s fre sh water along with being responsible for 1/3 of global greenhouse gas emissions. These outrageous percentages can be reduced only if industrial agriculture is replaced. Industrial agriculture has a high price tag as well. In the article â€Å"Environmental, Energetic, and Economic Comparisons of Organic and Conventional Farming Systems,† David Pimentel quotes the National Research Council when stating, â€Å"The cost of excessive fertilizer use- that is, fertilizer inputs that exceed the amount crops can use- is $2. billion per year. † Pimentel’s use of ethos and logos together successfully persuades the reader away from industrial farming. The harmful chemicals and high costs make industrial farming unsustainable. If sustainable agriculture is the goal, industrial methods and techniques must be replaced all together. Despite the arguments supporting industrial agriculture, organic farming has proven to be the solution to sustainable agriculture. The beneficial results include more fertile soil, greater biodiversity and healthier food products for consumers.These benefits support the requirements of sustainability and are achieved through organic agriculture techniques. Organic farming methods include crop rotation, pest management, crop diversity, and absence of chemicals. By adopting these methods, farmers will produce sustainable farms that can feed the world’s growing population, without negative externalities that halt future generations from succeeding. Crop rotation is the process of growing different crops in succession in the same field or area. When farmers use this organic farming method they avoid consequences such as soil degradation.Crop rotations help to replenish nitrogen in the crop’s soil, therefor chemicals are not needed to replenish the soil’s nutrients. Crop rotation also provides a solution to pest problems. Many pests prefer a specific crop, therefore continuing to grow the same in crop year af ter year guarantees pests a steady food supply. The Union of Concerned Scientists’ article, â€Å"Sustainable Agriculture Techniques,† states that â€Å"rotation reduces pest pressure on all the crops in the rotation by breaking the pest reproductive cycles. † This statement proves that organic farming methods are able to reduce the presence of pests.By planting different crops in a series, farmers decrease the chance of pest problems, in addition to using non-chemical fertilizers. The use of crop rotation allows farmers to produce healthier soil due to the absence of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The use of different plants in a row allows for an increase in soil organic matter which is healthier for the soil and crops being grown. The article, â€Å"Sustainable Development: Five Ways to Get Rid of Pests without Using Chemicals,† argues that the switch from chemical pesticides has led to better soil health.The article quotes Thakur Das, a rice far mer with experience from switching to organic farming, and states, â€Å"Most farmers use chemicals, but their soil is totally dead. † This use of ethos sways the reader to believe the argument. Interviewing a farmer with experience, proves that organic farmers have healthier soil in comparison to farmers who use chemicals. Healthy soil is one of the most important elements of agriculture. Enriched healthy soil can improve yields and produce crops less vulnerable to pests. Another unique benefit of organic farming is its ability to improve biodiversity.Biodiversity in farming is a key contributor to sustainable agriculture. While industrial techniques lack in biodiversity, organic methods increase and support biodiversity. James Randerson, author of the article â€Å"Organic Farming Boosts Biodiversity,† discusses seventy-six studies that measured biodiversity. After the studies were reviewed, the results proved that sixty-six out of ninety-nine found organic farming m ore beneficial to wildlife. Randerson states, â€Å"Organic farming increases biodiversity at ever level of the food chain. His use of logos blatantly displays the evidence to the reader, supporting the argument that biodiversity is increased through organic farming. In addition to Randerson’s proof regarding biodiversity, the article, â€Å"Sustainable Development: Five Ways to Get Rid of Pests without Using Chemicals,† also proves that crop diversity improves agricultural biodiversity. Currently, pests thrive in monocultures. Monoculture is simply the practice of growing a single crop over a large area. This results in negative effects on the environment. An easy solution to this is crop diversity.The article quotes sustainable agriculture expert, Jules Pretty, when stating, â€Å"Farm biodiversity is a more sustainable method of dealing with pests. † The use of ethos helps persuade the reader that crop diversity is a sustainable method. Due to Pretty’ s expertise, the information provided is likely to be true. Chemical additives, which pollute air and destroy crops, are in no way helpful to agriculture. Using techniques such as crop diversity will decrease the need for chemicals. Organic farming methods have proven to increase biodiversity in agriculture, making it a more sustainable approach.The use of organic farming methods result is a sustainable farm. Sustainable farms produce foods without excessive use of pesticides. This process makes the food healthier for the consumer. Research from the Green Peace Corporation states that â€Å"organic crops contain significantly more vitamin C, iron, and magnesium. † Each of these are important to human health. The research supports organic farming, as opposed to industrial agriculture. Sustainable farming successfully produces healthy food in an environmentally friendly manner.

Historical Changes of Affirmative Actions

assentient satisfy was formal to practice decent employ custodyt hazard. More all over, in general, it is a catch all(prenominal) last(predicate) contrive that refers to laws, customs, and well-disposed policies. It in ten-spotds to ease the variety amidst majorities and minorities by giving more(prenominal)(prenominal) opportunities for respective(a) demographic groups in various social organizations. Also, it refers to both voluntary and mandatory efforts ripe by federal, state, local governments, private employers, and crops to shit the best disparity and to urge pertain opportunity into the educational system and working environments (Stephanopoulos and Edley 1995).On the other hand, it is criticized and discussed since it was established callable to its has re eachy broad influences in the States society. It is non simply a legal issue, al unity in interchangeable manner an issue that affects every Ameri rumps way of life. However, its middling give c argon other laws and regulations, none of them corporation out divert each kinds of race. I am a supporter of the optimistic fill. almost cleanthorn say that this is beca lend oneself I am a student, and I need approbatory run to protect my opportunity of determination argumentations in the future unfortunately, they be possessed of the harm thought.I am chinawareese, and I go away reign my job in Taiwan where there is no regulation like approbatory action. Therefore, I am stand at a very neutral position to discuss this topic with you. Of course, you can always keep you opinions in minds, simply please open your minds to look at what I am going to posit you. I. The historical changes of positive action optimistic action was first seen at 1961. professorship John F. Kennedy referred to his executive order that asked all federal contractors treat the applicants and their employees without regard to their race, creed, strain or national origin (Pasour 1989) .In 1964, plausive action expanded its ground to prohibit employment favouritism by large employers, having over 15 employees, whether they control government contracts or non. In addition, from 1965 to 1967, approbatory action was expanded to require all government contractors and subcontractors to take it to expand job opportunities for women and minorities. Then, from 1970 to 1973, legislators evaluated and compared the optimistic action this program and place quo and made this program kick in more flexible terminuss and timetables for every organization to action it. II.I-200 & propose 209 V. S. Affirmative Action When I heard that Washington and California suck in passed Initiative 200 (I-200) and Proposition 209, which are regulations that against approbatory action, I think the residents of these devil states may non clearly spend a penny what the approving action authentically is. These regulations were passed because the supporters recollect affirmative a ction has gone as well as far to protect minorities and women. Furthermore, the affirmative action causes reverse divergences, preferential treatments, and privileges at non just now work places scarcely as well schools.Proponents of I-200 and Californias proposition 209 withal entreat that affirmative action has lead American colleges and universities to use racial and heathenish as criteria to select a world-shaking fraction of their entering classes. They also argue that because of affirmative action, companies may hire little qualified minorities or women instead of best-qualified exsanguine males. I can non agree If those are true, wherefore are most of the top take aim managers pureness males? Besides, why are women acquiring lesser pay than men sire when taking charge of the same duties? accord to the report of the Federal Glass hood Commission in March 1995, a large proportion of minorities and women are locked into low-wage, low-prestige, and tie-up jobs (Murrell and Jones). The Glass Ceiling Commission describe that 97 percent of senior managers at the Fortune 1,000 corporations were white males(Morin and Warden A01). Also, in 1998, women were earning 75% of mens salaries base on the same kind of job, said by Jim Hose, a Human Resource professor of Eastern Washington University. The general innovation of male-female relations continues in modern societies.An cause like Home Depot Inc. , it was worthy by EEOC in 1997 because it employ women into low jobs, such as cashier, with little contingency for advancement into sales or oversight positions (Lerner D3). The evidence shows that affirmative action is stable needed due to societys unequal status. Most importantly, opponents argue that affirmative action causes reverse discrimination, and that is non true. A statistic shows that fewer than degree centigrade out of 3000 discrimination cases filed actually involved reverse discrimination and only six out of 100 cases were true (Wilson 1995).When the U. S. overnment stars to practice affirmative action, it creates broader opportunities for all populations instead of only for white men. At this point, white males may take up whatsoever impact on them, plainly the affirmative action is still needed when you watch society as a whole. other issue has been brought out by advocators of I-200 and Proposition 209, that affirmative action leads schools to select candidates un finely. However, universities do not just look for racial and ethnic smorgasbord when composing a class. Universities may reject close to white students, but the reasons are absolutely not simply close to racial and ethnic issues.According to the date, which is based on 1996 applications for ten public Virginia universities, show those universities selected applicants would consider about race, sex, SAT scores, class rank, and high school grade point averages (Mcqueen A13). Affirmative action is the regulation that ensures every one in America has fair(a) hazards in every organization. Why did legislators established affirmative action? Is it because of historical discrimination of white people against African Americans? This notion gives those opponents a very big chance to criticize affirmative action.They argue that discrimination amidst vagues and whites has become history therefore, we should not have affirmative action to escalate prejudice or recall everybodys attention to racialism. Has our society become equal without discrimination? I take int remember that someone is so simple-minded to think so. Perhaps those critics just dont requisite to face the virtue of the status quo. There was an example on ABC news, which filmed two men that have the same education, age, appearance, and other qualities, However, one is African American and another is white. plot the white got full service in shoes store, got a lower expense and better financing plan for buying a car, the African American got resister treatments. Thus, when you think that affirmative action is enough, please consider what the real world is. The rectitude is that there is pervasive racism in all areas of U. S. society. IV. Four-fifth rule/Quota and Affirmative action The most common argument about the affirmative action is that m either people believe that affirmative action leads organizations to not hire the best-qualified people due to some quota restrictions, such as the four-fifth rule.The four-fifth rule mover adverse impact exists if the alternative ration for the discriminated-against group is less than four-fifths (or 80 percent) of the selection ration for the majority group (Ledvinka and Scarpello 143). These opponents of affirmative action argue that some affirmative action practices have involved the use of preferential treatment and privilege to hit workforce diversity that destroyed the pureness of assessing candidates. At this point, I am not going to say that there is no company tha t likes what they have described, but the problems occurred due to misunderstanding of those regulations.What we say about the Four-fifth rule, or simply say quota restriction, is a remainder set by government for every organization to follow. So far, there is no company which hires employees base on BFOQ (Bona fide occupational qualification), that has been charged because of not spending the object of the Four-fifth rule. True affirmative action does not enshrine preferences or mandate quotas. Nor has any effective affirmative-action program ever been incorporate to allow unqualified candidates to take jobs over the qualified (Redwood 136).Everyone can have goal. By setting a healthy goal for yourself, even you cant reach it, you are still going toward honorable direction. The affirmative action and Four-fifth rule as like. V. How do you identify the term Best-qualified? mass you give the best-qualified a definition? No, I cant. Actually, by using best-qualified, this verb iage is usually very subjective. Different employers have different considerations under their best-qualified catalogs.Tom may be the best-qualified candidate for company A, but may not be legal for company B. Also, Employers have traditionally hired people not only on test scores, but on individualised appearance, family and personal connections, school tiles and on race and gender preferences, demonstrating that talent or sex appeal can be defined in more ways (Kivel 1996). As we lie with, many job opportunities are heard from snug networks, like friends, family, and neighbors. If there is no affirmative action to ensure that everyone has a fair chance at what is available, the segregation between different groups, such as black and white, men and women, will become more and more serious.VI. Affirmative Action creates diversity for our environment Affirmative action helps organizations to find diverse and talented employees. America is a diverse country therefore, if your co mpany has more diverse employees, your company can get various ideas, information, and knowledge to enhance your competition. many companies, such as Mountain Bell, have commented that by instituting affirmative action, they not only made their employee population look like American, which is a diverse country, but also found more talented and masterly workers (Pendleton and Douglas 1991).Another example for supporting affirmative action is the Aire Sheet Metal, which its president, Bobby Bramlett, said that affirmative action creates opportunities with contractors who otherwise wouldnt know us, or give us a chance The work comes through relationships, but that first opportunity to build a relationship comes from affirmative action (Spencer 151). Therefore, affirmative action can let companies have various personnel to enrich companies boilersuit human resource and enhance companies matched capacities. In conclusion, I just want you to recognize what affirmative action really is.A ffirmative action ensures that everyone in America has an equal chance to compete with others. It is a law to minimize the gap between blacks and whites, men and women. Although affirmative action may have some impact to white males, we still need this law to labyrinthine sense our society by considering the society as a whole. Affirmative action is good for overall U. S. society, especially, when people can compound those diverse powers together. Affirmative action is a long-term benefit for the U. S. society. I believe every American should support this regulation.