How does Steinbeck present the character of Crooks Essay

In the novel â€Å"Of Mice and Men†, the character of Crooks is used by John Steinbeck, the author, to symbolise the downgrading of the black community occurring at the time in which the novel was set. Crooks is also significant as he provides an insight into the reality of the American Dream and the feelings of the people in the ranch; their loneliness and need for company. Steinbeck presents Crooks as a victim of racism and throughout the book, he is called by the name ‘nigger’. Being black, Crooks is hated on the ranch. â€Å"Ya see, the stable buck’s a nigger†. The use of this word dehumanises Crooks and shows how black people at the time, had no rights at all. He also says, â€Å"If I say something, why it’s just a nigger sayin’ it† and this shows his anger about being brutalised. However, another quote shows how threatened violence is used against black people and how the same term ‘nigger’ is repeated throughout the book. â€Å"Listen nigger(†¦ ), you know what I can do if you open your trap? (†¦ )I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny†. Curley’s wife takes advantage of Crooks having a go at her and threatens Crooks into getting lynched. Lynching was very common in the 1930’s and Crooks ‘seemed to grow smaller’. The use of this oxymoron emphasises how he tries to fight back yet Curley’s wife’s social status was better than Crooks’ mainly because of his race. Furthermore, Curley’s wife uses the word ‘nigger’ and it also dehumanises Crooks and puts him ‘in his right place’. Curley’s wife is also near the bottom of the social ladder as well as Crooks worldly Despite the fact that Crooks is a victim of racism, Steinbeck presents Crooks as a dignified human being. At first glance, this is not obvious as Crooks sleeps in what is described as ‘a long box filled with straw’. This quote shows how he is presented as an animal because black people at that time, were treated as slaves. Not only does Steinbeck give him a life and a voice, but he tries to show Crook’s life in the book with how black people were treated in real life. Steinbeck also tries not to represent Crooks as ‘just a slave’. Steinbeck tries to defend Crooks by writing about how he stood up for his rights against Curley’s wife when she entered his private space, â€Å"I had enough (†¦ you got no rights comin’ in a coloured man’s room. You got no rights messing around in here at all. † This quote shows how Curley’s wife tries to use her superior social status against Crooks as well as dehumanising him. Another quote shows how not only does he care about himself and how he treats himself, but he also cares for the horses and the other animals in the barn. â€Å"Crooks has his apple box over his bunk, and in it a range of medicine bottles, both for himself and for the horses†. It also shows that he is well organised and that he cares for the animals like he cares for himself. He also takes pride in what he does. Another quote shows how even though he knows he has rights, they are still worth nothing, â€Å"And he had books too; a tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the California Civil Code for 1900’s†. This quote also shows that he is worried about his education and that he is intelligent even though others on the ranch thought that black people aren’t clever. The books must have been used a lot and so he knows the rights that he should have. Therefore, Crooks is presented as a dignified human being despite the fact that he is disregarded and mistreated by others on the ranch. Although Crooks is a dignified human being, Steinbeck also presents him as a cruel and unpleasant man at times. This is shown most obviously when Lennie attempts to make friends with him in part four of the novel. At first, when Lennie tries to enter his room, Crooks says, â€Å"you got no rights to come in my room. This here’s my room†, and he becomes very defensive. The fact that he repeats the phrase ‘my room’ shows he is feeling vulnerable. His room is the only place where he can have some privacy and have a sense of safety and this is important to Crooks because he doesn’t have much and is frequently abused by those around him. Steinbeck also writes, ‘Crooks said sharply’ and the word ‘sharply’ supports this idea because it shows it is an immediate reaction to the intrusion. It is also like a defence mechanism as he feels slightly paranoid about what is about to happen. He lets Lennie in his room eventually but he continues to torment him, ‘his voice grew soft and persuasive’. Crooks tries to use persuasive language in order to insult Lennie and take advantage of his condition. â€Å"Sp’ose George don’t come back no more(†¦ )what’ll you do then? † Crooks takes the chance to fight back from how he has been tortured in the past. He also wanted to make Lennie feel how he has been feeling for most of his life; lonely and isolated. Yet Lennie tries to fight back and Crooks gets scared and tries to carm him down. Crooks is also presented as powerless, as previously discussed it is perhaps this lack of power that leads to his bitterness. One quote shows how Curley’s wife threatens him and Crooks sits down and doesn’t fight back, â€Å"Crooks had reduced himself to nothing. There was no personality, no ego-nothing to arouse either like or dislike†. Steinbeck tries to use metaphorical language to show that Crooks doesn’t want to be seen and that he fears for himself. It also shows that he is at the bottom of the social hierarchy mainly because he is the only black person on the ranch. The repetition of the word ‘no’ and ‘nothing’ dehumanises Crooks and makes him feel like he has nothing and he has no rights. He is also paradoxical because sometimes he insists on himself having some rights yet he is still lonely. This is why when Lennie tries to enter his room, he has a go at him explaining them. It wasn’t until after he spoke that he realised that he could finally have some company. In those days, black people were presented as ‘lower class’ compared to others and Steinbeck embeds this in the novel to make Crooks feel powerless Another quote shows how Crooks does have some rights even though he doesn’t like them, â€Å"A coloured man got to have some rights even if he don’t like them. It shows how Crooks knows he has rights and that it is a defence mechanism against others being racist towards him. However, when Curley’s wife interrupts them, he tries to defend himself explaining his rights but they were all worth nothing and after she went, when Crooks said do Candy that he was ‘jus’ foolin’ yet on the inside, he knows that he can never get out of the situation others put him in. When Steinbeck presents Crooks as powerless, this also links in with him being lonely and isolated. When Crooks is talking to Lennie, he explains how a black person like him has no friends and no company, â€Å"Books ain’t no good. A guy needs somebody-to be near him,’ he whined, ‘A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody†. This shows how he is a symbol of loneliness and Crooks tries to express his feelings. Out of all the people in the ranch, the only person he could express his feelings to was Lennie, who cannot fully sympathise or understand Crooks’ situation. Not only is Crooks a symbol of loneliness, but so are Candy and Curley’s wife because they are also marginalised in the ranch. The way Steinbeck doesn’t give Curley’s wife a name dehumanises her and makes her feel lonely. Another quote goes to Crooks’ past and how things in those days were the same, yet he didn’t know. â€Å"I ain’t a Southern Negro†¦ I was born right here in California†¦ The white kids come to place at our place, an’ sometimes I went to play with them†¦ My ol’ man didn’t like that. I never knew till long later why he didn’t like that. But I know now. † Racism was a big issue in those days and that’s why Crook’s dad didn’t like him mixing with the other white kids. The way he says ‘I ain’t a Southern Negro’ shows that he isn’t the ‘typical slave’ that other black people were in the 1930’s and that most of the black people in America were from the South. He soon became aware of racial prejudice and he doesn’t mix easily with others on the ranch, â€Å"He kept his distance and demanded that other people kept theirs†. Crooks is also separated because he can’t sleep in the bunk house with the others mainly because of his race. Crooks is also presented as weak and damaged as he suffers both physical and emotional pain. His name represents how he has a crooked back, â€Å"His body was bent over to the left by his crooked spine, and his eyes lay deep in his head†¦ And he had thin, pain-tightened lips which were lighter than his face†. Steinbeck tries to emphasise how Crooks is in a lot of pain, yet he is still treated badly by the ranchers. His physical disabilities parallel with other characters including Lennie who is taken advantage of by Crooks because he behaves like a child. Crooks is also the only person in the novel who doesn’t have any hopes or dreams. One moment in chapter four shows how Crooks has high hopes when Lennie and Candy talk about the dream but he dismisses it after Curley’s wife destroys him verbally, â€Å"I never seen a guy really do it, I seen guys nearly crazy with loneliness for land†¦ If you†¦ guys would want a hand to work for nothing-just his keep, why I’d come an’ lend a hand†. Crooks talks about how he has seen many people who have passed through the ranch with dreams yet most of them have failed. When Candy spreads their dream, he has high hopes, but when Curley’s wife interrupts them, she reminds him that he has no hope of sharing the dream. In my opinion, Steinbeck does present Crooks as a victim of racism as he is like an outcast because of his colour and Steinbeck used him to show the hatred of black and white people in the 19th century. He also presents him as a dignified human being because unlike most black people at the time, Crooks did have an education. He likewise presents him as cruel and unpleasant because he enjoys torturing Lennie because he is weakened by his mental illness and he is also powerless because he is treated like all the other black people in America at the time, he has no rights at all. He is also presented as lonely and isolated because he is dehumanised and separated from the other ranchers mainly because of his race, and he is also presented as weak and damaged both physically and mentally because of his crooked back and the loneliness that he feels. Ultimately, Crooks is a very complex character, one who has suffered and slightly gained but he is definitely presented as a victim of society. Crooks Crooks is a lively, sharp-witted, black stable-hand, who takes his name from his crooked back. Like most of the characters in the story, he admits that he is extremely lonely. When Lennie visits him in his room, his reaction reveals this fact. At first, he turns Lennie away, hoping to prove a point that if he, as a black man, is not allowed in white men’s houses, then whites are not allowed in his, but his desire for company ultimately wins out and he invites Lennie to sit with him. Like Curley’s wife, Crooks is a disempowered character who turns his vulnerability into a weapon to attack those who are even weaker. He plays a cruel game with Lennie, suggesting to him that George is gone for good. Only when Lennie threatens him with physical violence does he relent. Crooks exhibits the corrosive effects that loneliness can have on a person; his character evokes sympathy as the origins of his cruel behavior are made evident. Perhaps what Crooks wants more than anything else is a sense of belonging—to enjoy simple pleasures such as the right to enter the bunkhouse or to play cards with the other men. This desire would explain why, even though he has reason to doubt George and Lennie’s talk about the farm that they want to own, Crooks cannot help but ask if there might be room for him to come along and hoe in the garden.

Jean Piaget Essay

This case study is on a young girl named Debby. She was observed in a at her parent’s home over the last weekend. She is 3 years of age. She is the only child, and lives with both parents. She has her own bedroom. She loves anything Disney princesses, she also does not like dark colors, bright colors are her favorite and she likes the color pink. She like playing with dolls, playing kitchen, and she told me that her favorite thing was to ride in mummy’s car. Debby dislikes playing trucks and boy’s game, she did not have any problem playing with boys or girls  but while observed at a birthday party, she rather plays with girls, than to play with boys. She also does not like dark colors, bright colors are her favorite. She does go to speech therapy to work on her words as both parents are actively working professionals. Debby is a very fascinating young girl, and it was exciting to do a case study over her. For a child of age four, Debby is very active. Debby is average for her physical development. Debby is physically fit, and enjoys playing with others when. Because she was observed at their at home, some questions were directed to her mother. According to a growth  and weight chart, the average height for a 3 year old girl is 37 inches. Debby is 38 inches in height, and she weighs 36 pounds (CDC growth chart. ) Debby is a very active child. She enjoys running around every chance that she gets. When playing outside Debby can kick, throw, bounce, and catch a ball adequately. She is developing her eye-hand coordination. When asking her to do these tasks, Debby is able to run, she can hop on both feet, and she can jump up and down. She needs more time to get skipping down, but she tries her best. Debby is able to dress and undress herself without assistance. Debby likes the  independence of being able to pick out her clothes that she wants to wear. She is very comfortable using iPad and some other operating electronics in the house. One of her favorite activities to do is to paint and draw. While painting, she likes to make a mess, because she thinks that it is fun to paint with her hands. Debby is in the Pre- operational stage cognitively. Pre-operational stage is from ages 2 to 7, and Debby fits in this category, because she is 3 years old. Cognitively, Debby is in the normal category, because according to develop mentalists she is developing normal for her age. Examples are that Debby knows how to write letters in the alphabet. She knows how to write her name, she just does not know the correct order the letters go in. She is able to count, she is a good listener, and she is becoming interested in how to sound out certain words. These are just a few cognitive abilities, which are normal for 3 year olds. As each year passes, and as Debby continues to get older, cognitively she will continue to progress. Debby’s Language Development is improving. Debby does attend speech therapy. When she talks sometimes you really have to listen hard to what she is saying. When she gets excited  about something, she will start talking really fast, and we have to remind her to slow down. When she gets upset, she will normally start crying, so she is encouraged to use her words to explain what is wrong. Though sometimes, she say something which she means the opposite. Her basic speech problems are annunciation, and getting some sounds confused with one another. For example b’s and d’s. Speech has really helped her, she has only been going for a little over two months, and we can already see a drastic change in her words. On occasions, you will find Debby talking or discussing with herself. According to her  mother, she usually does this when she is trying to figure something out. I enjoyed watching this taking place. I also tried to test her about her memory and recollection. I asked her about what she does on her birthday because her birthday was the previous Sunday. She was able to tell me how mummy took her to the park. Her thinking ability is very superb Cognitively, Debby is s in the normal category for a 3 year old. In the Jean Piaget theory, she is in the pre-operational stage. She loves going to school and also like to try new thing. She is well behaved and according to mum, she always goes around to greet both the teachers and  students alike whenever she is entering or leaving the school. Debby is rapidly developing many social and emotional abilities and skills. Her growth and behavior reflects the abilities that are expected of her age. Debby is developing rapidly and cognitively, she is developing normally. On the issue of Moral development, there are some cases that she knows what is right. She has begun to know right from wrong. She has started to find other’s opinions of self to be important. Like on Sunday in church after service, their pastor came around to say hello and he greeted he by saying â€Å"what’s up men? † but she replied â€Å"I’m not a man, I’m a girl† everybody there just laugh at the way she responded. She possesses a lot self-controlling and is less aggressive but sometimes uses verbal threats like â€Å"you will be in trouble† or â€Å"I will slap you† but to my understanding, she did not even know the meaning of those words. I enjoyed my case study on Debby. Through it, I was able to learn many penetrating strategies to see and understand if children are progressing adequately, according to their age throughout the early stages of their life. It is crucial that children progress accordingly so they do  not fall behind in school and in life. After doing this case study I now know what tips and signs to look for when deciding if a child is progressing in all aspects of life. Debby compared to an average 3 year old is normal, her age and behavior are well correlated. I am amazed with her memory. I overheard her singing a Nigerian folklore and I asked he to sing it for us again and she did not miss too much from the lyrics. Debby is in Piaget Preoperational Stage as she was able to think about things symbolically and her language use becoming more mature but her still not completely logical. Also, Debby belongs to the Musculo-Anal in the Erikson’s Stages of Development because she is self-sufficient in many activities, including toileting, she can feed herself, walking, and her talking is becoming clearer. I really enjoyed observing Debby, it was a great experience and I hope to put it into practice in my field of study. Works Cited â€Å"Use Of World Health Organization And CDC Growth Charts For Children Aged 0-59 Months In The United States. † MMWR Recommendations & Reports 59. RR-9 (2010): 1-14. Consumer Health Complete – EBSCOhost. Web. 19 Apr. 2014.

Air Pollution in Malaysia

In the fourteenth and fifteenth century, British tax assessors used ownership or occupancy of property to estimate a taxpayer’s ability to pay. In time the tax came to be regarded as a tax on the property itself. In the United Kingdom the tax developed into a system of rates based on the annual (rental) value of property. The growth of the property tax in America was closely related to economic and political conditions on the frontier. In pre-commercial agricultural areas the property tax was a feasible source of local government revenue and equal taxation of wealth was consistent with the prevailing equalitarian ideology. When the Revolutionary War began, the colonies had well-developed tax systems that made a war against the world’s leading military power thinkable. The tax structure varied from colony to colony, but five kinds of taxes were widely used. Capitation (poll) taxes were levied at a fixed rate on all adult males and sometimes on slaves. Property taxes were usually specific taxes levied at fixed rates on enumerated items, but sometimes items were taxed according to value. Faculty taxes were levied on the faculty or earning capacity of persons following certain trades or having certain skills. Tariffs (imposts) were levied on goods imported or exported and excises were levied on consumption goods, especially liquor. -1- During the war colonial tax rates increased several fold and taxation became a matter of heated debate and some violence. Settlers far from markets complained that taxing land on a per-acre basis was unfair and demanded that property taxation be based on value. In the southern colonies light land taxes and heavy poll taxes favored wealthy landowners. In some cases, changes in the tax system caused the wealthy to complain. In New York wealthy leaders saw the excess profits tax, which had been levied on war profits, as a dangerous example of leveling tendencies. Owners of intangible property in New Jersey saw the tax on intangible property in a similar light. By the end of the war, it was obvious that the concept of equality so eloquently stated in the Declaration of Independence had far-reaching implications. Wealthy leaders and ordinary men pondered the meaning of equality and asked its implications for taxation. The leaders often saw little connection among independence, political equality, and the tax system, but many ordinary men saw an opportunity to demand changes. MALAYSIA TAXATION The property tax is a compulsory contribution to be paid by the taxpayer, where the taxpayer in return will receive benefits from the local authorities in the form of tangible and intangible services, community facilities, infrastructures and development projects for their enjoyment . In the context of property tax, enforcement of the tax is intended as a tool to drive the development of areas administered by local authorities. Property tax imposed on the taxpayer is given back by local authorities in the form of services in their respective administrative areas. The imposition of property tax is related to the role of local authorities in developing the area and providing the necessary services and facilities. According to Section 127 to section 163 of the Local Government Act 1976, local authorities are empowered to impose property tax on property owners to carry out the functions and roles of local authorities as an organization which has autonomy over the local populace. The local authorities should ensure that the management of tax collection can be implemented effectively in the development process and services provided appropriately . -2- Local authorities have important responsibilities in carrying out their functions and roles, especially in property tax management to ensure the welfare and amenity of residents can be realized. If the local authority is weak and incompetent in handling the management of the property tax it would certainly affect the results of tax collection which is to be used as financing development projects and services provided. In addition, the arrears in property taxes will increase due to poor management and will burden the local authorities. This will have an impact on the quality of work and services performed. The prevalent issue of lower tax revenue in local authorities throughout the country continues to pose a very serious predicament. Complete procedures which have been established in the provisions of the Act will guide local authorities in managing the property tax but the property tax collection performance is still under unsatisfactory level. For example, according to the Economic Report of the Ministry of Finance, revenue of the collection performance in local authorities throughout the country showed a worrying decline in the rate of decrease of 11. 7% recorded in 2007 and 0. 3% in 2008. The implications of the tax reduction has resulted in a deficit spending of RM75 million and RM1,179 million in 2007 and 2008 due to the higher prevailing costs. Collection of property tax revenue statistics generally show the majority of Malaysian local authorities collect property tax of less than 70% of the total taxable amount, while for the collection of property tax arrears show only within 30%-50%. As an example, local authorities in the state of Johor and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (Dewan Bandar Raya Kuala Lumpur, DBKL) showed that the amount of property tax arrears recorded amounted to about RM168 million and RM435 million in 2009 and this is certainly an issue of concern. This depicts the overall situation of property tax performance of local authorities in Malaysia which is in a poor condition and has not reach a satisfactory level, where the country’s agenda has set the target and vision to encompass about 70% of communities in Malaysia will be living in municipal areas in the year of 2020. -3- TYPES OF PROPERTY TAX IN MALAYSIA Tax on property was introduced in 1974 under the Land Speculation Tax Act. This was subsequently replaced with the Real Property Gains Tax Act in November 1975. Although in existence since the mid-70s, the Government pro-actively adjusted the rates of the RPGT through the years to cater to the property market conditions. It’s natural for most people to react to the reintroduction of RPGT, having enjoyed full exemption for a few years previously, however, compared to the original rates of RPGT which range up to 30%, the recent hike of up to 10% is actually quite mild. There are several types of property tax in Malaysia and they are as follows . A) Assessment tax B) Quit rent C) Capital gain tax D) Inheritance tax E) Others tax A) ASSESSMENT TAX : Assessment tax is a type of local tax which is only applicable on the residential property. Rate of assessment tax is based on the yearly rental amount of the property on rent. This tax is assessed by the local authorities. Rules and regulations of the assessment tax are as follows : Usually assessment tax has a flat value of 6%. This assessment tax is to be paid in two installments. The scope of taxation are for a resident individual is assessable on income derived from sources in Malaysia and income received in Malaysia from outside Malaysia. W. e. f. Y/A 2004 income remitted into Malaysia from overseas by a resident individual, a trust body, a cooperative and a Hindu Joint Family is exempted from income tax. Second, for non-resident individual is assessable only on income derived from sources in Malaysia. -4- Third, for a resident company is assessable on income derived from Malaysia and ncome remitted to Malaysia from sources outside Malaysia. Starting Year of Assessment 1995 onwards only income derived from Malaysia are taxable. Banking, insurance, shipping and air transport businesses are taxed on world income scope. The Imputation Systems is applicable. Fourth, for a non-resident company is liable to Malaysian tax when it carries on a business through a permanent establishment in Malaysia and is assessable on income derived only from sources within Malay sia. There have two types of resident status : ) First, the resident status of individuals : For tax purposes, the tax residence status is determined by the duration of stay in Malaysia, and is not bound by reference to the nationality or citizenship. If a person stays in Malaysia for at least 182 days (not necessarily consecutive) in a calendar year, he would be treated as a resident. However, there are other conditions where the individual can be treated as a resident even if he stays for less than 182 days. An individual is resident in Malaysia in the basis year of assessment if he: is in Malaysia for not less than 182 days in the relevant basis year, is in Malaysia for a period of less than 182 days in the basis year and that period is linked to another period where he is continuously in Malaysia for not less than 182 days immediately before or after the relevant basis year. Where temporary absence occur, the period of temporary absence can be taken to form part of such period, where he is in Malaysia, immediately prior to or after the temporary absence, -5- is in Malaysia for not less than 90 days (need not be consecutive) in the asis year and is resident or has been in Malaysia for 90 days or more in 3 out of the 4 preceding years of assessment; or has not been in Malaysia in the relevant basis year but he is deemed to be resident in Malaysia in the relevant basis year if he is resident in Malaysia in the following basis year and also in the each of the 3 basis year immediately preceding the relevant basis year . Example 1: Resident Status John arrived in Malaysia on 1. 4. 2003 and stayed on until 15. 11. 2003 (total 229 days). Hence, John is resident for the year of assessment 2003 since he stayed in Malaysia for more than 182 days in the year 2003. ) Second, the resident status of companies : A company is deemed to be resident if at any time during a basis year for a Year of Assessment, the management and control of its business is exercised in Mala ysia. -6- B) QUIT RENT : Quit rent is also a type of local tax. Quit rent tax in imposes on all types of landed properties. This tax is payable annually. The rate of quit tax is 0. 003 to 0. 006 US dollars per square foot. Liability of this quit rent tax is usually figures less than 31 US dollars . Stamp duty for the transfer of the real property of RM 250,000 value is now halved. This new benefit on stamp duties was allowed on the 2008 budget. Stamp duty tax is one of the important Malaysia property taxes applicable within the country. For comparison, the stamp duties within the year 2007 and 2008 are given bellow. PRICE STAMP RM 250,000 RM 150,000 RM 350,000 STAMP DUTY IN 2007 RM 4,500 RM 2,000 RM 6,000 STAMP DUTY IN 2008 RM 2,250 (-50%) RM 1,000 (-50%) RM 6,000 (UNCHANGED) C) CAPITAL GAIN TAX : Capital gains tax is not applicable any type of income. Capital Gains tax was abolished on first April 2007. This relaxation also includes Malaysia real estate capital gains tax on all types of properties. Previously Capital Gains Tax was called Real Property Gains Tax and was applicable on the foreigners only. These Capital Gains Taxes had a direct value of 30% on all the income gains due to disposal of the property during period of five years. In this way RPGT becomes 5% thereafter. The 2012 Budget unveiled on 7 October 2011 included a revision of the Real -7- Property Gains Tax (RPGT) rate from the 5% to 10% as part of the Government’s efforts to curb property speculation. The increase was recently gazetted and took effect from 1 January 2012 onwards. Jennifer Chang studies the impact of this move on property purchasers. The rate of 10% applies to gains on properties held and disposed within two years while gains on properties held and disposed between two and five years will be levied a 5% RPGT rate and disposals after five years continue to be exempted from RPGT. RPGT is a form of capital gains tax that is chargeable on gains arising from the disposal of real property, which is defined as: †¢ Any land situated in Malaysia and any interest, option or other right in or over such land; †¢ Shares in a real property company. Anyone disposing of real property in Malaysia whether a resident or non-resident will be charged RPGT on the gains. D) INHERITANCE TAX Inheritance Tax is not assigned in Malaysia. E) OTHER TAXES VAT tax is not charged in Malaysia. On the other hand, government sale tax is charged. The value of 5% GST is assigned on all the hotel and restaurant bills. GST is also charged on other professional bills including lawyer’s bills. -8- INCOME CHARGEABLE TO TAX : ? Gains or profits from a business for whatever period of time carried on. ? Gains or profits from an employment. ? Dividends, Interests or Discounts. Rents, Royalties or Premiums. ? Pensions, annuities or other periodical payments not falling under any of the foregoing paragraphs. ? Gains or profits not falling under any of the foregoing paragraphs. ? Special classes of income. TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS 1. Leave passages within Malaysia not exceeding three times on a year and one leave passage outside Malaysia not excee ding RM3000 2. Medical and dental benefit. 3. Retirement gratuity The full amount of gratuity received by an employee on retirement from employment is exempt if: i. He retires due to ill health; ii. He is an employee in the public sector who has opted for optional retirement or on termination of a contract of employment; or iii. If he retires at the age of 55 or at the compulsory age of retirement under any written law provided that he has been in the service of the same employer or with companies in the same group, for at least 10 years -9- 4. Compensation For loss Of Employment Compensation payment received by an employee for the loss of employment is exempt from tax at a sum of RM6, 000 per completed year of service with the same employer or with companies in the same group. However, the compensation payment received by an employee will be fully exempted from tax if the loss of employment is due to ill health. The tax exemption of RM6,000 per completed year of service is not given in respect of the compensation received by a director (not being a service director) of a controlled company. 5. Pensions Pensions received by an individual are exempt under the following conditions: I. He retires at the age of 55 or at the compulsory age of retirement under any written law; or II. He retires due to ill health For an employee in the public sector who elects for optional retirement, his pension will be taxed until he attains the age of 55 or the compulsory age of retirement under any written law. Where an individual receives more than one pension, the exemption is restricted to the highest pension received by him 6. Death gratuities. 7. Scholarships. 8. Income of an individual resident in Malaysia in respect of his appearances in cultural performances approved by the Minister. 10 9. Interests An individual resident in Malaysia is exempt from tax in espect of the interest received from the following savings or investments:- i. Interest that accrues in respect of any savings deposited with Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN). ii. Interest or bonus which accrues in respect of money deposited with Bank Simpanan Nasional under the Save as You Earn scheme. iii. Interest which accrues on savings deposits of up to RM100, 000 with a registered cooperative society, Bank Pertan ian Malaysia, Malaysia Building Society Berhad, Borneo Housing Mortgage Finance Bhd, or with any other institution approved by the Minister of Finance. v. Bonus which accrues in respect of money deposits in any savings account with Lembaga Tabung Haji. v. Interest which accrues on savings deposits of up to RM100,000 with a bank or finance company licensed under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 (BAFIA 1989). vi. Interest which accrues in respect of any fixed deposits account (including negotiable certificates of deposits) of up to RM100,000 for a period not exceeding twelve months with Bank Pertanian Malaysia, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Bhg. Bank Simpanan Nasional, Borneo Housing Mortgage Finance Bhd. , Malaysia Building Society Bhd. , or a Bank of finance company licensed under BAFIA 1989. 11 vii. Interest which accrues in respect of any fixed deposit account (including negotiable certificates of deposits) for a period exceeding twelve months with Bank Pertanian Malaysia, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Bhd. , Bank Simpanan Nasional, Borneo Housing Mortgage Finance Bhd. , Malaysia Building Society Bhd. , or a bank or finance company licensed under BAFIA 1989. viii. Gains or profits which accrues on deposits of up to RM100,000 in respect of money deposited in any savings account under the interest-Free Banking Scheme (IFBS) with a bank or finance company licensed under BAFIA 1989 or the Islamic Banking Act 1983, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat and Bank Simpanan Nasional. ix. Gains or profits which accrues in respects of money deposited in any investment account of up to RM100,000 for a period not exceeding twelve months with a bank or finance company licensed under BAFIA 1989 or the Islamic Banking Act 1983, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat and Bank Simpanan Nasional. x. Gains or profits which accrue in respect of money deposited in any investment account for a period of twelve month of more under the interest Free Banking Scheme with a bank or finance company licensed under BAFIA 1989 or the Islamic Banking Act 1983. xi. Gains or profits which accrue in respect of money deposits in any investment account under the interest Free Banking Scheme of up to RM100,000for a period of twelve months or more with Bank Kerjasama Rakyat and Bank Simpanan Nasional. 12 xii. Interest from securities or bonds issued or guaranteed by the Malaysian Government. xiii. Interest from debenture (other than convertible loan stock) approved by the Securities Commission. xiv. Interest earned from Bon Simpanan Malaysia issued by the Bank Negara Malaysia. xv. Interest earned from the Merdeka Bonds issued by the Bank Negara Malaysia (effective year of assessment 2004). xvi. Interest earned from a unit trust which is derived from Malaysia and paid or credited by any bank or financial institution licensed under the Banking and Financial Institution Act 1989 (BAFIA 1989) or the Islamic Banking Act 1983. 10. Dividends The following dividends are exempt formed tax: I. Dividends received from exempt accounts of companies. II. Dividends received from cooperative societies. III. Dividends received from a unit trust approved by the Minister of Finance such as Amanah Saham Bumiputra. IV. Dividends received from a unit trust approved by the Minister of Finance where 90% or more of the investment is in government securities. 13 11. Royalties An individual resident in Malaysia is exempt from tax in respect of royalties are as follows: Types of Services/ Amount per annum art works payment for to be exempted (RM) i. Artistic work (other than original paintings) 6,000 ii. Recording discs or tapes 6,000 iii. Translation upon request by any agency a) of the Ministry of Education or Attomey b) General Chambers 12,000 iv. Literary work or original painting 20,000 v. Musical composition 20,000 vi. Cultural performances Approval by Minister However, the exemption does not apply to paragraph (iii), (v) and (vi), if the payment received forms part of his emoluments in the exercise of the individuals official duties. 12. Income Remitted from Outside Malaysia With effect from the year of assessment 2004, income derived from outside Malaysia and received in Malaysia by resident individual is exempted from tax. 3. Fees or Honorarium for Expert Services With effect from the year of assessment 2004, fees or honorarium received by an individual in respect of services provided for purposes of validation, moderation or accreditation of franchised education programs in higher educational institutions is exempted. The services provided by an individual concerned have to be verified and acknowledged by the Lembaga Akreditasi Negara (LAN). However, the exemption does not apply if the payment received forms part of his emoluments in the exercise of his official duties. 14 14. Income Derived from Research Findings With effect from the year of assessment 2004, income received by an individual from the commercialization of the scientific research finding is given tax exemption of 50% on the statutory income in the basis year for a year of assessment for 5 years from the date the payment is made. The individual scientist who received the said payment must be a citizen and a resident in Malaysia. The commercialized research findings must be verified by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment. NOTIFICATION OF CHARGEABILITY TO TAX If an individual is taxable and has never received any income tax return form before, he has a duty to notify chargeability to the nearest LHDNM office and request for an Income Tax Return Form. If an individual already has an income tax file but has not receive an income tax return form by 31st March, he must immediately request for the said form from the LHDNM office which issued his last income tax return form. A taxpayer could also download an income tax return form from the LHDNM website http://www. hasil. rg. my. He must then complete and submit the return to the LHDNM office using the address where his income tax file is situated. In the case of a foreigner employed in this country he must give notice of chargeability to the nearest LHDNM office within 2 months of arrival in Malaysia. 15 FILING OF TAX RETURN The completed and signed Income Tax Return is substituted to LHDNM office before or by the required date, and the completed tax retu rn should be sent to the address of LHDNM office indicated on the said form. NON-RESIDENT CITIZEN RELIEF 1. Non-Resident Citizen Relief shall be allowed to an individual who is a citizen but not resident for the basis year for a year of assessment by reason of his employment (in the public services or the services of a statutory authority) which is exercised outside Malaysia 2. An individual who is claiming relief under this provision, should make his claim in the prescribed form and should furnish such further particulars as may be required by the LHDNM. TEMPORARY VISITORS PROFESSIONAL VISIT PASS All non-residents entering Malaysia using professional visit passes (excluding public entertainers) are categorized as temporary visitors. A sponsor for a temporary visitor is required to submit a letter of notification from the LHDNM to the Immigration Department when applying for a professional visit pass. The sponsor should make a written application to the LHDNM providing personal details of the temporary visitor and also submit a copy of the contract / offer letter or other relevant documents. The application for the letter of notification has to be made to: Director, Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia, Non-Resident Branch, Unit 11 (NR/IV),10th 11th Floor, Block 11, Government Office Complex, Jalan Duta, 50600 Kuala Lumpur . 16 IMPUTATION SYSTEM The income tax chargeable on a resident company is credited into a tax account which can be utilized to frank payment of dividends to shareholders. Income tax paid by a company is imputed to the shareholders by means of imputation credits attached to dividends. Where the franking of payment of dividends exceeds the tax credit available in the tax account, the deficit become s a debt due which is payable by the company upon requisition. The imputation system does not apply to a non-resident company and such companies are not subject to dividend franking. WHY MALAYSIA’S GOVERNMENT IMPOSE PROPERTY TAX ? MALAYSIA’ We take RPGT as one of property tax that government imposed in Malaysia . There are many reasons why RPGT is imposed . One of the more significant reasons why the government imposes this tax is to curb property speculation to avoid property bubbles forming . From time to time, the government may decide to increase or decrease RPGT to suit their agenda e. g. they could reduce RPGT to encourage investments (this actually happened between 1 April 2007 – 31 December 2009 where property transactions during this period were exempted from RPGT to spur investments) . The other obvious reason is that RPGT is a source of revenue for the government to develop the nation . WHO PAY THE PROPERTY TAX 1) Resident in Malaysia 2) Non-Resident who live in Malaysia and have assets 3) Companies that operating in Malaysia 17 TREND OF PROPERTY TAX IN MALAYSIA Diagram below shows the trends of the property tax in Malaysia from 1974 up to 2012 . Due to amendment that are made in the budget 2013, there are changes that are happening in the RPGT rate where there is an increase in the amounts of tax eing imposed . This changes that are made are due to the facts to reduce the factor of speculation that are making the price of land and houses to increase rapidly . 18 IMPACTS OF RPGT According to property consultant and analysts, the hike increase of Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) in the budget 2013 will have very little impact . The increase of RPGT from 10% to 15% will barely give any impacts on the speculation even though the reason for the increase of tax are f or the purpose of solving speculation on houses . Reason as to why there barely any impact or little impact from the increase on RPGT tax rate are due to the facts that, the time taken for houses to be completed upon buying are 2 to 3 years and when the house are finish and ready to be live in or sold, its already 4 or 5 years and the rate of RPGT tax are already little as the periods of RPGT tax covers are only up to 6 years maximize . Taking that into consideration plus the fact that the price of houses are keep on rising, the impact that RPGT are very little . CONCLUSION The property tax in Malaysia can be consider as in the testing period as it just currently being reimposed . Which means that, the current rate of RPGT will change in the near future due to the rising trends of property in Malaysia especially in the housing sectors . The RPGT tax rate can be consider as a tool to reduce speculation of property in the short run,where as, in the long run the impacts that it will have is going to be very little . 19 REFERENCE 1. http://www. ipbre. com/countryProfile/Malaysia/Taxes/ 2. https://docs. google. com/viewer? a=vq=cache:Dj8b9BrRMAIJ:www. harteredaccountants. com. my/resources_assessment. pdf+hl=engl=mypid=blsrci d=ADGEESh8gp__2jEbPCrYONnp3AqFbAij_CBwdwbrQy0Re1bdAGCyoE oeKD7wS88c5AVLJLyDrzOuoYBPANEFQ3XpK5lBTfXQpXTfuDkNuwpD i_r2aMZxYDY0cBbZfKHS5o15HuPCjosig=AHIEtbRFB6TA8WHt5oQfy w1Y-pQs3k0smw 3. http://www. iproperty. com. my/news/5061/real-property-gains-tax-rpgt-the-propertyowner 4. http://savemoney. my/real-property-gains-tax-in-malaysia/ 5. www. iproperty. com. my/news/4258/real-property-gains-tax-gradual-impact 6. thestar. com. my/news/story. asp? file=/2012/9/29/budget/12101379sec=budget 20 APPENDIX 21 22 23

Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting Research Paper - 1

Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting - Research Paper Example The year 2000 census established that whites form the majority of the population followed by the African Americans in Chesapeake, Virginia. It is an extremely economically vibrant city with a lot of business opportunities. The City’s economic status means that the per capita earnings of the population are fairly good and promotes the service and commodity industries because the population has more purchasing power (United States Bureau of the Statistics, 2001). With only a small percentage of the entire population living below the poverty line and the majority of those above this line being between the ages of 15 and 35 years, it makes the city an unusually favorable place for business opportunities. The population of Chesapeake as of the year 2010 was 222,209 people with the majority of this population earning between 60,000 -100,000 thousand US Dollars annually (United States Bureau of the Census, 2006). The age that is associated with pizza or is pizza tolerant also happens to be the majority age group of between 10 and 40 years. The cost of living is high, which means that the prices here are relatively higher as compared to other cities. This is brought about by the economic stability of this Region: The rental prices are relatively cheap and the city’s security is conducive for businesses and their clients. The use of demand and forecasting, in making business decisions, is a wise tool to choose because it relies on facts on the ground to make predictions about the suitability of an event in the future or the present (United States Bureau of Economics, 2006). Estimated regression is a mathematical principle used in this process, and it uses this formula;  = a + bx with y and x being the two variables under consideration. They determine the suitability of the future conditions or circumstances that will prevail in relation to the business. The variables x is used to predict the outcome, which is represented by y. The coefficient of

How does Greek translate into English in Bible Essay

How does Greek translate into English in Bible - Essay Example According to dictionary definitions, the core meaning of the Greek word is weakness, feebleness and being without strength, powerless. (blueletterbible.org) The Bible uses this word astheneo very often in connection with the healing miracles of Jesus, for example when he healed lepers (Matt. 10:8), â€Å"any sick with divers diseases† (Luke 4:40), Lazarus (John 11:1-6) and the Authorised Version often uses this same word â€Å"sick† to translate them. There are some cases, however, where this same word astheneo translated with different English words. In John 5:3-4 there is mention of an â€Å"impotent man† and in John 6:2 this same astheneo is translated as â€Å"diseased.† Having seen examples of the healing miracles of Jesus, the disciples were sent out by Jesus with a dual mission: â€Å"And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick† (Luke 9:2) This gospel usage focuses on medical sickness, and the curing of disease as a de monstration of the power of Jesus. In the New Testament letters of Paul, however, the word astheneo is applied not only to physical causes, but also spiritual causes, and the most common translation here is the English word â€Å"weak†, as for example: â€Å"it (= the law) was weak through the flesh† (Romans 8:3) and â€Å"And being not weak in faith†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Romans 4:19) Paul uses astheneo to contrast the weakness of human beings with the power of God: â€Å"For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God.† (2 Cor. 13:4) In the next verse of the passage in the book of James the author uses a different Greek word, kamno, which has a primary meaning of â€Å"weary† and a secondary meaning â€Å"sick† (blueletterbible.org). The translation into English repeats with the same word â€Å"sick†, however: â€Å"And the prayer of the faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have commit ted sins, they shall be forgiven him.† (James 5:15) There are only two other New Testament examples of the word kamno and they both concentrate on the primary meaning of â€Å"weary† : â€Å"†¦lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds† (Hebrews 12:3) and â€Å"And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake has laboured and hast not fainted.† These examples show that the New Testament uses two Greek concepts which range from purely medical disease to spiritual weakness and to weariness in maintaining actual life or spiritual life. The two terms astheneo and kamno overlap somewhat in their basic meaning and so translators do have some lee-way in choosing which of these emphases to bring out in their version. The English words â€Å"sick† or â€Å"diseased† tend to have a connotation of the physical condition of a person, while â€Å"weary† or â€Å"faint† tends to have a connotation of the mental or spiritu al condition of a person. In the Bible there is sometimes a clear distinction between these two dimensions, as for example when a person who suffers from a disease like leprosy is healed, but very often it is not clear whether a physical affliction is referred to, or a spiritual one. Looking at the letter of James it appears that the first verse echoes the gospel emphasis on physical healing. The work of Jesus wandering through the region, preaching the gospel and healing people is the inspiration for this usage. The second verse, which stresses the weariness aspect of kamno, leans on the emphasis of Paul, however. The connection between sin and sickness is much stronger, and the healing power of Jesus is shown as

Research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 8

Research Paper Example Furthermore, the paper will also provide my own viewpoint regarding a positive relationship between the people of Middle East and the USA. After reading different course books, study material, and presentations on the topic I am glad to say that I have a complete different perspective regarding the Middle East. My pool of knowledge has increased through the videos I have watched and the news I have read as a part of the course. Initially, I did not have a clear understanding regarding the entire Middle East. I was familiar with only chief countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and U.A.E. etc., however, it was because of this course that I am able to understand the inside stories of various countries in Middle East, which I did not know. Moreover, it has also allowed me to observe things from a neutral perspective. The environment of Middle East is usually hot, dry, and humid. There are vast deserts in the region encompassing hundreds of kilometers. This does not let irrigation or agricu lture in most of the Middle Eastern countries. However, it came to my knowledge that regardless of this extreme dry weather, the region produces date palms and olives in large quantities. Both these commodities are the chief intake for many within the Middle East. Moreover, the oil reservoirs in the Arab countries surpass the oil reserves of any other region in the world1. This, however, is a bit frightening as various conflicts are present over the issue of oil reserves in the Middle East. Iran, Iraq, Libya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE, etc are all major exporters of oil to the international markets and member of OPEC2. It is through the export of oil to the rest of the world particularly the West that the countries are able to meet their economic needs. Sadly, the war, which started between America and some member countries of the Middle East, has given rise to various issues. The war led by America in the name of war against terrorism has killed as many as 1000,000 Iraqi s so far since 2003 and has also destroyed various cities and oil reserves of the region3. It is not appropriate for me at this stage to decide whether it is the war against terrorism or to conquer the extensive oil reserves. It was indeed sad for me to know that the conflict started after the issue of 9/11 in which thousands of US citizens along with others were killed. 5 Guantanamo detainees claimed the attack. They held themselves responsible for the attack saying that it was a response to the support of US for Israel4. The Middle Eastern particularly the Palestinians have suffered a lot because of the wars that are led by Israel. The Jews always had issues with the Muslims and so did the Muslims with Jews. This gave rise to various conflicts inside and outside the Middle East. Many did not appreciate the support of US for Israel. Islam is the major religion that is practiced in the Middle Eastern countries as per the guidelines given to them through the Quran. The Jews are consi dered as anti-Muslim element. They have always tried to lower the esteem of Muslims through different wars, conflicts and debates. In my perspective, this is huge cycle in which all issues are interconnected to each other in one way or another5. According to my critical thinking, the reason behind the rise of these issues is the conflict between Israel and

A persuasive paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

A persuasive paper - Essay Example This being the normal tradition consequently, the less men are attached with emotions, the less prone they are towards vulnerability at expressing weakness or sentiments openly by crying. As opposed to the chief attribute of the submissive female counterparts whose role is well identified with nurturing and other delicate tasks that are domestic by nature, they behave in a fashion more accustomed to put mind setting on 'doing' rather than 'feeling' in this order so that men tend to build on a dominating character. In the society, set conventions or norms reflect this issue all the more and with a regular emphasis placed upon the bold distinction between gender roles, men generally respond in favor of such expectations and press themselves to act accordingly. Men are expected to show anger and stubbornness, women to express happiness, sadness, and fear (Kallen, 1998). Through time and course of history, people have learned to classify men under those images that embody the world of sp orts, action themes in the film industry, and prominent figures in warfare.

What role do nurses play in the provison of safe quality patient Essay

What role do nurses play in the provison of safe quality patient centered care - Essay Example Secondly, nurses have to work well within professional nursing and medical practitioner groups by facilitating open communication, maintaining shared respect, and contributing to decision-making processes. Nurses can perform this role by examining their individual and joint strong suits, weaknesses, and values as members of a group (Cronenwett et al., 2007). To do this, nurses need to be skilled in showing awareness of their own strong points, weaknesses, and constantly planning for development in employing themselves in active group growth. Third, nurses incorporate the best, most recent proof with medical expertise and patient/family predilections and standards for delivering prime healthcare. This role is made possible by the nurses’ knowledge of health study mythologies and procedures. This knowledge comes about through nurses’ skills in applying health study methods and procedures together with researchers to produce new information and practice (Cronenwett et al., 2007). Lastly, nurses use information to observe the results of care protocols and apply development techniques to design while trying changes that enhance the eminence and safety of healthcare frameworks constantly (Hughes, 2008). Nurses perform this role by bearing the knowledge of defining approaches for developing results of care in their respective work surroundings. Cronenwett, L., Sherwood, G., Barnsteiner, J., Johnson, J., Mitchell, P., Sullivan, D. T., Warren, J. (2007). Quality and safety education for nurses. Journal Of The American Academy Of Nursing, 55(3), 122–31. Hughes R. G. (2008). Nurses at the â€Å"Sharp End† of Patient Care. In: Hughes RG, editor. Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); Chapter 2. Retrieved from

The Psychology and the History of Quebec Nationalism Essay

The Psychology and the History of Quebec Nationalism - Essay Example "While nationalism does not necessarily arise in all nations, it, nevertheless, cannot exist without the context of the existence of a nation."2 Quebec is a nation that has repeatedly attempted to separate from Canada. Specifically, they are seeking to independence from Canada while retaining an economic partnership. Quebec was founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, became an English colony in 1763, was reestablished with French law in 1774, divided by the English in 1791, and reunited by the Act of the Union in 1840. Since then, Quebec has been in a constant battle with Canada to become its own nation. Recently, Canada has opposed all efforts and even some compromises of Quebec's drive for separation.3 In order to examine this issue within the context of Quebec, one must examine it from both an historical and a psychological perspective. The historical perspective will trace the significant developments within this struggle and analyze its historical (including legislative and judicial) issues and impacts. In addition, the psychological perspective will examine the underlying ideas of the conflict on a behavioral and socio/personal basis. Integrating these two approaches will effectively paint an overall picture of the political and social aspects involved with Quebec's battle for a national identity. __________________ 1. Belanger, Claude,(2000),Events, Issues, and Concepts of Quebec History: Quebec Nationalism. Quebec History. Available from: Http://www2.marianopolis.edu/ quebechistory/events/natpart1.htm 2. Belanger 3. Perspective and History of Quebec Nationalism, UNI, Available from: http://www.uni.ca/history.html History of the Conflict It is impossible to analyze and issue of politics without first setting up its historical canvas. Before the mid 1900s, most nationalistic movements in Canada had to do with French Canadians as a whole rather than specifically Quebec nationalism. In 1962 Jean Lesage requested that Quebec be granted a type of "special status"; Daniel Johnson asked that proposed an establishment of "associated states" in 1967; Robert Bourassa asked that Quebec be given "distinct society" status in 1970, 1973 and 1976. All met with failure.4 Following this was the 1976 election of the Parti Quebecois. This party held a referendum in 1980 that sought to negotiate a political sovereignty from and an economic association with Canada. The people voted it down by a measure of 60/40. Many interpret this failure as a result of the belief in false promises of Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. In fact, the federal government repatriated its own constitution which enabled Canada to then make modifications to it. The federal government did not reach this agreement with the provinces but on its own. It took effect in 1982 even though Quebec vociferously opposed it because it limited Quebec's ability to control matters of language and culture. Quebec has never signed this constitution. 5 In an attempt at compromise, Quebec asked the federal government to consider five clauses to be added to its constitution in a 1990 vote. These clauses became known as the Meech Lake Accord, and passing them would have allowed Quebec to sign the Canadian constitution. Two provinces refused to agree to the Meech Lake Ac

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Essay Example for Free

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Essay â€Å"There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them† -Ray Bradbury. In the past there were events that affected book writers. People will get together to burn books because they thought it was inappropriate or they were against their literature. Montag is a fireman in a futuristic society who would start fires instead of put them out. After he meets Clarisse a young girl different from all teenagers in that society Montag will find himself doing things he never did before. In Fahrenheit 451 Montag will have a huge change in his life that will make him different from other people. There were people who contributed to that change, people who Montag would never thought of meeting or people he had already knew. Clarisse had Montag analyzing his happiness and questioning himself which caused him to do things he never done before. When Montag and Clarisse were walking Clarisse asked him if he was happy with the life he was living. â€Å"Of course I’m happy. What does she think? I’m not?†. Montag seems really bothered by the question Clarisse asked him. Montag is positive about his happiness, he knows he’s happy with the life he’s living He knows he’s â€Å"happy† but by someone else asking him that kind of question it doesn’t seem like he is. â€Å"He wore his happiness like a mask and the girl had run across the lawn with the mask and there was no way of going to knock on her door and ask for it†. Once Clarisse asked him about his happiness he started thinking about it and he knew he wasn’t happy at all. He thinks that Clarisse opened his eyes about it. Montag also feels like Clarisse was the one who took his happiness by asking him that question. Mildred proved to Montag he wasn’t really by the way she acts towards him. She was the one who woke him up and made him do something so he could have his happiness back. Mildred as a wife should listen to Montag and make him feel better. Instead Mildred would totally ignore him and seem careless every time he would say something. â €Å"I’m hungry Last night he began. Didn’t sleep well. Feel terrible she said. God I’m hungry I can’t figure it Last night he said again. She watched his lips casually. What about last night Don’t you remember†. Mildred doesn’t really listens to Montag He always tries to tell her something but she seems careless about it. He feels like he’s not getting the attention he wants from her. â€Å"â€Å"When did we meet? Where?†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ â€Å"It doesn’t matter.† She was up, in the bathroom now, and he heard the water running, and the swallowing sound she made. â€Å"No, I guess not,† he said. This demonstrates that all this years of marriage meant nothing to Mildred. By her not remembering how they meet tells that Mildred doesn’t really care about their marriage. Faber encouraged Montag to overcome his fears not by giving him advice but by showing Montag he also feared. Faber was always the type to follow the rules so he wouldn’t get in trouble and face the consequences. Montag didn’t want to be a coward like Faber that’s how he overcame his fears. â€Å"For a little while I’m not afraid. Maybe it’s because I’m doing the right thing at last. Maybe because I’ve done trash thing and don’t want to look the coward to you†. Faber has never made a change in his life because he has always been afraid of the consequences. He tells Montag that he has to face his fears which make him feel like he’s doing the right thing for once. â€Å"â€Å"Mr. Montag you’re looking at a coward. I saw the way things were going a long time back. I said nothing. I’m one of the innocents who could have spoken up and put when no one would listen to the ‘guilty’†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Faber is telling Montag that he never had the courage to stand up in what he strongly believes its right. He categories himself as a person who’s afraid by the consequences. In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Clarisse, Mildred and Faber had Montag doing things he never did before. They had him questioning, making him realize and encouraging him to get over his fears. He was doing things he never saw himself doing before in his life. Even though those things he do had its bad consequences he never felt that good about himself. Many people won’t confront their fears because they’re scared of the consequences but once people they overcome those fears there will be nobody who will stop them to do what they think it’s right. WORK CITED Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. Simon and Shuster paperbacks; New York, 2012

Sexism In Womens Professional Sports Media Essay

Sexism In Womens Professional Sports Media Essay Sexism is the belief or mind-set that one sex (usually the male) is innately superior to, more skilled, or more worthy than the other is. It includes all kinds of prejudice, overt or covert, concerning gender. It is the belief that a certain gender is inherently better than the other; therefore, it should be in charge of the most significant spheres of political, financial, and social life. It principally involves detestation of, or bigotry towards whichever gender as a whole or the appliance of stereotypes of masculinity to all men, of femininity to women. Sexism is also known as male and female chauvinism. Sexism has been narrowed down to be described as the practice of dominance of men over women. Sexism is a practice that is held up in various ways such as through language, visual links, media depiction, and stereotyping, particularly based on the maternal/caring role of women. These ways are significant to our socialization into our gender roles, and as a result, it makes this d ominance tolerable in the community. Sexism is such a significant issue because all women go through it in various ways. For example, in the workplace and at home depending on their economic and social situation; it restricts the ways in which women go about actualizing their potential. The Sports organizations are not free from sexism either. This controversy is not a new issue that has risen. Sexism in sports goes as back as sports and sexism itself goes. Sexism in sports dates back to back to B.C.s. Even from as long as 776 B.C., antique Greek prohibited women as contenders and audience from the Olympic Games. Any married woman who was found around the stadium was thrown from a cliff (Borish, 1996). In August 1890, W.S. Franklin declared the creation of a womens professional baseball league. It was required that for one to take part in the league, they must be aged below 21 years, beautiful, and have a gorgeous shape. This was a step forward but was still not sufficient for the women. In the 1900 Olympics edition, in Paris France, was made up of 1308 men and only 11 women, another positive step from primeval Greeks but still not sufficient. Prior to 1916, women were not permitted to attend boxing matches since the sport was viewed to be too violent for the women. In the 1920 Olympics, the judges warned American figure skater Theresa Weld for making jumps that they deemed not lady-like. Before that, it was worse with jumping itself being deemed unlady-like. In early bobsled contests, two of the riders had to be women; however, they were not allowed to drive nor work the bakes. In the 1928 Olympic 800-yard running event, a number of women collapsed, this provoked the then IOC president Compete de Baillet-Latour to attempt to free the games of all womens track contest. In 1936, Avery Brundige, the then chief of the US Olympic Committee remarked, that he was sickened to the ears by women who wanted to participate both as field and track competitors. According to Brundige, they do not have any charm although they are adroit and beautiful, they cannot perform not in the swimming or diving category (Danziger, 1999). He went on to become the chief of the international Olympic committee in 1952. Women track competition longer than 200 meters were ba nned until 1960 when the 800-meter race was re-established. Women were also not permitted at center court for the Italian championship tennis finals before late 1960s. In 1972, the 1500 meters track competition was introduced in the Olympic sports. The womens AAA in the UK barred women from taking part in long-distance road races prior to 1975 when they were allowed. The International Olympic committee declined to allow women to take part in the 3000 meters track event for the 1980 Olympics in Moscow in the USSR, since the event was considered a bit too arduous for women. In the subsequent Olympics games in1984 the 3000 meters race alongside the marathon was added. In 1997, in the US, a womens professional basketball league was started, the Womens National Basketball Association (WNBA). As evidenced by this account, it has it has been a protracted and sluggish battle for women in sports. Sexism was deeply rooted in sports, and the fight against it has truly advanced through the years. On a positive note, however, there is far less offensive and overtly sexist handling of women athletes than it was the situation two or even one decade ago. Undoubtedly, there has been a gender revolt in American sports in recent times (Hargreaves, 2000). Millions of girls participate in sport competitions daily be it in college or professional leagues. Womens athletic ability levels have also done up astronomically over the last two decades in sports ranging from basketball to volleyball, from hockey to soccer etc. There still exists a long and hard journey to go for women athletes to attain the same opportunities and hold up as their male counterparts. Although discrimination of people based on their gender has almost ended in regards to whether sports bodies allow women to participate in some sports games, more need to be done to improve the way sports commentators and the general population characteristically speak of women athletes. The media and sponsors are also guilty of prop agating sexism in sports. For example, the overall coverage of womens sports has gone down to ridiculously low levels. It is time for the news media and the sports shows to up the tempo to be able to keep pace with this revolution. It is a fact that women in professional sports have never been entirely supported, either fiscally (by sponsors) or psychologically (by the media and the fans). Women have tried hard to get reorganization and respected by governing bodies. The media and public need to change their sexist outlook; this will enable sexism in sports to be wiped out. Just this year, two leading British soccer radio commentators, were relieved of their jobs a day after being taken off the air for making sexist remarks about a female assistant match official during the English premier league duel between Wolves and Liverpool. The duo requeted that a person should go to the field to show the dumb women what was meant by the offside rule. Women do not know what it is, asserted one. Certainly not, the second one concurred. Britains Sky Sports, Richard Keys, and Andy Gray were criticizing the work of the linesman Sian Massey, and they were aware that they were on air. Then as if that was not sexist enough, they laughed about the policy of West Ham United concerning sexism in football. Keys and Gray asked each other rhetorical remarks that were aimed at lowering the morale of Karen and never thought of what she would feel. Now this could be disguised as humor; however, it is also true that jokes at a persons race, or gender expense are a mask of anger t o that persons race, or gender. The words of sports commentators and sports shows hosts, repeated many times by different commentators in the same or similar manner, just like propaganda, provide a theoretical frame for the sports experience. This abstract frame is of interest since the fans often relate it even to non-athletic situations. In Wimbledon, it is a widely known that the scheduling of women tennis at the central court is mostly based on looks rather than prowess. In fact, the reason why female tennis is so popular has everything to do with the sex appeal of the female players and little (if at all anything) to do with their ability to play tennis (not to say they are not good players but to say their abilities are ignored). Marketers of female tennis sell its sex appeal rather than the skill of the athletes. Furthermore, it is an open secret that the world over, more importance is attached to men sports. Media coverage in general is better for male leagues and tournaments than female ones. Even the cost of courtside tickets for NBA vis-Ã  -vis that of the WNBA points to this. It costs more to attend NBA matches that WNBA matches. This is a testament to the fact that more value is attached to mens sports. The media, as an institution, is guilty of perpetuating sexism in tennis and sports in general. Media gives more emphasis on male sports compared to female sports. This, they claim, is because more men attracted to sports than women are. This is not true, and the assertion is contradicted by facts. Nationwide statistics point toward the fact that women make up to 38% to 42% of all sport and physical activity contestants. Nonetheless, study indicates that female sports get roughly 6% to 8% of the entirety sports coverage. According to the Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles (2000), the main factor that plays a part in deciding what sports gets coverage in newspapers is the interests of the editor; the number of sports covered grew when the ability of women in sports was devalued. The media also perpetuate sexism in sports by depicting female athletes as feminine and sexually attractive. From a traditional perspective, it is easy to say there is nothing wrong with portraying wom en in general as attractive. However, female athletes surely warrant equal acknowledgment for their sporting capabilities as male athletes. When a female athlete appears in a sport periodical or an ad to market in a sport she ought to be portrayed with respect as is male athletes, an accomplished athlete. Another problem for depicting sexual images of female athletes is the fact that images are very influential and form as well as mirror attitudes and values (Birrell and Cole, 1994). Depicting female athletes as sexual beings, or pretty sends the message that they are not greatly skilled as athletes. Depictions that overlook or belittle females athletic abilities dent the significance of womens sports and esteem for the skills of sportswomen (Fields, 2005). The use of sexist imagery to sell female sports by advertisers, promoters, and the media in general sells the athletes not as so, but as sex objects. Instead of fans going to matches to see the sporting prowess of the contestants , they go there to see the pretty ladies, they were promised in the promotions. The media and the promoters might argue that the selling of sexy images of females in general works. Of course, if it did not work they would not do it. The underlying argument would be that this is what their target market wants. This argument would be an astonishing insensitivity to the detrimental results of sexism. The sports media and the advertising industry have a responsibility of not perpetuating destructive and restrictive images to the society. The same This is what the target market wants and, This is what works or sells would not be acceptable if the images portrayed are racist or anti-Semitic. The fact that pornography sells and might be what they want to consumers does not make it any more acceptable. This argument is obviously unacceptable.

VPN and RADIUS :: essays research papers

VPN and RADIUS The boom in telecommuting and the need to support more remote workers is making life tough for IT managers. Besides the normal tasks of maintaining remote-access server (RAS) equipment, managers often find their time consumed administering access rights and authentication privileges on several, geographically dispersed remote access servers at the same time. Enter the Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS), a commonly used authentication system. Most remote-access equipment vendors have supported RADIUS in their remote-access ser-vers. Many virtual private networking equipment companies also are supporting the use of a RADIUS server for user authentication. For IT managers, the main attraction of RADIUS is that it allows them to simplify administration of user authentication by maintaining a centralized database of access rights. IT managers who did not have RADIUS have had to maintain access rights on multiple pieces of equipment. This leads to a problem: If someone joins or leaves a company, a manager must add or change access rights for that person on every piece of access equipment. RADIUS avoids such problems. IT managers can use a single RADIUS server to authenticate users dialing into multiple remote-access servers. With RADIUS, IT managers maintain a single authentication database. All users dialing into a network are authenticated against this database. For such centralized authentication to work, a RAS and VPN equipment must securely communicate with a RADIUS server and verify that the user meets certain conditions before allowing the user to gain access to the network. The process of authenticating users is transparent to the user dialing in. The way it works is that a user places a call into a remote-access server and a Point-to-Point Protocol session is initiated. The RAS or VPN takes authentication information, such as a user name and password, and passes this information to the RADIUS server. If the user is in the database and has access privileges to the network, the RADIUS server signals the remote-access server that it is OK to continue the process. At the same time, the RADIUS server also sends what is called profile information about the user to the remote-access server. The profile can include information such as the user's IP address, the maximum amount of time the user can remain connected to the network and the phone number the user is allowed to dial to access the network.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Lines 928-994) :: Sir Gawain Green Knight Essays

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Lines 928-994) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a tale that was written in the fourteenth century. It is an intriguing tale including romance, magic, action, and betrayal. The story opens with a Christmas celebration in which King Arthur refuses to eat until he hears a knightly tale or receives a challenge. The Green Knight enters the scene, and King Arthur receives his challenge. The challenge is a strike for a strike, and the prize is the Green Knight's axe. Sir Gawain is the noble knight who accepts the challenge, so at the same time the following year, he must find the Green Knight and keep his word. Throughout the tale, there are a number of mystical references that foreshadow the ending of the poem. The mystical aura of the Green Knight is the first hint of magic in the poem, but there are also other events suggesting that there is more to this tale than meets the eye. After a year, Sir Gawain begins his quest for the Green Knight. It is not an easy task, and he runs into a number of obstacles on his way. As Christmas Day nears, Sir Gawain "fear[s] for his default" (Norton 750) and prays that he can just hear mass on Christmas day. Almost instantaneously, he stumbles upon "a castle as comely as a knight could own, on grounds fair and green" (767-768), where he is welcomed kindly. The reader is given the impression that this is a magical castle because of its description and the fact that it appears out of nowhere. Furthermore, everyone in the castle appears to know that Sir Gawain is a great Knight of the Round Table, and he is welcomed heartily. Through these insignificant details, the author arouses suspicions within the reader, subtly hinting that this is not a normal castle. Sir Gawain's prayers are answered in the passage beginning at line 928. It is Christmas Eve, and the chaplains are ringing the church bells as the humble knight attends mass with the lord of the castle.

God Exists :: Descartes Philosophy Religion Essays

God Exists The existence of God has been a question since the idea of God was conceived Descartes tries to prove God's existence, and to show that there is without a doubt something external to ones own existence. He is looking for a definite certainty, a foundation for which he can base all of his beliefs and know that they are true. Descartes' overall project is to find a definite certainty on which he can base all his knowledge and beliefs. Descartes attacks the principles that support everything he believes with his Method of Doubt. The Method of Doubt is Descartes' method of fundamental questioning in which he doubts everything that there is the slightest reason to doubt. Think about it like this. Almost everything you believe to be true comes from the senses or through the senses. However, the senses are sometimes deceptive. Since the senses are not completely trustworthy, it is irrational to place complete trust in them. However, it is no small leap of faith to presume that everything our senses tell us is false. In fact, it seems almost absurd to say such a thing. Nevertheless, as Descartes points out, we have dreams regularly and in these dreams, everything we experience is a figment of our imagination, or at least not real in the physical sense. So, it is reasonable to doubt everything our senses tell us, for the time being. Now, using similar logic, we can say that everything we have learned from physics, astron omy, medicine, and other such fields are all doubtful. Descartes even believed we could say that such simple, logical statements as 2+3 = 5 or a square has 4 sides could be conceived to be false. "Since I judge that others sometimes make mistakes in matters that they believe they know most perfectly, may I not, in like fashion, be deceived every time I add two and three or count the sides of a square†¦" We are now at the point where we are doubting everything - the world around us, that we have a body, and anything else that we could possibly believe. Perhaps I even doubt that I exist myself. In doing this, I am in the act of doubting. How can I doubt something if I do not exist? Similarly, maybe I am deceived into thinking I do not exist by some other entity. Then I must exist for it is I who is being deceived.

Kraft Foods Essay

They offer delicious foods and beverages for every lifestyle on the go. While exploring the website of Kraft seems to define their product mix as foods that are geared more towards the people on the go. I would define their product mix as health/wellness foods, quick fix meals, snacks and beverages as well as offering a Premium line of foods. In their health/wellness foods they offer products in a â€Å"light† form such as things like Philadelphia light cream cheese and reduce fat cookies. For meals on the go or quick fix meals Kraft have designed meals like the Kraft Mac & Cheese Cups, frozen meals and sandwich kits. They offer a wide variety of snack foods including everyone’s favorite cookie Oreo’s and Splendips. The Premium line that Kraft offers includes foods like DiGornio Pizza and Oscar Myer bacon. Kraft offers 8 product lines with over 50 different brands. Kraft’s product mix is the offering of their premium foods, such as DiGornao Ultimate Pizza which is made as a higher quality pizza then the standard. Tombstone Mexican Style Pizza is offered as a convenience food as a favorite food of teenage boys. It was designed for the ease of cooking a easy, quick, healthy meal. Tang is real fruit goodness of oranges. Everyone will surely love its sweet, refreshing flavor plus the added nutrition it gives. It is also instant drink mix offering the convenience food again. South Beach Diet foods are part of their healthy yet, convenience foods. The line offers alternatives to other popular diet fads. South Beach Diet foods play on wholegrain and the correct or right fats like canola oil and olive oil. In this line they also offer bars for a fast way to fill a craving during the day.

Analysis of “Moral Minimums for Multinationals” by Thomas Donaldson Essay

  In â€Å"Moral Minimums for Multinationals† Thomas Donaldson addressed an issue, which often escapes attention of moral philosophers. The article deals with a rather special ethical aspect of international business relations: relations between people of various cultures inside multinational corporations. This problem appears to be of paramount importance for the author, providing data about expansion of corporations â€Å"devised for colonizing the future†. Manufacturers from India, managers from USA, experts from Japan, employees from the Philippines and directors from Germany – they are all bearers of quite different cultural and ethical traditions, which need to be reconciled inside an international firm. The problem becomes more complicated considering existence of universal standards for business and business conduct, which are most often based on the values of Western civilization. Should managers always insist on the same standards of conduct for all, or should they verify their demands considering particular traditions? In case the code of conduct of a company creates more severe limitations of behavior than the law and customs of the country in which the company acts, should this code of conduct prevail? Thomas Donaldson attempts to answer this and other questions in his work. Donaldson starts from assertion, that although the multinational corporations are not a wholly new phenomenon, their history in a modern understanding starts after World War II, when the growing demand of products, new transport facilities, differences in economic and financial situations in different countries resulted in internationalization of business. Consequently, standards of those companies started to expand. And the multinational corporations faced conflict between their home practices and practices in other countries, especially concerning labor conditions, working hours, age of employees, sums of salary and other issues. Other matters are related to distribution of their products and standards of quality for such products: for example, can a corporation sell pharmaceuticals which do not correspond to the standards of their   home country in other countries, where there are not such standards? Donaldson introduces several universal concepts for solving those problems. He starts with a concept of human right. Rights â€Å"establish minimum levels of morally acceptable behavior† being a kind of bottom line for the corporations, which can not be crossed, a minimum set of responsibilities for a corporation. Those responsibilities of the corporation are at the same time rights of its employees, trade partners and all those individuals which are influenced by the company’s activities. However, there is a problem of control. Who should monitor the observation of those rights and duties: the company itself or its home country, or a country which is influenced by the company’s activities? And where can such minimum standards be found at all. Some response is given by universal human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or the UN Charter. However, those instruments include very little of welfare rights, which are of paramount importance for international corporations. Donaldson criticizes the traditional distinction between positive and negative rights, asserting, that often observation of negative rights requires states and individuals to act positively and vice versa. For example, preservation of right to life means also necessity to create sufficient working and environmental conditions. So what rights related to international corporations should be endorsed on international level? Donaldson proposes the following criteria for definition of such rights: â€Å"1) the right must protect something of very great importance; 2) the right must be subject to substantial and recurrent threats; and 3) the obligations or burdens imposed by the right must satisfy a fairness-affordability test†. For Donaldson there are several rights that correspond these criteria: â€Å"1) the right to freedom of physical movement; 2) the right to ownership of property; 3) the right to freedom from torture; 4) the right to a fair trial; 5) the right to nondiscriminatory treatment (e.g., freedom from discrimination on the basis of such characteristics as race or sex); 6) the right to physical security; 7) the right to freedom of speech and association; 8) the right to minimal education; 9) the right to political participation; and 10) the right to subsistence†. For Donaldson this is a minimal list, which can be extended. He notices, that the international companies are able to observe, or at least pretend that they are observing most of the mentioned rights, but the situation is much more dramatic in cases when companies deprive people from opportunities to enjoy their rights. That’s where we once more face the problem of monitoring. Which of the rights should be guaranteed by the corporations and which by the governments? Here Donaldson states, that a corporation is not an institution which is designed to observe human rights, because it’s aim is only profit-making. They are undemocratic institutions by the nature. They strive to maximize their income and actually don’t care of anyone’s rights. Their minimal obligations under Donaldson are related to avoidance of deprivation of others of their rights. For example, the right of physical security includes the company’s obligation to physically protect it’s workers. In turn the right for political participation for the corporations is limited by their duty to respect democratic institutions in other countries. Donaldson proposes to develop test, which would demonstrate whether the actions of the company deprive anyone of his or her rights or not. If the actions of the company would finally result in violations of anyone’s crucial rights, they should be morally inacceptable, whether they are formally rightful or not. For Donaldson â€Å"nothing less than a general moral theory working in tandem with an analysis of the foundations of corporate existence is needed†. Donaldson introduces two types of ethical conflicts for multinational corporations. In the â€Å"type A† conflicts, the conduct of a company would contradict the legal and ethical norms of a country where the company holds business, and in the â€Å"type B† conflicts, the conduct of a company contradicts the laws of its home country. In order to reconcile the aims of the company to generate profit and obligation to act ethically, Donaldson supposes, that in case a particular practice does not violate considerable human rights and it is impossible to carry on business without such slightly unethical practice, a company may sometimes accept such practice (for example to bribe the officials, if this is a condition for further legal operations). Further development of ethical test would, under Donaldson, help to create ethical standards for multinational corporations in the changing global business environment. Donaldson’s article leaves a controversial impression of   Ã‚  Ã‚   incompleteness. It looks rather like a draft of an article, but not an article itself. The author does not propose any single problem or thesis, or his problem is unreasonably broad for such a small piece of text. At the beginning Donaldson speaks of the moral problems of interaction between bearers of different cultural traditions, but later he does not develop the idea, turning to ethical problems, which are actually typical for any business – not only international one. Any company seeks to improve its performance at all costs. Any company is willing to have more money and less responsibility. Any company has to face a moral choice between ethical and legal conduct and temptation to slightly violate accepted norms. The company does not need to be international to face this, therefore, the name and the thesis of Donaldson’s article are hardly related to its content. Talking of employment standards, which can be really interesting when investigating ethical matters connected to international business, we should notice, that they are not limited exclusively to international human rights instruments, as Donaldson asserts. Acts of the United Nations (especially of Economic and Social Council) as well as acts of International Labor Organization do include numerous requirements and recommendations of both legal and ethical nature. It would be wise to consider them when talking of ethical moments in international business. On the other hand Donaldson does not consider numerous business codes of conduct, which do include a number of ethical provisions. So, Donaldson’s article is rather a set of ideas and reasoning about some situations, than a systematic study of multinational business ethics. So, do we need multinational corporations to behave ethically? Obviously, yes. Do we need to develop any new ethical standards? Yes, but we need to be aware of those, which already exist. The situation is not so dramatic, as Donaldson presents. Ethical norms already exist, we just need to correctly apply them and reconcile moral requirements in various countries. Considering that most of the paramount ethical values are somehow reflected in the international law, or recognized universally, this task appears to be not so complicated. Here it is possible to speak of globalization of ethical imperatives, which is a part of globalization processes as a whole. International business act both as agents and objects of such globalization, which is already inconvertible.

Miracle on St David’s Day by Gillian Clarke Essay

Miracle on St David’s Day is an enchanting, and ultimately optimistic poem relating to the theme of identity by Gillian Clarke. The poem tells the story of a man in a mental institution, who exceeds the expectation of both the nurses and his fellow patients when he regains the ability to talk. In the first stanza of the poem, Gillian Clarke describes the country house in what seems to be an idyllic setting, â€Å"The sun treads the path among cedars and enormous oaks, it might be a country house, guests strolling†. However despite the seemingly pleasant tone, implied by the use of her making it seem informal, through the relaxed wondering of what the House may have been,† might be a country house, guests strolling†, suggesting normality her use of the word might alerts the reader that this idyllic setting may be an illusion and not what it first seems. The illusion of normality is swiftly extracted by the opening line of the second stanza, â€Å"I am reading poetry to the insane†. This line ends with a certain finality, that is so abrupt that it disturbs the so far, flowing effect to the poem, also implying informality and normality, to the effects that it shocks the reader, not only in the disrupted rhythm of the poem but also in the disturbingly blunt reality of what she is saying. Furthermore this is shocking because it is not commonplace for people to be reading poetry to the insane. Gillian Clarke does this numerous times during the poem in order to stop the reader, so that the poem does not ramble, and make it more interesting, â€Å"A beautiful chestnut-haired boy listens entirely absorbed. A schizophrenic†. This use of contrast between the descriptive lines of the opening stanza and the flat, and remarkably blunt, tones of this line introduce the reader to the contrast between the setting and the guests. As we can observe from the line following, â€Å"I am reading poetry to the insane†, which instantly restores the mood of the poem to informal with the humor, of the old woman who is constantly offering the narrator coal, when it is March and she would have no means of getting coal. By the use of having the woman saying humorous things, Gillian Clarke is also contrasting her with the other patients at the home, as she is the only one who is talking. The poem also uses poetic devises such as personification, â€Å"An afternoon yellow and open mouthed†. It uses metaphors, â€Å"In a cage of first march sun†, and similes such as, â€Å"Outside the daffodils are still as wax†, to make the poem more interesting to read, and also without these techniques the imagery of the poem, that the people in the home are daffodils would not be portrayed and the final message of the poem would not be presented to the reader. Thus the poem would be pointless. Gillian Clarke also uses enjambment in the poem, which disturbs the flow of the poem, and I think is also relating to the disturbed personalities of the patients in the home. Enjambment is effectively used in the third to fourth stanzas, as this is a rambling scene of the immense man struggling to get to his chair, and so Clarke reflects this in the appropriate use of enjambment between the stanzas. The first March sun is described as a cage in the third verse as it is sa ying that for these people who have no freedom, even their enjoyment of the sun is trapping them, and they have no choice but to be out absorbed in it. These poetic devices are also used to build up the character of the man in the poem. In the third stanza where the man is introduced, he is described as a big, mild man, and a laborer, who is being tenderly led. This use of contrasting language informs the reader that even though the man is large in size he has to be tenderly led like a child, continuing to imply to the reader that there is something wrong with him. This is confirmed in the forth verse where he is described as rocking, a common action by insane people as it comforts them. His description is also emphasized by the repetition of the words big, mild and dumb. These words make him seem even more immense, which is odd when they are combined with mild. When the huge laboring man speaks he is in beautiful surroundings reciting a poem about daffodils, which is not only being ironic but is breaking the stereotype of laborers being very masculine and rather insensitive, whereas here he is being portrayed as almost feminine and extremely sensitive. What strikes me most prominently when reading the poem is the amount of imagery used to bring emphasis to the overall meaning of Clarke’s poem and to make it more interesting. She has chosen the â€Å"Daffodils†, by W. Wordsworth, as the music that the mute man chooses to speak after forty years of silence. I believe that she has also chosen to describe the man who cannot speak as mute as it is also a musical term, and so therefore is not just emphasizing that there is no speech in his life, but also that there is no music, relating with happiness and merriment, and therefore is saying that without speech there is no joy in the laborer’s life. However when the rhythm of the poetry he is read awakens him, it appears to turn apparent life into reality. The poem is a possible way to show his waking from a world of misery to a reality of nature’s beauty and rhythm, â€Å"Since the dumbness of misery fell he has remembered there was a music of speech and that once he had something to say.† This is also playing on the word dumbness, as dumbness aside from meaning stupidity also is relating to the man who cannot speak as a person who is mute can also be described as, â€Å"dumb†. Informing us that the poem is saying that music is good, as when he cannot speak, and there is no music, it is described as, â€Å"misery† and when this, â€Å"falls†, and he has remembered that there is something to say a thrush sings, representing happiness, and the once, â€Å"wax† still daffodils are flame, representing excitement, life and activity. Therefore Gillian Clarke is saying that the man was not properly alive until the music in his life was restored. He is reciting poetry because what he has heard from the nurses in the institution has restored his memory and he has remembered a poem that he had learnt as a child at school. We know this because Clarke informs us in verse thirty-one, â€Å"Forty years ago, in a Valleys school, the class recited poetry by rote†. I believe that Gillian Clarke’s poem is also relating to music through this imagery. â€Å"Since the dumbness of misery fell he has remembered there was a music of speech and that once he had something to say.† When he speaks there is an immediate exchange of characteristics, the once lifeless patients are alert and the nurses are frozen as the patients once were. I also notice that in Clarke’s poem the daffodils seem to represent the people at the home. At the start of the poem the daffodils are â€Å"open mouthed† showing the way that the patients don’t react to the poetry, as this is the face that people use when they are bored and not listening. Their open mouths show how unreceptive the patients are, once again removing any sense of normality as Gillian Clarke alienates them from ordinary sane people. When the miracle of the man speaking occurs the flowers are silent and still, showing that far from the boredom and lack of interest displayed before, everyone is amazed. We can deduct that the daffodils are not merely flowers, by the use of lines such as, â€Å"their syllables unspoken†, as obviously, flowers can speak no syllables. I think that the use of the candle related words throughout the poem are deliberate, when the flowers are as still as, â€Å"wax†, the man is not speaking and when he does they are a flame, which is representing that the man’s hope, which has always been there, the wax, but when he speaks it is â€Å"a flame†. It is alive. I think that the, â€Å"first bird of the year in the breaking darkness† is symbolic as the first bird of the year, is representing the first speech in the mans life for many years, and the darkness which is now breaking is the bad times of when he could not speak. His first words in many years are described as a bird, as this also relates to the theme of music. Gillian Clarke effectively alienates the patients in the home and portrays the fact that although they are physically there, they mentally are not by the constant use of word absent, â€Å"I read to their presences, their absences†. St David’s Day by Gillian Clarke illustrates the theme of identity through the use of including people in a mental institution, as they have no identity. Yet after forty years a man’s identity breaks through. I believe that this poem is trying to communicate the fact that everyone has an identity; no matter how masked it is from the rest of the world, and by the use of describing them with flowers that cannot speak (which have inner beauty, she is saying that everyone has some kind of identity and beauty. Emotion plays an important part in the poem humor, misery and shock are shown to us and this makes the poems more realistic. Ultimately I feel the reason this is a very effective poem is that the use of daffodils and Wordsworth is subtle but carries a significant meaning that is backed up by the tone of the rest of the poem. I find that the poem is truly touching and although the main message of the poem is quite discrete, the way that it is portrayed makes it seem that you, the reader are really experiencing the miracle.