On Henrik Ibsen’s Nora in a “Doll’s House” Essay Example for Free

On Henrik Ibsen’s Nora in a â€Å"Doll’s House† Essay Henrik Ibsen displays the effect of society’s standard on an ideal family through the interesting characters in his play. Its story lingers on the loveless marriage of Nora and Torvald, and the lives of the supporting characters of the play as they portray society’s take on sexual prejudice and the role it plays on the family unit. Moreover, the story brings out a message that people are not always what they seem on the outside and on first encounters. In the Laws of Morality as presented by Ibsen, individuals had different dilemmas such that a character was developed and recognized in accordance to how he/she deals with it. An individual’s character is not inherited and thus, developed by personal endeavors or one’s own exertion. In today’s community, morality is typically focused on institutions rather than individuals; however the two are inextricably linked. Respect for an individual’s freedom and identity is necessary to sustain mental saneness which is more likely to protect individual freedoms. One such significant character in the play is the protagonist, Nora. Initially, she is introduced in the play as a somewhat childish and submissive wife of the Helmer household. Nora’s husband who constantly refers to her as his â€Å"little squirrel† (Ibsen) or â€Å"skylark† (Ibsen) is constantly implying and enforcing his views of a proper wife on her. This in turn makes the audience think that Nora is a highly dependent wife who relies on her husband’s approval. As the play progresses, Nora displays a rather courageous feat that she has hidden from her family. She had in the past associated with Krogstad on committing fraud to find finances needed in the rehabilitation of her husband’s poor health. To pay for the debts, she works secretly to ensure this. Nora is thrown into a traumatic chaos when Krogstad threatens to reveal their crime in exchange for a favor. She is further set off balance when her husband’s reaction turns out to be the complete opposite of what she hoped for. This circumstance makes her realize the disillusions she had of her marriage and that she has yet to find her true self as an independent being. Having lived an overly protected life under the care of her father and then her husband, she comes to understand that she is living not the life that she wants but of what they have imposed on her. The play ends with Nora leaving her family to embark on a mission to rediscover what she has truly wanted for herself all along. Psychological Effect Due to Unacceptance Nora is first seen as a person who is happy and contented to be the loyal wife and doting mother. While trying to meet the demands of what the society and her husband refers to a proper wife, she deliberately tries to rebel in small ways by lying to her husband about small matters such as eating sweets. Lying on such small things is seen to be psychologically disturbing for Nora, since all things she does seemed to be disapproved by her husband. She later realizes that she was never fully happy and contented living the life that others have arranged for her. Her personal foundation is being individually attached to the community having different cultures, beliefs and fashion preferences compared to hers such that, most of her decisions, likes and dislikes were greatly affected and influenced by the opinions and preferences of the community evolving around her. During the span of her marriage life, she wasn’t allowed and therefore feared to practice her true individual character. Though freedom is something an individual enjoys and is the absence of oppression, it should be practiced that where there is freedom, there is responsibility. This put her in a state of initially accepting her state of living, thus, accomplishing what the community around her believes as a rightful wife to Torvald. However, she discovers that she has been living a lie, hiding the other side of her true personality to the people who were supposed to be her family. Her husband, who she trusted to respond in her honor broke her trust and was more worried on how other people would see the family if they were to know of the crime that she has committed. Freedom is described as rights to personal security, personal expression, and political participation and it is in this respect, that Nora’s freedom of expression of was limited. The Doll in Distress Finding out that she has lost an important part of herself in an empty marriage is a distressing trauma that a lot of people like her deal with. She feels like she has lived an almost empty life as Torvald’s doll and that all her efforts for her husband to appreciate and understand her have proved to be useless. She had lived a life of a doll, where she does what she was told inside the doll house. The shelter that she once considered her home is such a doll house where there are to emotions living and even lingering inside her doll family. Given the traumatic experiences that she has experienced, there is a possibility that she will encounter depression. Moreover, these bouts of depression can lead to possible mental disorders like Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. We have take note that when she decided to leave her husband, she surmised that their children were better off with their father and not with her. This already tells us that she has also lost her confidence as a good mother to her children. Due to her depressing state, she had taken of towards her freedom, leaving of the great responsibility of being a mother behind her. Such confidence of being a good mother was destroyed due to her situation, carrying her battered morale and vanishing self esteem with her. Leaving the Doll House As Nora breaks out and breaks free from the emotionless house, there is sense of strong will to be, putting a great effort of almost forgetting the family and life she had been attached to for years. In Ibsen’s plot, she placed Nora of having acquired a sense of free willingness by letting go a huge part of her life. In the last part of the play, Nora developed the free willingness to make a big step towards recognizing an emotion that is happening to her and being aware of its effect around her. Tuning in and being aware to her every emotion or feelings makes her manage them enabling her to be confident in her worth and capabilities. Being aware of her self makes her confidently use her abilities. Being aware of ones self and emotions makes her a free willed person. Henrick Ibsen finally ended the play with a display of triumph on Nora’s side, being able to show her true individuality despite of Torvald’s disapproval and concern of the reaction of the community around them, which is in great contrast of the true story where the husband had demanded for a divorce and Nora, who was mentally and emotionally agitated, had a nervous breakdown and confined in a mental institution. Conclusion For sheltered people like Nora, breaking out of their safe zone and embarking on a new environment is a terrifying endeavor. They are more vulnerable to fallbacks because being independent is something that they will have to learn for themselves for the first time on their own. Coping up with stress is harder when a person is unaided. Although she has displayed a great deal of courage by clearly defying the wishes of her husband and leaving altogether the household it is therefore inevitable an emotional pit. It is therefore important that although she has decided to leave the household to be independent, she should be in a place where close acquaintances are available for her emotional support system. In these day and age, support systems in the mental health department are already accessible. Compared to the olden days, it is no longer a taboo issue when one seeks a psychiatrist’s help to clear one’s mindset and consult professionals on how to healthily cope up with stress. People who had experiences like Nora then should not hesitate to consult these services if ever they feel that they need it. More importantly, it is essential that they surround themselves with people who know their plight and not isolate themselves. Individuals are important members of a community for a single community is a composition of different individuals. Being individuals of one community, we are now evolving in a community with different likes, dislikes, culture and tradition. The Helmer’s personal foundation is being individually attached to the community of the same cultures, beliefs and fashion preferences, thus, most of their decisions, likes and dislikes, their way of living were affected by the opinions and preferences of the community evolving around them. So even if an individual is a part of a community, there is a big difference between an individual and a member of a community. In a lonely Doll World, it is therefore important by having an awareness of using our abilities to bring optimum results by understanding others as an individual and try out for better ways rather than stereotyping. Works Cited Ibsen, Henrik. The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Dolls House, by Henrik Ibsen, Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius. 29 March 2005. The Project Gutenberg. 14 April 2007 http://www. gutenberg. org/files/15492/15492-h/15492-h. htm

Macro And Micro Environment Analysis Of Ford Motors

Macro And Micro Environment Analysis Of Ford Motors Introduction Ford Motor Company (Ford) is the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, operating in 200 markets across six continents. The brand includes Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Ford also sells luxury sport car Aston Martin. The company primarily based in the US and Europe and employs 246,000 people as on Dec 2007. The goal of Ford is to build products that are immensely desirable so that they get profit. They also do this by increasing number of new product from around the world. On 2007 fiscal year, the company recorded $172,455 mill revenue, increase of 7.7% over 2006. But however, the net loss was $2723 mill in 2007, compared to $12,613 mill in 2006, with operating profit of $5631 mill in 2007 as comparison of $8,190 mill in 2006( datamonitor). Macro and Micro Environment Analysis Industry Analysis: Overall the industry is segmented by the type of vehicles; Motorcycles 5.8%, Passengers cars 69.5% and light truck 24.7%. The faces tough competition with Daimler, Chryster AG, Fiat, General Motor, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Suzuki. In which Ford motor company has the market share of 9.4% ( datamonitor, 2009). The industry fluctuated over 2004-2007 affected by global economic downturn and declined in 2008. However, the performance is predicted to accelerate with compound annual growth rate of 4.4% for 5 yr period of 2008-2013 to a value of $1,831 billion by end of 2013. Despite US Govt. providing billions of dollars to Fords rival GM and Chrysler, Ford is OK with the situation. Despite its loss in 2008 and dwindling cash supply, Ford is widely expressed in media as financially stable  [1]  . PEST Analysis: Political: The Company has to go with rules and regulations formulated by the government such as CO2 Tailpipe Regulation. Companies get respect from government for powered IWO wheelers. Ford has to go through the European Union vehicle approval. Economic: Depression hits the Automobile industry. Ford, GM and Chrysler face problem in this situation. Factors such as Central London congestion charge, call to become all gas guzzlers , European union reduced pollution certificate and London low emission zone affect the manufacturing of the Ford cars. Social: There has been growth in road traffic slowing. Society is concerned with more green cars to be sold. Road safety for everyone should be considered by Ford. Technology: New technologies like using bio-fuels and digital radio should be considered. Ford has invested in car safety. Similarly, Ford also invested in CO2 reducing technology. SWOT Analysis: The companys strong brand portfolio gives it a competitive advantage. Strengths: Ford has a strong brand portfolio and engineering capabilities. Ford has wide network of distributors and dealers and high employee productivity. Ford operates in an industry which has customer who highly value brands who believe strong portfolio of established brand gives competitive advantage which helps in brand equity. This helps in launching new product range and penetrating in new automobile markets. Weaknesses: Ford faces continued decline in market share in US from 20.5 % in 2003 to 15.6% in 2007 similarly in UK 19.5% (0.3% down from previous year in 2006). This was due to increased competition, industry moving away from traditionally stronger segment, reduced vehicle sales, daily rental companies, and discontinuation of companys vehicle lines. Likewise Ford got 3 complaints on leaking fuel or oil ignition. Several product recalls inadequate quality assurance and quality control system and declining operating efficiency and weak returns (datamonitor). Opportunities: Ford Company has the opportunity to expand in India and China. Company launches new models often now and then according to the choices of customers. They can produce hybrid vehicles. They face increasing demand of dual fuel vehicle. Threats: The profitability of the business relies on performance of the economy in which the company operates. If EU and US shows economic slowdown continuously the companys business will face negative impact. Similarly, sluggish light vehicle produced in the developed market also acts as a threat. The company also need to consider EU vehicle regulations. Porters Five Forces Analysis: Buyers in the automotive industry are large with significant financial power. Buyers power of dealers is affected by brand strength of top market players. An increase in raw materials costs put pressure in both market players and suppliers. Barriers of government regulations high fixed costs exit barrier puts new entrants into difficulties. Competition arises as a result of economic downturn. Buyer Power: Buyers in this industry have financial strength, if its high, they can make large purchase and put pressure to reduce prices. But Brand strength weakens buyer power. Retailers like distributor have one market player and thus buyer power is reduced. Overall the buyer power is moderate. Supplier Power: Supplier of raw material, assembled and semi assembled, energy like- steel, aluminium. The power of suppliers is strengthened further by the necessities of the automobile industry requirement of raw materials of high quality. Reliance of supplier is minimized by different companies. The power over all is moderate. New Entrants: Small firms are unlikely to enter in this industry which needs intellectual property. Entry is further made difficult by getting distribution channels. Similarly, company has to meet government requirements and invest on continuous development. The threat is moderate. Substitute: Used cars acts as substitutes. However, affordable power diminishes used cars. Awareness of environmental issues and climate change might lead people to walk, cycle and use public transport. The companies are making hybrid( petrol, electric) cars. Overall the threat is weak. Rivalry: Competition in this industry remains fierce, among the top 4 market players 38% of market value. Toyota, GM , Daimler and Ford. High fixed price exit barriers raw materials costs lead to unpredictable production costs and post pressure on market players. Most company produce diverse range of cars .The rivalry is very strong. Marketing strategy option for Ford Motors Social Responsibility and Ethical Marketing Communication: Ford emphasises on being a good corporate citizen, by focusing on the global community by understanding envirionmental issues and investing on people. Similarly, organise programmes to promote tolerance and equal opportunities and support social and environmental protection programmes. In 2006, Ford was the first automotive manufacturer to produce dedicated hydrogen fuel V-10 engines. (datamonitor). Ford introduces new vehicles which offer fuel economy and reduced environmental impact. In Britain, from April 2009, the government encourage the manufacturer to produce cleaner cars, and Ford should adopt the policy and motivate customers to opt for least polluting cats  [2]  . In short- run, they focus on clean diesel engines, hybrids, flexible fuel vehicle ethanol vehicles and turbo charged direct injection Eco Boast- Superior performance, which provide 20 % better fuel economy, 15% fewer CO2 emissions. In the long run Ford has invested in plug in hybrids, fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, advanced technology. Ford believes that these are right and responsible things which would give customers better goods. Target Markets and Segmentations: Ford has broken down its diverse markets into two manageable segments, Financial and Automotive services. Inside these more segments on geographic and organisational structure. Similarly Ford attracts younger demographic. Automotive: Ford segments its customers based on the car types- passenger cars, trucks, buses and vans, sports vehicles, accessories, after sale parts, maintenance and vehicle repair services. This business division consists of design, development, manufacture, sale and service of trucks, cars and service parts. Hence make small, medium, large and premium ranges. This segment is further divided into geographically, Ford North America, Ford South America, Ford Europe, Premier Automotive group, ford Asia Pacific and Africa Mazda. Each has their own manufacturing process, like- Ford North America- design, develop, manufacture and service vehicle ad parts. They have servicing as maintenance and light repair, collision, vehicle accessories and service warranty. Financing Service Segments: These include financing products to and through automotive dealers. Three categories- retail financing, purchase retail instalment sale contracts and retail lease contract from dealers and offering financing to commercial customers. Similarly, they offer loans to dealers to finance the purchase of vehicle inventory. External marketing communication: Ford develops advertising, sales promotion, sponsorship and merchandising programs  [3]  . Fords advertising policy is do best by building and selling the most innovative cars and trucks  [4]  . Ford adopted Bold Moves campaign, a form of transparent marketing( via webisodes , the assessment of past and present performances), emotional appeals (interview with employees) and product oriented work with an emphasis on drivers than steel metal. Ford has done Sync campaigns  [5]  which deals with TV and radio commercials, print and online advertisement, a promotional tone and dealership training which targets Black and Hispanic consumers. Chris Brown appeal young urban consumers. Give radio commercials Online sync with chrisbrown.com- launched Nov 12, 2007. Columbian Rocker Jaunes Multicultural marketing communications Emphasis on digital promotion. Ford adopts mantra of Change or Die which has reached the parent company of its largest advertising agencies  [6]  . The company hires best talented employees, consultants and contract workers, who are devoted to administrative, media and band experience service. Using ad agencies for delivery would promote the most stunning product. Mark Fields, Fords President of America, focus on customers needs and brands. Ford spends $757.5 million to advertising in US media on 2005. Automakers like Ford, GM are the biggest budget cutters in media and advertising. Ford cut their spending on Hispanic media more deeply in fourth quarter which feel 31.2% last year to $46 .7 million, but according to RNS it is still continuing a long tradition as the executive car sponsor for Univision blockbuster Sabado Ginate show. In April 4, in this show the Host Francisco drive the new 2010 ford Fusion to the studio and hosted Ford Fusion game to give away a new car to a winner in the studio audience  [7]  . In UK, Ford sponsors events like UEFA champions- football tournaments and charities. They sponsor various events and organisations from family fantasy, Disneyland Paris to 60 year old musical and military prowess, the Edinbrugh Tattoo. The sponsorship focus on all the target markets form children to elderly, which shows that company is building image in the community as a form of goodwill for the company itself. Recently Ford Company launched Ford Focus, the commercial is beautifully made. The Ford Focus Orchestra- in which musicians are shown playing the instrument made from the real car parts. The main aim of this advertisement is to show customers that all the car parts are important and has best quality. The journey made with this car would never make you feel long with the experience of comfort cabin with striking exterior and improved technology. Primary Survey Analysis: Customers: As research done on the customers of Ford Cars, most customers are influenced by friends and family. They are likely to buy cars which are recommended by peers. Thus company can focus on giving best service and product to all target customers and also positive word of mouth communication (message is transmitted from the sender to many receivers, Pickton and Broderik). Similarly, customers look after the style and comfort of the cars, like size- 4 wheelers, small for single individual. What they look for is the use of cars like vans, trucks and their storage, capacity, fuel, engine, warranty. So, what Ford needs to understand is the needs and wants of the customers. Likewise, customers are influenced by the advertisement in the cars and magazines. Advertisements which use celebrities are likely to influence more customers. Ford uses cars in James Bond movies, science fiction drama Fringe  [8]  . Ford can adopt celebrity endorsement, using celebrity as a spokes person for project (Pickton and Broderick). Customers are also influenced by the established brand name. They look after the brand loyalty and its strength in the market (Allan K). Sales person influence the most when customers visit showrooms, the form of direct marketing- persuading and informing customers at the spot. Therefore, Ford can invest in best customer service personnel and give training to employees. Recommendations Klara Roberts argues that even though all the promotional activities Ford have done so far, will not help sales grow  [9]  . There are more marketing communications mix (internet advertising, direct marketing and e- commerce, sales promotions, sponsorship etc.) to be adopted to communicate directly with target markets (Seminik R. J.). Managing Corporate Identity: Ford can maintain the image of being dynamic, goal- orientated, attention-getting, active and pioneering .According to the Chris Fill, 2002, Ford has many stakeholders and small corporate gap and hence can adopt incremental process in maintaining this gap. Similarly, Ford should try to be a good corporate citizen, by managing corporate identity among various stakeholders, like- employees, local community and government. All the promotional and marketing activities done by the companies are based on maintaining corporate image. Push Promotional Strategy: Ford can adopt this strategy, a form of promotional effort by the manufacturer or suppliers to encourage trade channel members to promote and sell their products (Pickton and Broderick). Sales forces, internal part of communication, can be targeted as the main form of push strategy. Pull Promotional Strategy: Ford can also adopt pull strategy, a form of promotional effort to end customers and consumers to demand more by adding benefits and other activities (Pickton and Broderick). Such as discount promotion- a process of discounting the price for the product so that customers are encouraged to buy however this involves financial aspects (Hans and Duncan) . Similarly, they can improve on their weaknesses to minimize product recall and improve product efficiency which adds benefits. Relationship Marketing: Ford can put its emphasis on relationship marketing, between various stakeholders. They can focus on delivering more to the target customers by being more specific. As researched on the consumers, they are affected by the positive word of mouth marketing. Ford should focus on customer relationship management (positive communication and long term customer relationship management, Hans and Duncan). Even though they give services like financing, service and maintenance, they can add more features like style and safety. Brand Strategy: Most customers considers brand before making purchase decision. What Ford can invest in establish long term brand image by using more of communications mix which are explained further. This will help as a source of competitive advantage and create entry barrier. Brand strategy helps in improving the product by introducing innovative technology (Semenik). Similarly, Ford can also look for brand future, by adjusting in future changes in legislation, technology consumer patterns (Pickton and Broderick). Business 2 Business Marketing: This form of marketing acts as a lead generator, brand awareness and relationship development. If Ford fails to recognize the trade customers, they looses the first line customers. The agencies should change their cultures break down barriers and generate new marketing initiatives and creative ad content. Promotional Mix/ Intergrating Marketing Communication Mix: Analysing Ford Company, we can see that they have adopted various forms of promotional mix such as advertising, sponsorship. However, they can invest more on these factors and decide on what to adopt ( Kotler and Keller). Advertising Expenditure: Ford can also expend on intermedia (options for deciding media such as cinema, TV, press posters, magazines etc). Ford can target TV commercials (Ford Orchestra) as lots of people see TV everyday during free period. Buying a car is high involvement product where more risk is involved in buying decision (Hierarchy of Effects Model). People look for the best advertisement and are influenced by the positive aspects of commercials. Thus Ford could be more focused on creative advertising procedures. Public Relations: Ford can make an effort in this field by having sound relations with employees during the time of redundancy and closure, which is happening at the current economic downturn. Similarly, Ford can invest in ethical marketing, doing best for the public, like donations, conserving environment. All these helps in dealing with the negative publicity and crisis management and develop to make the corporate image (Pickton and Broderick) and helps brand signatures( Kotler and Keller). Internet Advertising: In Sept. 2008, Google was criticised for charging companies like Ford, for their share of profit in return of internet advertising  [10]  . There are various negative consequences that are faced by company in internet advertising such as fraud and scam. However, Ford can invest in internet advertising through websites which acts as an agent for the car companies. Personal Selling and Sales Management: As a research done on the customers, they are influenced by the presentation of customer service advisors. Similarly, the role of distributor is very important as they act as the main source to deal with the sales and marketing effort (Pickton and Broderick). Future Marketing communications: The form of media is always changing. The generation of use of media depends on the innovation and technology ( Broderick and Pickton). Firstly, there was a use of newspapers, then radio, television and internet. Future is based on the electronic marketing, known as ecommerce. Ford needs to go along with the change in media adaptation by the consumer and thus invest in communication via such medium.

Woman in Combat Essay -- essays research papers

The idea of women in combat is not unusual anymore. They should be able to hold combat positions beacause although physical strength matters, the military still needs the intelligence that women can bring. Also, banning women from the combat hurts their military careers. Although women account for only ten percent of the enlisted personnel (Time, 8/21/95/ Pg. 31), they are still a major part in the armed forces. Their performance recently has generated support from Congress and the public for enhancing the role of females in the military. During the Persian Gulf War, women were sent to the Middle East to fly helicopters, service combat jets, refuel tankers, and load laser-guided bombs. Their performance has led the world to realize that women are extremely useful in combat. Defense secretary Dick Chaney said "Women have made a major contribution to this [war] effort. We could not have won without them." Leaders in the field agreed. The Gulf War had the largest deployment of women in the armed forces in history. These women encountered the same risks as the men they served with. Twenty one females lost their lives (Holm, Women in Combat: The New Reality, pg. 67-68). In the Persian Gulf, there were no exact positions and all areas were equally vulnerable, so the idea of safe havens for women was not really applicable. By many armed forces policies, females are banned from combat jobs and units, but in the Persian Gulf War females were assigned to battleships, air...

Corruption in the Canturbury Tales by Gefforey Chaucer Essay -- greed,

The Canterbury Tales, penned by Geoffrey Chaucer gives its audiences insight on the corruption that exists to this day in humanity. As you read through the chapters Chaucer reveals the dark sides to supposedly respectable people such as the Summoner, along with people he favors like the Knight, the Wife of Bath, and women in general. His comical descriptions and stories that coincide with each character express his thoughts on real people in his society. My perception of the Summoner’s tale moral is that greed is the root of all evil. The Summoners tale introduces us to a greedy Friar who only begs at the homes of the rich. Instead of praying for the people he meets the Friar erases their names from his tablet after taking advantage of their accommodations and stealing their money. When the greedy Friar makes a stop at Thomas’ home he is greeted by his troubled wife who had recently lost her child, the Friar sees the wife’s vulnerability as an opportunity to make more money and tells her he had a vision of her son in heaven. This leads to Thomas’s wife reaching out to the Friar about her dieing husband being in a nasty mood. Thomas sees the Friars transparency so he questions him about his health â€Å"God knows† said Thomas, I feel no benefit therefrom. So help me, Christ, in the few years I have spent many a pound on all sorts of Friars, yet I never get better. Truly, I have almost used up my mon ey. Farewell by gold it is all gone!† (Page 192-193)The Friar then turns the tables on Thomas and blames his illness on him giving money to other friars â€Å"Why does a man who has a perfect physician need to seek other doctors in the town? Your infidelity has ruined you. Do you think that it insufficient that I, or rather our group, should pra... ...d fair, And take your chance on those who will repair To your house now and then because of me (Or to some other place, it may well be). Choose for yourself the one you'd rather try." (Pages 1119-1125) The Knight seems to have learned his lesson for he leaves the decision up to the old woman, the story ends with the Knight living happily ever after with is beautiful and faithful wife. This story reflects on how strongly Chaucer believed in women’s rights because it reveals women’s desires and opinions. In conclusion, The Canterbury Tales reflects Geoffrey Chaucer’s view on medieval society. From his writings we are able to visualize and learn about different social classes’ from an honest point of view. The Knight, the Wife of Bath, and women character we greatly favored throughout the tales while others were highly unlikeable. Works Cited the cantubury tales

Essay --

Overcome Dyslexia and Become a More Comprehensive Reader Reading comprehension is a skill that has to be learned by most of the population. This includes adults that have been reading for many years. There is a difference between reading and reading comprehension. Read is defined as, â€Å"to look at and understand the meaning of letters, words, or symbols† (Read, 2014). Comprehension is defined as, â€Å"the act or action of grasping with intellect† (Comprehension, 2014). Even as an adult, people may have difficulties with reading comprehension. There can be visual learning disorders such as dyslexia. There are many learning techniques and strategies that can negate or even overcome these visual learning disorders. This paper will discuss a few techniques and strategies that when used can improve reading comprehension such as vocabulary building, effective reading, and reading strategies. With these techniques the road block of dyslexia may no longer be an issue. Dyslexia Misconceptions of Dyslexia The largest misconception is that dyslexia changes the word to read backwards in the reader’s brain. While this is one possible effect, dyslexia covers a wide range in the visual learning disorders. While dyslexia is not limited to a specific gender, race, or age group; it does tend to affect males more than females. Males make up 75 – 80% of people diagnosed with dyslexia (Chivers, 2006, p. 20). Dyslexia has various symptoms that can help diagnose children, students, and even adults. Identifying Dyslexia There are various symptoms that help identify dyslexia; such as poor reading and spelling abilities, switching the directions of letters in words, and problems building short-term memory (Thomson, 2009). There are many other sym... ...ed by most, and how dyslexia can cause problems with reading comprehension. It also discussed ways that we can mitigate these problems for dyslexic people, but these skills can and should be used by all learners. Reading comprehension is a perishable skill, one that if you don’t work on increasing your reading ability by building your vocabulary, learn to read effectively, or using the correct reading strategies for the type of reading material being studied will diminish. Even with the largest vocabulary, if the words are not understood literacy cannot be achieved. Literacy is the key to comprehensive reading. It also gave some of the tools for reading and understanding different types of literature and how to get the important information out of each one. Edmund Burk said â€Å"To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting† (Gallagher, 2003, p. 11).

Back from Madness

The film entitled Back from Madness: The Struggle for Sanity is a full-length documentary that primarily provides the viewers an in-depth view with regard to the world of insanity that few people have ever seen. This documentary focuses on depicting and exploring the personal and/or actual experiences of the four psychiatric patients, namely Todd, Naomi, Glen and Eric, for a couple of years that span from the time they are admitted at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital.The documentary serves as a good piece in assessing the experiences of psychologically-ill individuals and the responses of science in addressing the difficulties faced by the patients. More specifically, it has a great impact on the study and practice of psychology. From an observation of the patients, the four specific criteria of psychological disorders are apparent. The four criteria of psychological disorders are distress, risk, impairment, and socially/culturally unacceptable behavior (Halgin & Whitb ourne, 2007).Distress and impairment is seen from the experience of Glen, who consistently washes his hands and other tasks that require much of his energy in repeated cycles. This makes him feel distressed as it interferes in his daily normal activities. Risk is very obvious for Eric who has fallen into a state of depression that leads him to become suicidal. With his inability to play his instrument, as a part of a major orchestra, he developed fears of failure.Conduct of socially unacceptable behavior is seen in the experience of Naomi who is disturbed by her hallucinations as she claims to hear voices that came from the sky. The voice she hears overpowers her, too. Lastly, Todd engages in socially unacceptable behavior and resists to taking his medicines regularly that consequently leads to him being sent to the hospital and in jail. Two patients that are of worthy attention are Naomi and Glen, who are 23 years old and 53 years old, respectively.Naomi is diagnosed with schizophr enia and shows to be a patient who has hallucinations and delusions. She reports that she sometimes hears people talking even if it does not occur in reality. However, contrary to the usual symptoms of people with schizophrenia, Naomi has normal speech and behavior patterns. She behaves like most of the people and she is not having problems with speaking. Likewise, the way she expresses her emotions is still within the normal range and is in no way different from that of the other people.She desires to be given the right medication in order for her to continue with her studies and live a normal life without suffering from the symptoms of her disease. The other patient, Glen, is diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder and shows the typical symptoms of people who are suffering from this illness. He has shown the inability to prevent himself from repeatedly doing things and this behavior has led to distress and leads to disruptions in the daily routine, tasks, and relationships wi th other people.His condition is classified as among those which are severe in nature and requires treatment in order for him to be able to live a normal life and be able to undertake the tasks and responsibilities he has. As for schizophrenia, the common treatments involve psychotherapy and medications, which is both reinforced through the family and the self (Grohol, 2006). As for OCD, it is presently treated through therapy that involves exposure and response prevention and cognitive therapy (â€Å"Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,† 2009).These are among the modern ways of providing health care solutions for the psychologically-ill patients and are in sharp contrast with the approaches that are employed in the past. Historically, people with psychological illnesses are subjected to inhumane procedures such as imprisonment without proper care, activities that are considered as torture today, and drillings in skull with the belief that demons are trapped within the brain of the patients. The approaches today is seen to be based on scientific approaches that warrants empirical evidence through proper diagnosis before treatment is provided.Moreover, the treatments used presently are seen as those which stem from the desires of the early reformers in providing a moral means for addressing the needs of the patient considering that the past treatments are seen to be ineffective. Indeed, continuous research and development in treating psychological problems is a trend that is consistent within the history of abnormal psychology. The documentary is in line with the history of abnormal psychology such that it shows the different approaches in the past in terms of treating the patients and also shows the present-day methods.It is made clear that there are variations in terms of explaining what the illness could be and what the causes are. The transition and the comparison from before to the present day served as the theme of both the history of abnormal psychology and the documentary. In watching the experiences of the three patients, the hardest to watch is that of Todd as he has the different experience compared to the other three patients. Where the three others are able to have the persistence in seeking for medical help, Todd projected himself as the patient who would rather be free and went through refusals in drinking medicines regularly.Among the four patients, he has the least chance of getting better and is less successful in counteracting the symptoms and difficulties felt. Likewise, his experience is more traumatic as his refusal led him to being jailed and hospitalized. It is depressing to know that it is the patient himself who refuses to seek medical help despite the availability and access to such. The documentary, Back from Madness: Struggle into sanity, serves as an important tool in understanding different psychological disorders and the approaches to such.Likewise, the differences highlighted in the before and after is al so an interesting lesson in the field of abnormal psychology. Reference Grohol, J. (2006). Schizophrenia treatment. Retrieved February 11, 2009, from http://psychcentral. com/disorders/sx31t. htm. Obsessive compulsive disorder: symptoms, thoughts and behaviors, and treatment. Retrieved February 11, 2009, from http://www. helpguide. org/mental/obsessive_compulsive_disorder_ocd. htm. R. P. & Whitbourne, S. K. (2007). Abnormal Psychology: Clinical perspectives on psychological disorders (5th Ed. ). Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Durga puja Essay

Different people may have different take on the need and importance of Durga Puja. If one is looking from the traditional point of view then Durga, who is considered as the culmination of energies of the various Gods resembles the victory of the good over the evil. Goddess Durga has not only the powers to destroy evil but also the caring heart of a Mother and is therefore, referred popularly as Maa Durga. She is also referred to as Aditi – the mother of all gods and goddesses. This endearing quality of Durga makes Her so very lovable in the minds of Her followers. From being mother of all creations She equally holds the place of the destroyer. The word Durga means â€Å"durduhkhena gamyate† – destroyer of all evil and ignorance. Modern day importance – the concept of feminist Maa Durga with Her all powering qualities represents the feminist concept of women-power. It calls for the respect of the mother and women in our lives. No where it is important than in India where gender discrimination is still rampant. Durga Pujas and its various traditions like the Kumari Puja send forth an idea to the followers to respect Womanhood. in fkvbrnvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv- vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv- vvvvvvvvvverfvkmedcomedcmelmclemclemcklec register | forgot Bottom of Form Maa Durga Importance of Durga Puja Different people may have different take on the need and importance of Durga Puja. If one is looking from the traditional point of view then Durga, who is considered as the culmination of energies of the various Gods resembles the victory of the good over the evil. Goddess Durga has not only the powers to destroy evil but also the caring heart of a Mother and is therefore, referred popularly as Maa Durga. She is also referred to as Aditi – the mother of all gods and goddesses. This endearing quality of Durga makes Her so very lovable in the minds of Her followers. From being mother of all creations She equally holds the place of the destroyer. The word Durga means â€Å"durduhkhena gamyate† – destroyer of all evil and ignorance. Modern day importance – the concept of feminist Maa Durga with Her all powering qualities represents the feminist concept of women-power. It calls for the respect of the mother and women in our lives. No where it is important than in India where gender discrimination is still rampant. Durga Pujas and its various traditions like the Kumari Puja send forth an idea to the followers to respect Womanhood. in fkvbrnvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv- vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv- vvvvvvvvvverfvkmedcomedcmelmclemclemcklec register | forgot Bottom of Form Maa Durga Importance of Durga Puja Different people may have different take on the need and importance of Durga Puja. If one is looking from the traditional point of view then Durga, who is considered as the culmination of energies of the various Gods resembles the victory of the good over the evil. Goddess Durga has not only the powers to destroy evil but also the caring heart of a Mother and is therefore, referred popularly as Maa Durga. She is also referred to as Aditi – the mother of all gods and goddesses. This endearing quality of Durga makes Her so very lovable in the minds of Her followers. From being mother of all creations She equally holds the place of the destroyer. The word Durga means â€Å"durduhkhena gamyate† – destroyer of all evil and ignorance. Modern day importance – the concept of feminist Maa Durga with Her all powering qualities represents the feminist concept of women-power. It calls for the respect of the mother and women in our lives. No where it is important than in India where gender discrimination is still rampant. Durga Pujas and its various traditions like the Kumari Puja send forth an idea to the followers to respect Womanhood. in fkvbrnvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv- vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv- vvvvvvvvvverfvkmedcomedcmelmclemclemcklec