University Fee Control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

University Fee Control - Essay Example According to the essay findings  when the university fees are high, many families are unable to afford. Few people get the opportunity to pursue higher education and hence increased illiteracy while people like the youths, may resort to crimes as a means of sustaining their livelihood, and others get into drug abuse. There have been measures put in place and are assumed to be of help to the students, the measures such as increasing the students loan is really not of help since an increased loan would only make students indebted to the government .Setting up a price favorable to both the government and institutions will be of great significance to the organization and the economy.As the paper highlights  government intervention in the university fees is the only solution to the fee problems faced by students. It should, therefore, take stern measures in ensuring that students are not disadvantaged. Once this is done, students will enjoy the fruits of their labor upon graduating ra ther than paying for loans and getting jobs that pay salaries which are not equivalent to the money they spent on their education.  Despite the success, most of the group members tended to come late for the group discussion but we agreed amicably that no one will be late during the next debate. Regarding the contribution of team members, we gave marks of 9 out of 10.  This is because each group member handled the success of this group work and its completion.

Research paper on carnival Essay Example for Free

Research paper on carnival Essay Mardi gras Just the name Mardi gras conjures up images of drunken, bead-wearing revelers dancing through the streets of New Orleans. But how, and when, did this huge mid-winter party get started? Heres a look at the history of Mardi gras throughout the ages and across the nations. Herman states, Historians tell us that the ancient Romans probably kicked off the Mardi gras celebrations. (pg. 115)Their mid-February festival known as Lupercalia honored the god Lupercus, alternately known as the god of fertility and the god of agriculture and pastoral shepherds. In either case, his party definitely had Mardi Gras-like qualities, including days of feasting and drinking. And a little enjoying the pleasures of the flesh, probably, too in fact, the term Carnival, often synonymous with Mardi gras, is derived from the Latin expression meaning farewell to the flesh. Like most of the ancient Roman and Greek festivals, Lupercalia was adopted and adapted by the Church as a way of subtly converting the local pagans to Christianity. The carnival-like celebration of Lupercalia thus morphed into a last fling before the beginning of the Lenten period. Lent refers to the 40 days of pertinence and purification celebrated between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. During Lent, the religiously faithful refrain from a number of indulgences of the flesh, including eating meat. (pg. 220) What began as a Roman-based celebration quickly spread across the European continent. By medieval times, lords were hosting carnivals prior to Lent in honor of the conscription of their new knights. Each region and country celebrated their own traditions, but all were indulgent. [pic] In France, this period of revelry before Lent was especially raucous. In fact, the term Mardi gras is a French expression meaning Fat Tuesday likely referring to the indulgent nature of the pre-Lenten celebration. The name may have been more than just allegorical, however. Ancient pagans often marked their fertility ritual by parading a fattened ox through the town before sacrificing it. (lent pg. 101) It was also the French who brought the celebration to America. Many historians believe the party crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1699, on the ship of a French explorer named Sieur dIber ville. The Frenchman landed in what is today Louisiana, just south of New Orleans, the heart of Americas modern-day Mardi Gras celebrations. In fact, his landing is believed to have coincided with the French celebration of Mardi gras, explaining his choice of name for his point of entry: Point du Mardi Gras. However, dispute the dIberville connection, contending that it was the early French settlers to Louisiana who introduced Mardi gras to America. Regardless of the precise origin, Mardi gras can clearly be attributed to a Franco-influence. By the mid 1820s, Mardi gras was firmly rooted in the New Orleans culture. Lent later states that Today, the citys celebrations are considered one of Americas biggest parties, with towns and cities throughout the Gulf Coast Region getting in on the fun. (112) Zulu (krewe of Mardi gras) Early in 1909, a group of laborers who had organized a club named The Tramps, went to the Pythian Theater to see a musical comedy performed by the Smart Set. The comedy included a skit entitled, There Never Was and Never Will Be a King like Me, about the Zulu Tribe. (herman pg. 201) The earliest signs of organization came from the fact that the majority of these men belonged to a Benevolent Aid Society. Benevolent Societies were the first forms of insurance in the Black community where, for a small amount of dues, members received financial help when sick or financial aid when burying deceased members. Conversations and interviews with older members also indicate that in that era the city was divided into wards and each ward had its own group or Club. The Tramps were one such group. After seeing the skit, they retired to their meeting place (a room in the rear of a restaurant/bar in the 1100 block of Perdido Street), and emerged as Zulus. (pg 210). According to herman, This group was probably made up of members from the Tramps, the Benevolent Aid Society and other ward-based groups. While the Group marched in Mardi gras as early as 1901, their first appearance as Zulus came in 1909, with William Story as King. The group wore raggedy pants, and had a Jubilee-singing quartet in front of and behind King Story. His costume of lard can crown and banana stalk scepter has been well documented. The Kings following William Story, (William Crawford 1910, Peter Williams 1912, and Henry Harris 1914), were similarly attired. (pg. 214). 1915 heralded the first use of floats, constructed on a spring wagon, using dry good boxes. The float was decorated with palmetto leaves and moss and carried four Dukes along with the King. That humble beginning gave rise to the lavish floats we see in the Zulu parade today. On September 20, 1916, in the notorial office of Gabriel Fernandez, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club were incorporated. Twenty-t wo of the organizations officers and members signed the first official document. The Geddes and Moss Funeral Home, located on Washington Avenue, played an integral part in Zulus beginning, and have continued to do so throughout the years. The first official toast of King Zulu and his Queen is held at this establishment each year. Zulus were not without their controversies, either. In the 1960s during the height of Black awareness, it was unpopular to be a Zulu. Dressing in a grass skirt and donning a black face were seen as being demeaning. Large numbers of black organizations protested against the Zulu organization, and its membership dwindled to approximately 16 men. James Russell, a long-time member, served as president in this period, and is credited with holding the organization together and slowly bringing Zulu back to the forefront. (pg. 220) In 1968, Zulus route took them on two major streets; namely, St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street, for the first time in the modern era to see the Zulu parade, you had to travel the so-called back streets of the Black neighborhoods. The segregation laws of this period contributed to this, and Zulu tradition also played a part. In those days, neighborhood bars sponsored certain floats and, consequently, the floats were obligated to pass those bars. Passing meant stopping, as the bars advertised that the Zulus will stop here! Once stopped at a sponsoring bar, it was often difficult to get the riders out of the establishment, so the other floats took off in different directions to fulfill their obligations. Zulu has grown tremendously over the years. This continual growth is credited to the members for their love, loyalty and dedication to this organization. In 1978, the organization opened its doors to their new home, a two-story frame building houses a lounge downstairs for members and guests to enjoy themselves. Of all the throws to rain down from the many floats in the parades during carnival, the Zulu coconut or Golden Nugget is the most sought after. The earliest reference to the coconut appears to be about 1910 when the coconuts were given from the floats in their natural hairy state. Some years later there is a reference to Lloyd Lucus, the sign painter, scraping and painting the coconuts. This was the forerunner to the beautifully decorated coconuts we see today. (pg. 229) With the proliferation of lawsuits from people alleging injury from thrown coconuts, the organization was unable to get insurance coverage in 1987. So that year, the honored tradition was suspended. After much lobbying, the Louisiana Legislature passed SB188, aptly dubbed the Coconut Bill, which excluded the coconut from liability for alleged injuries arising from the coconuts handed from the floats. On July 8, 1988, then-governor Edwards signed the bill into law. (pg. 233) Carnival in the Caribbean Hundreds of years ago followers of the Catholic religion in Italy started the tradition of holding a wild costume festival right before Lent. Because Catholics are not supposed to eat meat during Lent, they called their festival, carnevale-which means to put away meat. (internet site: â€Å"caribbean carnival†)As time passed, carnivals in Italy became quite famous. The practice spread to France, Spain and Portugal. As these Catholic countries began to take control of the Americas and other parts of the world, they brought with them their tradition of celebrating Carnival. In many parts of the world, where Catholic Europeans set up colonies and entered into slave trade, carnival took root. Today Carnival celebrations are found throughout the Caribbean. Traditions of the cultures have come together and especially African dance and music traditions transformed the early European carnival traditions in the Americas. Important to the Caribbean festival arts are the ancient African traditions of parading and moving in circles through villages in costumes and masks. These traditions were believed to bring good fortune, to heal problems and chill out angry spirits. Caribbean carnival traditions also borrow from the African culture the tradition of creating pieces of sculpture, masks and costumes. For the Caribbean people carnival became an important way to express their rich cultural traditions. It takes many months of coming up with a theme or overall concept and developing costumes for the dancers. Lots of creativity, energy and patience is put into work such as welding, painting, sewing, gluing, applying feathers, sequins and glitter. Carnival groups, entertained by music orchestras, parade and dance wearing costumes depicting a common theme. When Carnival first began it was celebrated from December 26 until Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). Nowadays Carnival festivities and activities are being held year-round in the Caribbean. The dates on which Carnival celebrations such as; music competitions, festivals, concerts, street jump-ups, beauty pageants, balls, parades etc. take place may vary from country to country, from island to island. For days, sometimes weeks, the people of the Caribbean express themselves socially and artistically and sheer joy with visitors from all over the world. (internet sit â€Å"Caribbean carnival†)Everyone, including the spectators, is part of the celebrations. Antigua and Bermuda The festivities reveal the many influences that formed the Antiguan society, cultural, social and political. Over the years cultural elements from countries like Venezuela, Brazil, Holland, Colombia and the United States have slipped into the Antiguan community and blended with and into the unique world famous carnival celebration with its typical characteristics of creativity and rhythm, dance happiness, Flamboyant costumes, Beauty pageants, Talent shows, and Great music. All these and more define a fantastic celebration of happiness that is the Antigua Carnival. In retrospect, the Antigua Carnival dates back in August 1 of 1834 when slavery was entirely abolished. In 1666, it was ravaged by French inhabitants but was soon conquered by the British and was formally restored to them by the Treaty of Breda. It all started when the local natives immediately went to the streets to express their joyful celebration of freedom. As the years passed by, it continued not until in 1957 where it was declared an official Antigua Carnival. (oduber pg. 97) Since then, the Antigua Carnival has developed into ten days packed with revelry in a glitzy manner of dance to the beat of the Calypso. It includes marches, jump-ups and shows which always took place around the last week of July up to the first week of August. The Antigua Carnival is undeniably the best time for tourists to immerse with the culture of this Caribbean island. If you head to the city, you are fortunate to witness the Pan Ban, a steel orchestra, practicing for the event.(oduber pg. 99) They go by troupes as they set up a Mas Camp, a base where their intricate wardrobes are made. It is also the starting point as they walk to the metropolis to open the Antigua Carnival. The lively event culminates by a massive road party called J’ouvert, which means â€Å"day break†. Everybody is literally on their feet as they sway to the beat of the dr ums from the young night until the middle morning. Barbados (Crop over) Masquerading was an old African tradition, where they paraded in masks and costumes through the villages to bring good luck and to remove evil spirits. Originally materials for costumes were natural things such as; grass, beads, bones, etc. Head-pieces and Masks were made of feathers to symbolize that people can spiritually rise above anything. Most European colonies within the Caribbean who were part of the slave trade have Carnival or Carnival-like celebrations. (praiser pg. 23)Now in large countries like USA, Canada and England, where they are Caribbean communities you will find Carnival celebrations. The History of Crop Over The end of the sugar cane harvest, or Crop Over as it is almost always referred to, has long been the occasion for celebration. In what seems to be the earliest reference to the Crop Over festival, we find the manager of Newton Plantation writing in 1788 to the estates owner in England, telling him that he had held a dinner and sober dance for the slaves, saying: twas a celebration of Harvest Time after the crop. (housman pg. 304) Many aspects of plantation life in Barbados carried on unchanged after the end of slavery, and the Crop Over festival likewise continued. Never the less there must have been an important difference in the way in which the festival was perceived. Before emancipation, the planter had no choice but to support his slaves, well or badly as the case might have been, all year round. After 1838, for most people Crop Over meant not just the end of a period of hard work, but also the beginning of a period of less work and lower wages. For many the interval between tw o crops would indeed have been hard times, and the symbol of these, perhaps not invented until after Emancipation, was the figure of a man stuffed with trash (the dried leaves of the sugar cane plant) which was known as Mr. Harding. (pg. 311) Mr. Harding was formally introduced to the manager of the plantation, and, according to some accounts, later burnt as part of the celebrations which must have had a tinge of desperation to them as people strove to enjoy themselves while they could. The festival was apparently fairly common at the beginning of the present century, by which time the name Crop Over seems to have ousted that of Harvest Time. A procession of carts would bring the last canes to the plantation yard, the draught animals being decorated with flamboyant, frangipani and other flowers, whilst brightly colored kerchiefs would be tied like flags to the canes. The laborers would parade around the yard, and it was at this point that that they would introduce Mr. Harding to the manager, after which they would adjourn for a dance, for the manager or the owner of the estate would normally contribute some salt meat and rum. Even by 1940 Crop Over was being described as a custom which has very nearly died out, according to Housman (pg. 316), and the continuing decline of sugar and the growing availability of other sources of employment had put an end to much of traditional plantation life. The modern Crop Over, revived by the Board of Tourism in 1974 and now administered by the National Cultural Foundation, pays tribute to the fact that sugar is still important in Barbados and the immense influence which it has had on our history. The present day festival is very different from the old time Crop Over, but it continues as a tradition by offering a thrilling celebration of many aspects of Bajan Culture, old and new. CROP-OVER CARNIVAL Crop-over has become the centerpiece of Barbados culture, a process enriched by much history, a savvy visitor promotional sense, and the great nearby pre-Lenten Carnival of Trinidad Tobago. Conga-line from April 22 May 01 begins with the longest Conga line in the Caribbean and features a series of concerts at the Malibu Conga line Village. May 1 is the finale, where bands, floats and Carnival goers take part in the May Day Parade, The Caribbeans largest summer Carnival begins on the first Saturday with the Decorated cart and float opening and Gala crop-over opening. (praiser pg.31) This parade begins at Bridgetown Independence Square in the early afternoon and finishes at the National Stadium. Here, the opening ceremony takes place with the ceremonial delivery of the last canes and the crowning of the king and queen of the festival followed by an excellent night of entertainment and socializing. The festival, revived in 1974 following a 30-year hiatus, continues to grow and evolve with the culture. Unlike most Carnivals whose roots are in spring, Crop-over is a harvest festival dating back centuries to the end of the sugar cane season. The end to all the grueling and arduous work was marked by the final delivery of canes to the mill. Surely a cause for song, dance and general jubilation, as such, the workers would begin the festivities by boisterously telling each other CROP OVER. Folk Concerts celebrating the emancipation from slavery are popular events during the Carnival season the last Carnival weekend features the most important Carnival events. On Friday, there will be the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals at the National Stadium. The next night in the wee hours of Sunday morn, the Fore-Day morning jump-up will go down from 2am till dawn. Before this special event is the steelpan competition. Cohobblopot is a huge carnival-like show where the most popular calypsonians and bands perform on Carnival Sunday night. The Calypso Contest is one of the worlds best even though it features primarily local talent. Before the best singer/songwriters of the season are chosen, the talent will perform their new compositions at many venues or tents. These tents, with names like Super Gladiators, Conquerors, House of Soca, Pioneers and Stray Cats, play an important role in deciding who will win the title of Party Monarch, Road March Monarch and the Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch. The King and Queen of the bands competition is also an important part of the Cohobblopot Sunday show. Get tickets in advance since the National Stadium can sell out, particularly with all the talk about not allowing it to be broadcast on free TV. (pg. 37) All this buildup makes for a memorable Grand Finale, or as they say at Barbados Crop-over, the Grand Kadooment. Here, over two dozen large costumed bands will go dancing down de road inviting everyone to jump up with them as they make their way to the ocean surf. (pg. 42) Tuk: Indigenous to Barbados, its a combination of African and British military rhythms with the musicians dressed in minstrel like costumes creating music from kettledrums, bass drums and whistles. They play sounds like marching band music, old-time waltzes and almost always end with an African beat. According to praier, This is a great spectacle to see. ( pg. 51) The musicians are as serious about their music as any steelband man. Although a part of the old era, it is still very alive and a part of the modern day celebrations with completions staged during Crop Over. Calypso Soca: Although calypso is indigenous to Trinidad, it now holds a very prominent place in the Crop over Celebration. Like Trinidad Carnival, it has all the trimmings, the Tents, parties, semi-finals judging and then to the Calypso Monarch finals, which take place just before Grand Kadooment. The Bajan artistes are holding their own with this art form and have even created new forms like Ringband and Ragga-soca, a definite invention of the Bajan calypsonians. (pg. 55) Steelband: Borrowed from Trinidad, the Bajans have taken it, and now the popularity and growth of the steelband in Barbados is phenomenal, states praiser. (pg. 68) with every year seeing the improvement of the sound and quality of the music to the extent that steelband has now taken a place on the curriculum of many of the schools on the island. Grand Kadooment: The grand finale, a parade of the costumed bands for the final competition for Designer of the Year Crown. The revelers are dressed in elaborate costumes depicting various themes dancing to music playing from the most popular bandstands, with disc jockeys winding their way down to Spring Garden where they would be judged for this coveted crown. (pg. 73) St. Vincent and the Grenadines (â€Å"vincy mas†) History Hugh Ragguette, a name that is synonymous with Carnival in St. Vincent explained to The Vincentian that the historic roots of Carnival lie in deep antiquity: since at the dawn of history, man celebrated several festivals of which Carnival was one. The Kalinagos and other indigenous peoples who inhabited St. Vincent had their festivals. With the introduction of slavery, the Africans with their varying cultures and rich variety added to those expressions. Although the practice of wearing mas' came from Africa and was subsequently adopted by the Greek and Romans, it was actually the French who celebrated carnival in the Caribbean as the highlight of the year. After the British supplanted the French, the practice continued. The wearing of Mas in carnival was introduced by the Pope in Rome in 1494 and then spread throughout Europe. (Sutty pg. 37) Naturally, the slaves participated in these festivals at a different level. â€Å"The slaves would have noted and participated in the festival, albeit at a different level. Naturally, they were not invited to the mas balls and dances.† stated however, when chattel slavery ended, the freed slaves embraced carnival and turned it into a callaloo pot, adding elements of the respective cultures.(pg 38) They took to the streets and displayed the theatrical spectacle they had created and to vent their subdued creative abilities. These street marches took place on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Unable to chain the hands and feet of the slaves any longer, in 1892, he related, the colonial Governor banned the festival claiming that the revellers were lashing out at each other and observers with whips. Ragguette held another opinion, â€Å"The main reason was to suppress the people’s culture and their peculiar African expressions. The coloniser could not understand these expressions and wanted to stifle them.† The fire that burnt within slavery was reduced to mere embers and in 1879, fuelled by the unchainable African spirit it le apt into flames again. In 1899, the people decided that come what may, ban or no ban, which they were going to celebrate. They began the celebrations as early as the Friday preceding Ash Wednesday. As a result, the colonisers brought out what was termed the armed might of the Empire. (pg 44) The people resisted and a riot broke out, writing the Carnival Riots of the 11th and 12th February into this country’s history books. From then on, Carnival has been a part of St.Vincent’s culture. Four years later, carnival fever spread to Trinidad in the south where the festival had been banned resulting in the Comboule Riots. throughout the years people have built on and experimented with the components of Carnival; to the extent Trinidadians have invented a musical instrument in the form of the steel pan to provide accompanying music to its calypso. ( pg. 47). By 1973, it was virtually impossible to hold all the Carnival shows during the Wednesday and Tuesday period. â€Å"Our pan, our calypso, and particularly our Mas has reached a level of development that it needed to spread its wings outside the Catholic Christian Carnival to a more embracing festival,† Ragguette commented. (pg. 49) Since the festival was held so soon after Christmas and the length of time available for shows coupled with the fact the Trinidad and Tobago, whom Ragguette stated â€Å"had run away with title of king of Carnival in the world and boasted of having the greatest show on earth,† held its Carnival around the same time, it was necessary to move the festival to another season. The June-July period was decided as most suitable. (pg. 50) With more time to work, the CDC wanted to introduce a Caribbean component into its programme. Antigua and Barbuda already had a Caribbean Calypso Competition and the organisation could not get beyond the logistics of a Caribbean Pan or King and Queen of the Bands competition. sutty explained that it was felt that a show should be organised to showcase â€Å"the beauty and profound intelligence of our Caribbean women†. (pg. 53). This resulted in the birth of Miss Caribbean Carnival Miss Carnival. Trinidad Carnivals principal components are calypso, steelpan and playing mas (masquerade). In the historic capital City of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, these elements are harmoniously structured to form a five day ritual pageant beginning with the King Queen Contest (Friday), Panorama (Saturday), Dimanche Gras (Sunday), JOuvert (Monday) and the Parade of the Bands (Tuesday). (green pg 57) These main events and countless others build to an unforgettable epiphany of beauty and stunning display of the irrepressible human spirit before concluding and allowing the quiet first day of Lent and reflection known as Ash Wednesday to be admitted to consciousness. [pic]The genesis of this worlds greatest Carnival has been attributed to the many cultures of Trinidad and their interaction. While the African influence is predominant, the Carnival carries an overriding theme of unity, a central part of this unique cultures mythology. Trinidads namesake, the holy Trinity is blessed as the unifying principle. This is the countrys well known motto, resting at the base of the ubiquitous and striking TT Coat of Arms reads, Together we Aspire, Together we achieve. (pg 59).Yet the wisdom lies in paradox for there is no Carnival with more intense competition than Trinidads. [pic]Today Trinidads model for public celebration is the most widely imitated festival art form in the world. Many Trinidadian Carnival artists are able to work year round performing throughout North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. J’ouvert Jab Jab The name of this mas is derived from the French patois for Diable Diable. It is pretty devil mas. The costume consists of a Kandal or satin knickers, and satin shirt with points of cloth at the waist, from which bells hang. On the chest, there is a shaped cloth panel which is decorated with swansdown, rhinestones and mirrors. Stockings and alpagatas are worn on the feet, while the headdress consists of a hood with stuffed cloth horns. The costume can come in alternating colors and be divided into front and back panels. (pg 61) The Jab Jab has a thick whip of plaited hemp which he swings and cracks threateningly. These whips can reduce the costumes of other Jab Jabs to threads. It is not to be confused with Jab Molassie. JAB MOLASSIE Jab is the French patois for Diable (Devil), and Molassie is the French patois for Mà ©lasse (Molasses). (pg 62)The Jab Molassie is one of several varieties of devil mas played in Trinidad and Tobago carnival. The costume consists of short pants or pants cut off at the knee, and a mask and horns. The jab malassie would carry chains, and wear locks and keys around his waist, and carry a pitch fork. He may smear his body with grease, tar, mud or colored dyes (red, green or blue). The jab molassie wines or gyrates to a rhythmic beat that is played on tins or pans by his imps. While some of his imps supply the music, others hold his chain, seemingly restraining him as he pulls against them in his wild dance. The differences among the various forms of devil mas were once distinct, but have become blurred over time. Trinidads carnival is a gorgeous paradigm of how carnival can connect the entire world. In this Trinidad little nation, the lifestyle and customs of various cultures come collectively for a short five days every year, the entire country stops thinking about their dissimilarities to celebrate life! Similar to many other countries under colonial rule, the history of Native Americans and African people in Trinidad is atrocious and a sad story. At different times England and Spain both maintained Trinidad as their colonies. Around 1785, Carnival was introduced to Trinidad. The French settlers started to arrive. The custom caught on rapidly, and fancy balls were held where the rich planters pretend masks, and beautiful dresses, wigs, and dance the whole night. The employ of masks had particular meaning for the slaves, as for several African peoples, masking is usually used in their rituals for the dead. Evidently banned from the masked balls of the French, the slaves would grasp their own tiny carnivals in their gardens — using their folklore and own rituals. However they also imitate their masters’ manners at the masked balls. Carnival has turned out to be a way to convey their authority as individuals for African people, and also for their rich cultural traditions. (pg. 102) The slavery was eradicated after 1838, the Africans were freed and started to host their individual carnival celebrations in Trinidad streets. This carnival developed progressively and sophisticated and rapidly became trendier than the balls. Nowadays, Trinidad carnival is like a mirror that reflects the faces the many immigrant nations from Africa, India, China and Europe. Carnival is such a significant aspect of life in Trinidad, as many schools trust that funding/ sponsoring a carnival band is a way to train youngsters about their culture and roots. According to green, Hundreds of schools and community organizations contribute in Trinidad’s Kiddies Carnival. In this fashion, communities’ works as one to build up strong friendships and good respect for the various cultures that make up Trinidad. (pg. 59) Bibliography â€Å"Caribbean carnival† Caribseek.comhttp://www.caribseek.com/adventure_and_entertainment/carnivals/caribbean-carnival.shtml. â€Å"Carnival in Trinidad.† Mustard.org.early 1985 carnival in Trinidad†¦evolution and symbolic menaing.21 February 2008 http://www.mustard.org.uk/articles/trinidad.htm. Cowley, John. Carnival, Canboulay and Calypso: Traditions in the Making. Trinidad: Macmillan Caribbean May 4, 1988 Green, Garth L. Trinidad Carnival: The Cultural Politics of a Transnational Festival. Massasetucheuts: Harper smith, 2005 Herman, Wouk. Don’t stop the carnival. USA: Doubleday, 1965 Housman, Gerald â€Å"The kebra nagast: the lost bible of Rastafarian wisdom and faith from Ethiopia and Jamaica.† (July 1979): 299-671 Lent, A John. Caribbean popular culture. Michigan: bowling green state university popular press, 2006. Pariser, Harry S. Explore Barbados. Manatee Press: 3 edition October 2007 Razak, Victoria M. Carnival in Antigua. Boston: Cenda Pub; 1 edition May 1, 1998 Riggio, Milla Co. Carnival: Culture in Action The Trinidad Experience (Worlds of Performance). Routt ledge: Pablo Delano, 2004: Sutty, Lesley. St Vincent and the Grenadines. Caribbean: 2 edition September 2002 Oduber, Vanja. Antigua carnival. New York: Chauvenheid Graphic Group 1996

Heroification and Its Damaging Effects :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Heroification and Its Damaging Effects In the Disney movie Life-Size, actress Tyra Banks plays the role of Eve, a Barbie-like doll, who is "perfect in every way," come to life. Later in the movie, the once-very popular Eve doll's sales decrease dramatically, and the company stops the production of the Eve doll not realizing what they are doing wrong. Distressed, Banks, the "life-size" Eve doll, turns to her owner Casey and learns two valuable lessons—that perfection is boring and unrealistic, and it is okay to make mistakes. Casey tells the life-size Eve that the Eve doll is too "goody-goody" to be real, and girls need more realistic role models—heroes—with personality, inner struggles, and mistakes. Almost everyone likes heroes from Spiderman to firefighters to Dad who inspire the young and keep them motivated; however when the heroes' lives and beliefs are fabricated to fit a stereotype, these humans regress into nothing more than a boring ideal. Heroification with cognitive disson ance blind students to the reality of this world and limit their ability to view controversies objectively. Heroification is the process where details—both important and trivial—are left out or changed to fit the archetypical mold of the flawless, inhuman "heroes." This "degenerative process" makes "flesh-and-blood individuals into pious, perfect creatures without conflicts, pain, credibility, or human interest (Loewen 19)." For example, many people know of Helen Keller only as the blind, deaf girl who despite her handicaps learned to read, write, and to speak, but this is only the first twenty years of her life. Whatever happened to Keller for the next sixty-four years of her life? Keller was, in fact, a radical socialist in Massachusetts starting in the early 1900s, and was one of the most passionate and famous woman during that time rallying for the new communist nation. Keller's love for socialism did not stem from a vacuum but was rooted deep within her experiences as a disabled person, and she sympathized with other handicaps and learned that social cl ass controls not only people's opportunity but also their disabilities. But during the heroification process, the schools and the mass media omitted Keller's lifelong goal and passion to bring about radical social change because we would rather teach our young to "remain uncontroversial and one-dimensional" than to have a room full of leftists (Loewen 35).

Reaction Paper About a Play

Reyjin C. Balas Nov. 16, 2012 DAM5PROFES1 BS-Industrial Design Page 1 DULAANG FILIPINO Presents â€Å" E † The Dulaang Filipino is the College’s resident theater company. It is empowered to educate its audience on various social issues afflicting today’s society. This theatrical show was held at the 5F School of Design and Arts Theater (DLS-CSB SDA Campus). In this play, the story began in a musical way, showing their creative costumes, sounds, colourful lighings, all the characters were dancing, singing, saying out loud their dialogues one by one. The story was all about the mystery that was happening behind the so called â€Å"greatest show on Earth. There was this general manager of the world's largest railroad circus who has a number of problems on his hands for the upcoming season. Then there is his maid that knows all what was happening in their place. Other main characters in the story were the two agents who tried to solve the problem / mystery up to the end of the story, it wasn’t solved by the two. Up to the end of the story, I was still confused about the story and the characters because there was also a killing part where there were parts of the human body that were thrown everywhere on the stage, those hands, feet and the head that was taken off, I don’t know who’s head was that, but that part was very creepy for me, the light effects helped a lot because there was also a smoke effect and the color of the lights at that time was red. What I liked the most in the show was the roles of the two agents. I was amazed on the way they deliver their dialogues, kung ako ang nasa lugar nila, siguro malilito at Balas 2 mabubulol na ako sa pagsasalita. The second that I liked was the part that almost all of them were walking and dancing while wearing roller blades and they’re even on the stage. May part na kinabahan ako dahil baka may biglang mahulog sa platform na gawa nila, may mga maliliit din na gulong kasi ung ilalim. The third thing that I liked was that they got my full attention for the whole time of play, and I liked their costumes, colourful and creative, even though other props were not that made well and if I’m going to rate it out of ten, I will give them an eight.

Curriculum Development Paper

This curriculum paper discusses the normal development that occurs during the Toddlers’ stage of growth. It also discusses some of common respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases and disorders that are present throughout toddlerhood. It emphasizes important information related to the Nursing field. It thoroughly discusses the nursing management involved in the care of normal growth as well as the health deviations seen in toddlers. The target audience is a class of 3rd year nursing students. Pediatric nursing is important branch of nursing that should be tackled by junior level in a Nursing course.Goals/ Learner outcomes of the Lesson The goals of the lesson are for the students to understand the normal growth and development seen in toddlers. They should identify the different health abnormalities affecting toddlers. They should have thorough knowledge about the nature of the disorders discussed. Students should be able to identify the signs and symptoms related in every dis ease/disorder presented. They should enumerate the nursing management and its rationale given to sick toddlers. Learning ObjectivesAt the end of the lesson, the students will be able to understand the nature of Seizures, Cerebral Palsy, Meningitis, Primary Complex, Intestinal Parasitism and Croup. They should be able to describe methods to promote preventive measures against Seizures, Cerebral Palsy, Meningitis, Primary Complex, Intestinal Parasitism and Croup. They should be able to identify different laboratory and diagnostic examinations done for each condition. Students are expected to identify the common presenting clinical manifestation for each condition.And lastly, they should be able to enumerate nursing management done for clients with Seizures, Cerebral Palsy, Meningitis, Primary Complex, Intestinal Parasitism and Croup. Instructional design model, Learner characteristics, Learning theory and other applicable characteristics Instructional design model Dick and Carey Desig n Model. Dick and Carey Model involves all the phases described previously in the ADDIE model, commencing with identification of instructional goals and finishes with summative evaluation. This model is suitable for a variety of context areas including primary and secondary schools as well as business and government.It is also adaptable for a variety of users ranging from movie to expert, as the step by step descriptions aid with progress through the model (Taylor, 2004). Learner Characteristics There are many factors that influence a client’s ability, motivation and desire to learn. Addressing these factors when planning educational interventions is essential, because the effectiveness of the intervention can be at stake. Learner characteristics include, among others, culture/ethnicity, literacy, age, health status, education level, and socioeconomic status (De Young, 2003, p. 59). Learning TheoryCognitive Learning Theory. The key to learning and changing is the individualâ €™s cognition (perception, thought, memory, and ways of processing and structuring information). According to this perspective, to learn, individuals must change their cognitions. A highly active process largely directed by individual, learning involves perceiving the information, interpreting it based on what is already known, and then reorganizing the information into new insights or understanding (Bastable, 2004, p. 50) Content Outline Seizures I. Seizure II. Types of Seizures II. Signs and symptoms of Child with SeizuresIII. Medical management / Pharmacologic management (Nursing considerations) IV. Nursing Management V. Preventive Measures Cerebral Palsy I. Cerebral Palsy II. Signs and symptoms of Child with Cerebral Palsy III. Medical management / Pharmacologic management (Nursing considerations) IV. Nursing Management V. Preventive Measures Meningitis I. Meningitis a. ) Bacterial b. ) Viral II. Signs and symptoms of Child with Meningitis III. Medical management / Pharmacol ogic management (Nursing considerations) IV. Nursing Management V. Preventive Measures Primary Complex I. Primary Complex II.Signs and symptoms of Child with Primary Complex III. Medical management / Pharmacologic management (Nursing considerations) IV. Nursing Management V. Preventive Measures Intestinal Parasitism: I. Nature of Intestinal Parasitism II. Life Cycle of Intestinal Parasites III. Intestinal Parasites: a. ) reservoir b. ) portal of exit from reservoir c. ) method of transmission d. ) Portal of entry e. ) susceptible host IV. Signs and symptoms of Child with Intestinal parasites V. Medical management /Pharmacologic management (Nursing considerations) VI. Nursing Management VII. Preventive Measures CROUPI. Nature of Croup II. Signs and symptoms of Child with Croup III. Medical management / Pharmacologic management (Nursing considerations) IV. Nursing management Instructional Methods Lecture. Lecture can be defined as a highly structured method by which the teacher verbal ly transmits information directly to groups of learners for the purpose of instruction. In its purest form, the lecture format allows for only minimal exchange between the teacher and learner, but it can be an effective method of teaching in the lower-level cognitive domain to impart content knowledge (Bastable, 2004, p. 357)In this type of teaching strategy, the teacher will provide the necessary information about the normal growth and development of toddlers as well as the health deviations common to toddlers. The micro teachers will emphasize the important nursing management involved in caring of sick toddlers Group Discussion. It is a method of teaching whereby learners get together to exchange information, feelings, and opinions with one another and with the teacher. It is one of the most commonly employed instructional techniques. The activity is learner-centered and subject-centered (Bastable, 2004, p. 358).This strategy is incorporated in the lecture. Once in a while, the te acher would be asking questions for the class to discuss. After each video clip of certain illnesses, the class would be asked to give their opinions about what they have watched. They will be asked about certain information that should be remembered in the video clip. Questioning. The use of questioning places learners in an active role. They are asked to recall, to form links between previously isolated information, to analyze statements or beliefs, to evaluate the worth of ideas, and to speculate about what would happen â€Å"if† (De Young, 2003, p.126) This type of strategy will be used as to serve as a recitation for students. This will also serve as a pointing system for them to get rewards and additional credit in their evaluation quiz. Using of audiovisuals (handouts, power point presentation, video clips). If used appropriately, audiovisuals can greatly enhance teaching and can add interest and stimulation to the classroom (De Young, 2003, p. 131). Instructional Mate rials Handouts. The teacher would provide handouts containing important information students can review upon after the class. Power point presentation.Power point presentation is the type of visual aids that will be used; this is for the convenience of both the teachers and students. Students with portable storage devices can acquire the software copy of the report. Video clips. Video clips related to the topics being presented by the micro teachers would be shown to students and they would be asked to give opinions about what they have watched. Evaluation Methods Before the class ends, a 30 item quiz will be given consisting of true-false questions and situational types of questions for analysis and critical thinking using multiple choice.Multiple-Choice Questions. Nursing examinations are often written in the multiple format. There are several reasons for this fact. One is that although they are challenging to create, they are easy to score and can be scored by computer. Another r eason is that licensure and certification examinations are multiple-choice tests, and therefore educators want learners to be familiar with questions like the ones that they will be taking on these exams (De Young, 2003, p. 265). True-False Questions.True-false questions are designed to test a learner’s ability to identify the correctness of statements of fact or principle (De Young, 2003, p. 268). References Bastable, S. B. (2003). Nurse as Educator: Principles of Teaching and Learning for Nursing Practice. Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. De Young, S. (2003). Teaching Strategies for Nurse Educators. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. Taylor,L. Educational Theories and Instructional Design Models. Their Place in Simulation. [PDF document]. Retrieved from Lecture Notes Online Web Site:

privacy in America essays

privacy in America essays After viewing Enemy of the State, one can not help but feel vulnerable to the technological advances of our government. However, most Americans find it difficult to believe that they are being watched by agents of the United States government. When Americans do accept that their privacy is being invaded, they assume that only the United States government, or rich and powerful companies are responsible, yet with todays technology your next door neighbor could be listening. Americans believe that the right to privacy is a natural God given right, and that every American has the right to be left alone. Unfortunately, there are some individuals, usually labeled as terrorists, who would threaten the stability, and safety of America. Because of these select few the privacy of many must be compromised, and due to this compromise there is now controversy. Americans want to feel safe within their borders, free from foreign violence and terrorists attacks. We want our government to provide pro tection and security, however, with this protection we must be willing to surrender a certain amount of our privacy. The surrendering of our privacy brings about a debate, how much information does our government need. Americans have acknowledged and accepted that terrorism is a growing concern in our country, and that the United States government must utilize every possible option when battling this newest and deadliest foe. Terrorism poses a serious threat, requiring a serious government response. From 1990-1997 there have been 25 incidents of terrorism on U.S. soil, with two incidents occurring in 1997 (Center 1). Technology, Americas ally in the cold war has become the nations greatest national security vulnerability. Weapons of mass destruction may soon fall into the hands of terrorists, if they have not already (Thomas 78). The National Security Agency (NSA sometimes known as No Such Agency), claims it is rescuing...

Ing Direct (“Ing-D”) Case Study Marketing Fundamentals Essay Example

Ing Direct (â€Å"Ing Ing Direct (â€Å"Ing-D†) Case Study Marketing Fundamentals Paper Ing Direct (â€Å"Ing-D†) Case Study Marketing Fundamentals Paper ING DIRECT (â€Å"ING-D†) Case Study Course: Marketing Fundamentals Submission Date: 17th November 2009 Executive Summary ING-Direct (ING-D) is a marketing orientated bank that has launched into established markets in the last decade using differentiation as a way to build competitive advantage. This report splits into Section A, based on information provided by the ‘ING Direct USA – Rebel With A Cause’ Case Study by IMD International, and Section B which critically assesses the ING-D website. Section A The Nature of the ING-D’s Value Proposition Customer Value Proposition Creation By engineering processes and products from the customer inwards, ING-D aimed to construct a customer value proposition that offsets perceived sacrifices with higher levels of perceived benefits in areas which resonate strongly with customers. Value Proposition Summary The key perceived benefits offered to customers are simple, easy to use accounts with no fees or service charges, no minimum balances, great savings rates, the convenience of 24/7 internet banking and quality service from an award winning call centre. The perceived sacrifices are principally the physical evidence aspects of the ervice marketing mix that are associated with the traditional banks, including branches and ATMs. The other key perceived sacrifice is that ING-D does not offer a complete portfolio of accounts due to the lack of a Checking Account. Therefore customers potentially need to operate a number of accounts with different organisations. The value proposition is supported through integrated marketing com munications which utilise a range of tools and channels in addition to basic advertising, including sales promotion, events and online educational services. The use of less traditional communication methods underlines the strategy of using differentiation for competitive advantage. It sets ING-D apart from the mainstream banks in brand personality. Value Proposition Effectiveness ING-D created a viable customer value proposition as evidenced by high levels of customer advocacy and the growth in customer numbers and deposit levels. The Evolution of ING-D’s Strategy Since its Launch in the US Market Post-Launch Environment The post-launch period saw ING-D US entering a period of significant growth. At this time the bank was grappling with a range of challenges including pressure on margins, aggressive competitor activity, consumer confusion and increased internal reporting and control measures. The marketing strategies employed principally focussed on evolving two key parts of the marketing mix; product and place. Product Development Post-launch ING-D chose to implement a product development strategy as per the Ansoff Growth Matrix (Appendix 1). This can be seen in the period from 2000 to 2002 when a range of new products, such as Mortgages, Certificates of Deposit, etc, were launched into the existing ING-D US footprint. Channel Development ING-D traditionally operated a direct to consumer distribution channel. This had the benefits of maintaining control over the relationship with the customer ensuring that the brand values could be executed consistently. However, to address its balance sheet issues, in 2005 the direct distribution channel was supplemented with the introduction of intermediary agents in the form of wholesale mortgage brokers. Impact of Activity Growth was achieved quickly with effective diffusion through the market resulting in ING-D becoming the largest on line bank in the US. However, the rapid growth strategy resulted in a more systems and process based organisation and challenging the maintenance of its trademark entrepreneurial culture. ING-D Competitors and the Evolution of Their Strategies. Key Strategic Changes By Competitors Considering Porter’s Model of Competitive Industry Structure, we can see that with high barriers to entry, and limited opportunity for substitution, the main factor affecting ING-D has been in the form of competition from existing US banks, (Appendix 2). Previously these banks had core strategies of targeting specific markets. They focussed on their main product offerings such as Checking Accounts, and on branch network service provision. However, because ING-D’s success many of the established banks implemented new competitor target strategies in which they went head-to-head with ING-D and the other new entrants, internet banks, which had been attracted into the direct market. ING-D’s competitors fall into two key groups; Bricks Mortar The traditional banks such as Citibank HSBC have principally eroded ING-D’s unique selling propositions through the availability of high interest savings accounts. They had the advantage of building on existing relationships and offer the convenience of being a one-stop-shop for customers. As holders of the primary checking relationship this has been a credible market position which has resulted in savings balances switching from ING-D. Internet Internet competitors have operating models more like the â€Å"no frills† approach adopted by ING-D. The main competitive threat has been around interest rates but they also attacked ING-D’s brand values and personality, such as the use of less formal marketing messages and communication channels. Impact The result of these strategic changes has been a proliferation of ‘me too’ savings products from a range of providers which have created price competition, choice and consumer confusion. The actions of competitors have reduced the perceived benefits of ING-D and increased the value of the perceived sacrifices. The main impact is that ING-D lost its price leadership position for savings interest rates weakening the customer value proposition and leaving the bank open to threat. The impact can be seen in the 2006 figures, with average savings per million customers of $10. 8m in 2002-05, falling to $8. 2m in 2006, a drop of 24. 7%. Arguments For and Against ING-D’s Introduction of Checking Accounts and Recommendation ING-D has lost its competitive advantage of high rate savings accounts. To rectify this one option is to introduce a checking account. Benefits Establishing primary customer relationship associated with Checking accounts Removing an existing advantage for established competitors Protecting market share by meeting its customers’ complete banking needs Attracting new customers from an attractive, substantial (49% of bill payments in 2002) and profitable market sector Doing nothing leaves bank open to continued risk of market share erosion Removes reliance on maintaining the best rates as sole USP Risks Conflicting with the company’s core value proposition as a low-cost, simple, easy to use banking provider Increasing customer support and training requirements leading to higher operating costs Introducing a level of operational complexity and increasing operational risk Requiring a more process and systems based environment contrary to its entrepreneurial culture Recommendation We believe the benefits outweigh the risks and recommend ING-D launches a Checking Account. It is vital that it links the product offering back to the fundamental brand values that have made the bank successful with a specific focus on product and process design. ING-D needs to focus on making its Checking Account a differentiated product offering around areas such as; less complicated than its competitors’ accounts no requirements for minimum balances transparent communication and application of fees Limited market testing has already helped to refine the product and processes. This needs to be finalised to ensure that the ‘easy to use’ market position is achieved. As part of this, further research around the lack of a cheque book may be required as this could be viewed as a negative by customers and limit the potential market penetration. By referring back to ING-D’s core principles it is possible for it to create a market position on checking accounts that is consistent, credible, competitive and clear and aligned with its other products and core values. Section B Critical Assessment of the Current Positioning of ING-D Based on Their Website ngdirect. co. uk/ The ING-D website was reviewed on 31/10/09 and 15/11/09 and the overall positioning assessed within a framework of four principles of successful positioning. This is completed on the website as at 15/11/09 with references to any noteworthy changes from the 31/10/09 version, (Appendix 3) Clarity The use of the â€Å"Saving Feels Good† positioning statement fixes ING-D as a bank with savings as a key offering. The other products on offers are limited to Mortgages and Home Insurance leaving a very simple uncluttered view of what products ING-D is providing to customers. However, it could also be argued that simplicity has gone too far and that the stripped down approach limits the provision of a comprehensive offer. For example areas such as the main FAQ section fail to answer many common questions that customers may have regarding the bank or the broader economy. The site consistently evokes an emotional relationship through the words, â€Å"feels good†, which links into the behavioural market segmentation approach. Some of the images and marketing approaches are confusing in terms of customer segmentation targets. For example, there are photos of young children and parents on the general pages, whilst the ages of the customers in the video section start at 46 years, thereby conflicting with the messages about earlier life cycle stages. Consistency The use of brand assets such as contemporary â€Å"Dutch† orange and the lifeboat image ensure the site is instantly recognisable. The lifebelt image is consistently used to highlight rates. This links to safety as a motivation for saving, further building on the use of family images. The site remains consistent with the ING-D brand values by being easy to navigate, in a clear font and with easy to find information such as contact details and frequently asked questions. The lead item on the homepage is mortgages which changed since the 31/10/09 when savings led. This doesn’t sit as well with the usual ING-D market positioning as a savings provider. It may well be that ING-D has a strategy to keep the website fresh by changing the offer and emphasis on a regular basis. However, the change may have resulted from the significant drop in interest rates between the two dates as the company attempts to drive mortgage business. Other parts of the home page continue to focus on savings and therefore there is some consistency in reinforcing this position. Tick marks give an upbeat feel to the site rather than simply using bullet points and this fits with the less formal communication style. By delivering a differentiated offer to competitors through the provision of fewer products, a friendlier quality service and a fresh approach ING-D seeks to establish itself in the minds of consumers as a different type of bank with a clear brand personality. Competitiveness The site works to convince consumers that ING-D is a safe place for their money. It doesn’t confirm a position of competitiveness through its messages. The savings interest rate is clearly highlighted which allows for easy comparison but doesn’t specifically provide information on competitor offerings. This may be due to restrictions due to legislation. Over this fairly short time period the ING-D site has changed in emphasis from savings to mortgages which may be due to variances in the savings rate on offer, which have dropped by 2. 7% to just 0. % for new customers. ING-D is proud of its award winning customer service centres and the site highlights a range of awards across both general service and product specific categories. High levels of customer service and UK based call centres will be seen by some customers as a competitive advantage given the recent backlash against organisations that have outsourced this service to India and the Far East. Credibility Much of the credibility of ING-D’s positioning off-line comes from the high levels of customer satisfaction and advocacy. ING-D has chosen to directly translate this factor online with customer videos and uses cues such as customer numbers to build credibility and pre-empt cognitive dissonance. Given the economic back-drop the bank has missed the opportunity to build possible creditability by helping its customers to better understand the stability of the bank and the safety of their deposits. Further to this there are only 5 press releases provided for 2009, the most recent of which is over 4 months out of date, and none of these relate specifically to ING-D. The creditability of the ING-D offer could be greatly eroded by the large drop in the savings rate. In a period with no base rate changes it is difficult to see how the size of change could be justified, especially as competitor rates published on comparison websites remain in excess of 3. 0%. Appendix 1 Ansoff Growth Matrix [pic] (Jobber Mahy, 2009, based on p324) Appendix 2 The Porter Model of Competitive Industry Structure [pic] (Jobber Mahy, 2009, based on p319) Appendix 3 ingdirect. o. uk Home page as at 31/10/09 [pic] ingdirect. co. uk Home page as at 15/11/09 [pic] Bibliography ING Direct [Online]. Available from: ingdirect. co. uk/ [Accessed 31/10/2009 – 15/11/2009]. Jobber, D. and Fahy, J. (2009) Foundations of Marketing, 3rd ed. , McGraw Hill, London. Sequeira, S. , Ryans, A. , Deutscher T. , Ivey, R. , (2007) ING Direct USA – Rebel With A Cause. IMD International, Richard Ivey School of Business (The University of Western Ontario), IMD-3-1845.