Benjamin Harrison Free Essay Example, 750 words

At some point, he mentioned that he could even attend the continental congress on foot (Adams 23). This demonstrates his passion to see a country that is free from interference by the foreigners that exploit it for their own benefits. I presume that he would admire the change and the rise of America to the current economic and political state. At some point, he mentioned that he could even attend the continental congress on foot (Adams 23). This demonstrates his passion to see a country that is free from interference by the foreigners that exploit it for their own benefits. I presume that he would admire the change and the rise of America to the current economic and political state. In the independent America, Harrison was one of the contented individuals that freedom has finally reigned. Despite the turbulent times in the realization of the American independence, freedom was finally achieved; this was one of the aspects that made Harrison V be a contented individual. He was not a power greedy individual. He was one of the candidates that were being considered for the seat of the governorship in 1790 but he declined. We will write a custom essay sample on Benjamin Harrison or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page He was a diplomat and believed that his country needed sovereignty and the freedom in all spheres. In this regard, he would admire the unison among the states and the co-working between them and the federal government. In addition, the peace, economic prosperity and the political might of the United States would be key aspects that would motivate the diplomat and a founding father. However, being a conservatism and a Christian there are views that he would be disappointed with, let's say for example aspects such as homosexuality and secularization would not please the statesman.

Essay about Feminist Imagery in Joseph Conrads Heart of...

Feminist Imagery in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness Many feminist critics have used Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness to show how Marolw constructs parallels and personification between women and the inanimate jungle that he speaks of. The jungle that houses the savages and the remarkable Kurtz has many feminine characteristics. By the end of the novel, it is the same feminized wilderness and darkness that Marlow identifies as being the cause of Kurtzs mental and physical collapse. In Heart of Darkness, the landscape is feminized through a rhetoric of personification. The landscape is constructed as an entity that speaks and acts, and is consequently made to appear as something which is alive. The projection of a face on the†¦show more content†¦She must have had the value of several elephant tusks upon her. She was savage and superb, wild-eyed and magnificent; there was something ominous and stately in her deliberate progress. And in the hush that had fallen suddenly upon the whole sorrowful land, the immense wilderness, the colossal body of the fecund and mysterious life seemed to look at her, pensive, as though it has been looking at the image of its own tenebrous and passionate soul. She came abreast of the steamer, stood still, and faced us. Her long shadow fell to the waters edge. Her face had a tragic and fierce aspect of wild sorrow and of dumb pain mingled with the fear of some struggling, half-shaped resolve. She stood looking at us without a stir, and like the wilderness itself, with an air of brooding over an inscrutable purpose. The wilderness is figuratively embodied in the form of the native woman, and simultaneously personified as a particular type of femininity. The woman becomes a figure for the fearful consuming embrace of the wilderness and darkness which Marlow identifies as having been the cause of Kurtzs collapse, and from which he is protected only by his restraint: Suddenly she opened her bared arms and threw them up rigid above her head as though in an uncontrollable desire toShow MoreRelated Oppositions in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay1209 Words   |  5 PagesOppositions in Heart of Darkness      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness is full of oppositions.   The most obvious is the juxtaposition of darkness and light, which are both present from the very beginning, in imagery and in metaphor.   The novella is a puzzling mixture of anti-imperialism and racism, civilization and savagery, idealism and nihilism.   How can they be reconciled?   The final scene, in which Marlow confronts Kurtzs Intended, might be expected to provide resolution.   However, itRead MoreHeart Of Darkness By Joseph Conrad942 Words   |  4 Pages When read at face value, Joseph Conrad’s novella, Heart of Darkness, portrays a tale of white, imperial, oppression of the African natives of the Congo. However, when viewed through the lenses of psychoanalysis and feminism, different interpretations emerge. Psychoanalysis provides a glimpse into the mind of Marlow. The story reads as if it takes place within a dream world. Feminist theory examines the perceptible qualities associa ted with women. Each theory presents a new way of interpreting andRead MoreAnalysis Of Conrad s Heart Of Darkness1729 Words   |  7 PagesIn Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad limits the amount and activity of his female characters, especially through the protagonist Marlow. Marlow merely reduces women into creatures of a different world and fails to see the importance of females. However, through this oppressive view on women, Conrad demonstrates Marlow’s ironic subjugation of women. Although in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, women simply serve as symbols while Marlow attempts to display himself as masculine, Conrad reveals the influenceRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pages(2006): 1–28. 46. Patrick K. O’Brien and Leandro Prados de la Escosura, â€Å"Agricultural Productivity and European Industrialization, 1890–1980,† Economic History Review 45, no. 3 (1992): 514–536. 47. Moya, Cousins and Strangers, 150–153, 266–276. Joseph P. Ferrie, â€Å"History Lessons: The End of American Exceptionalism? Mobility in the United States since 1850,† Journal of Economic Perspectives 19, no. 3 (2005): 199–215 also shows exceptionally high levels 50 †¢ CHAPTER 1 of upward mobility

A Sample of Factors to Define Modern United States Masculinity Free Essays

string(93) " and fixed femaleness that emanates from the mother in the early mother-infant relationship\." A Sample of Factors to Define Modern United States Masculinity | Introduction During the twentieth century there have been several leading studies, findings and theories to attempt to rationalize and explain masculinity and gender roles in the United States. Some have been based on biblical reference, others on pure animal instinct and some based on modern research. In the following pages I will describe my own factors and qualities that define what it means to be man; that is to understand modern masculinity in the United States. We will write a custom essay sample on A Sample of Factors to Define Modern United States Masculinity or any similar topic only for you Order Now I will highlight and further explore the common theme of hegemonic masculinity and how it threads into our modern culture. You will see a â€Å"frameless framework† evolve; one that is not visible directly, rather it becomes visible only through the absence of tangible visual clues. In addition, I will explore the intersectionality of several roles the Western culture uses to define ourselves as men. Along the way I have included historical references to show how this has changed. In the end you will have a better understanding about intended, conscious choices as well as those unintended, more subtle elements which define modern Western masculinity. Hegemonic Masculinity When pressure is applied and the outcome is not written, verbalized or otherwise directly expressed as hegemonic. This likewise can be applied to gender roles, and most specifically to masculine gender. The dominant discourse of masculinity characterized by physical and emotional toughness, risk taking, predatory heterosexuality, being a breadwinner, and so on. Elements of hegemonic masculinity are commonly set up in binary opposition to their alternatives, so that anything other than the hegemonic form is immediately non-masculine (Divisser, 597) There are numerous unrealistic expectations placed on modern men; often fraught with conflicting values and outcomes. Often men are defined as men by actions, visual clues and memberships to social (non-visual) cliques. Throughout recent history gender (masculine and feminine both) have evolved, as they should have, and n some ways modernized to fit with current cultural standards. Theorists have historicized gender and detached it as an analytical concept from patriarchy, emphasizing instead the performative and discursive features of regimes of gendered power. (Nye, 419) Several theories have been introduced to understand how conflicts incur stress or â€Å"strain†. One such theory is Gender Strain Theory which roughly states how genders differently experience various aspects of life, inc luding their gender. In an important sense there is only one complete unblushing male in America: a young, married, white, urban, northern, heterosexual Protestant father of college education, fully employed, of good complexion, weight, and height, and a recent record in sports. Every American male tends to look out upon the world from this perspective, thus constituting one sense in which one can speak of a common value system in America. Any male who fails to qualify in any one of these ways is likely to view himself—during moments at least—as unworthy, incomplete, and inferior. Phillips, 407) Additionally, men and women experience war differently even with the same uniforms, leaders, directions and mission the outcomes and experiences for each gender are distinct. The men who made the transition from citizens to soldiers were obliged to leave behind a sense of manly competence as heads of household for a life in which they lived rough, submitted to discipline, and survived on their fight ing skills and personal courage. (Nye, 417) One important note is the sense of pride that an act, such as fighting for one’s country can inflict on a man. As much as he might love and identify with his country, the citizen-soldier fought for and under the scrutiny of his comrades in arms, out of the need to defend his personal honor and that of the fatherland, or—which amounts to the same thing—to avoid shame. (Nye, 421) Some actions, either socially, publically and in some cases privately, also perpetuate an unrealistic gender stereotype. As an example, vendors of all types market to gender-specific audiences; one of the most gendered is beer manufactures. They spend an incredible amount of effort (and money) researching gender, role and the perfect campaign to stimulate sales. Masculinity may be conceptualized as a problem because of links between hegemonic masculinity and excessive alcohol consumption, academics, health professionals, the media, and the general public should resist the urge to equate (young) masculinity with excessive alcohol consumption. (Devisser, 612) Within the humanities, human and social sciences, there is growing understanding of identity as a normative ideal that is assured through use of categories like sex, sexuality, gender, race, and ethnicity. These categories function to regulate and â€Å"develop† identity by including and excluding particular characteristics in relation to an assumed â€Å"normal. † (Phillips, 416) Hegemonic masculinity thus refers to the social ascendancy of a particular version of model of masculinity that operates on the terrain of common sense and conventional morality that defines â€Å"What it means to be a man,† thus securing the dominance of some men (and the subordination of women) within the sex/gender system. (Craig 190) At the most basic level, masculinity can be understood as the outward expressions of being biologically male. In this way, male (and female) behaviors are accounted for through a form of genetic and/or biological determinism. The Y Chromosome, testosterone and other hormonal influences, are seen as creating a drive toward particular behaviors in men – hunter(breadwinner), being territorial, sexual promiscuity – that are expressions of evolutionary mechanisms designed to ensure the survival of the species and the procreation of the strongest genetic pool. (Robertson, 27) The model of the male hegemonic sexuality tends to presume the idea of a male heterosexual identity. This, in turn, implies some sense of sameness, commonality, and continuity. If not actually present, the search is nevertheless at least on for an identity—a project of knowing how one is a man. (Hearn, Connell, Kimmel, 190) Another theory that has evolved is the Psychoanalytic Object Relations Theory of Masculine Identity. It helps explain that a boy’s innate and fixed maleness is inadvertently undermined by the mother’s innate and fixed femaleness that emanates from the mother in the early mother-infant relationship. You read "A Sample of Factors to Define Modern United States Masculinity" in category "Papers" This undermining occurs, according to Pollack (1995), through the mother’s unconscious and conscious dis-identifying behavior. He describes it as â€Å"more than just a subtle emotional shift. (Phillips, 409) In a related, yet quite different approach, the Self-In-Relation Theory of Men and Masculinity Development that encourages sons and fathers (or mothers and sons) so ultimately not stay connected. Although painful thi s necessary coming-of-age does help complete the parent role and begin the maturity of the son. According to the self-in-relation theory of masculine development, disconnection from relationship is reinforced by cultural forces. Gender role socialization and gender stereotypes, for example, pressure boys and mothers to disconnect in the name of â€Å"normal† development and achieving maleness. Phillips, 411) This pressure to define oneself as a man has been a historically difficult and painful experience. During the early portion of the industrial revolution men no longer worried only about controlling their own passions; now they were fretting that the new crowds surrounding them would put them in a straitjacket. And sadly, at least to many of them, escape was increasingly difficult. (Kimmel, 86) Therefore in many cases men had to find common ground among themselves. For the first time they could help identify themselves as individuals by first define themselves as a group. Gender socialization, in this theory, provides the interactional component between individual and society in gender role identity formation. (Phillips, 410) Race and Age Marginalization For some men identity definition comes about by marginalizing other minority groups. By minority I mean other races, ages, social classes, economic groups, religions, etc. By downplaying others’ images it makes the man feel stronger. By comparison a hegemonic masculinity is asserted by denigrating ‘others’ who are not present. Mullen, 152) Although seemingly subtle this assertion has put countless marginalized groups further under power and further separated from a dominant class. External appearance and physical functioning are considered reflections of the self and symbolize social status. Thus, people whose body does not comply with the ideal rank lower in the hierarchy. Specifically, whereas the young body is a central definer of the ideal person, the aged body symbolizes the u nwanted and turns into a subject of collective stigma. (Mersel, 74) This case of ageism pushes a lifetime of experience and expertise aside for the sake of ego and self righteousness. Interestingly, the division between two ‘kinds’ of people is supported by opposing stereotypes. Whereas youngsters are perceived as productive, independent and dynamic, elders are regarded as non-productive, dependant and static. A similar reversal relation is found in gender traits as well. In contrast to the gendered young and middle-aged adults, older persons are conceived of as devoid of gender. (Mersel, 75) In addition to the general relationship between aging and gender, the specific intersection between aging and masculinity further deepens the interruption in the masculine key-plots. One major reason is older men’s transparency. As a result of the aging demography, older men are constructed as pre-death. (Mersel, 76) Power Over Women with Pornography Another factor to help define masculinity is the self-centered and sexual pleasure derived from pornography. Specifically from pornographic web sites since the selection is so wide for individual tastes, the availability is as ubiquitous as the Internet and privacy does not usually become an issue. No discussion of these Web sites can ignore the attempts to devalue women in text and images presented. The sites objectify women, relegate them to means for satisfying â€Å"normal† (pathological) desire, and present them as sources of financial reward. While these women are represented as interested in sex, no matter how interested or willing these women are, they remain things to be used and left for the next object-commodity. (Cook, 52) No matter the sexual preference the center of this situation is another power-over situation. Rarely has pornography been produced that does not provide a point of view for a dominant male. Even with Bamp;D pornography with a female dominatrix the woman is simply performing the man’s duty with â€Å"male gaze† enabled. Sex is then no longer the source of a truth, as it was for the moderns with their strong belief in science. Instead human sexualities have become destabilized, de-centered and de-essentialized: the sexual life is no longer seen as harboring an essential unitary core locatable within a clear framework (such as the nuclear family), with an essential truth waiting to be discovered. (Hearn, Connell, Kimmel, 188) Job Identity For numerous reasons men typically use a job as a major contributing factor to their identities. It can fulfill a sense of pride, satisfaction and other purely tangible benefits which are hard to combine in other scenarios. Clearly success here can be defined as a raise, a promotion, recognition and other benefits of a defined â€Å"job well done†. When people of either sex success or fail at a task they typically attribute their success or failure to some cause—their ability, effort, luck or the difficulty of the task. Which cause is attributed in a particular circumstance is a result of such factors a gender stereotypes and neurotic pressures. (Steinberg, 98) Historically airline companies portrayed the pilot as rugged, schooled in wartime flying, courageous, and loyal. Passengers were made to believe that, in the event of danger, they were in the safe hands of experienced and courageous flyers. Stories of pilot heroism and courage were repeated throughout company publicity materials. (Mills, 175) In addition, there have been notions of a hegemonic masculinity that have also been threatened by the rise of the global post-industrial economy. This has ushered in different patterns of employment, resulting in the decline of heavy industry and the increase in service-based employment leading to the progressive fragmentation of class-based communities. (Mullen, 153) For the sake of pilots flying had become associated with two types of danger – combative warfare and aircraft pioneering – both of which were associated in the public mind with men. (Mills, 176) Rapid industrialization, technological transformation, capital concentration, urbanization, and immigration—all of these created a new sense of an oppressively crowded, depersonalized, and often emasculated life. Manhood had meant autonomy and self-control, but now fewer and fewer American men owned they own ships, controlled their own labor, owned their own farms. More and more men were economically dependent, subject to the regime of the time clock. (Kimmel, 82) In addition the public had started to be trained to see heterosexual imagery in corporate materials was subtle and indirect – with references to the individual male employee or passengers and â€Å"his wife†. Mills, 179) American men started to feel themselves beleaguered and besieged, working harder and harder for fewer and fewer personal and social rewards. Women have not only entered the workplace but demand entry into men’s social clubs. (Kimmel, 299) In the end some men chose their careers easily and some chose them with qualms about the manliness or the morality of their choice, but the time came when each of them â€Å"first made trial of his talents† in a profession. Many years of hard work and ev en more of grand dreams had been spent in preparation for this moment. Young men often felt as if an audience of friends and family watched their first efforts at success. (Rotundo, 174) Relationships with Other Men One of the most visible factors which help define masculinity is male/male friendships. Generally men’s friendships are marked by shared activities. Their talk usually centers around work, sports and sharing expertise. Men also trade complaints and concerns about women, along with talk of exploits, but most of the time their interactions are emotionally contained and controlled. Craig, 95) Peer friendship groups may be beneficial to men in terms of mental well-being, masculine identity is often (re) affirmed in such groups through misogyny, homophobia and violence that reinforces hegemonic ideals and can result in the marginalization/subordination of others. (Robertson, 110) One could consider groups of men to be â€Å"gangs† in a purely denotation sense, due to the habits and bonds formed between members. But in addition there are actions (passages, if you will) which may include drinking alcohol in gang life. Alcohol acts as a social lubricant to maintain the solidarity of the gang and also to affirm masculinity and male togetherness. It is a significant part of a number of gang rituals: initiation, funerals and fighting between members. (Mullen, 152) The central theme of masculine leisure activity in a beer commercial, then, is challenge, risk, and mastery—mastery over nature, over technology, over others in good-natured â€Å"combat†, and over oneself. To that end beer functions in leisure activities as it does in work: as a reward for challenges successfully overcome; it also serves another function, never explicitly alluded to in commercials. In several ways drinking, in itself, is a test of mastery. (Craig, 82) To further perpetuate these values in advertising, nature is closely associated with both masculinity and beer, as beer is presented as equivalent to nature. Often, beer is shown to be a product that is nature and pure, implying that its consumption is not harmful, and perhaps even healthy. (Craig, 83) What conclusions could someone draw from this? What lens might these ads be using to sell their products? Yet again, we see masculinity, gender identity and other values (by their filtered definition) sold along with the product. Sexual Identity When sociologists, historians, feminists, and anthropologists began to study human sexuality they soon realized that it was often profoundly unlike that found in other animals. Of course there is a biological substratum that connects us all to animal life, but what is distinctive about human sexuality is that it is both (a) symbolic and meaningful and (b) linked to power. (Hearn, Connell, Kimmel, 187) Despite feminist progress the majority of modern men are still focused solely on the hunt. Today American men are still doing only a fraction more of the work in the home than they were thirty years ago. (Walker, 198) Several of the major factors in sexual identity are phallus-driven (for the sake of this discussion I’ll use â€Å"penis† to mean physical and â€Å"phallus† to mean symbolic). The problem is that the phallus-self immediately refers to the penis-self and the fundamental question of Western heterosexual masculinity (â€Å"am I man enough? †) refers directly to the possession of a â€Å"man enough† penis. The problem is twofold. It reflects a failure to imagine women’s pleasures in other than penile (phallic) terms. It also makes the penis the sole bearer of the possibility for women’s pleasure. (Cook, 58) Heterosexual adolescents may experience coming to terms with their questions about conventional gender ideologies and that the struggles may be keen and unseen by others. It also opens the possibility that the salience of these questions and the ability to resolve them may occur at different times in the development for girls and for boys. Striepe and Tolman, 529) Heterosexual masculine identity is an ongoing production of self that is underpinned by an unfulfillable desire to produce a centre and to generate a self that represses the initial primary identification with the mother. In short, heterosexual masculine identity can be understood to be performed against anxiety. This anxiety is a function of the (failed) repression of femininity that is central to the production of male identity. ( Cook, 48) Two principal sources may be asserted of the (phallic) anxiety that is fundamental to Western heterosexual masculinity. One is the basic psychological process of separating from the mother, which is an essential feature of Freudian psychoanalytic theory, and particularly object relations theory. The second is the anxiety caused to men by the presence of the female, both as the unknowable female body and as the feminine within the male body itself. This anxiety has been intensified by feminism. (Cook, 50) To this end there have been expected â€Å"scripts† written for both male and female roles in society. These are expected, subtly, to be played out. Deviation from these scripts can prove damaging to one’s image. An example script for girls is to please their boyfriends but not to show any signs of their own sexual desire; the punishment for straying from the script is earning a negative reputation, that is, being branded a slut. (Striepe and Tolman, 524) Likewise an example script for boys is that they should always try to have sex, fueled by the anticipation of an uncontrollable surge of testosterone, and that becoming a man means having sex with girls. (Striepe and Tolman, 524) In both cases these scripts are written with a complete male perspective with the female role witnessed with the male gaze. Marriage and Masculinity Throughout history men and women in love felt driven toward a complete and shared understanding, they set an extremely high value on candor. Candor was something that connected two people who inhabited separate sphere. It moved lovers past the stereotypes of the opposite sex and confronted them with the real people obscured by the larger images. (Rotundo, 111) Again historically by marrying, a woman lost her name, her home and in most cases, the control of her property. She surrendered her social identity and put in its place a new one; essentially, that of her husband. Much of who she was became submerged in who her husband was. (Rotundo, 134) Today men and women can chose to embrace or repel this philosophy. Modern relationships should be built on flexibility and mutual respect; not solely on cultural expectations. It’s often said that both men and women â€Å"let themselves go† after marriage. This context-specific quote can mean letting their standards down—meaning losing quality metrics, or letting their bodies go—meaning not taking care of themselves physically, mentally or spiritually. This settling down may be marked by a change in the nature of one’s embodiment. The normal everyday body may increasingly be perceived as a functional, indeterminate shape body rather than as a physical, defined shape body. (Watson, 90) Raising Children and Family Life For many men becoming a father is one of the most rewarding and most challenging parts of a man’s life. The role of father begins not at birth, but rather long before that during the relationship-building phase of the family. A father’s treatment of the opposite sex, his ability to control his own emotions, and his approach to work all play a formative role in shaping his sons’ and daughters’ approach to romantic relationships and marriage, interpersonal relationships, and school and work (Rosenberg, 23) When a boy has a loving relationship with a masculine, competent and nurturing father he develops the masculine characteristics of his father and insofar as the father is representative of his culture the boy develops the behavior and attitudes appropriate for a male. (Steinberg, 75) Some recall seeing very little of their own father because of work shift patterns or longer working days. A reaction to this is to want to spend more time with their children. Evenings and weekends become time for their relationship with the children. (Watson, 91) Fathers need to take an active role in nurturing their children. Many fathers mistakenly see this as mother’s work. It is a valuable way men teach their children that they are loved and respected, and it helps ensure that children, especially boys, do not feel the necessity to act out to get their father’s attention. Helping a toddler brush her teeth, reading a son a nightly story (even a father with limited reading) ability can still enjoy books with his child—together, they can look at the pictures and make up a story), and bottle-feeding a hungry infant all help foster a healthy, strong tie between father and child. (Rosenberg, 40) A child’s first few years are crucial. The grandfather must tell the grandson what the child said while still a fetus in his mother’s womb. Then, he must gradually help him build a connection with his father, who will help him with the hard challenges up ahead. Walker, 81) Fathers should acknowledge their mistakes to their children. When appropriate, they should be willing to seek forgiveness from their children. A father who loses his temper while disciplining a child should apologize to the child. Many men view apologizing to their child as a sign of weakness that will cause the child to lose respect for the father. The opposite is true. Apolo gizing shows a man is capable of acknowledging and facing up to a mistake, fixing the mistake to the extent possible, and committing to moving forward—hardly a sign of weakness, much more so a sign of strength (Rosenberg, 23) Boys need structure, they need supervision, and they need to be civilized. When raised in a laissez-faire environment that is devoid of leadership, they often begin to challenge social conventions and common sense. Many often crash and burn during the adolescent years. (Dobson, 230) Children who are deprived of masculine paternal presence are more likely to become defensive and rigidly adhere to cultural role standard or to avoid the behavior expected of their gender. (Steinberg, 73) Your attitude as a parent will shape the future behavior of your boy. If he sees you acting like a spoiled kid, yelling at the umpire or referee, taunting other players, and throwing tantrums when things go wrong, your son will behave just as badly. (Dobson, 149) When a child grows into an adolescent, he or she must be initiated into adulthood. A person who doesn’t get initiated will remain an adolescent for the rest of their life, and this is a frightening, dangerous and unnatural situation. (Walker, 84) Boys watch their dads intently, noting every minor detail of behavior and values. It is probably true in your home too. Your sons will imitate much of what you do. If you blow up regularly and insult your wife, your boys will treat their mother and other females disrespectfully. (Dobson, 69) Conclusion Based on the various factors I’ve mentioned throughout this writing you may have found both familiar and new factors which have helped shape modern US masculinity. Hopefully you have a better understanding of some of the historical context as well as some context behind masculine gender theories. Throughout this writings I’ve subtly left out portions of text which provide absolute definition and allowed a frameless framework to emerge. This allows me to portray definition without specific parameters. In addition to this you have read about some of the various intersectionalities of man: race, age, power struggle, job, relationships, marriage, and children. Clearly this is not meant to be an exhaustive list, yet it does include many highlights from my own life. Even with that knowledge in hand it was necessary to continuously mention hegemonic masculinity since it gets so little attention in modern media (sort of ironic, right? ). The other key element I felt compelled to include was marginalization of several classes (other races, aged individuals and especially women). I wanted to bring special attention to the meaning and practice of hegemony and marginalization purely for awareness. Both impact all of us either through personal experience, through family, work or education. With this knowledge I hope others will make educated choices on your future interactions with all people. How to cite A Sample of Factors to Define Modern United States Masculinity, Papers

Organizational Behaviour Effective Business Organization

Question: Describe about the Organizational Behaviour for Effective Business Organization. Answer: SelfAndTeamRolesOfTheManager The content of this paper applies the study of organizational behavior of a manager. Organizational behavior is the study of how various individuals interact within an institution or a group of individuals. The study helps in the creation of efficient business organization and team or workers management. The study of OB begins with the determination of the roles of a given personality in question as seen in this paper (Need 2006). An institution such as x organization has a number of departmental managers but study covers the roles and responsibilities of a manger without specialization bases on the department. Planning and organization The obligation of planning and organization of all activities within the organization. The manger in company x is responsible for planning the aims, organizational objectives and priorities according to their duties. Manager has the responsibility to pass appropriate message to their teams and partners. To maintain team work the manger has the obligation to pass information appropriately to the team and the colleagues. Managing finance and available resources A manger in an organization is responsible for all the finance and resources of the organization. An organizational manger has the responsibility for deploying the resources within job descriptions. Therefore, it is upon the mange to ensure that the time available, money and other available resources are proper distributed in order enable the organization to achieve its goals and obligations. The manger is also responsible for the financial stability of an organization by ensuring the value of money available by making overviews on the organizational budgets and all the financial flow in an organizations. Promoting equity and diversity within the organization A manger is responsible for the personal responsibilities by ensuring that he is familiar and well conversant with the terms, regulations and the regulations of the organization in order to ensure equity and diversity win the organization. To ensure that the equity and diversity is promoted, the manager has to ensure that all the staff and colleagues re treated fairly and equally. Create an operational culture for all the workers and the staff team members and enable all the workers to develop the spirit of working to the full potential (Ghoshal 2005). Leading developing and managing A manager has a leadership role to play in organization to ensure that everyone in the organization perform their best through motivation and developing them to attain higher performance and increased production. The leadership roles of a manger includes: The manger should provide structure and direction and the aims to the team Ensure effective communication through regular meetings and summits Setting of parameters and standards to ensure good performance Conduct regular reviews, training and development Manage poor performance and supervise the work attendance and organize for motivations Recruitment and management of discipline and complaints Personality, Attitudes and Values of a Manager a) Personal Characteristics The managers personal characteristics help him improve himself as well as enhance his interactions with the others. These desirable personal features make the manager a person that others can look up to as well as feel comfortable. They include; Self-motivation A manager is only effective when he can self-motivate. He cannot motivate others without self-motivation. By having self-motivation, a manager will have the ability to get himself going and hence take control of what is ahead for him hence being able to motivate people around him. Dependability/Reliability A manager is one person that people are dependent on and hence must be dependable and reliable. Both superiors and subordinates of a manager must know that the manager will be accountable. Optimism The manager must always be optimistic by looking at the future with hope. This attitude will help the manager build morale in his employees. The managers positive attitude is a potential inspiration to others which help them feel good regarding getting work done. Confidence The manager has the confidence in himself. He is able to make confident decision as well as show the employees that he is capable of making effective decisions. The managers confidence helps him rub off on employees which is beneficial. b) Values of a manager Integrity The manger is upright and truthful in his duty aspiring towards achieving the objectives and the aims meant to be achieved. The manger should work according to the stipulated rules, ethics and ethos and observe the standards require by the stakeholders and work honestly with the team members. Honesty and integrity enable the team members to follow the manager as their leader. Willingness to take Risk The manager is not afraid of taking risks but is focused on achievement required to obtain the objectives of the organization. The mange took calculated moves to handle situations while weighing the available options and alternatives carefully before he taken any measure. The manger learns from his faults and emerge from them strong and ready to take on the next task. Optimism and Enthusiasm As a great manager the manager motivates team members with his catching passion, his captivatingly honest enthusiasm, passion and the zeal for what he does. Instead of dwelling on the challenges, the manger focused on various possible solutions to meet the objective of the organization. The manager has the will to move forward with the team through motivation. Commitment to Growth The manger that knowledge acquisition is a process and never backed off from learning and to grow professionally and personally to uphold with modern trends and techniques which are required to run and manage a business towards achieving the aims and the purpose it was meant to achieve. Being a good team leader the manger always realized that in order to continue at the frontline of the job market and the industry he had to be learning constantly through, self-examination, assessment and invention all done at self-examination level. Vision The manager has a better knowledge on what the business is meant to achieve. The manger therefore uses his vision to create plans and aims that the organization can use to achieve the desired objectives. They are not vague or ambiguous in their goals nor do they leave anything to chance. Leaders are also able to articulate and communicate their vision clearly and in no uncertain terms and inspire and win others to their platform with their vision. Responsibility The manager has the ability to meet his obligations and can be relied on upon to assume liability for his activities and to practice his obligations fully without delays towards meeting the. The manager could stand solidly behind the duties he make and does not give on his team or let them down; nor a chance designate fault to divert from his own particular obligations (Haleblian and Finkelstein 2013). The manager does not have a casualty mindset that considers others in charge of their poor decisions and inadequacies yet gaze challenges in the face and face by facing the his team head-on. c) Attitudes of a manager A manager should be informed: the manager should be well equipped with information related to his field of operation as seen. A well informed manager motivates and encourage his team members with his positive attitude. Information also results into a feeling of self-confidence by the manager enabling him to perform well in according to the requirements. Should be entrepreneurial: Inventiveness and positivity towards investments determines a manager. The manager has entrepreneurial capabilities and the ability to take the weight off workers through findings from imaginative answers for various circumstances within the organization. With the managers ability to think fast and inventiveness, he able to discover new opportunities and gaps important for the success of the business. This kind of attitude motivates the workers to put in more effort during operations. Acceptance of change: the manager has the will to welcome change and accept a change, whether positive or negative and act on the appropriately. This kind of attitude helps the manager to make a solid and positive workplace environment for the subordinates to give their best without getting inhibited by the fear of progress (Schein 2005). The manager should never be receptive on the grounds which are negative role player. In the event that managers is receptive, he might not have his subordinates effectively working for him when he always take complex issues negatively hindering the progress. Comprehensive: the manger embraces different abilities of the team member and empower contributions from subordinate colleagues. The mange never makes an accusation on the subordinates for every fault happening in the organization. In spite of the fact that it might be simple for the manager to dodge duty regarding the choices of sticking the fault on the team , when such accusations occurs, the subordinates tend to build up a low sentiment of the manager and are mostly unwilling to take course of action from the manager. Challneges Faced By A Mangers While Dealing With Team Mebers The manager of x as an organization is faced with quite a number of challenges while dealing with team tanging from, termination of and employee, confronting a team based on their performance,team conflict right and ethical decisions making and having to learn something new from the junior and other sources. Dealing with team conflicts A manger wants the team members to collaborte and and work as a team.. the chalenge comes in when an employee comes with a complin concerning another emplyee. The mangers faces a great challenges to abitrate the conflict . The manger deals with the conflict of resulting from team value clarrification since some of the team members do not willingly accept the set values and requirements. It is challenging for amnager in handling a serious conflict when it persits. When conflicts persit it is on the manger to decide and elimnate one of the team mebers to reduce the conflicts. learn something new from the junior and other sources The study conducted reveal the type of stress ndergone by various mangers from leaving their comfort zone to learn new. In situations where a manager has to learn a new concept they feel low and incompetent . mangers tend to few test and challengers while learning new concepts. This system is therefore challenging to the manger of x organization as the system require. In a case where a junior team members is equoiped with a certain concept that the manger should learn, it becomes a challenge to the manager to learn from the junior team members as this creates a feeling of incompetency. Confronting a team member based on their performance Issues realted to the perfomance of the team members credibility have been a chlallenge to the x organization manger. The manger has to deal with low pergfomance and confront them to pull up to the required standards. If the behaviour persit it is upon the manager to apply appropriate purnishment to the relevant individual as prescribe by the codes of regulations set within the organization. It is a challenge to the manger to apply the appropriate penalty to the individual. Decision making The manger undergoes through difficulties more so during the selection and hiring of a given indivdual or a product. The influence og hiring is not always being predetermined by the manger. Therefore the goes throught a lot to arrive tto a given decission. The decision of firing and icndividual on the other hand is another difficult decision to make by the x organization manger as it may result into a loss of a hardworking nteam members who may be difgficult to replce. Overcoming the challenges faced by managers Open speech and listening Free and open speech enables the manager to solve various challenges they face during the course of the duty as seen above. The manager should listen to all parties conflicting in order to totally comprehend the way of contention before invetigations investigational arrangements to cub the prevailing conflicts. Meetings and organizational gatherings As a manager, the x company manager have to arrange a meeting with all involved parties to talk about the prevailing issue. The manger during such meeting is expected to allow everybody to talk and give their opinions; this is a decent chance to hear all sides and pick up a full comprehension of the contention (Griffin and Moorhead 2011). Having a meeting may likewise facilitate a determination that will fulfill everybody through understanding of conflicting parties. The manger should be unbiased The manager should solve conflicts without favor to any party. In an authority position, the organization manger shouldn't show any kind of sentiment that favors one individual over another. In the event that the manager is almost in support of one individual, the attempt to get the circumstance solve from all sides to formulate a reasonable and sensible arrangement is doomed. The manger should deal with conflicts at the moment of occurrence The manager should address the contention quickly as it occurs without no delay. Something else, the circumstance could raise and could influence the team to execute the operation process within and organization (Greenberg and Baron 2003). The manager should a point not to address the circumstance too rapidly or without cautious thought, as the choice will specifically influence the manner and execution of the staff and team as a whole. Advance Teamwork Consolation and inspiration are powerful way of solving conflicts and challenges faced by the management. The manger should collaborate with the staff through reminding them of their duty and benefits of undertakings obligations in order to motivate and encourage the team towards meeting the desired goals and aims. Collaboration and team advancement enable the manger to organize the team and develop the spirit of team work. Communicate Applause The manger should appraise the team members publicly during meetings and summits. Communication of appraisal is a way of motivating team members enabling them to work hard and willingly towards achieving the business goals and objectives. Theories of management Contingency Theory This theory asserts that managers make decisions based on the situation at hand rather than dealing with all circumstance within the business or organization (Bowditch at,al 2007). A manager therefore takes appropriate actions in relation to the aspects most important challenge related to the situation present at that particular market. This theory can be used to solve problems according to their time and how they occur with regards to the situations they occur. Systems Theory A manger who comprehend frameworks theory perceive how distinctive frameworks influence a laborer and how a worker influences the frameworks around them. A system is comprised of a variety of parts that cooperate to accomplish an objection. The sytem thoery is an expansive perspective that permits a manger to look at partten and occasions in the working environment (Frederiksen and Johnson 2011). This helps managers to arrange projects to act as an aggregate for the general objective or mission of the association instead of for detached offices. The application of this theory enble amanager to meke informed decisions based on th knowledge concerning the production system and the workers. If found in asuch situation, as a manager I would use the knowledge of the system and that of wrkers to deal with the challenges such as the employee performance confrontation. Theory X and Theory Y The management theory of X and Y is important in the management of various challenges faced by the manger. This theory of management allows the manger to make decisions related team management. For the managers to fully apply this theory, they must be able to powerfully influence various beliefs concerning the workers attitude. The theory is divided into two parts that is X theory and Y theory (Hersey and Blanchard 2013). Various mangers having believes the employees are naturally lacking ambition and the feeling of necessity of motivations as a way of increasing their labor productivity lean towards the theory X management style. On the other hand, the theory Y believes that workers are certainly being compelled to take responsibility and provide offer services to their level best. The mangers who believed in the theory of X utilizes authority to cub challenges faced during operations while those who believes in the free will and workers motivation and give workers freedom to perfor m to their best level. If were a manager of a given organization, I would apply the theory of X and to apply authority(the X theory) to cub given challenges that needs strong and strict decisions and apply the other Y theory to solve those challenges which do not require force but motivation and the will in order to be solved. Reference Bowditch, J.L., Buono, A.F. and Stewart, M.M., 2007. A primer on organizational behavior. Wiley. Frederiksen, L.W. and Johnson, R.P., 2011. Organizational behavior management. Progress in behavior modification, 12, pp.67-118. Ghoshal, S., 2005. Bad management theories are destroying good management practices. Academy of Management learning education, 4(1), pp.75-91. Greenberg, J. and Baron, R.A., 2003. Behavior in organizations: Understanding and managing the human side of work. Pearson College Division. Griffin, R.W. and Moorhead, G., 2011. Organizational behavior. Nelson Education. Haleblian, J. and Finkelstein, S., 2013. Top management team size, CEO dominance, and firm performance: The moderating roles of environmental turbulence and discretion. Academy of Management journal, 36(4), pp.844-863. Hersey, P. and Blanchard, K.H., 2013. Management of organizational behavior: Utilizing human resources. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Need, W.C.D.H.P., 2006. Human resource management: Gaining a competitive advantage. Schein, V.E., 2005. Relationships between sex role stereotypes and requisite management characteristics among female managers. Journal of applied psychology, 60(3), p.340.

Amputations During the Civil War

Amputations During the Civil War Amputations became widespread during the Civil War  and the removal of a limb was the most common surgical procedure in battlefield hospitals. Its often assumed that amputations were performed so often  because surgeons at the time were unskilled and simply resorted to procedures bordering on butchery. Yet most Civil War surgeons were fairly well-trained, and the medical books of the era detail precisely how amputations could be performed and when it was appropriate. So its not as if the surgeons were removing limbs out of ignorance. Surgeons had to resort to such a drastic measure because a new type of bullet came into widespread use in the war. In many cases, the only way to try to save a wounded soldiers life was to amputate a shattered limb. The poet Walt Whitman, who had been working as a journalist in New York City, traveled from his home in Brooklyn to the battlefront in Virginia in December 1862, following the Battle of Fredericksburg. He was shocked by a gruesome sight he recorded in his diary: â€Å"Spent a good part of the day in a large brick mansion on the banks of the Rappahannock, used as a hospital since the battle – seems to have received only the worst cases. Outdoors, at the foot of a tree, I notice a heap of amputated feet, legs, arms, hands, c., a full load for a one-horse cart.† What Whitman saw in Virginia was a common sight at Civil War hospitals. If a soldier had been struck in the arm or leg, the bullet tended to shatter the bone, creating horrendous wounds. The wounds were certain to become infected, and often the only way to save the patients life was to amputate the limb. Destructive New Technology: The Minià © Ball In the 1840s an officer in the French Army, Claude-Etienne Minià ©, invented a new bullet. It was different than the traditional round musket ball as it had a conical shape. Minià ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s new bullet had a hollow base at the bottom, which would be forced to expand by gases released by the igniting gunpowder when the rifle was fired. While expanding, the lead bullet fit snugly into the rifled grooves in the gun’s barrel, and would thus be much more accurate than earlier musket balls. The bullet would be rotating when it came from the barrel of the rifle, and the spinning action gave it increased accuracy. The new bullet, which was commonly called the Minià © ball by the time of the Civil War, was extremely destructive. The version which was commonly used throughout the Civil War was cast in lead and was .58 caliber, which was larger than most bullets used today. The Minià © Ball Was Feared When the Minià © ball struck a human body, it did enormous damage. Doctors treating wounded soldiers were often perplexed by the damage caused. A medical textbook published a decade after the Civil War, A System of Surgery by William Todd Helmuth, went into considerable detail describing the effects of Minià © balls: The effects are truly terrible; bones are ground almost to powder, muscles, ligaments, and tendons torn away, and the parts otherwise so mutilated, that loss of life, certainly of limb, is almost an inevitable consequence. None but those who have had occasion to witness the effects produced upon the body by these missiles, projected from the appropriate gun, can have any idea of the horrible laceration that ensues. The wound is often from four to eight times as large as the diameter of the base of the ball, and the laceration so terrible that mortification [gangrene] almost inevitably results. Civil War Surgery Was Performed Under Crude Conditions Civil War amputations were performed with medical knives and saws, on operating tables which were often simply wooden planks or doors which had been taken off their hinges. And while the operations may seem crude by today’s standards, the surgeons tended to follow accepted procedures spelled out in the medical textbooks of the day. Surgeons generally used anesthesia, which would be applied by holding a sponge soaked in chloroform over the patient’s face. Many soldiers who underwent amputations did eventually die due to infections. Doctors at the time had little understanding of bacteria and how it is transmitted. The same surgical tools might be used on many patients without being cleaned. And the improvised hospitals were commonly set up in barns or stables. There are numerous stories of wounded Civil War soldiers begging doctors not to amputate arms or legs. As doctors had a reputation for being quick to resort to amputation, soldiers often referred to the Army surgeons as butchers. In fairness to the doctors, when they were dealing with dozens or even hundreds of patients, and when faced with the gruesome damage of the Minià © ball, amputation often seemed like the only practical option.

The Great Kanto Earthquake in Japan, 1923

The Great Kanto Earthquake in Japan, 1923 The Great Kanto Earthquake, also sometimes called the Great Tokyo Earthquake, rocked Japan on September 1, 1923.  Actually, the city of Yokohama was hit even worse than Tokyo was, although both were devastated.  It was the deadliest earthquake in Japanese history. The quakes magnitude is estimated at 7.9 to 8.2 on the Richter scale, and its epicenter was in the shallow waters of Sagami Bay, about 25 miles south of Tokyo.  The offshore earthquake triggered a tsunami in the bay, which struck the island of O-shima at a height of 12 meters (39 feet), and hit the Izu and Boso Peninsulas with 6 meter (20 foot) waves.  Japans ancient capital at Kamakura, almost 40 miles from the epicenter, was inundated by a 6-meter wave that killed 300 people, and its 84-ton Great Buddha was shifted nearly a meter.  The north shore of Sagami Bay rose permanently by almost two meters (six feet), and parts of the Boso Peninsula moved laterally 4 1/2 meters or 15 feet. The Effects of the Earthquake The total death toll from the disaster is estimated at about 142,800.  The quake struck at 11:58 am, so many people were cooking lunch.  In the wood-built cities of Tokyo and Yokohama, upended cooking fires and broken gas mains set off firestorms that raced through homes and offices.  Fire and tremors together claimed 90 percent of the homes in Yokohama and left 60% of Tokyos people homeless.  The Taisho Emperor and Empress Teimei were on holiday in the mountains, and so escaped the disaster. Most horrifying of the immediate results was the fate of 38,000 to 44,000 working class Tokyo residents who fled to the open ground of the Rikugun Honjo Hifukusho, once called the Army Clothing Depot.  Flames surrounded them, and at about 4:00 in the afternoon, a fire tornado some 300 feet tall roared through the area.  Only 300 of the people gathered there survived. Henry W. Kinney, an editor for Trans-Pacific Magazine who worked out of Tokyo, was in Yokohama when the disaster struck.  He wrote, Yokohama, the city of almost half a million souls, had become a vast plain of fire, or red, devouring sheets of flame which played and flickered.  Here and there a remnant of a building, a few shattered walls, stood up like rocks above the expanse of flame, unrecognizable...  The city was gone. The Great Kanto Earthquake sparked another horrifying result, as well.  In the hours and days following, nationalist and racist rhetoric took hold across Japan.  Stunned survivors of the earthquake, tsunami, and firestorm looked for an explanation, looked for a scapegoat, and the target of their fury was the ethnic Koreans living in their midst.  As early as mid-afternoon on September 1, the day of the quake, reports, and rumors started that the Koreans had set the disastrous fires, that they were poisoning wells and looting ruined homes, and that they were planning to overthrow the government.  Approximately 6,000 unlucky Koreans, as well as more than 700 Chinese who were mistaken for Koreans, were hacked and beaten to death with swords and bamboo rods.  The police and military in many places stood by for three days, allowing vigilantes to carry out these murders, in what is now called the Korean Massacre. In the end, the earthquake and its aftereffects killed well over 100,000 people.  It also sparked both soul-searching and nationalism in Japan, just eight years before the nation took its first steps toward World War II, with the invasion and occupation of Manchuria. Sources: Denawa, Mai.  Behind the Accounts of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Brown University Library Center for Digital Scholarship, accessed June 29, 2014. Hammer, Joshua.  The Great Japan Earthquake of 1923, Smithsonian Magazine, May 2011. Historic Earthquakes: Kanto (Kwanto), Japan, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, accessed June 29, 2014.

Media Violence and Children Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Media Violence and Children - Essay Example Its negative impact is beyond the scope of simple parenting skills. The situation requires vigilant engagement and extra effort on the part of parents so that this issue is effectively addressed. Parents must be involved in choosing the kind of media that their children are exposed to. Increased activism also becomes imperative. Parents should call for a mechanism of control and even some censorship, in addition to a standardized filtering system from policymakers. Media is an omnipresent factor in the lives of many people. It can be accessed easily by the public at any time and on their terms. The question becomes is society conscious of what is being delivered to them through these media sources. For example, individuals tend to turn on television for background noise during everyday chores. This is when adolescent may begin watching negative content unintentionally. Consequently, it is important to evaluate media content daily and discover if there is true value to what is seen or heard. Even cartoons, typically stereotyped as being innocent in nature, illustrate overly animated characters freely engaging in violence with no concern for consequences. In the classic cartoon, Tom and Jerry, the mouse plots various schemes of violence to stop a cat from catching him. Unrealistically and comically, this show encourages adolescents to devise vengeful tactics. Additionally, it portrays violence to be humorous and acceptable. If peer pressure were a factor in the lives of adolescents, they would be inclined to try a drug since in many movies and television shows drugs are practically advertised. In the show Weeds, the normalcy factor is not eliminated when the mother herself is a drug dealer who uses her children as a means of dispensary. There are many television shows that portray different scenarios, all in which we must caution ourselves in the sense that adolescents are immature. Sex and drugs are also prominent fixtures in violent media. In the

How i plan to study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

How i plan to study - Essay Example [Author not known1, 2005].The first step of my study plan is to diligently attend all the lectures pertaining to my subject and try to seek clarification in case of any doubts regarding the topic discussed . The next step is to identify the important points . I will capture the main ideas in the form of notes. [Landsberger, 2005]. I will utilize mind-mapping technique because it is an effective tool of taking notes. It is a technique of taking notes through key words and images. This method helps in quick jotting down of relevant information and is an effective method to remember and review the contents of the lectures. In mind mapping technique, the sentences and paragraphs will be represented in the form of key words and images. Circle the most important word represented by symbol or phrase. Write the related topic outside the circle close to each other. Gradually, the map expands in the direction the topic navigates. This helps the topic in being more specific or detailed. [Landsberger, 2005] Thirdly, I will link and cross-reference key words and images utilized in the mind maps. [Author not known2, 2005]. This will help me to relate to the key notes, phrases, questions and images mentioned in the notes. Fourthly, I will memorize the contents learnt in the classroo

Search and Seizure 4th Ammendment Research Paper

Search and Seizure 4th Ammendment - Research Paper Example The officer must swear, under oath, by it. The amendment has been shaped by various cases along the way, examples being Mapp vs. Ohio in 1961, Katz vs. the United States in 1967, and United States vs. Jones in 2012. 1. Introduction Amendment IV of the bill of rights states, â€Å"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, homes, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by affirmation or oath, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the things or persons being searched† (Asimow and Mader, 2004). Amendment IV has three sections; the first affords protection for the home, belongings, and the person of the individual. The second acts to prohibit seizures and searches, which are unreasonable, while the third insists based on a warrant, which means they must describe specifically what is to be seized, grounded by probability cause. The amendmen t is especially of importance given recent occurrences that have to do with invasion of the privacy of Arab Americans after 9/11. This paper will deal with the 4th amendment’s history, applicability, the rules for exclusion, exceptions made to the requirement of a warrant, and finally compile a number of important cases. 2. Adoption of Amendment IV Amendment IV, just like numerous other laws in the United States, has roots in the legal doctrine of England. Therefore, it is important to study its origin in both England and the United States. 2.1 History in the law of England In 1604, Sir Edward Coke ruled that everyone house was their fortress and castle, on top of being a defence against violence and injury, in the Semayne’s case. This case led to the acknowledgement that the monarchy did not possess unchallenged ability for the intrusion of its subject’s dwellings. The ruling, however, permitted agents of the government to carry out seizures and searches with l awful purpose, and possession of a warrant. Intensity of court cases against officers of the state had grown in bounds by 1760, especially since some of the officers still utilized general warrants (Taslitz, 2006). The case involving John Entick, into whose home Nathan Carrington, a messenger of the king, had entered forcibly in order to arrest his friends for the publishing of seditious papers. In the case, Charles Pratt ruled that the warrant was lacking in probable cause and that it did not specify which documents were to be seized (Taslitz, 2006). This case was a precedent in the limitation of the executive’s power to intrude on property deemed private. 2.2 History in America General Warrants and their use were barred via the enacting of legislation by the Massachusetts colony in 1756. This was brought about by complaints from the public over the 1754 Excise Act, which granted powers to the taxman that enabled the utilization of general warrants for the seizure of uncusto med and prohibited goods (Taslitz, 2006). James Otis, in a court petition, in 1761, denounced these policies, but the court ruled against him. After the election to the colonial legislature of Massachusetts, he pushed through legislation that demanded the granting of writs of assistance by judges, with the officer demanding them to be put under oath. However, the British governor overturned this. The Virginia declaration of rights, however, abolished general warrants

Reflective Summary On Prescribing Practice Learning Nursing Essay

Reflective Summary On Prescribing Practice Learning Nursing Essay The author, a nurse practitioner based in an Emergency Department (ED), from here on in will be referred to as the practitioner. The practitioner is currently employed in a development role with the view, following training, of becoming an acute care practitioner. This will entail working autonomously: taking accurate clinical histories, physical examination, gain differential and working diagnosis and organise a plan of care. This plan of care could well include a number of prescribed medications. Hence it is in the practitioners job description (as it is increasingly in many specialist/autonomous nursing roles) to become a Nurse Independent and Supplementary Prescriber (NISP). The Cumberlege Report (1986) suggested that nurses should be able to prescribe independently and highlighted that patient care could be improved and resources used more effectively by doing so. It identified that nurses were wasting their time requesting prescriptions from Doctors. Since the publication of this seminal piece of work, non-medical prescribing has been analysed, reflected upon, researched at great lengths and changes in practice made (DoH 1989, 1999, 2006 2008; Luker et al 1994; Latter et al 2011) and is still under constant review. The aim of this portfolio is to: Reflect on practice as a means of on-going personal and professional development. Demonstrate a capability of integrating learning into practice. Submit a range of material mapped against the module learning outcomes, NMC 2006 prescribing standards, domains of practice and core competencies. Establish an evidence-based approach to practice competence as a safe independent supplementary prescriber. This prescribing practice portfolio will be a reflective portfolio using Rolfe et al (2001) model of reflection to aid learning from experience and close the gap between theory and practice. This model has been chosen as it is something the practitioner is familiar with and has used before. The portfolio will conclude with a reflective summary on prescribing practice learning which will draw together the evidence used to support achievement of the competences identified. After discussing with colleagues who have already completed the NISP course, the practitioner is aware of the complex nature and volume of work that is required over the duration of it. There is a feeling of nervousness due to this but also a feeling excitement over what will be learnt. If successful the practitioner believes her practice will be enhanced significantly as she will have the ability to give patients seamless care. References Department of Health. (1986) Neighbourhood Nursing: A Focus for Care. (Cumberlege Report). London: HMSO Department of Health. (1989) Report of the Advisory Group on Nurse Prescribing. The Crown Report). London: HMSO Department of Health. (1999) Review Of Prescribing, Supply And Administration Of Medicines. (The Crown Report Two) London: HMSO. Department of Health. (2006) Medicines Matters. London: HMSO Department of Health. (2008) Making Connections: Using Healthcare Professionals to Deliver Organisational Improvements. London: HMSO Latter, S. Blenkinsopp, A. Smith, A. Chapman, S. Tinelli, M. Gerard, K. Little, P. Celino, N. Granby, T. Nicholls, P. Dorer, G. (2011) Evaluation of nurse and pharmacist independent prescribing. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton; School of Pharmacy, Keele University on behalf of Department of Health [Online] Available at http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/184777/ [Accessed 15th Sept 2012] Luker, K. Austin, L. Hogg, C. Ferguson, B. Smith, K. (1998) Nurse-Patient Relationships: The context of Nurse Prescribing. Journal of Advanced Nursing. (28) 2: 235-242 Rolfe, G. Freshwater, D. Jasper, M. (2001) Critical Reflection in Nursing and the Helping Professions: a Users Guide. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Consultation Holistic Assessment Case Study In this case study the consultation, diagnosis, prescribing options and decisions of a 35 year old female seen in the ED will be discussed. This case study will aim to improve the practitioners knowledge of conducting a consultation and its relationship with making a diagnosis and treatment options. To maintain confidentiality, in line with the code of professional conduct, the patient will be referred to as Mrs A (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2008). Consultation Examining the holistic needs of the patient is the first of seven principles of good prescribing (National Prescribing Centre (NPC), 1999) and must be undertaken before making a decision to prescribe (NMC Practice Standard 3, 2006). Holistic assessment takes into consideration the mind, body and spirit of the patient (Jarvis, 2008). Traditionally consultation and making a diagnosis has been completed by Doctors. However, nurse diagnosis would appear to have been formally acknowledged since The Crown Two Report (DoH, 1999) as part of the independent prescriber role. Horrocks et al, (2002), found greater patient satisfaction with nurse consultations than with GP consultations. Jennings et al, (2009) and Wilson Shifaza, (2008) also found this to be true of nurse practitioners working in emergency departments. Importantly, they also found no significant variation in other health outcomes. Most of these studies found that consultations with nurses were to some extent longer, they offered more advice on self-care and self-management and that nurses gave more information to patients. Although there are various consultation models that have been described (Byrne Long, 1976; Pendleton et al, 1984; Neighbour, 2005; Kurtz et al, 2003; Stott Davis, 1979), these are based upon observation of doctor, not nurse consultations. Nevertheless, the consultation models and skills described in the medical literature are relevant to all practitioners (Baird, 2004). Consultation models help the practitioner centre the consultation around successful information exchange and try to provide a theoretical structure. Consultation models can also be used to help make maximum use of the time available at each consultation (Simon, 2009). Traditionally the medical model is used to assess patients however; it does not take into account the social, psychological, and other external factors of the patient. The model also overlooks that the diagnosis (that will affect treatment of the patient) is a result of negotiation between doctor and patient (Frankel et al, 2003) In this case study, the practitioner has used Roger Neighbours model of consultation. This was found by the practitioner to be simple and easy to remember, whilst covering all areas needed to make an effective consultation and assessment. He describes a 5 stage model which he refers to as a journey with checkpoints along the way: Connecting establishing a relationship and rapport with the patient. Summarising taking a history from the patient including their ideas, expectations, concerns and summarising back to the patient to ensure there are no misunderstandings. Handing over negotiating between the practitioners and patients agenda and agreeing on a management plan. Safety netting the consideration of what if? and what the practitioner might do in each case. Housekeeping reflecting on the consultation. (Neighbour, 2005) Connecting Mrs A was called through to the Rapid Assessment and Treatment area in the ED. It was apparent from Mrs As facial expression and limp that walking caused her pain. Silverman Kinnersley, (2010) state that non-verbal communication is extremely important and can often provide clues to underlying concerns or emotions. The practitioner had never met the patient before so had no previous relationship with her but was aware that she may have pre-conceived ideas about the ED which may have caused her anxiety. The practitioner introduced herself to Mrs A, explained her job role, the process that was about to be undertook and consent obtained. During this time eye contact was maintained and the practitioner also asked Mrs A how she would like to be addressed. This was done to try and build up a rapport with Mrs A, to help her feel at ease and reassure her. Simon, (2009) and Moulton, (2007) agree and state that rapport is essential to effective communication and consultation. Mrs A was also of fered a trolley to sit on to make herself comfortable and the curtains pulled around for privacy and dignity. On reflection the practitioner was aware that the environment was a busy and noisy assessment area and this can have a negative impact on the consultation (Silverman et al, 2005). Identifying this with Mrs A and apologising may have re-assured her further and gained trust and respect. Summarising The practitioner began with an open ended question and did not interrupt the patients response. Neighbour, (2005) and Moulton, (2007) advise this to open the consultation. Gask Usherwood, (2002) found that if a practitioner interrupts, patients then rarely disclose new information, which could lead to not finding out the real reason for the consultation. Mrs A revealed that she received an insect bite to her right lower leg 5 days ago, since then the surrounding skin had become swollen, increasingly red, painful and hot to touch. She explained that the redness was spreading up her leg and the pain was getting worse. Mrs A explained that she was concerned that it was not going to get better and was very worried that it had got worse during the last 3 days. Upon questioning Mrs A also complained of malaise and that she had been feeling very hot and cold and at times. She had been managing to eat and drink as normal. Mrs A lived with her husband, was a non smoker and drank alcohol occasionally. She had no past medical history and took no prescribed or over the counter (otc) medications. It was also elicited that she was allergic to Penicillin which she had an anaphylaxis reaction to. Taking a medical, social, medication and allergy history is important as it can be relevant to the presenting complaint, makes sure key information has not been overlooked and is essential in preventing prescribing errors (Bickley, 2008; Young et al, 2009). The practitioner actively listened to what Mrs A was saying by maintaining eye contact, using open questions and by summarising the history back to clarify points and to make sure nothing was missed. On reflection the practitioner feels this also gave the opportunity for Mrs A to add any further information not disclosed so far. Closed questions were then used to gain specific information related to the initial information given, this is advised by Young et al, (2009) and Moulton, (2007). Effective communication is important as Epstein et al, (2008) explains that a precise history can supply at least 80% of the information necessary for a diagnosis. Upon examination there was obvious erythema. Light palpation revealed that the area was very warm and tender. Neurovascular assessment was performed and was unremarkable. Mrs As chest was clear, heart sounds normal and her abdomen was soft, non tender. Physical examination is important as it is used to detect physical signs that the patient may not be aware of and can be used to confirm or disprove a possible diagnosis. It also suggests to the patient that their illness is being taken seriously. (Bickley, 2008, Charlton, 2006). Observations were taken including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate and oxygen saturations. All were within normal parameters except her temperature which was 38.2 degrees Celsius. Venous blood was taken to check haematological, biochemical and coagulation status. Mrs A white cell count (WCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were raised, all other blood results were normal. Handing Over Before making a final diagnosis, it is important that differential diagnoses are excluded (Nazarko, 2012). The practitioners differential diagnoses were deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or venous eczema. However, Mrs A had a straightforward history (insect bite) that together with her observations (raised temperature), examination findings (redness, heat, swelling and pain) and blood results (raised WCC and CRP) indicated an alternative diagnosis, so DVT and venous eczema were ruled out. The practitioners working diagnosis was cellulitis. This was discussed with Mrs A and she appeared reassured that a diagnosis had been made. The practitioner explained that she would like to discuss this with a senior Doctor to help decide on a treatment plan. The practitioner presented the patient to an ED Registrar who agreed with the diagnosis. Diagnosis, treatment and prescribing options were then discussed to aid the practitioners learning. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue which is potentially serious (Epstein et al, 2008). It is caused by one or more types of bacteria, most commonly streptococci and staphylococcus aureus (Nazarko, 2012). Cellulitis usually occurs on the lower legs, arms and face but can arise anywhere on the body (Bickley, 2008). Patients with cellulitis present with signs of inflammation, distinctively heat, redness, swelling and pain (Nazarko, 2012). Inflammation is localised initially but increases as the infection progresses. Patients can be systemically unwell (pyrexial, tachycardic, hypotensive) and white cell count and C-reactive protein levels will be markedly raised (Beldon, 2011, Wingfield, 2009, Nazarko, 2012). It appears there is a general lack of evidence based literature surrounding the treatment of patients with cellulitis. The practitioner could only find one national guideline on the management of cellulitis in adults, which was published in 2005 by the Clinical Resource Efficiency Support Team (CREST, 2005). However, to the practitioners knowledge, these have not been validated by a clinical study. Morris, (2008) found in his systematic review that antibiotics cure 50-100% of cases of cellulitis but did not find out which antibiotic regime was most successful. Kilburn et al, (2010) also could not find any definitive conclusions in their Cochrane review on the optimal antibiotics, duration or route of administration. Eron, (2000) devised a classification system for cellulitis and its treatment which CREST used in their guidelines. This system divides people with cellulitis into four classes and can serve as a useful guide to admission and treatment decisions. However Koerner Johnson, (2011) found in their retrospective study, comparing the treatment received with the CREST guidelines, that patients at the mildest end of the spectrum were over treated and at the more severe end undertreated. They also found a significant variation in antibiotic regimes prescribed for patients with cellulitis. Marwick et al, (2011) questioned whether classes I and II could actually be merged to improve treatment. The practitioners trust has antibiotic guidelines (updated yearly) which also include a classification system. This aids the prescriber in choosing the correct antibiotic, dose, route and duration for certain conditions, cellulitis being one of them. After discussion with the Registrar it was determined that Mrs A was in Class I or non-severe which meant she could be managed with oral antibiotics on an outpatient basis. The practitioners trust and CREST, (2005) guidelines advise first line treatment for non-severe or class I cellulitis as oral Flucloxacillin 500mg, three times a day. Flucloxacillin is a moderately narrow-spectrum antibiotic licensed for the treatment of cellulitis. However, Flucloxacillin was contra-indicated for Mrs A as she had a severe penicillin allergy (British National Formulary, (BNF) 2012). Clarithromycin is a macrolide which has an antibacterial spectrum that is similar but not identical to that of penicillin; they are thus an alternative in penicillin-allergic patients (BNF, 2012). Clarithromycin is licensed and recommended by CREST, (2005), and by the practitioners trust, as an alternative to Flucloxacillin in cellulitis for patients with a Penicillin allergy. It is indicated in the BNF, (2012) for the treatment of mild to moderate skin and soft-tissue infections. It demonstrates suitable pharmacokinetics, with good distribution into skin and soft tissues, and is effective against the large majority of staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria that cause cellulitis (Accord Healthcare Limited, 2012), (See drug monologue page 21-28). There were no contraindications in prescribing Clarithromycin for Mrs A. The option of not having any medication was discussed with Mrs A however, she wanted treatment so the benefits and side effects of Clarithromycin was explained, and consent obtained from Mrs A to prescribe the antibiotics and to be discharged, (NMC Practice Standard 5, 2006). Dose and duration were then also clarified and the importance of taking the antibiotics as prescribed and to complete the full course. On reflection, by discussing and deciding on the best treatment together this would hopefully promote concordance. Negotiating with patients and agreeing on a management plan is very important aspect of reaching patient centred care (Neighbour, 2005). Using an FP10 Clarithromycin tablets 500mg twice a day was prescribed by the Registrar (as the practitioner was not a licensed prescriber, NMC Practice Standard 1, 2006), as per trust guidelines, for 7 days. Paracetamol tablets 1g four times a day was also prescribed for its analgesic and anti-pyretic properties (BNF, 2012). A stat dose of both were prescribed and the practitioner asked the nurse to administer the first dose (NMC Practice Standard 9 14, 2006), and was aware that by delegating this task the prescriber remained accountable. The FP10 was given to the patient to take to the pharmacy of her choice for them to dispense (NMC Practice Standard 10, 2006), (See mock prescription page 29). The practitioner did not initially contemplate cost effectiveness but on reflection it has been recognised that this needs to be taken into consideration when prescribing (NPC, 1999). Intravenous antibiotics may have been prescribed, which may have meant an admission into hospital or administration by nurses on an outpatient basis; thus would have increased the cost of treatment significantly. Admission to hospital can also be overwhelming and can put the patient at risk of hospital acquired infections and increased risk of antibiotic resistance (Wingfield, 2008). Safety Netting The erythematous border was marked, with the patients consent, with permanent pen to monitor for any improvement or additional spread of infection (CREST, 2005, Beldon, 2011). The practitioner advised Mrs A that she should return or see her GP if she had worsening symptoms or if by the completion of the course of antibiotics symptoms had failed to resolve. Mrs A was also advised that, if a similar incident occurred, she should seek medical assistance early so that treatment could begin as soon as possible to reduce the risk of severe and long-term complications. In addition it was recommended that she should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, elevate the leg for comfort and to help reduce the swelling (CREST, 2005, Beldon, 2011). Mrs A was warned that there could be an increase in erythema in the first 24-48 hours of treatment (CREST, 2005). This advice and information empowered Mrs A and made sure that her discharge was as safe as possible. The practitioner brought the consultation to a close by asking Mrs A if she had any questions or if there was anything else she would like to discuss. This gave Mrs A the opportunity of clarifying any information given by the practitioner and the opportunity to divulge any information or concerns not previously mentioned. This re-assured the practitioner that she had addressed her problem appropriately. Housekeeping The practitioner made sure there was clear concise documentation of the consultation and choice of prescription in Mrs A notes (NMC Practice Standard 7, 2006). A discharge letter was also produced to send to her GP NMC Practice Standard 6, 2006). Once the prescription was ready, Mrs A was discharged. This case study has shown the practitioner the importance of effective communication in consultation. By following Neighbours consultation checkpoints it gave structure to the consultation and will be used by the practitioner in future practice. It has also helped the practitioner to gain an understanding of different prescribing options and how to explore these further. For example, the practitioner did find when reading around the subject that there has been some research on the use of corticosteroids in cellulitis to increase resolution, however, to the practitioners knowledge, this is not currently advised in any guidelines and further research is needed. The practitioner would also like to be involved in the development of a cellulitis pathway at her place of work. This could include an algorithm to aid practitioners to differential diagnosis so patients can receive appropriate treatment and reduce the incorrect prescribing of antibiotics. As there are no National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on the treatment and management of cellulitis, treatment of patients is not standardised and consequently quality of care could be affected. The optimal choice for antimicrobial therapy requires review and definitive study in clinical trials. 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Name of Drug Clarithromycin Drug Classification Macrolide Therapeutic Uses(s) Clarithromycin film-coated tablets are indicated in adults and adolescents 12 years and older for the treatment of the following bacterial infections, when caused by clarithromycin-susceptible bacteria. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Mild to moderate community acquired pneumonia. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Acute bacterial sinusitis à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Bacterial pharyngitis. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Skin infections and soft tissue infections of mild to moderate severity, such as folliculitis, cellulitis and erysipelas Clarithromycin film-coated tablets can also be used in appropriate combination with antibacterial therapeutic regimens and an appropriate ulcer healing agent for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with Helicobacter pylori associated ulcers Dose range and route(s) of administration Adults and adolescents (12 years and older) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Standard dosage: The usual dose is 250 mg twice daily. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ High dosage treatment (severe infections): The usual dose may be increased to 500 mg twice daily in severe infections. Children younger than 12 years: Use of Clarithromycin film-coated tablets is not recommended for children younger than 12 years. Use Clarithromycin paediatric suspensions. Clinical trials have been conducted using clarithromycin pediatric suspension in children 6 months to 12 years of age. Elderly: As for adults Dosage in renal functional impairment: The maximum recommended dosages should be reduced proportionately to renal impairment. In patients with renal impairment with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min, the dosage of clarithromycin should be reduced by one-half, i.e. 250 mg once daily, or 250 mg twice daily in more severe infections. Treatment should not be continued beyond 14 days in these patients. Patients with hepatic impairment: Caution should be exercised when administrating clarithromycin in patients with hepatic impairment Administered orally. Pharmacodynamics Mode of Action Clarithromycin is a semi-synthetic derivative of erythromycin A. It exerts its antibacterial action by binding to the 50s ribosomal sub-unit of susceptible bacteria and suppresses protein synthesis. It is highly potent against a wide variety of aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. The 14-hydroxy metabolite of clarithromycin also has antimicrobial activity. The MICs of this metabolite are equal or two-fold higher than the MICs of the parent compound, except for H. influenzae where the 14-hydroxy metabolite is two-fold more active than the parent compound. Side Effects Dyspepsia, tooth and tongue discoloration, smell and taste disturbances, stomatitis, glossitis, and headache; less commonly: arthralgia and myalgia; rarely: tinnitus; very rarely: dizziness, insomnia, nightmares, anxiety, confusion, psychosis, paraesthesia, convulsions, hypoglycemia, renal failure, interstitial nephritis, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia Interactions Aprepitant Clarithromycin possibly increases plasma concentration of aprepitant Atazanavir Plasma concentration of both drugs increased when Clarithromycin given with atazanavir. Atorvastatin Clarithromycin increases plasma concentration of atorvastatin. Cabazitaxel Avoidance of clarithromycin advised by manufacturer of cabazitaxel. Calcium-channel Blockers Clarithromycin possibly inhibits metabolism of calcium-channel blockers (increased risk of side-effects). Carbamazepine Clarithromycin increases plasma concentration of carbamazepine. Ciclosporin Clarithromycin inhibits metabolism of ciclosporin (increased plasma concentration). Colchicine Clarithromycin possibly increases risk of colchicine toxicity-suspend or reduce dose of colchicine (avoid concomitant use in hepatic or renal impairment). Coumarins Clarithromycin enhances anticoagulant effect of coumarins. Disopyramide Clarithromycin possibly increases plasma concentration of disopyramide (increased risk of toxicity). Dronedarone Avoidance of clarithromycin advised by manufacturer of dronedarone (risk of ventricular arrhythmias). Efavirenz Increased risk