Teenage Wasteland Essay Example for Free

Teenage Wasteland Essay Many mothers make mistakes with their first child. They may not give them enough attention, or they may give them too much attention. In the two short stories â€Å"I stand Here Ironing† by Tillie Olsen and â€Å"Teenage Wasteland† by Anne Tyler, both of the mothers reflect back on the struggle they had raising their first child. They talk about how they handled situations and what they would change if they could do it over. Both â€Å"I Stand Here Ironing† and â€Å"Teenage Wasteland† depict a mother struggling with guilt, thereby showing the difficulties involved in raising children. Lastly, both stories depict mothers struggling with guilt over past decisions made concerning their first child. In â€Å"I Stand Here Ironing† the mother regrets that she didn’t have the knowledge then, that she does now. She shows this when she says â€Å"My wisdom came too late† (Olsen 813). The mother feels that she did better raising her other children, and only made mistakes concerning her first child. When she looks at her daughter’s life she finds herself wishing she could have done more for her. Just like in â€Å"I Stand Here Ironing† by Olsen, â€Å"Teenage Wasteland† by Tyler also depicts a mother struggling with guilt over decisions she made while raising her son. The author shows the mothers helplessness by saying â€Å"Had she really done all she could have? † (Tyler 1170). The mother felt helpless in the problems with her son, and feels guilty for not trying to do more. She also wonders if she had really done all that she could have to help her son or if she pushed him too much. Both mothers struggled with guilt and the consequences of their decisions concerning their first child. There are many difficulties that arise while raising children; these short stories are about two mothers that both struggled with the guilt of their decisions involving their first child. The majority of new mothers make mistakes with their children that they later regret. It’s all part of learning the best way to do things and finding the way through unfamiliar territory.

To Follow Or Not To Follow Jesus Christ Religion Essay

To Follow Or Not To Follow Jesus Christ Religion Essay To look beyond what we are today is to look past the shadows of what we have been, past the doubts of what we shall become and into the very truth of the One who was meant to show us the right way. For it is His work that guards our consciousness and it is His preaching that endeavors us to see the brighter side of the world. In order to understand the meaning of our existence, we need to open our souls back to the teachings and sayings of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saved the humankind, as He was the one to revive God in our hearts. We are alive because He has been crucified for our sins. We have learned that He was praised by his followers, but constantly accused by the people of law-the Pharisees, who were blinded by the austerity of rules and did not believe that He is the Son of God. The 21st century has become the era of changing and development, but along with the changes, a lot of people seemed to forget the role of Jesus on the earth. Personally, if I am asked whether to follow Jesus nowadays, my answer would be definitely yes and I do not tend to be cynical or sarcastic about it. The Pharisees did not follow Jesus a long time ago because they were acting like hypocrites, pretending to preach the law and always use it against Jesus. I believe that following Jesus does not mean to chase after the rules. It means that I am being grateful for the life I get to share, for the people who care about me and all the wonderful moments, impo rtant events that will never fade away from my memory. Jesus said: Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:12). The words of Jesus enhance my worldview and I want to have confidence in my values, my integrity and the decisions I get to make. Before coming to Lithuania and being part of the Lcc Community, I lived in a world filled up pink butterflies and colorful flowers. At the moment when I decided to leave home and study at Lcc University, I knew my life would change and I was afraid to face that challenge. Being far away from home, living in a completely different environment from your own, I started to perceive things differently. There were times when I craved to stand up and scream, I felt weak and completely not myself, thinking that coming to Lithuania was a huge mistake and it wasnt the right place for me. I did not get along with people and I was convinced that it happened because they couldnt accept me the way I am. Later on though, I understood that my negative attitude was the reason of their behavior. I never paid attention on what people were saying, I was stubborn and didnt look for a compromise, thinking that letting go is the easiest way. Jesus teachings however are the complete opposite of my past judg ment. He says: He who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened (Matthew 7:8). In a way, without realizing it consciously, I was following Jesus because I decided to change that selfish and childish side of me and seek for the better one. His words made me comprehend that everything happens for a reason and even during the times when life seems useless there is always a chance for a new beginning. Jesus had the mission to bring peace, faith and joy in our life, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) We are always worried that things might go wrong; troubled by fear and anguish that constantly hardens our souls. Usually when something dreadful happens, one would most probably say There is no way back. Its hopeless to go on and I keep asking myself why we become so weak? Though living in the era of determinism and self control, we cannot always find out what is right and what is wrong. The most important thing is to have faith and understand that some things are simply meant or not meant to be. I can make a lot of mistakes, but I dont want failure to lead me towards desperation or anger. I want to keep following Jesus in my heart and learn from his teachings. Life is a non-ending circle and sometimes is moving way too fast, but if we try to open ourselves to Jesus and listen to His sayings we will find out that there is peace and love around us. Jesus was tortured and humiliated, he died on the cross as a consequence of our sins. Although Jesus knew He would die, it didnt stop Him to show care, love and understanding to people, even to those who were responsible for his suffering. Until His last breath, as it is written in the Bible, Jesus was praying to God saying: Father, forgive them, for they do not now what they are doing (Luke 23:34). Jesus shows compassion and forgiveness to those who wished for His death and this is another thing that we learn from Him- the aptitude to forgive, as he says: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). Jesus teaches us not to live with the weight of hate or torment, for it will cause us to suffer more. Life is a gift and each second spent on the Earth is blessing .I believe that Jesus can be our salvation when we are lost. He can rescue us, but we should find Him in our heart and unlock the door in which our fear is hidden. Life is beautiful and unique, but it comes with no guarantees and second chances. Thats why we should escape from that circle of frivolity and obscurity that keeps hunting us and do our best to change the world in a better way.

The History of the Cold War Essay -- American History War Soviet Union

The History of the Cold War The Cold War is the term used to describe the intense rivalry between the United States and its allies and the Union of Soviet Socialists Republics and its allies. The Soviet Union and its allies were refereed to as the Eastern Bloc and the United States and its allies were referred to as the Western Bloc. The Cold War period lasted from the mid-1940’s until the late 1980’s. During this period international politics were shaped by this intense rivalry between this two great blocs of power and the political ideologies they represented. The United States and its allies represented democracy and capitalism while the Soviet Union and its allies represented communism. The Cold War was truly a global conflict more so than either of the century’s two world wars. (1) The cold war was also the first total war between economic and social systems, an industrial test to destruction. Even though the Cold War Began just after World War II, some of its roots reach back as far a s the nineteenth century. Its neighbors have long feared Russia; the giant among the countries in Europe, even when they were allied Russia against a common enemy. This fear Cropped up immediately after Russia, Britain, and other European nations defeated the French Emperor Napoleon in 1812. (2) In 1853 Britain, France and several other European nations went to war with Russia from keeping Russia from expanding into the Middle East. Britain, in fact, took a great deal of its energy during the nineteenth century trying to limit Russian power. (3) By the early twentieth century the United States was also concerned with Russia’s power. Although the United States tried to keep out of European disputes, American leaders were concerned about Russia becoming to powerful. They worried that if any nation became powerful enough to dominate the European continent, it would be a threat to the well being of the United States. (4) In the midst of World War I a new element was added to the European and American fear of Russia. In November of 1917 a radical Marxist called the Bolsheviks seized power in Russia overthrowing a democratic government. The United States strongly opposed the Bolshevik regime. The United States was angry that the Bolsheviks pulled Russia out of the War against Germany (WW I), and that it intended to spread its revolution to other countries. (5) During World Wa... ... came quickly. After signing the charter, president George Busch for a happy, but tired world when he said, without fanfare: â€Å"We have closed a chapter in history, the Cold War is Over.† (33) On level the Cold War had some clear winners. The Struggle was settled on American terms. The Soviet Union disintegrated thirteen months after the Cold War was officially over. In place of the former Communist giant were fifteen independent states, all of which rejected communism. Bibliography Kort, Michael G. The Cold War Brookfield, CN: The Millbrook Press, 1994 Walker, Martin. The cold War: A History New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, 1993 Sharnik, John. Inside the Cold War: An Oral History New York, NY: Arbor House, 1987 Beschloss, Michael R. The Crisis Years: Kennedy and Khrushchev 1960-1963 New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers, 1991 â€Å"Cold War† Microsoft Encarta. Funk & Wagnall’s Corp: n.p., 1993 Boyer, Paul and Stuckey, Sterling. â€Å"The Cold War† The American Nation Harcourt Bruce and Company: Austin, 1995 Lebow, Richard Ned and Gross, Janice Gross Stein. We All Lost the Cold War Kaufman, Burton I. â€Å"Cold War† World Book Encyclopedia Chicago: World Book Inc. 1991

Software Outsourcing: Is the End of the American Programmer Near? :: Outsourcing Software Jobs Globalization

Software Outsourcing: Is the End of the American Programmer Near? Introduction Former U.S. Presidential candidate Ross Perot once warned of the U.S. entry into the North American Free Trade Agreement as "a great sucking sound" as U.S. jobs "run" to Mexico. 1 Many Americans feared that cheap labor in Mexico would cause many Americans to lose their jobs as U.S. companies could find cheaper labor south of the border. In the ten years since the beginning of NAFTA, the U.S. job market has remained strong. 2 The types of jobs may have changed to a certain degree, but the number of jobs has only increased despite the fears of many. Today, many people are worried about the effects of the outsourcing of software upon U.S. jobs. Many people fear the "great sucking sound" as software jobs are outsourced to cheaper labor in foreign countries, such as India. U.S. legislators have faced the issue and are trying to reduce the incentives of companies to hire workers abroad. 3 There are many fears and uncertainties about globalization and the new global economy as many people f ear change and competition from cheaper foreign labor. Are these fears justified? Is the American job market going to collapse? In the words of Ed Yourdon, has the "decline and fall of the American programmer" come? 4 Also, is it ethical to outsource software for cheaper labor? The Global Economy and Modern Economics In recent years, especially with the rise of the World Wide Web, there has been a steady increase in a more global economy. New technology has made the world more connected. It is much easier and less costly to communicate and interact with people around the world. Telecommunications makes it more possible to work from a remote location rather than working in a specific building. Cellular phones, laptops, and wireless internet make it much more possible to work from just about anywhere. The rise of the global economy has also led to the rise of employment outsourcing. Labor is being treated much like goods. Employers are seeking to lower costs and increase profits. As with the practice of buying cheap materials in foreign markets, companies are increasingly trying to buy cheap labor in foreign markets. From the standpoint of modern economics, this is just supply and demand. Therefore, does this mean that much of the labor in the U.S. will be imported from other countries? Software Outsourcing: Is the End of the American Programmer Near? :: Outsourcing Software Jobs Globalization Software Outsourcing: Is the End of the American Programmer Near? Introduction Former U.S. Presidential candidate Ross Perot once warned of the U.S. entry into the North American Free Trade Agreement as "a great sucking sound" as U.S. jobs "run" to Mexico. 1 Many Americans feared that cheap labor in Mexico would cause many Americans to lose their jobs as U.S. companies could find cheaper labor south of the border. In the ten years since the beginning of NAFTA, the U.S. job market has remained strong. 2 The types of jobs may have changed to a certain degree, but the number of jobs has only increased despite the fears of many. Today, many people are worried about the effects of the outsourcing of software upon U.S. jobs. Many people fear the "great sucking sound" as software jobs are outsourced to cheaper labor in foreign countries, such as India. U.S. legislators have faced the issue and are trying to reduce the incentives of companies to hire workers abroad. 3 There are many fears and uncertainties about globalization and the new global economy as many people f ear change and competition from cheaper foreign labor. Are these fears justified? Is the American job market going to collapse? In the words of Ed Yourdon, has the "decline and fall of the American programmer" come? 4 Also, is it ethical to outsource software for cheaper labor? The Global Economy and Modern Economics In recent years, especially with the rise of the World Wide Web, there has been a steady increase in a more global economy. New technology has made the world more connected. It is much easier and less costly to communicate and interact with people around the world. Telecommunications makes it more possible to work from a remote location rather than working in a specific building. Cellular phones, laptops, and wireless internet make it much more possible to work from just about anywhere. The rise of the global economy has also led to the rise of employment outsourcing. Labor is being treated much like goods. Employers are seeking to lower costs and increase profits. As with the practice of buying cheap materials in foreign markets, companies are increasingly trying to buy cheap labor in foreign markets. From the standpoint of modern economics, this is just supply and demand. Therefore, does this mean that much of the labor in the U.S. will be imported from other countries?

Diversity of Education Essay -- College University Education Essays

Diversity of Education Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once stated, â€Å"Most†¦think that education should equip them with the proper instruments of exploitation so that they can forever trample over the masses. Still others think that education should furnish them with noble ends rather than means to an end.† What Dr. King was getting at in The Purpose of Education is that education holds many different values for many different people. How can we go about determining one standard value of a college education for a country so recognized for its diversity? Also, is it really true that everyone in our divergent society has an equal opportunity to attend a university? We cannot ignore the fact that the characteristics that separate us will ultimately have a profound impact on both our individual opportunities for and values of a university education. A kid growing up in poverty does not have near the same probability of graduating from a university as a wealthy individual does, and each learns to value post high school education accordingly. Do you think most poor hungry kids are going to think about college after seeing flashy drug dealers from their own neighborhoods driving Benzes, wearing designer clothes, loaded with jewelry, and toting matching Rolex watches? They know this kind of life is morally wrong, but do you think they would rather see their families continue to live like rats? Many of these kids have already dropped out of high school to better support their families by working a full time job. So many times funding is not the only problem. Sure, they could probably get financial aid to go to college and make even more money in four to six years, but hungry stomachs and overdue rent payments just can’t wai... ...cation to a much lesser extent. They usually go on to live a comfortable life, but they sadly remain stuck in their characterless world of superficiality. Lower class students learn to value their education the most, but rarely get the opportunity to do so. They end up as the realest people with the most heart, but go on to live life struggling. So the winners are those who find the perfect balance of opportunity and value, and in my opinion they are the middle class students. These students not only grow intellectually, but they also grow to improve a great deal in character. If these students can make it past the strenuous college years, they will go on to live a special balance of comfortable living along with a good personality. Life does not always appear to be fair, but sometimes we think we are losing life’s battle when we are actually winning its war.

Impressment of British Men and the Draft of the Vietnam War Essay

In this paper, I would briefly discuss the Impressment of British Men and the Draft of Vietnam War. I would present the similarities and differences of the two eras in answering the question â€Å"How are the two eras of Impressment of British Men and Draft of Vietnam wars can be compared and contrast? † In addition, I would also try to present some argument regarding these era. Impressment is defined as the enforcement of fitted but unwilling men through crude and violent methods (Britannica Corporate Site, 2007) or forcibly inducting men into military service or in navy. (Politics and Public Service Impressment, 2005) Impressment is more common on navy than on military service. Physically fitted men were forced to serve on ships to fill the crew complement and on military in times of conflict. Conditions in European navy and military were very hard were the navy and military men experience scarcity of food, brutal punishment, different diseases and homesickness. These conditions resulted to impressments of men because only few volunteer in enlistments and they really need manpower. And most of the times, men at ages 18-55 were in danger of this practice. Impressment goes this way. Strong sailors formed a press gang. It is usually headed by a ship officer who chose strong and ruthless crew. They were armed with sly tongues and clubs. They would wait for other ships where they first offer employment to sailors as an attempt to make them come willingly. If they don’t want to come, this is where they forced them. They grab men and experienced sailors to impressed forcing them on board the ship. Their targets are mostly poor and criminals, those who have least social power over them. (Alternative Canadian Heritage Moments) Some of the men seized by the press gang chose to jump off and leave the British ship. They choose to come to the American merchant marine who offers better pay and more comfortable positions and adopt also the American citizenship. British navy targeted the British deserters and searched any ship including the American ship. Supposedly, impressment should only be for British men. However, sailors from other nations, particularly in America were also seized because they look similarly to British men in appearance, clothing or language. (War of 1812) British men stop their ships at sea and since they were unable to get enough men, they wouldn’t believe any document as proof of their citizenship. (Smith, 2007) Once a man was impressed, he was offered choices of whether he would sign as volunteer and receive benefits and salary or just remain as pressed man and receive nothing at all. (Royal Naval Museum Library, 2001). The impressment of American by the British men is considered as violations to America’s sovereignty and maritime rights. Because of this, the Americans were really offended which resulted to war they declared against Britain on June 1812. At that time, British were engaged in the war with the Napoleonic Empire so they did not give that much attention to the United States complaints even after the declaration of war against them. But after taking some considerations they formed First Nations allies and campaigns to protect Canada. The allies and Canadian military worked together to stop the American invasion even if they are inexperienced in this field. (War of 1812) The practice of impressment in Britain was last used in 1803-1815 during the Napoleonic wars but the right of using it still retained. By the year 1853, some changes were made like giving a pension for the sailors who continuously served in the navy for a certain number of years. The changes made reduced the need of impressments until it died out the form it used to be since many men would volunteer already. (Royal Naval Museum Library, 2001) Drafting of men during Vietnam War or what we call conscription is similar in impressments of British men during the Napoleonic war. Conscription means the same as impressment which is forced service to the military force or any institution with established authority. So they are similar in the sense that the physically-abled and fitted men are forced to do serve in the military service. About 2. 2 million of approximately 8. 6 million men and 250,000 women who served the military during the Vietnam War era were drafted. In contrast to the Impressment where their way of avoiding it is escaping, the draftees could avoid the draft resistance by deferment, exemption or medical disqualification. (Seely) These two eras are also different in the process of getting unwilling men involved into military service. In Vietnam War, the draftees were chosen in deferment system in 1792 until it was changed into a â€Å"lottery† manner in 1863. The remarkable date of the first draft lottery is on December 1, 1969. This is a way of United States of drafting young men to fight the war in Vietnam. There are 366 capsules representing each day of the year. Inside the capsules were pieces of papers were draftee’s birthday whose age ranges from 18 to 26 is written. The birthdays are between January 1, 1944 and December 31, 1950. The drawing of these capsules is shown to the national television and broadcast on radios. Capsules were drawn one by one and the dates drawn were assigned a certain number depending on the order respectively. (CNN Perspective Series) The draftees were then called for duty still according to order that they were drawn until the number needed for military manpower is reached. Draftees would then undergo screening before they could actually be sent to Vietnam. Some might be rejected because of their physical and mental fitness or legal grounds such as conviction to crimes. (CNN Perspective Series) Still, because of draftees mass armies were raised at little cost and sustained the military force. But then discrimination was rampant making the draft controversial. This is obvious when the working class and the rich could pay money for $300 to avoid being drafted. (Gill, 2005) During the Vietnam War, the draft prepared can easily be tapped by the authority and send to war. That is why the war lasted for almost ten years. (Jahnkow, 2007) This conscription in United States ended in 1973 when Vietnam War ended and political oppositions to the draft started to progress. From getting draftees, military became a volunteer force when the US Congress abolished the draft. (Friedman, 2006). The issue of draft or constriction or impressments remains debatable between an individual concern and a national society security concern. When we practice democracy of choosing what you want, we cannot deny the fact that the manpower needed by the military forces of the nation is not enough and volunteer enlistment remains low. Others argue that one who enjoys the security offered by the country’s army forces owe not only their property but their service to the nation. Many people who talk about renewing and bringing back the draft believes that the US armed forces need more members to serve and defend the country. (Gill, 2005) On the other hand, some argue that a military group or army consists of volunteer citizens would be a more effective armed force. Since they volunteer their dedications to work can be expected. There is also a big probability that they will stay in the service for a long time. The time supposedly be used in constriction would then be used in practicing and developing military skills. Moreover, there is less morale problems. (Friedman, 2006) Some say there’s no more need of draft because of the technologies used in wars today. The military needs professionals and not just men who have combat skills. Another argument is that of expanding the reserve corps and activating them in times of conflicts rather than recruiting through constriction. At least, reserve corps was trained with the military skills needed for an effective troupe, something that a draft could not provide. Generalizing the research I’ve made regarding the two eras of Impressment of British men and the Draft of Vietnam War, I guess history would repeat itself if in the present the legislators will consider reviving the draft or impressment for the armed forces. Let’s say they approved draft or impressment, there will also be protests, rallies and riots from the people to stop it. This would mean another conflict within the country. And more lives will be sacrificed for this matter. Taking into consideration the national security concern on the other hand, we can also see the need of recruiting and getting more men involve in the military and armed forces. But as some people are saying, there could be a better way of doing it so than renewing the draft and impressment practices of the 1700s. With this I want to quote Rich Janhkow, a member of Committee Opposed to Militarism and the Draft, in the article he wrote Muddled Thinking About Conscription. He said, â€Å"People who are now advocating a draft need to be challenged to look more carefully at the facts and consider the full, global implications of what they are proposing. Otherwise, they may eventually get what they are asking for, which would come back to haunt us all† (Jahnkow, 2007). Bibliography Alternative Canadian Heritage Moments. (n. d. ). Retrieved August 27, 2007, from Alternative Heritage Moments Project: http://www. opirg-carleton. org/alt-khm/ pmwiki/pmwiki. php/Main/Impressment Britannica Corporate Site. (2007). Retrieved August 26, 2007, from ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA ONLINE: http://www. britannica. com/eb/article-9042221/impressment CNN Perspective Series. (n. d. ). Retrieved August 27, 2007, from CNN interactive: http://www. cnn. com/SPECIALS/cold. war/episodes/13/the. draft/ Friedman, G. (2006, November 21). A Fresh Look at the Draft. Retrieved August 28, 2007, from STRATFOR: https://www. stratfor. com/offers/061109-MCA/280234. php? ref=061109-MCA&camp=06 Gill, K. (2005, June 27). US Politics. Retrieved August 28, 2007, from Military Conscriptin, Recruiting and The Draft: http://uspolitics. about. com/od/electionissues/a/draft. htm Jahnkow, R. (2007, January 21). ZNET. Retrieved August 28, 2007, from Muddled Thinking About Conscription: http://www. zmag. org/content/showarticle. cfm? SectionID=51&ItemID=11909 Politics and Public Service Impressment. (2005). Retrieved August 26, 2007, from us history. com: http://www. u-s-history. com/pages/h456. html Royal Naval Museum Library. (2001). Retrieved August 27, 2007, from Royal Naval Museum: http://www. royalnavalmuseum. org/info_sheet_impressment. htm Seely, R. A. (n. d. ). A Further Flight. Retrieved August 27, 2007, from givewings. com: http://www. givewings. com/writings/essays_on_war/vietnam. html Smith, S. (2007). wiseGEEK. Retrieved August 27, 2007, from Conjecture Corporation: http://www. wisegeek. com/what-is-impressment. htm War of 1812. (n. d. ). Retrieved August 27, 2007, from galafilm: http://www. galafilm. com/1812/e/background/brit_impress. html.

Ethical Considerations of Banning or Restricting the Developing World’s Access to the Cheaper Technologies

1. What are the possible ethical considerations of banning or restricting the developing world's access to the same cheaper technologies that made the US what it is today?Current news and politics is full of concern about the environment, particularly as it is related to oil use and the auto industry. There are a number of ethical considerations that arise out of these issues.Please be sure to answer ALL of the following questions:†¢Some propose that these concerns could be alleviated if our use of cars was limited by increased gasoline taxes–if gas is more expensive, we will use less of it and, as a beneficial by-product, improve the environment. What do you think of this proposal and what theory would support your position? Are there injustices built into such measures? If so, is there any practical way to avoid them?†¢What about the possibility that the US auto industry, encouraged by its partial owner, the US government, will no longer produce large gas guzzlers (think Hummer) or will subsidize hybrid or green cars? Is it ethical for the government to essentially prevent a US company from producing a legal good or encourage a company to produce one good over another? What ethical theory supports your position? †¢What are the possible ethical considerations of banning or restricting the developing world's access to the same cheaper technologies (fluorocarbons, coal burning plants, etc.) that made the US what it is today?†¢Finally, the world today is full of news about fracking, the process by which a high volume of liquid is pumped into the ground to fracture rock and extract natural gas. What are the ethical considerations of either permitting or prohibiting property owners from using their property in this manner?Make sure that you have adequately dealt with all the subtleties of the particular theory. The answers to these questions can be found in the text but merely quoting from the text or paraphrasing the text will earn minim al credit–the answers should be in your own words and should involve some  explanation and discussion of what these concepts mean.