Fast and Furious Movie Analysis Essay

This scene is the last scene of the movie. It takes place at the old home that the crew lived in when the first movie came out. The crew(Dom, Brian, Letty, Mia, roman, Tej, Han, and Brian’s child) are gathered together in the yard. Starting the scene Roman comes out of the house and tells Tej not to burn the barbeque again(implying that this wasn’t the first time it had happened, with Tej replying that he never burned it before. Then it the scene switches focus to Brian, Mia, and their son in which Brian explains that the house’s air quality and traffic isn’t the best, but he thinks that he will learn to like it. Mia focuses on showing him the garage and explaining that it was the place where he could build his first car with daddy. A few moments after she said that, Dom responds â€Å"First car better be a charger jack†, which Brian gave a confused look to and replied â€Å"You mean a skyline†. Letty chuckles as Dom argues â€Å"Like I said he’s a Toretto†(fact bring that Brian’s last name was O’Connor). O’Connor smiles back and responds â€Å"You’re confusing the kid†, as Dom then asks Mia if she was going to let him get away with those words(even though all this was just playful, loving arguments). The focus goes to Han, Tej, and Roman as they discus Hans plan to move back to Tokyo, something he feels that he has to do because of the plans he made with his girlfriend, whom had died in the earlier scene. Tej wonders if he was really going to leave, and after Han confirms it, Tej says â€Å"You know we got your back, whenever you need it†. The men nod to each other and seconds later Hobbs and Elena enter the scene, as Roman makes a joke and Hobbs retaliates. Hobbs, in his stiff posture, walks up to Toretto(Dom) and O’Connor and openly expresses that they are now free of all their crimes. Excitement arises, â€Å"Wasn’t half bad having you work for me†, says Hobbs. â€Å"Now we all know you were working for me Hobbs†, Dom replies. Brian interferes says that they agree to disagree and thanks Hobbs for what he has done. As the men are gathered, Letty approaches Elena(Tej expressing to Roman that it must be an awkward encounter), and thanks her for everything she had done for Dom and her, then continues by implying that she was an amazing woman. As the two talk they go back and forth about Dom and end off on good terms, even though it was the first time they had met and they were both in love with the same man. Once again the scene switches to Hobbs and Dom, as they stand side by side. Dome takes a step forward(looking straight ahead past Hobbs) â€Å"Not bad for a cop† he says with a smirk. As Hobbs does the same he replies â€Å"I never thought I’d trust a criminal†. â€Å"Till next time†, they both say to one another and part ways. Hobbs gives Elena the sign to head out, but Dom stops her and explains â€Å"You don’t have to go†. Elena informs him that it was not her place, but that this was his home and her home was with the police force. She kisses him and walks away. The original crew mentioned in the beginning of the paper come together at the lunch table and laugh amongst each other, Dom asks Letty, â€Å"Any of this feel familiar to you?†, â€Å"No†¦ But it feels like home†, she responds after taking a sip of her beer. The scene comes to an end as they say grace as a family. Scene 4 Concept: Primary Groups For this scene, the concept of a primary group will be applied. According to the book, Communicating In Groups:Application of Skills, Adams and Galanes define primary groups as â€Å"groups formed to meet primary needs for inclusion and affection†(Adams and Galanes). Although this type of group can be used for a work type situation, it is mostly connected to a close type relationship. Each member shows motives such as: love, caring, avoiding feelings of loneliness, sharing, feeling cared about. These are successful only when the members decide to let go of some freedom as individuals. A primary group can come in many different forms, such as friends, sororities, fraternities, etc. However, the group from fast and furious 6, demonstrate the main form of a primary group, a family(even though almost all of them are not blood related). For example, the way Brian and Dom argue about which car the O’Connor’s son will first build, going back to their competitive spirit on what type of car was best. Although they were disagreeing with each other, their words were all out of love for the child and one another. Another example of this concept is the conversation between Han and Tej. Although Han individually wants to go out to Tokyo for himself, he has the support of his closest friends(the crew), and you know this when Tej say â€Å"You know we got your back, whenever you need it.† By saying this, it shows that they care for each other, which is an important factor to be a primary group(need to be caring). To become a primary group I had addressed that you must be willing to put away your individual desires. A prime example of this was the one on one discussion that occurred between Hobbs and Dom. Once again, Dom says â€Å"Not bad for a cop, as Hobbs replies â€Å"I never thought I’d trust a criminal.† The word trust in these few words is key. As a primary group, a family, you must trust one another and although neither of the two men had got along with each other in previous matters, they became somewhat close and finally put aside their individual attitudes to welcome each other in as one unit. According to Preserve Articles, there are some more points in being a primary group, two of which are physical proximity and identity of ends. Physical proximity is â€Å"connected with the fusion of personalities within the group†(Bhatt), which is exemplified as each of the members get together at the end at one table and enjoy a nice lunch together. This is a symbol of closeness within the characters. Identity of ends is â€Å"connected with the fusion of personalities within the group†(Bhatt). As this point of the article states, a primary group usually sees the world through the same Letty says â€Å"No†¦ But it feels like home†. Letty had lost her memory, which is revealed in an earlier scene of the movie, but they way that she says everything feels like home implies that she was one of them, and that she also seen the world in a very similar, if not the same way as the others(identity of ends). This is the only scene in which the whole clip is based off of the group being a primary group rather than a secondary group.

Motivation: The key to success Essay

Motivation is the desire to do something and achieve the many goals in life, no matter how many obstacles you have to go through. To many people, it is the essential element that pushes them towards what they want to be. From setting goals, to working hard to achieve them, and finally accomplishing them. There is several motivation theories like: Incentive theory of motivation, which suggests that people are motivated to do things because of external rewards. For example, people go to work everyday for the reassurance that they will get paid at the end of the month. Another type of theory is the Drive theory. It is when people are motivated to take actions to reduce the tension that is produced from unimportant needs. Thirst, hunger and warmth are some examples of drives. Arousal theory is yet another theory. It when you take actions that control your level of arousal. When your arousal level gets high you might want to relax by meditating or reading a book. And when your arousal lev el gets low, you’d want to go for a jog or watch an exciting movie. Last but not least, the Humanistic theory is commonly a motivation behavior in which all businessmen have. It is the strong reasons that lead people to perform various actions like creating a business. It is famously showed by Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which presents different motivations at different levels. And it is the desire to fulfill one’s individual potential. These are the different psychological behaviors people act on when they are motivated. But is motivation important in everybody’s life? Yes it is. Mostly businesses. Motivation is the main factor to which why businesses around the world are successful. No man started a business without getting motivated to take action and achieve his goal of starting a successful business. It keeps you moving towards your goals. Motivation in a business insures that the employees work hard and it improves their level of efficiency. It leads to productivity and stability of work force. The benefits of having a well motivated indicates lower staff turnover, lower absenteeism, higher productions, pleasant working atmosphere, more co-operation and happiness in the working environment leads to innovation. If you lot interest in your business, you loose your motivation and that can immensely affect your business negatively. Motivation is the main reason to success Maslow’s  hierarchy of needs is one of the most famous theories of motivation. Abraham Maslow believed that the reason people go to work changes. So he created a hierarchy of needs, which he thinks people will go to work for. At the bottom of the hierarchy he put the essentials in one’s life, physiological needs such as air, food, shelter and clothing. Safety and security come on top of the basic needs. Every employee should be provided with protection from any danger in his or her working environment. Social needs are in the middle of the hierarchy. Trust and care are to be present in one’s working environment to increase productivity in the business and ensure employees are happy. Employees also need esteems needs, they need to be recognized and respected for the work they have done and praised for their achievements. Finally, at the top of the hierarchy is self-actualization means that people need to feel some fulfill ment in what they do. Many businesses follow this theory and are well motivated and are one of the most successful businesses. Let’s take Kelloggs for example. They provide their staff with every need in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and that is why their staff is well motivated and they have less absenteeism. In the other hand, Herzberg’s two-factor theory helps gives employees job satisfaction like achieving aims, chance of promotion, responsibility, interesting work, recognition and personal development. He called that factor motivators. But it doesn’t mean that motivators satisfies all the workers needs. He called the other factor hygiene factors that satisfies all a worker’s other needs like pay, working conditions, job security, quality of supervision, staff relationships and company policy. This theory tells us that dividing all an employee’s needs in 2 different factors that cannot work alone only together is the most effective way of making a business successful and well motivated. For example, the business would make the work interesting so the employees woul d feel well motivated. But, employees would also loose their motivation if hygiene factors such as pay and job security weren’t offered in a business which would result in failure in the business. These 2 theories that I have mentioned are different, but very similar in some ways. One thing they do have in common is that they are the factors to a well motivated and successful businesses. They both relate on the argument that â€Å"we behave as we do because we attempting to fulfill a certain needs†. They both specify the subject as to what motivates people. However, it all depends on your  values and norms. For example, the Japanese say that safety and physiological needs are most important to them while employees in Norway say that social needs are the most important to them in their working environment. Herzberg’s hygiene factor relates to Maslow’s basic needs, safety and social needs. Also, Herzberg’s motivators idea corresponds with Maslow’s esteem and self-actualization. These theories are the most useful theories in making a business successful. Kellogg’s a very famous business that has well-motivated staff. For example, they offer competitive salaries. It gives people the means to acquire the basic needs for living. Kellogg’s also offers flexible benefits program that allows employees to choose benefits that suit them. The staff has a sense of belonging in their working environment. Another well-known business is data connection. Employees say that the managers care about them as individuals. they feel a sense of belonging. The business also provided free healthcare for employees and provides a pay that satisfies their safety and security. These are some of the successful businesses. Motivations are truly the key to success.

Cultural Diversity

Race defines me as Mexican, German, and Irish. My religion defines me as Catholic. My country of birth defines me as American. However, I believe these terms describing me, merely list historical facts and statistics. The fact remains; I belong to these various groups by birth, not choice. I believe I am fortunate that my family instilled the understanding of diversity as far back as I can remember. Each of the people who raised me contributed to my value set in different ways. In addition, and most important, my personal experiences helped me to discover and appreciate diversity. I hail from Santa Ana, California where Hispanics make up 76. 1% of the city’s population, according to the U. S. Census Bureau (2009). In addition, my Mexican American grandparents primarily raised me. The neighborhood I where I lived consisted of fellow Hispanics and distant relatives. The Hispanic influence shaped my strong family values and racial identification. My grandparents truly believe that regardless of circumstance, family is first and above all else. The fact they raised me and still enjoy my company today is a testament to this teaching. Growing up with my grandparents meant, in addition to lifelong allegiance to family, a strong religious set of values. I was sent to Catholic school along with my cousins, taken to mass every Sunday, and prayed the rosary in hopes of keeping me safe from sin. I do appreciate the cost relating to my education; however, I am afraid it only served to strengthen my current beliefs. Specifically, that religious intolerance is unacceptable. Religious beliefs are individual. No religion is correct or incorrect. My grandparents grew up and survived an era of intolerance and prejudice. In spite of their experiences, they instilled in me values of tolerance and acceptance. My father, former â€Å"hippy,† is also responsible for my belief that, a person’s place of birth or color of skin is of no consequence. In my opinion, this teaching is the most valuable and relevant today. My second husband and I am an interracial couple. We share the same values, beliefs, and morals. The only differences we have relate to color and religious background. Thankfully, I was taught to value the person, all else is irrelevant. Through my husband, I learned that familial tradition influences religious and social beliefs. After several debates, I recognized that I was not as open-minded and tolerant as I believed. He helped me to accept myself given both, the negative and positive experiences in my life. Through him, I learned that to accept others, I had to accept myself. For me, this realization was monumental. Whereas I hold close the family values and acceptance taught to me, I realize that my diversity is due to my personal perspective. My grandparents could never teach to me the understanding of addiction. However, my father, through his own addiction taught me sympathy for those suffering from their own conflicts. I wore my father’s addiction as if the addiction were my own until I realized my siblings wore the same shame. I never understood loss of faith until I met a colleague who lost hers. Her experience helped me to understand how people are broken to the point of non-belief. I first married a person most resembling myself in terms of race and religion. However, I learned quickly that these commonalities do equal a match made in heaven. I went to school with people who came from wealth while I suffered poverty. Through these classmates, I learned that money does not magically equal happiness. My experiences do not necessarily relate to a specific culture, but do relate to understanding. I cannot make determinations upon anyone until I have experienced his or her same set of circumstances. I make no distinction between people based on religion, race, nationality, or sexual preference. I believe that each person has a purpose, even those who disturb me. By that, I mean, each person serves to strengthen beliefs or change our minds. Each experience with someone different is an opportunity to learn a new perspective. In my family, we married into various races, befriend people of various beliefs and religions, and enjoy the company of others regardless of association. Cultural diversity, in my opinion, is a two- word phrase describing understanding. I believe that I am not a product of pluralism, for I do not believe that cultural or ethnic values bind us (Kottak & Kozaitis, 2003). Assimilation does not fit my values or beliefs, because I do not believe that a single culture describes my upbringing. I believe that, based on my statistics, I am multicultural. However, based on my beliefs, experiences, and perspectives, I am simply diverse. References U.S. Census Bureau. (2009). State & County QuickFacts. Retrieved October 1, 2009, from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0669000.html Kottak, C.P., & Kozaitis, K.A. (2003). On Being Different: Diversity and Multiculturalism in the North American Mainstream (2nd ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies Cultural Diversity Race defines me as Mexican, German, and Irish. My religion defines me as Catholic. My country of birth defines me as American. However, I believe these terms describing me, merely list historical facts and statistics. The fact remains; I belong to these various groups by birth, not choice. I believe I am fortunate that my family instilled the understanding of diversity as far back as I can remember. Each of the people who raised me contributed to my value set in different ways. In addition, and most important, my personal experiences helped me to discover and appreciate diversity. I hail from Santa Ana, California where Hispanics make up 76. 1% of the city’s population, according to the U. S. Census Bureau (2009). In addition, my Mexican American grandparents primarily raised me. The neighborhood I where I lived consisted of fellow Hispanics and distant relatives. The Hispanic influence shaped my strong family values and racial identification. My grandparents truly believe that regardless of circumstance, family is first and above all else. The fact they raised me and still enjoy my company today is a testament to this teaching. Growing up with my grandparents meant, in addition to lifelong allegiance to family, a strong religious set of values. I was sent to Catholic school along with my cousins, taken to mass every Sunday, and prayed the rosary in hopes of keeping me safe from sin. I do appreciate the cost relating to my education; however, I am afraid it only served to strengthen my current beliefs. Specifically, that religious intolerance is unacceptable. Religious beliefs are individual. No religion is correct or incorrect. My grandparents grew up and survived an era of intolerance and prejudice. In spite of their experiences, they instilled in me values of tolerance and acceptance. My father, former â€Å"hippy,† is also responsible for my belief that, a person’s place of birth or color of skin is of no consequence. In my opinion, this teaching is the most valuable and relevant today. My second husband and I am an interracial couple. We share the same values, beliefs, and morals. The only differences we have relate to color and religious background. Thankfully, I was taught to value the person, all else is irrelevant. Through my husband, I learned that familial tradition influences religious and social beliefs. After several debates, I recognized that I was not as open-minded and tolerant as I believed. He helped me to accept myself given both, the negative and positive experiences in my life. Through him, I learned that to accept others, I had to accept myself. For me, this realization was monumental. Whereas I hold close the family values and acceptance taught to me, I realize that my diversity is due to my personal perspective. My grandparents could never teach to me the understanding of addiction. However, my father, through his own addiction taught me sympathy for those suffering from their own conflicts. I wore my father’s addiction as if the addiction were my own until I realized my siblings wore the same shame. I never understood loss of faith until I met a colleague who lost hers. Her experience helped me to understand how people are broken to the point of non-belief. I first married a person most resembling myself in terms of race and religion. However, I learned quickly that these commonalities do equal a match made in heaven. I went to school with people who came from wealth while I suffered poverty. Through these classmates, I learned that money does not magically equal happiness. My experiences do not necessarily relate to a specific culture, but do relate to understanding. I cannot make determinations upon anyone until I have experienced his or her same set of circumstances. I make no distinction between people based on religion, race, nationality, or sexual preference. I believe that each person has a purpose, even those who disturb me. By that, I mean, each person serves to strengthen beliefs or change our minds. Each experience with someone different is an opportunity to learn a new perspective. In my family, we married into various races, befriend people of various beliefs and religions, and enjoy the company of others regardless of association. Cultural diversity, in my opinion, is a two- word phrase describing understanding. I believe that I am not a product of pluralism, for I do not believe that cultural or ethnic values bind us (Kottak & Kozaitis, 2003). Assimilation does not fit my values or beliefs, because I do not believe that a single culture describes my upbringing. I believe that, based on my statistics, I am multicultural. However, based on my beliefs, experiences, and perspectives, I am simply diverse. References U.S. Census Bureau. (2009). State & County QuickFacts. Retrieved October 1, 2009, from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0669000.html Kottak, C.P., & Kozaitis, K.A. (2003). On Being Different: Diversity and Multiculturalism in the North American Mainstream (2nd ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies Cultural Diversity Understanding and Celebrating Cultural Diversity in America ` Many people mistakenly use phrases such as â€Å"American culture,† â€Å"white culture,† or Western culture,† as if such large, common, and homogenous cultures exist in the United States today. These people fail to acknowledge the presence of (1)cultural diversity, or the presence of multiple cultures and cultural differences within a society. In reality, many different cultural groups comprise the United States.The United States of America thrives on (2)diversity. A synthesis of the world’s plentiful and varied (3) races, religions, and cultures, America is a home to all, such that no one group can call itself more â€Å"American† than another. The fusion of cultures here is so unique and so exceptional that citizens can be just as proud of their original (4)cultural heritage as they are to be an American. However, many people remain opposed to the idea of cultural diversity, or multicul turalism.Cultural diversity is important because our country, our workplaces and our schools includes persons of various ethnic groups and interests. We can learn from one another, but first we must have a level of understanding about one another. What is cultural diversity? (5)Diversity is nothing more than a difference from the majority. Cultural diversity helps people to dispel negative stereotypes about one another. In any culture there is a majority and many (6)minorities. (7)Culture is a set of norms that set standards for a (8)society of what is acceptable behavior.Cultural diversity was characteristic of this continent prior to the coming of European colonists and African slaves. Throughout history, humans have expressed an interest in cultural diversity. People have recognized differences in values, (9)norms, beliefs and practices everywhere. Cultural diversity allows for a better understanding of other cultures and ideas. Whenever different groups have come into contact wi th one another, people have compared and contrasted their respective cultural (10)traditions.Societies often differentiated themselves from one another based on these variant cultural patterns. The many separate societies that emerged around the globe differed markedly from each other, and many of these differences persist to this day. As well as the more obvious cultural differences that exist between people, such as language, dress and traditions, there are also significant variations in the way they interact with their environment. Cultural diversity can be seen as analogous to (11)biodiversity.Writings on the diversity of cultures have often been based on (12)ethnocentric attitudes. (13)Ethnocentrism is the practice of judging another society by the values and standards of one’s own society. It appears that ethnocentrism is a universal phenomenon. In America, many of us have a peculiar habit of assuming that those who differ from our norms are wrong. We tend to view the w orld from a rather (14)myopic view leading to those outside this country calling us â€Å"ugly Americans†.As humans learn the basic values, (23)beliefs and norms of their own society, they tend to think of their own group and culture as preferable, ranking other cultures as less desirable. In fact, members of a society become so committed to particular cultural traditions that they cannot conceive of any other way of life. Unlike (15)assimilation, where everyone’s differences are lost in a giant melting pot, (16) multiculturalism advocates the idea that maintaining our different cultural identities can enrich us and our communities.Multiculturalism does not promote ethnocentrism or seek to elevate one (24)cultural identity above another. Instead, it celebrates diversity by allowing us to value our individual (17) heritages and beliefs, while respecting those of others. To combat the problem of ethnocentrism, (25)sociologists embrace the concept of (18)cultural relativi sm. Cultural relativism is the view that (26)cultural traditions must be understood within the context of a particular society’s responses to problems and opportunities.Cultural relativism is a method or procedure for explaining and interpreting other people’s cultures. Because cultural traditions represent unique adaptations and symbolic symbols for different societies, these traditions must be understood by sociologists as objectively as possible. Cultural relativism offers sociologists a means of investigating other societies without imposing ethnocentric assumptions. Cultural diversity makes our country richer by making it a more interesting place in which to live.Just think how boring a meal would be without Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, German, French or Indian food. Cultural diversity also makes our country stronger and better able to compete in the new (19)global economy. People from diverse cultures bring language skills, new ways of thinking, and creat ive solutions to difficult problems and negotiating skills. In the past, ethnographers in the United States used to refer to our country as a (20)melting pot where new (21) immigrants would eventually be fully integrated into the American culture.This has obviously not happened so modern researchers have begun to talk about America as a garden salad where different cultural diversity mixes with the European American culture to form a meal where all of the various ingredients are still readily identifiable. As we build our cultural awareness, we also build bridges to trust, respect, and understanding across cultures and within a multicultural world. Every culture and race has made a substantial contribution to American history. Respect for each others’ (27)cultural values and belief systems is an intrinsic part of cultural diversity.Look around and you will see that our society is very diverse. Diversity enriches our lives. People may fear diversity simply because they are acc ustomed to the way things used to be and change makes them uncomfortable. They often view other cultural traditions as strange, alien, inferior, crazy or immoral. But the bottom line is that when we fully recognize that America is great because of the contributions of the many, then we as a people will be even more united in our common goals, and even more proud to be American citizens.Without its rich mixture of religions, races, and cultures, America would not be the nation that it is today. Founded upon the basis of equality and freedom for all, America acts as a stage where intensely different cultures not only coexist peacefully, but also thrive symbiotically and create a nation. Cultural diversity makes the United States a much more interesting place in which to live for all of its (22)inhabitants. If we all thought alike, looked alike and acted alike, imagine how boring and dull the world would be. Each culture provides its own special and irreplaceable contribution to our un derstanding of America today.No one likes being ignored. People long to be celebrated, not tolerated. They always have and they always will. References Naylor, Larry L. (1997). Cultural Diversity in the United States. Westpoint, CT: Bergin and Garvey. Page 1-10. http://www. diversity-books. com. html Macionis, J. J. (2009). Society: The basics. (12th ed. ). Boston, Ma: Pearson Education Inc. Scupin, Raymond and DeCorse, Christopher. (2012). Anthropology: A Global Perspective. (7th Edition). Boston, Ma: Pearson Education, Inc. Pages 218-220. Cultural Diversity Understanding and Celebrating Cultural Diversity in America ` Many people mistakenly use phrases such as â€Å"American culture,† â€Å"white culture,† or Western culture,† as if such large, common, and homogenous cultures exist in the United States today. These people fail to acknowledge the presence of (1)cultural diversity, or the presence of multiple cultures and cultural differences within a society. In reality, many different cultural groups comprise the United States.The United States of America thrives on (2)diversity. A synthesis of the world’s plentiful and varied (3) races, religions, and cultures, America is a home to all, such that no one group can call itself more â€Å"American† than another. The fusion of cultures here is so unique and so exceptional that citizens can be just as proud of their original (4)cultural heritage as they are to be an American. However, many people remain opposed to the idea of cultural diversity, or multicul turalism.Cultural diversity is important because our country, our workplaces and our schools includes persons of various ethnic groups and interests. We can learn from one another, but first we must have a level of understanding about one another. What is cultural diversity? (5)Diversity is nothing more than a difference from the majority. Cultural diversity helps people to dispel negative stereotypes about one another. In any culture there is a majority and many (6)minorities. (7)Culture is a set of norms that set standards for a (8)society of what is acceptable behavior.Cultural diversity was characteristic of this continent prior to the coming of European colonists and African slaves. Throughout history, humans have expressed an interest in cultural diversity. People have recognized differences in values, (9)norms, beliefs and practices everywhere. Cultural diversity allows for a better understanding of other cultures and ideas. Whenever different groups have come into contact wi th one another, people have compared and contrasted their respective cultural (10)traditions.Societies often differentiated themselves from one another based on these variant cultural patterns. The many separate societies that emerged around the globe differed markedly from each other, and many of these differences persist to this day. As well as the more obvious cultural differences that exist between people, such as language, dress and traditions, there are also significant variations in the way they interact with their environment. Cultural diversity can be seen as analogous to (11)biodiversity.Writings on the diversity of cultures have often been based on (12)ethnocentric attitudes. (13)Ethnocentrism is the practice of judging another society by the values and standards of one’s own society. It appears that ethnocentrism is a universal phenomenon. In America, many of us have a peculiar habit of assuming that those who differ from our norms are wrong. We tend to view the w orld from a rather (14)myopic view leading to those outside this country calling us â€Å"ugly Americans†.As humans learn the basic values, (23)beliefs and norms of their own society, they tend to think of their own group and culture as preferable, ranking other cultures as less desirable. In fact, members of a society become so committed to particular cultural traditions that they cannot conceive of any other way of life. Unlike (15)assimilation, where everyone’s differences are lost in a giant melting pot, (16) multiculturalism advocates the idea that maintaining our different cultural identities can enrich us and our communities.Multiculturalism does not promote ethnocentrism or seek to elevate one (24)cultural identity above another. Instead, it celebrates diversity by allowing us to value our individual (17) heritages and beliefs, while respecting those of others. To combat the problem of ethnocentrism, (25)sociologists embrace the concept of (18)cultural relativi sm. Cultural relativism is the view that (26)cultural traditions must be understood within the context of a particular society’s responses to problems and opportunities.Cultural relativism is a method or procedure for explaining and interpreting other people’s cultures. Because cultural traditions represent unique adaptations and symbolic symbols for different societies, these traditions must be understood by sociologists as objectively as possible. Cultural relativism offers sociologists a means of investigating other societies without imposing ethnocentric assumptions. Cultural diversity makes our country richer by making it a more interesting place in which to live.Just think how boring a meal would be without Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, German, French or Indian food. Cultural diversity also makes our country stronger and better able to compete in the new (19)global economy. People from diverse cultures bring language skills, new ways of thinking, and creat ive solutions to difficult problems and negotiating skills. In the past, ethnographers in the United States used to refer to our country as a (20)melting pot where new (21) immigrants would eventually be fully integrated into the American culture.This has obviously not happened so modern researchers have begun to talk about America as a garden salad where different cultural diversity mixes with the European American culture to form a meal where all of the various ingredients are still readily identifiable. As we build our cultural awareness, we also build bridges to trust, respect, and understanding across cultures and within a multicultural world. Every culture and race has made a substantial contribution to American history. Respect for each others’ (27)cultural values and belief systems is an intrinsic part of cultural diversity.Look around and you will see that our society is very diverse. Diversity enriches our lives. People may fear diversity simply because they are acc ustomed to the way things used to be and change makes them uncomfortable. They often view other cultural traditions as strange, alien, inferior, crazy or immoral. But the bottom line is that when we fully recognize that America is great because of the contributions of the many, then we as a people will be even more united in our common goals, and even more proud to be American citizens.Without its rich mixture of religions, races, and cultures, America would not be the nation that it is today. Founded upon the basis of equality and freedom for all, America acts as a stage where intensely different cultures not only coexist peacefully, but also thrive symbiotically and create a nation. Cultural diversity makes the United States a much more interesting place in which to live for all of its (22)inhabitants. If we all thought alike, looked alike and acted alike, imagine how boring and dull the world would be. Each culture provides its own special and irreplaceable contribution to our un derstanding of America today.No one likes being ignored. People long to be celebrated, not tolerated. They always have and they always will. References Naylor, Larry L. (1997). Cultural Diversity in the United States. Westpoint, CT: Bergin and Garvey. Page 1-10. http://www. diversity-books. com. html Macionis, J. J. (2009). Society: The basics. (12th ed. ). Boston, Ma: Pearson Education Inc. Scupin, Raymond and DeCorse, Christopher. (2012). Anthropology: A Global Perspective. (7th Edition). Boston, Ma: Pearson Education, Inc. Pages 218-220.

Gettysburg2 essays

Gettysburg2 essays There is a lot to say about the Battle of Gettysburg. Many people wonder why this battle out of all others during the war was so great. Many questions were asked. Such as, what did they do for supplies? How did they live? What was the typical military strategy? I will also answer many other questions to in this essay. Its really hard to believe the things I saw during the movie. It just makes wonder how stupid the government was to even think about starting a Civil War. Millions and millions of men died in this war. For what? Honor? I certainly think they did not die honorably, but just went out there and got slaughtered. Although many people say that the Union and Confederate armies fought because of the importance of Gettysburg; the thing is that it was just a small town back then. Gettysburg was chosen because it was good ground. The Confederate army was passing through to go further north and invade the Union territory. The Union army was having the same idea about the south. Good ground was high terrain surrounded by trees. The role geography played in the war was that the army who was placed on the good ground would have a better position on the opposing forces. The officers and soldiers had different lifestyles during the war. The generals would be in cabins or log houses with plenty of supplies. The rest of the army had lived in tents with supplies, but not as much as the generals. So basically the higher your rank, the better you r living conditions were. Although living conditions were different, the strategy was similar. Many times the Union army had to play defensively. The development of trench warfare began. If supplies or ammo got too low, sometimes they would charge and attack the Southerners, like Colonel Chamberlain did when he was defending the line. The Confederate army under the command of General Lee would march all the way to the gate and try ...

Free Essays on Westward Expansion

Westward Expansion The Affect on Native Americans Writer and historian Noel Ignatiev posed the question, â€Å"What is the role of westward expansion in American culture?† His answer points the reader in an entirely different direction than a person of average patriotic and historic beliefs would have expected. What was and is our belief about ourselves as we examine the westward expansion are both as enlightening as it is painful. This, of course depends on whose historical perspective it is. The proud history widely recognized by most Americans, focuses on the story of the Puritans quest for freedom and the expansion west as natural extension of this movement to the new continent. It tells of the struggles and successes, colonization of the new world, as well as the heroic fight for independence from England. However, from the perspective of the black slaves or Native Americans, the story of our heritage and the subsequent expansion west is much less than heroic. It is a story of man’s inhumanity to his fellow beings.1 During the nineteenth century just after the War of 1812 there was a significant migration of people with no land and no slaves to remaining lands in the east. Around this time speculators were making a great deal of money selling land, sometimes making ten times what they would pay for it. Professor William Scarborough in an Internet article about the Indians displacement in the 19th century writes of one man, â€Å"Guy S. Whitfield of Alabama, who said he was making a thousand dollars a week for land speculation.† When the land was purchased it need to be cleared and worked. The demand for labor increased and contributed to the growth of the slave trade. â€Å"Mississippi, 1. Noel Ignatiev, â€Å"Noel Ignatiev on the role of westward expansion.† Judgment Day, pars. 1-4 [article online] accessed 16 February 2003. Available from pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4i3098.html. for example, the slave... Free Essays on Westward Expansion Free Essays on Westward Expansion Westward Expansion The Affect on Native Americans Writer and historian Noel Ignatiev posed the question, â€Å"What is the role of westward expansion in American culture?† His answer points the reader in an entirely different direction than a person of average patriotic and historic beliefs would have expected. What was and is our belief about ourselves as we examine the westward expansion are both as enlightening as it is painful. This, of course depends on whose historical perspective it is. The proud history widely recognized by most Americans, focuses on the story of the Puritans quest for freedom and the expansion west as natural extension of this movement to the new continent. It tells of the struggles and successes, colonization of the new world, as well as the heroic fight for independence from England. However, from the perspective of the black slaves or Native Americans, the story of our heritage and the subsequent expansion west is much less than heroic. It is a story of man’s inhumanity to his fellow beings.1 During the nineteenth century just after the War of 1812 there was a significant migration of people with no land and no slaves to remaining lands in the east. Around this time speculators were making a great deal of money selling land, sometimes making ten times what they would pay for it. Professor William Scarborough in an Internet article about the Indians displacement in the 19th century writes of one man, â€Å"Guy S. Whitfield of Alabama, who said he was making a thousand dollars a week for land speculation.† When the land was purchased it need to be cleared and worked. The demand for labor increased and contributed to the growth of the slave trade. â€Å"Mississippi, 1. Noel Ignatiev, â€Å"Noel Ignatiev on the role of westward expansion.† Judgment Day, pars. 1-4 [article online] accessed 16 February 2003. Available from pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4i3098.html. for example, the slave...

Vocabulary Words To Know in The Pearl

Vocabulary Words To Know in The Pearl Although short, The Pearl  by John Steinbeck can be a challenging read. A great way to expand your vocabulary is to read a book with words that you dont know yet. In that way, reading The Pearl can be a helpful exercise. Heres a vocabulary list from John Steinbeck by chapter.   Chapter 1 avarice - greedbougainvillea - a type of tropical flowerconsolation - to comfortdetachment - lack of concern or attachmentindigent - poor; impoverishedlymphatic - tissue where white blood cells are producedscandal - shamefululcers - open sores Chapter 2 bulwark - defensive wallestuary - river meets sea tidegloating - prideful; braggingincandescence - giving off lightlateen - sail (triangle)poultice - an herbal application for the purpose of healing or remedytelescopically - slide within one another; like a telescope Chapter 3 almsgiving - giving money to the poorammonia - colorless gas with a characteristic pungent odourconsecrated - sacredcozened - trickery; misleadingdisparagement - insultdissembling - misleadingfurtive - secretivejudicious - to exercise good judgment; sound thinkinglucent - softly bright; radiantprecipitated - hurled; cause to move suddenlysubjugation - forced submission; conquertransfigured - idealize; metamorphosis Chapter 4 appraiser - one who estimates worth or valuecontemptuous - scorn or disdaincountenanced - toleratedcrafty - cleverfreshet - freshwater stream (flowing into the sea)legerdemain - magiclethargy - tired; weaktules - weaving material Chapter 5 edifice - building or structureexhilaration - glad; joyfulleprosy - chronic granulomatous communicable diseaseskirled - a shrill callstifling - smothering; suffocating; to take away breath or restrict Chapter 6 apprehensively - fearfulcleft - splitescarpment - a long, steep slope or cliff; declivityintercession - intervention; protection; mediationmalignant - dangerous; harmful; tumorous; deadlymonolithic - huge; imposingmonotonously - boring; without variationoutcroppings - layers of rockthreshed - beat; whipped

Forming Declarative Sentences - Exercise

Forming Declarative Sentences - Exercise This exercise will give you practice in changing word order and (in some cases) verb forms as you convert 12 interrogative sentences (questions) into declarative sentences (statements). After completing this exercise, you can also try forming interrogative sentences. Instructions Rewrite each of the following sentences, turning the ​yes-no question into a statement. Change the word order and (in some cases) the form of the verb as necessary. When youre done, compare your new declarative sentences with the sample answers below. Is Sams dog shivering?Are we going to the football game?Will you be on the train tomorrow?Is Sam the first person in line?Was the stranger calling from the clinic?Does Mr. Amjad think that I will be waiting for him at the airport?Do the best students usually take themselves too seriously?Does Ms. Wilson believe that everybody is watching her?Am I the first person to make fun of the idea of calorie counting?Before going away on vacation, should we cancel the newspaper?Wasnt the boy in the snack bar wearing a bright Hawaiian shirt and a cowboy hat?Whenever you leave a young child with a babysitter, should you give her a list of all emergency phone numbers? Answers to the Exercise Here are sample answers to the exercise. In all cases, more than one correct version is possible. Sams dog is shivering.We are going to the football game.You will be on the train tomorrow.Sam is the first person in line.The stranger was calling from the clinic.Mr. Amjad thinks that I will be waiting for him at the airport.The best students usually dont take themselves too seriously.Ms. Wilson believes that everybody is watching her.I am not the first person to make fun of the idea of calorie counting.Before going away on vacation, we should cancel the newspaper.The boy in the snack bar was wearing a bright Hawaiian shirt and a cowboy hat.Whenever you leave a young child with a babysitter, you should give her a list of all emergency phone numbers.