Consider the way genre conventions are used in the opening sequence of Blade Runner Essay Example

Consider the way genre conventions are used in the opening sequence of Blade Runner Paper Blade Runner was made in 1982 and was directed by Ridley Scott. Made a long time after the classic Noir film making period of the forties and fifties, this neo noir sci-fi thriller was a bricolage of genres and highly original. Described as visually overwhelming, this movie has become a cult classic, and there are few films that have managed to achieve its originality, mood and suspense. The narrative is typical Noir set in a dystopian future Los Angeles. Disillusioned blade Runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is hired to track down six replicants (more commonly thought of as androids or robots) who are out of control. Typically labyrinthine, as the narrative continues it picks up the femme fatal and other trade marks of classic forties detective fiction, as Deckard stumbles after his quarry in a tough, tough, world. The scene I am looking at is the introduction, the opening sequence of Blade Runner. It is key because it suggests things to the audience through the genre conventions it uses, because the audience will recognise them. Noir opening sequences are very dramatic usually. They create a feeling of claustrophobia and impending doom. They are often what makes a noir stand out and are re-used in other films, for instance the Coen brothers Blood Simple was almost exactly the same as the opening to Double Indemnity, and it is the kind of classic noir opener that is often seen in other films of the genre. Also the opening of any film sets the mood, tone and, most importantly, the expectations of the audience. I am going to explore the genre conventions that are used in the opening sequence, especially the noir conventions, and look at how they are used, and to what effect. I will also look at audience expectations, and how the conventions used create them. We will write a custom essay sample on Consider the way genre conventions are used in the opening sequence of Blade Runner specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Consider the way genre conventions are used in the opening sequence of Blade Runner specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Consider the way genre conventions are used in the opening sequence of Blade Runner specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Genre is a term often just associated with classification. It is a lot more than that. Each film genre has its own set of conventions that distinguishes it from other films from other genres and builds expectations within the audience. Inflecting those expectations or subverting and merging them with others does alter an audiences perception of the film. Phillip Drummond says They (genres) respond to rules and conventions by developing formulas and patterns of theme, character and iconography (the repertory of visual motifs) He also states that genres need to stay the same to survive, and also, for precisely the same reason, need to retain the possibility of innovation and change Blade Runner is an example of such innovation and change. All these conventions and rules form a language which the viewer learns through years of watching film, and subconsciously reads. Each genre has its own language, a set of symbols and conventions which distinguish it from other genres. My approach to the study will be an iconography approach to genre study, as it embraces not only looking at classification but the way a film looks, its language, and its continuity and change. There are other conventions such as sound which must be considered, and things like character stereotypes, narrative structure and themes that its harder to explore in one scene. Foster Hirsch describes Film Noir as as a descriptive term for the American crime film as it flourished, roughly from the early forties to the late fifties It became known as Noir because of its dark look, a look that came from the German expressionist movement. It created its own conventions, and created a whole new style of lighting, low-key lighting. Low key lighting was a style where the main characters wouldnt always be lit up in full, and would not only leave many parts of their face and body in shade, but also parts of the set and scenery. It was a dark image that created a world full of contrasting patterns of light and dark and would create a dark, tense, claustrophobic and secretive atmosphere. It wasnt just a style, or a technique to create suspense, but symbolic representation of a dark reality. A scared reflection of a modern world that lacked morals. Where people always seemed to be I the dark because of lack of knowledge, or because they were secretly greedy and lustful. It represented hidden emotions and a clash between good and evil that was almost daily. The film doesnt just use Noir conventions. From the outset it is clear that science fiction has big role to play as the sequence opens up with a scrolling text. This is a most common part of sci-fi, that even without such words as replicant and Blade Runner to highlight the genre, we understand that it has been used in such sci-fi greats as Star Wars, and that it is an essential part of informing the audience of the setting of the sci-fi. The script, however, is in red this hints at the types of emotions the film is going have in it, such as anger and lust, but also tells us that it isnt going to be like Star Wars and the others, and will have a different edge to it. The text sets other expectations as well, of the narrative. It tells that a Blade Runner (and what a Blade Runner is) will be hunting down what are in essence outlaws, giving the audience an idea of what other genres the film will be drawing on. It could be interpreted as a western, but sounds like one of the more classic chases of the noir crime genre. The lone detective in a world of deceit and lies trying to find the truth. Next we are given the date and location. While the fact that is 2019 tells us it is Sci-fi, the location of Los Angeles is most definitely the site of most crime stories, and a classic Noir location. Also the hero is a world weary cynic, as up to this point he had been retired, so he knows his stuff. This is the classic hero/anti-hero that noir loves to use. The slow moving tracking shot of the city is the next thing that appears, and it to has its Noir elements. While it is most definitely a futuristic setting, it is also dystopian. Film Noirs world is almost indefinitely dark, as this city is. The world of Noir is not just dark, it is a setting for lust, greed, mystery and corruption. This city is the kind of opening shot most Noir directors would have dreamt of. It has many levels, which could be symbolic of the different levels of corruption in this city, and it is also massive. It is perplexingly complex, yet almost totally dark. This wide angle establishing shot is breath-takingly presented in the first few moments, yet what the eye is drawn to the most is the large bursts of flame appearing from different parts of the screen. Fire is a classic symbol of Noir, standing for corruption, burning anxiety and Hell, where most of the characters in this film are headed for, or so it suggests. The fiery colour are juxtaposed to the blackness, and make an interesting contrast. It is not only symbolic therefor, but also a device to create mood and suspense. The next thing that strikes us is a sort of lying car, obviously a land mark of the future, and something that has become a classic symbol of sci-fi. It is not just that though, as the theme of escape has always been one a the very heart of noir. The actual doing it is always in question, as noir is a fatalist genre where it seems that the characters cant escape their eventual fate. The car is not just a symbol of that escapist theme, but is also seemingly moving away from the city (the place always to escape from), and is a more actual than just symbolic reference to escape. Earth looks like a dispiriting place that people would want to escape from, probably to the off earth colonies. The images created make the city seem threatening, a place where people are trapped and doomed, and this is also a major part of noir. Not just a theme, but a feel, an atmosphere that is created. From this opening we know that the opposite of this world an agrarian paradise would be the utopia that would be the place to escape to. Again the colonies seem to provide that answer, they are places where there is space, somewhere to be able to see things, somewhere better to live. It then cuts to a blue eye with fire reflected in it, juxtaposed with the colour of the eye to a startling effect, and also used as a symbolic reference to film Noir. We have no idea who the eye belongs to at this point, but we assume one of the main characters. The eye is not just an interesting opening sequence device to shake up the mood, but a running theme throughout the film. Not only that but it is an allusion to one of the central themes of Noir, the act of seeing. Vision as a whole is a theme often in question, how it can be clouded, whether characters see what they want to see, and in a dark genre such as Noir, the actual physical, and not just metaphorical, act of seeing becomes a central preoccupation of the viewer. Before this shot the tracking shot didnt seem have any destination, but we cut back to the tracking shot and our attention is drawn to pair of large, triangular buildings with white beams of light coming from the top. The chiaroscuro pattern of light and dark recurs throughout noir, and these make a classic symbol. As J. A Place and L. S Peterson describe in Some visual motifs of Fil Noir it is the constant opposition of light and dark that characterises noir cinematography. Small areas of light seem on the verge of being totally overwhelmed by the darkness that threatens from all sides. And this is exactly what we can see here. It is towards these we now head. Because of the expectations created by the opening sequence so far, the audience already has a certain understanding of what is going to happen. Not just in the narrative, but in what the expect to see. Remembering the shot of the flying car, the viewer will probably realise, now we have a destination, that we seem to be on o ne these. That is was is taking us to our apparent destination of the two buildings, and the shot can now be recognised as having some practical relevance to the film. It is not just some grandiose sci-fi opener, but an integral part of the film, accustoming the audience to the feel of the film, and the world they are entering. This very continues the custom of Noir openings, where you are placed in the world of the characters, either by being in a car in the rain (Blood Simple, Coen Brothers 1983, Double Indemnity, Billy Wilder 1944) or by travelling the seedy back streets of the inner city in another way. This time we are just travelling above. We cut back to a medium shot of a man standing in a smoky room, extremely reminiscent of a private detectives office. It is small, cramped badly lit, and the unnerving sound of a huge fan whirring. The fan is a classic symbol of Noir because of the way it emphasises the claustrophobia of cramped spaces, and because it has a knack of creating the image of jail with a juxtaposed pattern of light and dark splashed across small walls. It does its job well here, and not only creates a enclosed atmosphere in seconds, but really does add to the Noir feeling of the film. Of course it looks out of place, as the so far we have seen nothing but futuristic images, albeit unpleasant ones. This image is obviously contrasted with the others so sharply to create a shock. It is at this point that the audience get their first proper idea of genre mixing, as well as the possibility of archetypal characters appearing, and certain narrative conventions being followed. This is true, and there is a lot of noir conventions that appear throughout the film, but the old set up against a futuristic backdrop is indicative of the film itself. Its set is a mixture of superior technological advancements set in an almost industrial age city, which cramped living style and industrial smear reminds you of something from Oliver Twist, or gangster movies set during the Great Depression. Ridley Scott managed to use Noir conventions to create this dystopian vision. The connotations that this Noir imagery carries are important in helping the audience pre-determine the narrative, recognise the themes, and creating a mood. We cut back to the approach to the building until we settle inside the office. Then we again cut back to the approach. We can see the office through a window, as well as the building it is situated in. Up close it is a grimy, metallic, but definitely futuristic in its design. We cut back to the office, and see that it has a table and two chairs. A computers voice opens the scene introducing one of the characters with his name, occupation and how long hes worked. The edge interview that follows is typically Noir. There are long pauses, awkward silences, and interviewed character is very defensive. The interviewer is shot at the end when the interviewee delivers a line that carries all the hidden threat and innuendo that a bad guy would want to carry in a Noir. Let me tell you about my mother. The non-diegetic music running through the entire opening sequence shout sci-fi, it is dreamy and electronic, a winding piece that fits perfectly with the setting and establishes a very futuristic and dystopian mood. As a film student I have been able to recognise many elements of the opening that suggest the mixture of Noir with Sci-Fi. These images and clues were put their purposefully and were supposed to let the viewer know the nature of the film within minutes. It is questionable, however, to whether this theory is correct, and whether it is possible to tell such things from a film language. The film was slated when it first came out, and did appallingly at the box office. This could be due to peoples expectations being focused totally on the Sci-Fi element of the film from the beginning because they missed the signs. Then when the film did not conform to their expectations the were disappointed. I use myself as a perfect example, as when I watched when I was younger I was very confused by the lack of action in the film and did not pick up on the Noir elements. Ultimately, though, that is because of my lack of knowledge of Noir at the time. The beauty of the film is that it confuses expectations from the very start and does not promise anything specific, other than the fact that you know it will have elements in from both noir and sci-fi. We have already read from the opening that the future appears to be bleak and threatening, and yet many elements from the past have survived. We also have expectations of the characters and the narrative from the opening dialogue. It is all picked up through an understanding of the language of film, and the more film we watch the more we will be able to read that language. The noir iconography in this opening sequence is not explicit until the scenes in the office, but it is always there.

To Measure the Immune Response essays

To Measure the Immune Response essays To Measure the Immune Response, through Lysozyme Activity and Leucocyte Counts in Atlantic salmon infected with ADG, Neoparamoeba pemaquidensis Neoparamoeba pemaquidensis is an amoeboid protozoan that causes amoebic gill disease (AGD) in salmonids in several different countries (Mundy et., 2001). AGD is the main disease affecting the salmon industry in Australia (Powell & Clark 2004), and is the most important infectious disease affecting sea-caged salmon in Tasmania (Findlay & Munday 1998) it has been reported that pre-existing gill lesions and other amoebae may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease (Munday et al. 1990), Little information is available on the epidemiology of AGD and the biology of Neoparamoeba pemaquidensis the aetiological organism of AGD. The disease appears as white mucoid patches on the surface of the gill lamellae, with pronounced mucous production (Mundy et al 1990). N. pemaquidensis has been associated with sever gill disease and significant mortalities among salmon reared in seawater (Bruno and Poppe, 1996). The immune response of a fish is strong and measurable (Kuby 1997). The non-speci fic, innate arm of the immune system exists to either prevent pathogens from entering the host or prevent multiplication and colonization of the microbe within the host (Kuby 1997). Innate immunity comprises four types of defensive barriers (Anatomic barriers, physiological barriers Phagocytic and endocytic barriers). Phagocytic and endocytic barriers consist of cells that phagocytose or endocytose foreign macromolecules and break them down, and specialized phagocytic cells (monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils) (Kuby 1997). Leucocytes can be classed as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and thrombocytes. Lymphocytes can be broken down into two populations of both Band T lymphocytes which recognise antigens and therefore produce the reciprocal antibody and stimulants such as cytokines, which inturn stimulates t...

Interoffice Memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Interoffice Memo - Essay Example I do believe that law enforcement agents can be an asset in this field of investigation where digital evidence need to be handled with care much like any physical evidence should be handled in order to be assured that evidence would not be tampered with from the time it is collected unto the time that the evidence is used in court. As you have informed me, your team is not computer-trained. This should not stop your team from broadening the scope of their responsibility. It used to be that only people who are highly trained in computers are able to assist in such cases of crime as involves computers or data objects found in computer files. However, due to the proliferation of computer crimes in recent years, it has become quite impractical to be only employing the "experts" as it slows down the investigation process. It is not only impractical; it becomes quite unreasonable to have a few experts perform these duties by themselves (O'Shea, n.d.). Thus it has become necessary that law enforcement agents also be involved in the "chain of custody" in a crime scene where computers are directly involved. In this connection it would be a good thing to come together and discuss vital issues on the management of digital evidence. Your law enforcement team could undergo basic training on how to recognize, seize, transport and store original evidence in order to preserve it for forensic examination. Details of this training will be discussed in a meeting that I hope to soon have with your team. But in a nutshell, let me lay out what I hope would give you an overview of how your law enforcement team could participate in the investigation of the case at hand. Seizure Methodology Let us discuss seizure methodology. Traditionally, the first thing that must be done is to secure the physical scene, followed by securing the digital scene. In such a scenario, "all hardware and media are seized, documented, labeled and packaged for delivery to the lab" (O'Shea, n.d.). In the lab, all seized data is analyzed. This is the simplest chain of duties to be done. This, however, works well if there is only a single computer or a few computers involved. In our case where a number of computers are involved, the methodology becomes a bit more detailed because seizing all the computers would be quite impractical to do. In the event where there are a handful of computers involved, the following steps are involved: digital media identification, prioritizing the physical media so as to minimize the crime scene and then the seizure of storage devices and media. In digital media identification we simply try to find the digital media that has the highest probability of having the much sought after evidence. After the identification of all possible media involved, it must be determined which among these contain information leading to the crime. It would be impractical to get all the devices at the

How to Expand and Improve the Market of Preschool Education and Adult Research Paper

How to Expand and Improve the Market of Preschool Education and Adult Education - Research Paper Example The paper tells that preschool education focuses on taking care of kids on behalf of their parents and teaching them the simplified basic education. These kids, apart from learning, will be fed and cleaned in these schools. Adult education entails providing knowledge to people of over eighteen years old and with low education level. These people are taught how to write, read and do a simple calculation. They can also be educated on various topics regarding life such as health, hygiene, and agriculture and drug abuse. A successful adult education system requires a properly planned, well organized and working program. Preschool and adult education is a new business opportunity in the modern world and should be exploited. Currently, this system of preschool and adult education has already seen some success in different parts of the world. However, this sector needs to be expanded and improved remarkably. The expansion can include setting up the fully equipped school with buildings and a ll the facilities as well as enough staff to carry out all the activities of the institution. The idea is to come up with an institution that will cater for both children and adult classes simultaneously. The institutions can be combined or built separately depending on the available land. These institutions will offer both education and other services such as a provision of meals and drinks to the students. The future prospect of these institutions is very promising because everyone in the current world is yearning for knowledge. To the young career mothers, it is an excellent opportunity as they can get adequate time to attend to their jobs without having to worry about a nanny. The increasing number of career women has led to an even earlier age introduction of kids in preschool education at a very tender age of fewer than 3 years old. The older people who have less education are also so ready to embrace these services so that they are not left behind in the fast transforming wor ld.

Tanning. Why do people still tan after knowing all the bad effects Essay

Tanning. Why do people still tan after knowing all the bad effects - Essay Example Within the same era as that of Shakespeare, Elizabeth I passed away from white lead cosmetics. Such concept of beauty was also prevalent in Europe during much of the 18th and 19th centuries. This was because tanned skin signifies manual labor, of people who toil under the sun, the fair skinned people were regarded as the elite of the society. However, it was only when the labor practice has changed, where indoor work had become a norm, that tanned skinned became a trademark of people who can afford to do it for leisure purposes. Iconic figure Coco Channel during the 1920's accidentally acquired a tan during one of her holidays. This has had ignited a fad among fair skinned people to get themselves tanned. ( Wikipedia ) The first and the most common is sunburn, where the usual symptoms are marked by the redness of skin and peeling that takes places after a few days of too much sun exposure. This is described to be as a short-term skin damage. The next problem encountered is the premature aging or photoaging. ... Another one that is most dreaded by all is skin cancer. One type is called melanoma which is considered to be the less common but dangerous form of skin cancer that can cause death. UV radiation causes cancer in two ways : 1. By damaging DNA cells that will cause abnormal growth in the skin, that could be benign or malignant, and 2. by making the immune system weak that leads to the inability of the body to defend itself from aggressive cancer cells. Another kind of growth named actinic or solar keratoses is a concern because it has the tendency to develop into cancer cells. Then another risk which most people are not aware of is eye damage. This happens when the eyes weren't protected from the heat of the sun. It causes cataract characterized by the clouding of the lens of the eyes thereby blocking one's vision. Lastly, most people regardless of the race or skin color will most like suffer from immune suppression where the body's natural defenses to fight against diseases were compromised. Apparently, weak immune system makes one susceptible to different diseases where one of them could be skin cancer. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) Reasons Why People Tan Despite Risks Robin Hornung and Solmaz Poorsattar, students of the University of Washington, conducted a study among 385 UW students about their tanning behaviors. It was revealed that 75% of the students do tanning in order to look good and 41% specified it is a relaxation technique. Due to these reasons, students strive to achieve their aim that the researchers described it to be an addictive behavior. ( Paras ) Steven Feldman, a lead researcher for the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center , said that they believed that tanning has a

Attachment Theory And Risk Assessment

Attachment Theory And Risk Assessment Linking Theory, Research, and Practice: Risk-Assessments and Child Protection. The primary goal of this paper was to broaden my knowledge and understanding around the theory, research, policies, and procedures guiding risk-assessment decision making within child protection service. Individuals and group identified as at-risk-, for one or more myriad reasons have been the broad focus of a decade s worth of academic and professional purists. Although the initial concern for all at-risk individual remains, practical and academic experiences have narrowed the scope to include children under the age of twelve, at risk- of, or currently residing out-of-home-care placements (hereafter referred to as care environments). Of all at-risk- populations, I believe these children are the most vulnerable to negative outcomes in the near and distant futures. Substantiated allegations of child maltreatment1 are responsible for 80% of child protection investigations, and preceded out-of-home care placements of at least 90% of the current care-population (Gough, 2000; Wiley, 2009). For several helpless years, I witnessed the devastating consequences for those children that child protection services failed. When child protection workers would report risk-assessment results, I was repeatedly astonished by outcomes, which failed to remove from unhealthy home environments. Consequently, I developed an interest in contributing factors in risk- assessment. To convey the complexity of competing factors that influence risk-assessment outcomes, the following section provides some brief background information about child protection services and additional information around the risk-assessment process. Background Canada s Child, Family, and Community Services Act (CFCS) (1996), is the major source of information that guides each province in the development, regulation and implementation of child protection services. Recent amendments to the Canadian Criminal Code (1985), such as the controversial) legal obligation to report suspected child abuse/maltreatment, provide additional legal guidelines. In British Columbia (BC), the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD), is responsible for overseeing the quality and delivery of Child Protection Services. Independent arrangements exist between the MCFD and twenty-four separate Aboriginal child protection Agencies. National estimates suggest that on any given day, more than 67 000 Canadian children (9.2 children per 1000) will be living in out-of-home care (Garrison, 2004; Gough, 2007; Trocm , Tourigny, MacLaurin, Fallon, 2003) British Columbia`s contribution to this figure represents 1% of the province`s children, although a disproportionate amount of these children are Aboriginal2. Approximately equal numbers of females (48%) and males (52%) live in care settings with a combined average age of 9.0 years (Child and Youth Officer for British Columbia, 2005; Connolly, 2007; Hardiker, Exton Barker, 1991). Risk-assessment and Decision Making Out-of-home care environments primarily refer to kinship care (family member), foster care, and residential/group care facilities, independent or assisted living facilities, and formal institutionalization (e.g., hospitals or mental health institutions) (Rosen 1999; Trocm et al, 2003; Waechtera et al, 2009). Child in short-term care (awaiting a permanent placement) comprise 40% of this population, and the remaining 60% represents children in long-term care placements (minimum of five uninterrupted years) (Fisher, Burraston, Pears, 2005; Kelly Milner, 1996; Solomon, 2002). Research has identified areas of significant concern associated with each of these environments, including but not limited to child maltreatment from caregivers, isolation, inadequate foster parent screening, training, poor parenting skills, negative peer influences, deviant peer clustering, and instability (Garrison, 2004; Okagaki Luster, 2005; Rosen, 1999; Solomon, 2002). Risk-assessment refers to the decision making process of child welfare workers investigating the potential dangers associated with a child s primary care environment (Connolly, 2007; Kelly Milner, 1996). Typically, these assessments are intended to validate allegations of child maltreatment (Gilbert et al., 2009; Wiley, 2009). Despite the high stakes associated with each of these outcomes, there are no mandated procedural standard associated with the assessment process. This assessment is a largely subjective judgement or evaluation of the severity of potential harm to the child (Drury-Hudson, 1999). There are three possible outcomes of a risk assessment corresponding to perceived severity of the risk and age of the child (see Figure 1). Family Development Response (FDR) is likely when the risk- is considered high, yet manageable through interventions that target adult behaviours. If the risk is moderate or higher (and the child is old enough) Youth Services Response may be considered. When the risk- is immediate, and severs, the only available recourse is to begin a child protection investigation. Child Protection: Goals Child protection services are one way that childrens rights are enforced and upheld and to the increase the likelihood of the child to develop the characteristics (personality and behavioural) associated with success and wellbeing in adulthood. The intended purpose of child protection is to safeguard children from immediate and future harm. The focus of most protection investigations is on the efforts and ability of caregivers to provide a supportive environment that does not threaten the safety and wellbeing of the child, and promotes cognitive, physical, and emotional developmental process (Waechtera et al., 2009). Unfortunately, these goals rarely achieved. When compared to non-care population, research investigations consistently describe children in care as more aggressive, antisocial and are more likely to demonstrate pathological and or problem behaviours (Chamberlain, 2003; Simms, Dubowitz, Szilagyi, 2000; Rosen, 1999). Additionally, children in care are four times as likely (65% of children in care) to be diagnosed with one or more clinical mental health condition (e.g., Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) (Three, 2001; Provincial Health Officer of BC, 2001; Wiggins, Fenichel, Mann, 2007). Furthermore, children in care are prescribed more pharmacological treatments (e.g., Ritalin) for longer periods, at higher dosages (Vitally, 2001). The purpose of this paper is to examine theoretical and empirical support for the practices associated with the risk-assessment process and outcomes. Attachment Theory has been extensively applied within social services practices and research. Direct references to Attachment Theory are found throughout practice guidelines for child protection services. Attachment Theory Attachment Theory has traditionally been regarded as the theoretical bridge between early childhood development research and clinical social work practices (McMillan, 1992). The influence of Attachment Theory within child protection services is pervasive to the point of being indistinguishable (Byrne, 2005; Haight, Kagle, Black, 2003). According to Attachment Theory, critical, developmental periods in the first years of life where the quality of a child-caregiver attachment relationship is crucial for health development (Bowlby, 1999; Bretherton, 1992). Bowlby believed that the critical function of the parent-child attachment relationship was the formation of an internal working model that formed the basis for lifelong patterns of interpersonal behaviours and shaped all aspects of subsequently formed relationships (Bacon Richardson, 2001). Attachment Theory and Child Protection Practices: Summary of Research It is evident that Attachment Theory has exerted considerable influence upon child protection practices (Axford, Little, Morpeth, Weyts, 2005; Schore Schore, 2008). Child protection guidelines frequently and specifically refer to Attachment Theory when describing theoretical support for recommended practices (Bacon Richardson, 2001; Trevithick, 2000). For example, practitioners guidelines recommend that when child welfare workers respond to allegations of abuse, the risk-assessment should consider the style of the attachment relationship between a child and mother, and balance the consequences of breaking a secure attachment against the consequences of perceived risk- (Harris, 2009; Simms et al., 2000). Consistent with central tenants of Attachment Theory, the importance of familial relationships is emphasized throughout policies and practices, including the screening of adoptive parents (e.g. the recommendation that child welfare workers assess adoptive parent in terms of the att achment potential), child custody determinations, therapeutic support (i.e., Family focused therapy), and risk- assessment (Barth, Crea, John, Thoburn, Quinton, 2005; Lopex, 1995; McMillen, 1992). Moderate evidence indicates that under specific conditions, there is empirical evidence to support assessment of attachment relationship (Axford et al., 2005; Byrne, OConnor, Marvin, Whelan, 2005). These conditions include risk assessment involving infants and/or children less than two year of age, availability of high quality alternative care environment, use of standardized attachment measures (i.e., Ainsworth s Strange Situation test) and sufficient time available for a minimum of two assessment opportunities (OConnor Byrne, 2007). Unfortunately, there appears to be little research support for the above recommendations in all but the specific conditions described above. Recent research indicates that key elements of Attachment Theory are often misinterpreted by practitioners and inappropriately applied to situations that contradict research recommended parameters (Holland, 2001). No evidence links style of attachment with a course of action in risk- assessment (Barth et al., 2005). Practitioner guidelines seem to overstate the extent of empirical support justifying use of attachment assessment in high stakes decision-making processes (Connolly, 2007; Trevithick, 2000). Additional concerns have been raised around a concerning tendency in the attachment research to draw unsupported conclusions, an erroneous use of correlational research designs (vs. experimental), inappropriate use of assessment methods, discounting environmental confounds, a lack of regard for extra-familial relationships, and a tendency to attr ibute problems to deficiencies in parenting (Harris, 2009; Solomon, 2002) Final Remarks Overall, Attachment Theory is consistent with the family focus of child protection practices, however, there is no evidence linking this framework with improved long-term outcomes. Reported benefits and related successes appear to occur almost randomly, and rare, and often are limited to unrealistic example of care environments that in no way represent the much harsher reality. There appears to be a need for practitioner education to improve their understanding and interpretation of Attachment Theory. It appears there is also a need to establish standardized assessment procedures, including the development and introduction of research validated assessment tool. As it currently exists, the range, severity, and prevalence of developmental problems noted among children in care, the high financial costs to society, the lack of intervention strategies, and the twenty years of negative growth, are undeniable evidence of our dismal failure as a society to protect our most vulnerable members (Chamberlain, 2003; Farruggia, Greenberger, Chen, Heckhausen, 2006; Okagaki Luster, 2005; Sims, Dubowitz, Szilagy, 2006).

The Issue of Age Discrimination in America Essay -- Age Discrimination

The Issue of Age Discrimination in America The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) protects against age discrimination under Title VII. Specifically, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which was passed in 1967 by congress, covers discrimination against employees who are 40 or more years old. This topic should be a big concern for employers, since the number of elderly workers is increasing as the baby boomer population matures. It is estimated that as many as twenty-percent of the claims filed with the EEOC are for age discrimination. Also, age discrimination settlements can be considerably higher than typical discrimination cases. Upon research, the average award amount between 1955 and 1988 was $219,000. (www.ama.net). For this reason alone, employers should take care of how they handle their aging workers. As mentioned above, the EEOC is responsible for enforcing the age discrimination regulations, including the ADEA of 1967. This regulation is in effect supposed to â€Å"promote employment of older persons based on their ability rather than age; to prohibit arbitrary age discrimination in employment; and to help employers and workers find ways of meeting problems arising from the impact of age on employment.† (www.eeoc.gov). The ADEA presides over the boundaries for age discrimination in all aspects of employment. It not only protects against discrimination for employees, but job applicants as well. Even job advertisements must not include age d...

No Child Left Behind Policy Essay

People have been used to announcements of various highly contagious diseases like the H1N1 influenza. A closer look at the course of the events shows that various public policies are instituted or strengthened to enhance control and mitigation of these diseases. What are the implications of these policies to a state like Georgia and Catoosa County in particular? On the same level there are various communication policies that have been instituted or even strengthened to enhance the human development especially with respect to freedom of speech and communication in general (Peterson & West (2003). Education has also been affected in a number of ways by various policies. This paper attempts to assess the impact of the ‘No Child Left Behind† policy on the state of Georgia with an emphasis on the Catoosa County. The â€Å"No Child Left Behind† is a public policy that was established to enhance education and academic development in the United States across all the states. In Georgia, one of the effects of the policy was the formation of charter schools. These are institutions that receive public funding just like other public schools in the public schools system. However, they have considerable reliance on the support of the communities in Georgia. The impact of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ can therefore be looked at in several ways as a multifaceted aspect in the sense of a Georgia community perspective. Given their nature, it would help to look at the financial implications of this policy (Wood & Meier 2004). The fact that these schools have been built because of the policy explains, in part, the positive impact of the policy. Thus, if it can be put in terms of Cost-Benefit Analysis, it would not be difficult to conclude that the force of the positive impact (which is the general development acquired from the more established schools) overweighs what would be though of as a burden (Olivert 2007). These effects are felt throughout Georgia including Catoosa County as small a county as it might be. NCLB are the most recent standard based education reforms that have been legislated by the government towards the No child left behind policy in order to provide measurable goals and high standards to improve productivity of individuals through proper education. Assessment of basic skills is supposed to be conducted by the state to determine the grade standards of educating and funding of education for each student and the school as a whole (Peterson & West (2003). Congress increased funding to education after the inception of the No child Left behind policy by about 40% to make the course more practical and to reach a wider population of students. The local governments were seen to be lax, failing students leading to the intervention of the federal government to push the course for No child Left behind in education to address issues like teachers teaching areas distant from their profession and failure to cater for special education. . Another impact of the policy is on governance. With the implementation of the policy, there were various objectives and targets each community had to achieve. These objectives and targets could only be met if the mode of governance was transformed to match the requirements of the policy (Wood & Meier 2004). While assessing the problems facing the efficiency and effectiveness of the charter schools as a response to the ‘No Child Left Behind’, the Georgia Public Policy Foundation noted that there are problems in governance and financing. This is because it is important that those who are engaged in organizing the charter schools, for instance, must have good knowledge of realms of education and must also be equipped with knowledge in finance (Wright et al 2004). If this is not the case, then they must be in a position to put a team together which is proficient in both aspects. Failure to meet standards of fiscal management will automatically qualify a charter for closure. There has been increased accountability in public schools after the enactment of the NCLB that have in deed significantly contributed to the no child left behind Policy and to improve the standards of education. The students in a particular public school can move to a higher performing school if the assessment finds that they have undergone an adequate yearly progress in consecutive years (Olivert 2007). The policy therefore brings a direct economic connotation to Georgia given that the established charter schools rely on the local governance to survive. Even though there is an economic burden put on the local communities, the policy itself has enabled more development to be achieved. A number of notable ends come from the No child left behind policy including: students outcomes being linked to the state academic standards in regards to the policy framework, the performance of students and their progress in math and reading measured annually to determine if they are within the set standards, parents receive adequate information as this is required of the state and school district and a foundation for parental involvement in the district and state schools affairs is consequently laid (Wood & Meier 2004). Parental involvement is important in promoting proper administration of and improvement of schools as well as check against any misappropriation of funds The No Child left behind is in deed a noble course championed by former president Bush to facilitate the achievement or even surpass the achievement of state standards in line with the federal standards mathematics and reading in the coming decade. Progress is significant in this policy that actually measures the achievement by a state assessment. Reference: Peterson H. & West M. (2003). â€Å"No child left behind? The politics and practice of school accountability,† Brookings Institution Press: New York. Wood H. & Meier D. (2004). â€Å"Many children left behind: how the No Child Left behind Act is damaging our children and our schools,† Beacon Press: New York. Wright D et al. (2004). â€Å"No child left behind,† Harbor House Law Press: New York. Olivert D. (2007). â€Å"No Child Left Behind Act: text, interpretation and changes. † Nova Publishers: New York.

The Colour Purple Essays

The Colour Purple Essays The Colour Purple Essay The Colour Purple Essay Essay Topic: Woman of Colour Novel From reading the novel it could be said that the first half is concentrated on how men hold the power over women. This view is supported by Stuart who highlights the exploitation of black women by black men. However I do not agree with this view. I dont think the focus is jus on gender itself although it does play a part, but I think their sex and colour was also brought up. During the novel we see that males dominated females and white families were classed as more important than black families. This was caused by the time in which the novel was set in, slavery had been abolished however it was still in peoples minds and we see it still carried on in some areas of the novel. One example of this is when Alphonso is almost selling Celie. He barters by adding a cow to the deal and points out her positive sides, she aint no stranger to hard work, and she clean. Celie has the power to move on and almost start life again, partly through gaining financial power. This is portrayed to us when Celie leaves with Shug and sets up her own business making pants for women, which had only started as a hobby. However Celie made it work for her, she started making money and became independent as she was making her own money now. I am as Mary O Connor quoted an extract by Gates, Celie writes herself into being. This shows a change amongst Celie showing she believes in herself whereas before at the beginning of the novel she crossed I am out and replaced it with I have. Celie making trousers may have given here this power because they are often looked at as a symbol of freedom for women. Within the context of the time period in the novel, women wearing trousers would have been looked upon as rebellious which itself gives that person a form of power. This however was not true for Albert; after Celie left him he became a mess. He locked himself in the house and Harpo had to go and get him out. Albert, probably shocked that Celie had actually left him later became a changed man who Celie began to like as he was into all kinds of new things like nature. We also find Albert used to sew with his mother, something Celie and Albert now have in common. He says people used to laugh at him and Celie said, well, nobody gon laugh at you now here help me stitch in these pockets. We now see that Albert has started to respect Celie and doesnt just look at her as his own property, took me long enough to notice you such good company. Mary OConner says that Alphonsos exhortation towards Celie at the beginning of the novel gave her a way out. He threatens Celie that she cannot tell anyone what he had done to her apart from god. He tells her she can tell god but no one else or he will kill her mother, you better not never tell nobody but god. Itd kill your mammy. Through the threat from Alphonso, Celie may feel he has power not only over her but also over her loved ones as her mothers life is at risk, as shown by O Connor speaking would be an act of murder, a matricide. By giving Celie the right to write to god he had given her a way out and saved her from becoming insane or mentally ill. Although she cannot tell another person, she has someone to confide in and to share her problems with. The threat from Alphonso supports Stuarts perception that men are mostly troublesome, sometimes cruel. Alphonso here has shown a psychological strength because by threatening her, hes forced her into not speaking to other people about any of her problems and teaching her to keep all her problems to herself. However he is not aware that Celie writing to god allows her to offload and share her problems with someone other than herself. O Connor says that Celies existence to be denied this explains that in her rape experience and also in the fact that she has a lack of voice she is therefore not able to share her bad experience with anyone. However I think she is able to express her feelings through writing so is therefore giving herself a voice and existence which goes against what O Connor states. Walker shows Alphonsos psychological power over Celie in the beginning of her writing letters. Celie crossed out I am. This is almost as if she is crossing herself out. She changes it to, I have always been a good girl. It seems that Celie is taking the blame for what Alphonso has done to her. This is the first time we see an authority figure abuse Celie which reinforces male dominance in her life. The rape not only shows physical power strength and power but also emotional authority, due to Celies naivety, for his own pleasure. Another time in the novel in which we see Alphonsos power over Celie is when he is trying to get rid of her by marrying her off. However its more like he is selling her as they barter, he even throws in a cow. This again relates back and shows how black females in this time period were still being treated as slaves. O Connor tells us her feminist analysis is interested in the voices, as its a male dominated conversation where Celie only gets in a few words on a highly important decision which can affect her whole life. Here Alphonso shows his total power over Celie and the fact that not only does he control her life now, but he also controls her future and how or who she will spend it with. The fact that she cannot decide herself who she wants to marry takes all control away from her. Throughout this Celies voice is absent, and even when its important decisions about her own life she still seems to have no voice. Religion to the lives of the people in the novel was not the sanctuary it might have been according to Mary OConner, Alphonso gave Celie one way out perhaps the result of some dialogical residue of his Christian culture. However Celie received a beating after church, cause he say I winked at a boy in church. The colour purple itself is a symbol of violence which runs throughout the novel as its the colour of bruises. However it can also portray authority as its the colour of royalty. Walker symbolises power through this quote, womanism is to feminism as purple is to lavender. This tells us Walker thinks womanism as a stronger form or feminism as the colour purple is brighter than lavender. Shug tells us that the colour purple is everywhere and that God has used this colour to portray beauty, I think it pisses God off if you walk pass the colour purple in a field somewhere and dont notice it. It can also be said that Gods love for this colour made black people in this complexion as in one of Netties first letters to Celie when she arrives in Africa she talks about the Senegalese peoples skin, So and so is blacker than black, hes blueblack. Celies getting married and it looks as if shes getting away from Albert and also from the abuse and suffering. However we find its going to be the same life for her its just a different set of males throwing and shouting abuse at her, The children be outside the room peeking through the cracks. It all I can do not to cry. I make myself wood. I say to myself, Celie, you a tree. Thats how come I know trees fear man. We can see how unhappy Celie really is, she explains she trys to make herself like wood so that they cannot affect or hurt her anymore. Another section of power in the novel is the physical domination of the women. Celie being a black woman is disadvantaged as not only is she looked upon as a slave but she is also dominated by the male authorities in the novel. She suffers at the hands of men. We can therefore argue that the emancipation proclamation of the post civil war era freed men but not the women because the male authority then saw the woman as their slave which is how Celie is treated by both Albert and Alphonso, we see this when Albert does not get off his horse to meet Celie but also speaks about her in third person, Hes still on his horse. He look me up and down. This shows us his power over her. Alphonso treats Celie like a slave. He shows no respect towards her, from this we can learn that men are not in Celies heart which is why I agree with what Andrea Stuart says, Rather like the weather, men are part of womens (usually) hostile environment, a perennial force to be dealt with daily, but not the centre of their emotional existence. Another male figure that dominates over Celie is Albert. The main and the most obvious way we can see Albert dominates is that Celie does not call him by his name, she calls him Mr. This gives us evidence Albert controls the relationship. This again links back to slavery as slaves would not call their master or owner by their first name. When Albert went to see Celie he did not get down from his horse showing more power due to the fact he is higher and therefore in a higher position than she is, He still on his horse. He look me up and down. Another view of Celie as a slave is the fact that no loving relationship exists, it seems like Celie is there to cook, clean, look after the kids and Alberts needs, so therefore he just uses her, Mr clam on top of me, do his business. She says do his business. From this we see its for Albert and that Celie is being used like a piece of meat and gets no pleasure out of it, He abuses her physically and verbally, humiliates her publicly, and is responsible for her decades-long separation from her much loved sister Nettie. Celie doesnt say anything she lets Albert get on with it, Mary OConnor says, Celies voice would seem to be absent from this account of male voices around her. I also agree with Mary O Connor at this point in the novel, I think Celie had lost her voice from the time Alphonso had told her to write to God but not to tell anyone. However later in The Colour Purple we find that Celie with help from Shug regains her voice, takes a stand and calls Albert by his name and threatens him. She later leaves with Shug and her full confidence back. Albert acts totally different in the two relationships he is in, with Celie he dominates and controls the relationship however in the relationship Albert and Shug share he is the opposite. Shug controls what happens and Albert does anything she tells him to. This also shows us the difference in character of Celie and Shug, Celie is easily controlled but Shug is a strong character. One critics view is some women wear pants; and some of the men wear dresses. Mary OConnor is telling us that in some relationships women can rule and have the men listening to what they say and do as they tell them, this is defiantly true for Shug. We also see that when Albert is with Celie he wears the pants but when hes with Shug he would appear to be wearing the dress. Another relationship where the woman dominates is between Sofia and Harpo. Sofia has total control over their relationship, she holds the power and it seems Harpo hates this. On the other hand it may not be that he hates it but the pressure from society forces him to act in certain ways. Tony Brown says, Love has been drained out by the brutality of a society panic-stricken over black masculinity. This gives us the idea that culture is the main reason for the need to hold power. Harpo is an example of this violence in society, for example when his mother was killed by her boyfriend in front of him. He associates being dominant as a way of asserting himself. He wants the power in the relationship because he has seen the way his father holds the power in his relationship with Celie. We know Harpo wants the power as Sofia tells us once he git on top me I think bout how thats where he always want to be. Harpo confides in Celie and asks what he should do, Celie tells Harpo to beat Sofia to gain control. This advice is surprising but coming from Celie can be understood because she has suffered abuse all her life and she is used to it. Its all she knows and therefore she believes its normal. Power and the placement of it is also shown in the African part of the novel and it is through these tribes we are able to compare Celie with the traditional African way of life. The Olinkas, one of the main tribes that are introduced to us, hold the power of life and death over their wives. The men are also looked upon as better than women in the tribe. The structure of power in that who holds it and who doesnt in the tribe is also shown in Celies life through her being raped and that fact she is not able to enjoy sex with her partner Albert, I know what he doing to me he done to Shug Avery and maybe she like it. The fact that she cannot enjoy it may be cause by Celies feelings and emotions towards males as she has been abused by them all her life. This is supported by Stuarts view that men are never the source of emotional sustenance or long term happiness for women. However this is does not seem true for Shug as she looks happy with her male partners, this may be because she always seems to have control over her relationships. In conclusion I can say that in the beginning of The Colour Purple it is the men who hold all the power, however as new characters are introduced it is slightly more balanced as Shug and Sofia speak there mind and stand up to any man. Also later Celie and Squeak both stand up for themselves, they take control of the situation but also take away the power from the men and hold it themselves. At the beginning of the novel Celie writes to God, she then starts writing to her sister Nettie, this shows a change in her and in the end all her hopes pay off as she breaks away from her abusing husband and lives with her family; her sister Nettie and her kids with Shug.

Pheonix Essays - Decepticons, Autobots, Micromasters, Red Alert

Pheonix Essays - Decepticons, Autobots, Micromasters, Red Alert Pheonix Transformers : The Phoenix War story by M Sipher Part One Deception, Subterfuge, Treachery and Other Methods of Getting Your Way or (Since You Joined) The Corporation ********** We have red alert! We have red alert! Klaxons wailed throughout Mining Station 48. The planetoid was a valuable source of numerous metals used in Cybertronian armor plating... metals mined by what was politely referred to as Non-Wage-Earning Labor. Otherwise known as slaves. The stocky, humanoid mine workers came from the planet Juliwa, and were perfectly suited for backbreaking labor in the planetoid's thin atmosphere... valuable

Argument eassy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Argument eassy - Essay Example Some people believe that euthanasia is not wrong since it helps to ease the pain and suffering of the patient in case of terminal illnesses. In situations where patients are in critical conditions or life support machines with no signs of recovery, others prefer administering euthanasia (Peterson 23). Others believe that euthanasia saves money and resources. The amount of cash required for health care in many communities is high. In addition, the hospital beds and doctors in many hospitals are deficient. The supporters deem this as a massive misuse or waste of money and resources if they use funds to prolong the lives of already dying and suffering patients (Peterson 14). In my opinion, the only time that euthanasia should be administered is when there is consent of â€Å"voluntary euthanasia†. This is when the patient comes to a decision by themselves that they would wish to die rather than suffer in anguish and pain. This decision may come at the time, or possibly they may have written down a ‘living will’ giving permission to doctors to kill them if they ever are in a condition where they will never recover or regain consciousness. Marijuana has long been known as a remedy for many illnesses while physicians used it to arouse an appetite, reduce chronic agonizing pain, and treat migraines and even asthma. However, it has for so long been regarded as illegal (Burnham 1). In my opinion, I think legalizing medical marijuana is the right as long as it is strictly being used for medicinal purposes in order to save lives. Ever since childhood, everyone was being told not to do drug since they are dangerous to ones life. Doing drugs is obviously wrong. However, in severe medical condition where medical marijuana is needed for a cure or pain killer, it should be legalized since life is important. The main argument concerning marijuana comes from the legalization of the drug for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. This debate has two approaches.

Psychology Mental illness Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Psychology Mental illness - Assignment Example It has been the endeavour of all nations and societies to get rid of all kinds of abnormalities. Why they exist nobody knows. It has also been observed that some kind of abnormalities tend to be restricted to a particular region of the world. Abnormalities are normally associated with a kind of behaviour that is out of ordinary though not necessarily dysfunctional. Its causes are generally attributed to an out-of-ordinary working of certain areas of the brain. It still hasn’t been ascertained as to what leads to dysfunctional behaviour of certain areas of the brain. Sometimes it could be because of brain damage which usually happens when the person meets with an accident or something like that and at other times affliction of certain regions of the brain could be the result of some other medical condition that the person may be suffering from. There are some cultures that attribute a certain abnormality to the handiwork of the ‘devil’ within that person. Such supe rstitious beliefs have even led to the incarceration of many abnormal people! It’s important that society be considerate and encourage such individuals to consult a medical practitioner. There is no general consensus as to what abnormality actually constitutes. Perceptions vary depending upon the nation or culture under consideration. Abnormal people tend to display odd behaviour. There is cause for concern when this kind of odd behaviour is socially unacceptable; but at the same time, â€Å"new research in individuals with schizotypal personalities - people characterized by odd behavior and language but who are not psychotic or schizophrenic - offers the first neurological evidence these individuals are more creative than normal or fully schizophrenic people, and rely more heavily on the right sides of their brains than the general population to access their creativity.† This was stated on the basis of a study conducted by two Vanderbilt psychologists Brad Folley and Sohee Park. (â€Å"Odd behavior and creativity may go hand-in-hand†, Machine Design, pg 77) ). The latter kind of abnormality is usually considered by society as an inherent trait of individuals who are high-performing and highly creative. It’s the former kind that usually warrants treatment and medication. For example, a child who refuses to mix up with people, instead choosing to shut himself in his room would be considered abnormal. There is a high probability of him getting castigated by society which in turn can lead to depression and other complications as well. Yet another example of abnormal behaviour is one where a teenaged boy indulges in explicit talk about his sexual fantasies and tending to neglect his studies altogether. Surely these kind of individuals need to be counselled. In most cases abnormal behaviour can be the result of some kind of inner turmoil that an individual might be facing. One problem with the diagnosis of mental disorders is â€Å"the prevalence of diagnoses by gender, sex bias in diagnosis, the problematic impact of particular diagnoses on women, and the relationship of diagnosis to socialization and social conditions.† (Gender and Diagnosis: Struggles and Suggestions for Counselors, JCD, pg 12) Feminists have stated that â€Å"diagnoses like nymphomania, hysteria, neurasthenia, erotomania, kleptomania, and masochism have served to enforce conformity to norms of female domesticity, subordination, and subservience to men’