Genders Role in the Outcome of Elections 2008 in the America

In 2008, the media influenced the electorate to reject Hilary Clinton as the presidential candidate. Analysts observe that the media brainwashed the electorate to believe that gender affects the performance of an individual in executing his or her duties as the head of state.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Gender’s Role in the Outcome of Elections 2008 in the America specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Anita assesses how the media influenced the electorate during voting in 2008. Anita evaluated the role of the media in party politics, particularly in the Democratic Party. She observed that the society does not give women sufficient support to vie for influential positions. In 2008, the Democratic Party preferred Obama because it believed that Clinton could not beat McCain due to her gender. In the political realm, media commentators present women as people who cannot make decisions on their own. They suggest that women are should be allocated inferior and degrading positions in parties such as secretary. In the 2008 debate, the media referred to Clinton as a homemaker whose main role was to take care of the husband and children. In fact, some media commentators observed that Clinton’s husband would be in charge of government while Clinton would be relying on him for policies. The media subjected Clinton to stereotypes, which portrayed her as weak and emotional. The analyses of media commentators suggest that women should be excluded from public activities in the US. Political journalists suggest that women should be relegated to the private domain of the home. The society ascribes specific feminine qualities to women. Women learn through the process of socialization that they should not compete with men for political positions. In society, women live in a state of false consciousness.Advertising Looking for essay on political culture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the American politics, subordination of women is a result of socio-economic factors, but not biological factors. Women have always played an active role in the American politics, but because of deliberate efforts to exclude them, they perform less prestigious roles. The party media viewed Clinton as an individual who had no agenda for the party. The party ensured that Obama won the presidential flagship since officials believed that McCain could easily defeat Clinton. In society, people are not ready to support a woman for a senior post. McCain might have lost the presidential debate because of Palin, who was a woman. In the US, the vice-president is the second in command implying that he has the powers that are close to those of the head of state. The vice-president can take over power if the president dies. Therefore, people were not ready to trust a woman with such a position. In parliament, the vice-president is the leader of gover nment business. The vice-president should come up with measures that would ensure government bills are passed in time. However, Palin was a doubt since democrats argued that she was weak and could not defend the government policies in parliament. In 2012, the geopolitical climate is different. Women candidates are not contesting for high positions in government. The 2012 presidential race is different because no woman is involved in the race to the white house. The appearance of women in public places invites evaluation from other members of society. Some of the comments made by media commentators are insulting because they aim at degrading women. Public places are places of inequality in the life of women. The society never gives women sufficient time to campaign or express their views regarding the performance of governmental institutions and the economy.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Gender’s Role in the Outcome of Elections 2008 in the America spe cifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In 2012, gender is not one of the variables that will determine the outcome of elections. It can be concluded that the American society is not ready for a female president. The society thinks it is easy to compromise a female president. However, this is a false perception created through the process of socialization. This essay on Gender’s Role in the Outcome of Elections 2008 in the America was written and submitted by user Raymond T. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Why Our Campuses Are Safer Without Concealed Handguns Essays

Why Our Campuses Are Safer Without Concealed Handguns Essays Why Our Campuses Are Safer Without Concealed Handguns Paper Why Our Campuses Are Safer Without Concealed Handguns Paper Rhetorical Analysis on article Why Our Campuses Are Safer Without Concealed Handguns BY wa00750 Rhetorical Analysis Paper In the essay we read, entitled Why Our Campuses Are Safer Without Concealed Handguns, we see the author use five main points, as well as using appeals to Ethos Logos and Pathos to help reinforce his view on the topic. The five main reasons that the author feels that college campuses are safer without concealed handguns are introduced to us in the opening of the article, listed as bullet points. The author then goes on to break the article into these separate sections to allow him to go more in epithet and explain his position. In this way, he appeals to the readers sense of Ethos throughout the entire article by convincing us that he knows what he is taking about. However, the author does not stop here. The author uses an appeal to Ethos a couple more times throughout the article, one of the most obvious is in the section where he makes the point that concealed carry permit holders are not always law-abiding citizens. The author continues in this section to write about how easy it is for certain people to obtain firearms and concealed carry licenses, even though they should not be allowed to legally. The author blames this problem on a series of systems that are in place, that are nowhere near enough, putting the blame being on communication, or lack-there-of, between states and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICE). The author then uses examples of how state governments often simply do not submit pertinent records to databases such as NICE. This can result in convicted felons and mentally ill persons having the ability to purchase a firearm or receive a concealed carry permit, which we have seen can lead to very bad results. In the same way that the author uses Ethos throughout the article, he also appeals tryingly to the readers sense of Logos, or logic. The main reason for this is because he must back up his strong opinions with logic and statistics to support what he is writing. This is shown easily in the opening, when the author provides statistics on homicide rates for college campuses versus the rest of the nation, and shows them to be drastically different. This same technique is used later in the article to emphasize the fact that many college students use mind altering substances such as drugs and alcohol; and that adding firearms, concealed or not, would add a new variable to Seibel suicides and intra-student violence. In addition to all of these statistics, the author also uses reason to make the point that college classrooms are places where you should be able to speak freely and without fear of possible retaliation. The author feels that if students do not know who may or may not have a concealed weapon on them, they may be less likely to speak their mind and learn all that they can. Last but not least, the author also makes an abundant use of appeals to the readers Pathos, appealing to the reader in a way that reaches them in a personal raw the reader in, as well as to open them up to the information that the rest of the article provides and leave the reader thinking about it. He begins the article by mentioning some of the more infamous college campus shootings, such as those that occurred at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University, and then proceeds to make his case against concealed firearms on college campuses. This viewpoint is prominently displayed in the third section of the article, in which the author writes about how students who go on these shooting rampages set out knowing they will ii, and plan only on taking as many people with them as possible. The author goes on to say that students and faculty that may be carrying a concealed weapon would not deter these individuals, but may actually become a target, in hopes that they will return fire, possibly killing more innocent people. In addition to this theory, the author writes that with more people running around with guns, police would have a much more difficult time figuring out who was the actual threat, and eliminating it. In this article, the author is against having students be allowed to carry concealed firearms. I do not think that this is a good position to take in this situation. I feel that responsible gun owners, who have passed proper safety courses, and who meet all of the requirements needed to obtain both firearm and license, should be able to carry their firearm where they feel it is warranted. The author states that concealed handguns would distract from a healthy learning environment. However, I do not think that this would be the case. I think that despite the presence of a gun on campus or in class, things would go about as usual. I do not feel as though people would be threatened into not speaking their mind, and I finitely do not think that the possession of a firearm or any possible weapon automatically makes an individual more violent. I have known many people who carry knives with them any time it is appropriate, and they do not strike fear into everyone in the room. They dont stab people Just because they are in a position where they have what could be a weapon. No, they have learned over time how to carefully handle a knife, and I feel perfectly comfortable being around them. I feel that the same is true with firearms, concealed or not. Although I do not agree with many of he statements the author makes, I do feel that he makes a good point that in order to obtain a concealed carry permit, you should be screened more thoroughly, and you should have to have some sort of nationally regulated test in which you must qualify with the weapon you wish to carry. I feel that there should be a coordinated effort to make sure that the NICE database is updated regularly. In relation to the section of the article where the author says that school shooters would not be deterred by concealed carry holders, I do not think that this matters. If someone sets their mind o coming to a college campus and shooting anyone in sight, then they are going to do it, whether or not I am able to protect myself. Possibly, instead of simply not allowing it, schools could implement a program where all firearms on campus, for concealed carry or not, would have to be registered thorough thee school. This would allow the school to know which student has which guns. Throughout the year security would be able to collaborate with the student and teacher gun owners including having them qualify with their firearms on a regular basis, and incorporating them onto any plans to counteract violence on campus. I think if colleges were able to or end a confrontation that could have more fatal consequences. With proper training from security or police personnel, I think students and teachers would be able to help keep campuses safer, while being able to observe their right to bear arms. I do not know for sure that college campuses would be safer if students and teachers were allowed to carry concealed handguns, but I know that proper measures could be taken to make the gun owners more responsible, as well as to make campus a safer place.

Classicism in The Titanic Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Classicism in The Titanic - Movie Review Example On its first voyage however, it crushed into the ice of the Atlantic Ocean, causing it to sink. The film however evolved around the story of Jack (DiCaprio), a commoner and Rose (Winslet) a woman engaged to be married to a wealthy and powerful Duke. The film was heavy on the meeting and the love story that transpired between Jack and Rose but it also showed the class struggle between the rich and the poor and how power can be one-sided. The film ended with only one of the two surviving, thus ending a beautiful love story. The Titanic however, will forever be remembered. Classicism is an "aesthetic attitudes and principles based on culture, art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, and characterized by emphasis on form, simplicity, proportion, and restrained emotion" (Baigent, 2003). Classicism can be seen as specific philosophical genre expressed in literature, architecture, art and music which has ancient Greek and Roman sources (Wikimedia Foundations, Inc, 2009). "Classical art encompasses antiquity and later works inspired by it, the latter normally referred to as Neoclassical. Adherence to traditional aesthetic formalities was favored over expressionism and individuality. Classic art is distinguished by clarity, order, balance, unity, symmetry and dignity" (World Wide Arts Resources, 2009). Classicism is made up of many concepts: proportion, symmetry, humanism, realism, idealism and Aristotle's theory of the "unities," among others. In this paper, we take a particular look at the concepts of symmetry, humanism and realism in our analysis of the movie Titanic. A Proportion in the Depiction of Characters "Proportion is the relationship of one part of a whole to other parts. In art it has usually meant a preoccupation of artists with finding a mathematical formula for the perfect human body" (Mimi.hu). My own understanding of proportion is the attempt to create a balance in an art so that it is necessary that the correct weight of each part is employed. In the whole of the film, The Titanic, proportion was observed when two classes were featured- the elite and the poor. There was a considerable portion allotted to describe these two classes where the leading characters came from. There was a description of the life of the commoner Jack as he was featured gambling just before the ship left so as to have something for fare. On the other hand, the elite were given especial seats in the ship plus especial treatment during the rescue. There was a proper proportion between the two male characters. Most of Jack was shown un the movie as he was the leading man, but the character of the Duke was also revealed such as heartless, dangerous but seemingly refined. The latter is in contrast with Jack's carelessness and roughness. The Reality of Class Struggle and sinfulness Realism as expressed in visual arts and literature is a depiction of subjects as they live and appear in their ordinary lives, "without embellishment or interpretation", thus in revealing the reality, may actually be ugly or sordid (Wikimedia Foundations, Inc, 2009). "The achievement of realism in theatre was to direct attention to the physical and philosophic problems of ordinary existence, both socially and psychologically. In plays of this mode people emerge as victims of forces larger than themselves, as individuals

Inancial assessment of Cathay Pacific Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Inancial assessment of Cathay Pacific - Essay Example al, 2008). It has also been apparently observed that the financial performance of different companies is regarded as one of the important aspects of modern business. In this age of global economic crisis, companies are more interested in managing business in such a way so that they can accomplish their respective business targets successfully. Its financial statements can determine the financial performance of any company. Various factors can affect the financial performance of companies at large. Hence, it is the responsibility of the management of different companies to detect the potential threats and ensure that their financial position remains stable. One of the major business targets of the companies is to maintain sustainable business with profitable growth. It can be seen that the financial performance of companies largely depends on the efficiency of their operations that is directly related to the performance of the employees in this present day context. In order to make it self different from other rival competitors, companies need to have a proper and efficient work force that can effectively work towards the accomplishment of the organizational goals by a considerable level. In this regard, the recruitment and retention policies of different companies seem to be quite significant in as far as goal attainment is concerned (Knight& Bertoneche, 2000; Jackson & et. al., 2011). This paper seeks to provide a clear assessment of the financial performance of Cathay Pacific within the context of the prevailing global economic climate. On top of that, the paper also seeks to develop effective plans in terms of recruitment, selection, and retention for Cathay Pacific. Company Overview Cathay Pacific is a Hong Kong based Airline Company. The company operates in 42 countries throughout the globe and it was established in 1946 in Hong Kong. Since then it has acquired a leading position in the global airline industry. The company competes with different airline co mpanies across the globe and it strives to deliver quality services to the customers. The company achieved numerous awards since its inception. In 2003, the company attained airline carrier of the year award that significantly distinguished itself from its rival competitors. The company became extremely popular for its excellent services to the customers better known as â€Å"service straight from the heart.† This unique quality of the company eventually made it one of the most reputable airline companies in the world (Cathay Pacific, n.d.; Cathay Pacific, 2011). Global Economic Climate of the Airline Industry The global economy experienced a downfall during the previous years. It can also be said that the airline industry was not spared by this global economic crisis. The rise of fuel price also had a severe impact on the airline industry. In addition, it has been further noted that the new regulations imposed by the European Union especially in the catering area as well as safety has also effected the working operations of the airline companie

Exploring The Health Benefits Of Tea

Exploring The Health Benefits Of Tea Japan the country with the worlds longest life expectancy. Based on Paul Wiseman, journalist from USA TODAY reported that Japanese live longer life compared to everyone else in the world (par. 1). Frank Jordans, journalist of The Huffington Post also states that Japanese girls that are born in the year 2009 have a high chance of living to the year 2095, some may even stand the chance to explore the wonders of the next century (par. 1). Have you ever question the reason why Japanese carries the title of the worlds longest life expectancy? One of the reason is Japanese consume tea, in large quantity. Many countries across the globe believed in the health benefits of drinking tea peculiarly China, Japan, India and even England. Tea, commonly known as the natures wonder drug should be continuously explored by the general public to increase health awareness (Tea Benefits). The natures wonder drug tea, plays an important role in varies countries around the world which includes the formation of cultural ceremonies, trade routes, formal events, entertainment, and leisure for almost 4000 years. Tea is important not just solely due to the taste but also the health benefits that are tied along this ancient drink. Hence, people should include tea into their daily routine and experience the revitalizing benefits of tea (Walker). Tea has numerous health benefits that could be grouped into 5 different categories: overall health care, mental health, internal organ, fitness appearance, and illness disease. Tea contains chemicals known as polyphenols that provides antioxidant properties of tea. Antioxidant reduces the rate of aging process and improves regeneration of cells (Bell). It is true that coffee also contains antioxidant properties that have similar effect towards our human body, but, coffee contains much more caffeine as compared to tea that contributes towards a negative effect on human. For every ounces of green tea, it contains 3.1mg of caffeine while every ounce of a Starbucks Tall Coffee contains 21.7mg of caffeine (Energy Fiend). In this case, the caffeine level in coffee is 7 times stronger compared to tea. Just like any drugs, caffeine causes a chemical reaction that creates addiction towards the brain that will cause withdrawal symptoms when caffeine is not taken. When temporary stimulation is not given, brain cells will start demand for caffeine for stimulation. Deprivation of caffeine might even result in severe conditions like depression or other mental problem (Jo hnson). In addition, tea helps to keep body hydrated. Most caffeinated drinks actually dehydrate body fluid unless more than five to six cups are consumed at a time but tea has the opposite reaction. Tea is shown to be healthier than water as it keeps body hydrated in the same time providing antioxidants and a moderate amount of caffeine that is suitable for body intake (Walker). Many researches also show that tea provides a positive impact towards the brain and improve mental state of a person. Tea contains amino acid L-theanine that is scientifically proven to improve relaxation and concentration (Walker). I understand that many people like to drink coffee at it provides similar effects, some may even argue that coffee is better than tea as it provide instantaneous and stronger boost towards the brain as it contains a much higher level of caffeine. However, when high dosage of caffeine is consumed to provide the mental stimulant, it will lead to depression, mood swing and nervousness in the long run (Rodolfo). Tea also decreases the probability of having cognitive impairment, which affects the ability to think, reason, formulate ideas, and remember. Research shows that Japanese adults who drink at least 2 cups of green tea daily decrease the risk of cognitive impairment by 50%. Stress is unavoidable across age, gender, nationality and culture. Cortisol, a s tress hormone shows a 20% drop as a result of drinking 4 cups of tea daily for one month. This evidently proves that tea have the effect of reduce stress hormone level (Walker). Long term consumption of coffee in a daily basis will also disturb a persons sleeping pattern. Coffee, a beverage with high level of caffeine is a chemical stimulant that will stimulate our brain to be awake for a longer time period than normal people. This also means that people that consume coffee actually have a shorter sleeping period, and the quality sleep is highly affected. As caffeine is an addictive chemical, it will affect sleeping pattern of a person, and possibly causes insomnia or other sleeping problems, creating feeling of restlessness, tremors, and etc. The level of negative effects varies accordingly based on the consumption period, and consumption quantity (Johnson). Japan to be title the worlds longest life expectancy is mainly due to the fact that tea has many beneficial effects related to our internal organ, mainly our heart. Firstly, tea reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke as it prevents dangerous blood clots which is the main cause of heart attack and stroke. The Boston Area Health Study recorded a 44% lower risk when a person consume at least one cup of tea daily compared to a person that doesnt drink tea (McKay, and Blumberg 3). Not just in Boston, In a long-term study of a Dutch cohort, the highest tertile of tea consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from coronary heart disease and lower incidence of stroke (Yang, and Landau 2410). A reader might ask, is coffee good for our heart as well? Joseph A. Vita from Evans Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine states that There was no significant relationship between coffee consumption and cardiovascular disease ( 3293S). Hence, this proves that there is no significant positive correlation between coffees as compared with the natures wonder drug tea. On the other hand, tea helps lessen blood pressure level in the body and decrease risk of hypertension. Drinking half a cup of green tea daily could reduce blood pressure risk by up to half and it has a directly proportional relationship between tea consumption and reduction of blood pressure risk. The more tea is consumed daily, the further reduction of blood pressure risk. A research was held in Taiwan with 1507 subjects to test the long term effect of tea upon hypertension and it was concluded that consumption of more than 120ml or more per day for one year significantly decrease the risk of hypertension in the Chinese population (Yi-Ching Yang et al. 1534). Using this research as the fundamental base of argument, consumption of tea in a large quantity will further provide benefits towards our heart, hence, tea should be included into our daily routine. Teas benefits are not just limited to our heart and blood pressure, it also proven to improve our digestive system. For the past 5000 years, tea has been widely used in China as an after-meal drink to aid digestion as it contains high level of tannins. Other than that, polyphenols in green tea presented an effect that helps intestinal inflammation while antispasmodic agent available in the properties of red tea helps to relief stomach cramp (Walker). On the other hand, using coffee as a comparison, drinking coffee with an empty stomach will harm our internal body which will leads to ulcer growth in the long run (Rodolfo). As a people slowly include tea into their daily routine, they will discover tea can not only improve mentally brain, physically internal organs but also providing effects on a persons fitness and appearance as well. Most people does not know that tea contains tannins and fluoride, substance that is contain in regular toothpaste, in which both reduce oral tooth decay and plaque. University of Chicago proposed polyphenols that is contain in tea aids bad breath. Hence, tea provides a platform for oral care that includes healthier teeth and breath issues that is suffered by people. Antioxidant in green tea also take place in acne problems, it was shown to be functioning the same as 4% benzoyl peroxide which is mainly used in acne treatment, bleaching teeth and hair and improving flour (Walker). Hence, why not get acne-free skin from natural antioxidant by drinking tea? A cup of tea with its full aroma has no calories unless sweeteners, sugar or milk is added. This beverage is one of the healthiest low calorie drinks that provide the morning boost without worrying of gaining weight (Walker). It is true that coffee itself is also calorie free, but, most coffee drinkers have the habit of adding sugar, creamer, sweeter or milk into their coffee compared to tea drinkers, using the research held in Taiwan, out of 1507 subjects, only 4.8% have the habit of adding milk into their beverage tea (Yi-Ching Yang et al. 1537). It was also found out by the department of chemical biology of the State University of New Jersey that feeding oolong tea to diet-induced obese mice for 10 weeks prevented obesity and fatty liver (Yang, and Landau 2411). In addition, consumption of coffee (caffeine) in large quantity at once will also disrupt sugar level in blood that could affect fat burning to change into storing fat which will cause it weight gain and other negative ef fects towards out body (Wash). Since tea has so many benefits towards our health in regards of mentally nor physically, does tea have any positive implication towards illness and disease as well? The answer is YES. Tea contributes towards strengthening of our body immune defenses system. A study was held among tea drinkers and coffee drinkers to compare immune activity within the body and it was found that immunity activity was up to five times higher in tea drinkers. Hence, practice the habit of drinking tea especially when there are people around you not feeling too well as it could help to prevent germs or virus entering your body. As tea increase our immunity system, tea also aids fighting flu as participants who gargle black tea extract solution twice a day was found to be more immune to flu virus (Walker). Instead of taking flu shots, why not just try the magical effect of tea? Besides, tea contains alkylamine antigens, which is an organic compound similar function as some bacteria and tumor cells to boost immunity. Evidence shown that tea even has effect on serious infections like sepsis, a severe bacterial infection in body tissue or blood stream. Likewise, tea also has effect in preventing food poisoning. Bacteria which lead to food poisoning are killed and toxins effects are minimize through a substance known as catechin, a bitter ingredient in green tea. With the combination of catechin and polysaccharides, it was also found to have an effect on lowering blood sugar, which will also, leads to diabetes prevention in the long run (Walker). It is true that coffee prevents type 2 diabetes, it is a beverage that naturally contains sugar that are sugar friendly to our blood, if no additional substance (sugar, creamer, syrup, and etc.) are added, it is no doubt coffee is beneficial for controlling sugar level when consumed in small quantity. Based on the World Health Organization statistics, cancer the leading cause of death with 13% worldwide, accounted for 7.9 million people in 2007. The bad news is that deaths caused by cancer are projected with an uphill slope of up to 12 million deaths in 2030. The good news is, about 30% of the death caused by cancer can be prevented (Cancer). Tea, offers a gateway toward the prevention of cancer. Many experiments and research are held to question the relationship between tea and prevention of cancer development. Studies held in Asia among 8552 Japanese adults for nine years, all subjects consume at least 10 cups of green daily are found to be having the effect of delaying cancer onset. The protective effect differs according with gender females by 8.7 years while male by three years when compared to subjects consume less than 3 cups a day. On the contrary, the delay effect of cancer was found to be less significant in Europe populations who generally consume black tea. Therefore it is important to understand the effects of different tea on our body as well as the effect of tea also differ on type of cancer (McKay, and Blumberg 6). For instance, no relation was found between tea and breast cancer in recent studies in United States, Netherlands and Italy. Conversely, 472 Japanese patient with stage I and II breast cancer recorded an inverse relationship between green tea consumption period and recurrence rate after seven years. Green tea contains substances that able modifies sex hormones that have major relationship with the risk of breast cancer reoccurrence (McKay, and Blumberg 6). Another study that was held in Iowa in regards of postmenopausal woman, it was shown that there are lower risk for urinary tract cancer and digestive tract cancer when black tea is consumed (Yang, Landau 2411). Besides that, in Netherlands, 120852 people were observed to have a weak, inverse association with consumption of black tea and stomach cancer. However, in Poland, a significant result of stomach cancer reduction is found in woman who drank tea daily. Although the effect does not occur to men, it is important to take note th at growth of stomach cancer cells are inhibited through theaflavins, a substance contain in black tea (McKay, and Blumberg 6). The most important point is to acknowledge the different tea has its own unique chemical substances and effects towards human body in the same time understanding that there is no one tea fit all concept. The effects of tea vary accordingly and it is high affected by lifestyle, eating habit, geographical, population and climate of an individual. A careful in dept study should be held in each nation to understand the chemical properties of tea in associate with lifestyle from that area itself to obtain its greatest potential benefits. In the nut shell, tea has a vast variety of benefits which includes taking care of our overall health care and mental health, protecting our internal organs, in the same time provides a better fitness and appearance. It also provides preventive measures for illness and disease. Hence, the next time anyone asks the question, Hello, would you like coffee or tea? Please reply, I would like TEA.

Environmental Conflicts In Literature :: essays research papers

Conflicts are a very prominent element in literature. If you were to look up the dictionary definition of â€Å"conflict†, you would find that it is a â€Å"struggle, controversy, or fight.† Conflicts can take many forms, and each has its own place in literature. Environmental conflicts are certainly one of the more recognized and appreciated types of conflicts. They are easy to identify, understand, and analyze. An environment can be described as one’s surroundings, so logically, an environmental conflict is a conflict with one’s surroundings. Environmental conflicts pit man against a greater power, and it is unsure what will happen next. Throughout [good] literature, a vast array of environmental conflicts can be found. Let us take a look at â€Å"Leiningen Versus the Ants,† by Carl Stephenson. In this story, environmental conflicts are exceedingly prevalent. In fact, the entire story is built upon the â€Å"act of God† that Leiningen faces. A twenty square mile army of ants threatens Leiningen’s plantation and his life. The ants prove to be a formidable opponent, even for a man of such cunning as Leiningen. They represent the power and unpredictability of nature—a perfect example of an environmental conflict. Not all environmental conflicts are huge, apocalyptic, catastrophic events. They can be as simple or commonplace as a tree falling. Such is the case in â€Å"The Interlopers,† by Saki. Saki recognizes the power of nature, and makes use of something so unimportant as a fallen tree to trap Ulrich and Georg beneath it, and dramatically alter the course of the entire story. Not only that, but at the end of the story, Saki uses wolves to change the direction of the story once more, and this time he creates some irony as well. In almost all cases, the environment does triumph over man in some way or another. â€Å"To Build a Fire,† by Jack London is a prime example of this happening to a large extent. A man and his dog are lost in the wilderness at sub-zero temperatures, and he is not only involved in an environmental conflict, but a struggle to live. Eventually the man dies of hypothermia. Again, this is another instance that illustrates the power that nature has over us.

Box Reliquary of the True Cross and Other Byzantium Devotional Art

This exquisite box, currently exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, was made in Constantinople (Byzantium, now Istanbul) in the late 8th or early 9th century. Such relics are said to have housed the pieces of the True Cross, which was allegedly discovered in the 4th century by Saint Helena, mother of the first Christian Roman emperor Constantine (New York Met Museum, 2005). During the time of the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire, Constantinople was to become the largest Christian city in the Christian world.It managed to fend off attacks from the Arabs with its superior navy and Greek methods of warfare (Ellie Crystal, â€Å"Byzantine Empire,† 1995 – 2005). This box survived the Iconoclast Crisis in the 8th century, when Emperor Leo III banned all activity involving â€Å"idol worship†. All sculptures and icons containing images saints and other religious luminaries were ordered to be destroyed, and the only symbols allowed to be used f or religious reverence, were that of plants and birds or the Cross.Prior to the crisis, however, such reliquaries were very common for the safekeeping of pieces of the True Cross or the bones of saints, and were very common at the time. The iconoclasm was a very violent and turbulent time in Byzantium due to the zealotry of Leo III and his differences with the Patriarch of the time and according to various account, Leo III took a volcanic eruption on the island of Thera as a sign of God’s wrath over idolatry in the Church (Wikipedia). It was during the ban of religious icons that the Patriarch of Constantinople, Germanus I, was removed or resigned his post.Meanwhile, in the West of Byzantium, Pope Gregory III condemned Leo III’s decisions and actions and held two synods at Rome, publicly denouncing the iconoclasm. In retaliation, Leo III seized papal lands as well as raided churches and seized altar cloths, reliquaries and plates (History of the Byzantine State and Soc iety, Treadgold, Helen, Stanford University Press, 1997). Following Leo III’s death, his son Constantine V continued the ban and here is where some interesting occurrences come to light: the monasteries began to protest publicly. One monk, John of Damascus, protested iconoclasm through his theological writings.Another monk, Theodore the Studite brought things to a head by writing a letter to Pope Paschal containing strong words against the emperor. This brought dire consequences and was considered a major political step in the wrong direction by Constantine V, who invaded the monasteries, seizing their relics and throwing them into the sea. The next move from Constantine was to ban the monks from invoking the saints. This terrible period came to an end upon the death of Constantine V’s son Leo IV, whose Athenian wife Irene took position as regent for their young son, who would be the future emperor.She brought an end to iconoclasm and restored the ability of the artisa ns of the time to create icons depicting saints, Jesus, and the other figures of Christianity. It is difficult to imagine such violence over images used for the purposes of drawing upon the power of God being so violently opposed when icons and images of political figures were considered to be acceptable works of respect. Already it is easy to see that the survival of this box reliquary is almost a miracle in itself, considering the wanton destruction of such items, even as common as they were.Since this particular box is made of certain substances that are considered rare today, let us now turn our attention to the box itself. It is small, measuring 4 inches long and 2-7/8 inches across. The estimated date of creation of this box is the late 8th to early 9th century, which would be the period of iconoclasm discussed above (NY Met Museum). This box reliquary is constructed of cloisonne enamel, silver, silver-gilt, gold and niello. The fascinating things about the box’s compos ition are the components of cloisonne enamel and niello, neither of which were native to Byzantium.Niello was commonly used in Europe until the Renaissance, but rarely used after that (Hillwood Museum & Gardens, n. d. ). Cloisonne enamel was very popular in China during the Ming dynasty, but appears to have its origins in Cyprus (Dr. Panicos Michaelides, 1989). It was during the Byzantine Empire that cloisonne enamel was perfected and put to wide use from the 6th to 12th centuries, with the methods being transmitted to China in the 15th century where the art of cloisonne was further perfected to such a degree that China set the standard for quality of this substance (ChineseMoods. com, 2005).The substance of cloisonne enamel is glass powder mixed with water until a paste is formed. The paste is then applied to the die-cast of metal such as gold, silver or copper. Each color used in the process is fired separately, making for a very labor-intensive construction of only one part of th e box decoration. There appear to be three colors used in terms of cloisonne enamel; blue, white and green. The metal in this case is gold, to which the cloisonne enamel was adhered. The lid of the box reliquary features Christ still alive on the cross in the crucifixion scene, accompanied by the Virgin and St. John at his feet.Bordering the crucifixion scene are the images of fourteen saints. The underside of the lid features descriptive yet somewhat primitive art depicting four scenes from the life of Jesus: the Annunciation, Nativity, Crucifixion, and Anastasis (or Descent into Limbo). Inside the box are five compartments arranged in the shape of a cross, where relics would be kept. The four sides of the box feature the fourteen saints found on the lid, and are also made of cloisonne enamel and the bottom of the box features a beautiful cross in gold. The other substance of interest is niello, which is a black metal mixture used for decorative purposes.It is truly a lost art, as niello is rarely used today due to technological advancements in goldsmithing replacing the ancient arts of engraving with tools and chisels (Prof. Dr. Erhard Brepohl, 2001). According to Dr. Brepohl, the making of niello involves melting and mixing silver, copper and lead, the use of borax and sulphur (which explains why niello is no longer popular, since its ingredients are highly toxic), After a rather tedious and noxious fume-producing procedure, the metal alloy is then quickly cooled so that it breaks into granules. The granules are then ground with a mortar and pestle and mixed with flux to create a paste.When struck with a hammer. The finished niello should be uniformly black and shatter like glass. The niello paste is applied into the recesses of the object to be decorated (in the case of this box reliquary it would be the etched lid), then fired and cleaned. One can only stand in awe of the meticulous care with which this little box and other reliquaries were made, with suc h precision and detail to last for centuries. In terms of how the Byzantine Empire gained these skills to become virtually unparalleled as extraordinary artisans, friendly exchanges with the West are the source.Through flourishing trade routes and the power of the Roman Empire, Byzantine religious art took on enormous proportions. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, â€Å"From classical and ancient Christian art Byzantine genius derived a correct combination of the ideal with truth to nature, harmonious unity along with precision in details, as well as the fondness for mosaics, frescoes, and pictures on panels, in opposition to the dislike of non-Christian and sectarian Orientals to pictorial representation. † The rich symbolism depicts reverence and devotion completely absent in modern art.The reliquaries were made in anticipation of what would be kept within them and crafted with utmost skill and care. Although many were destroyed during the iconoclastic crisis, enough of them remain today to view in museums such as the Met, hopefully to inspire people that view them and understand the enormous skill and even danger that went into making and keeping them. Other reliquaries are simpler in nature and construction, such as the box reliquary of the Sancta Sanctorum Treasure, which measures 27. 7 X 18. 0 cm (approx. 10. 9 X 7. 1 inches).This box is bigger than the box reliquary described above, but is less ornate. It is constructed of wood and tempura and is red in color. Gold leaf adorns the five scenes depicted on the lid, which are of the Nativity, Baptism, Crucifixion, Women at the Tomb and the Ascension, read from the bottom left to upper right (Gary Vikan, 1982). Housed in the Vatican museum, this particular box contains stones collected in the sixth and seventh centuries in the Holy Land, along with bits of wood and cloth. This particular box is considered to be the rarest among the Sanctus Sanctorum Treasures (Cleveland Museum Of Art, 1998).Whe n contemplating how these relics survived the destruction during the above noted Iconoclasm we must also look to Europe during the 8th and 9th Centuries, where Christianity was taking hold. One interesting fact is that beginning in the year 787, all new Christian churches had to have a relic in order to be consecrated. Since Christianity was spreading at such a rapid rate in Europe, the Church provided relics and reliquaries from her collection (Richard Jones-Nerzic, 2002). Relics were considered to be pilgrims’ souvenirs and reliquaries were specifically crafted for the safekeeping of those relics.As reliquaries and relics began to spread to Europe, owning them became a symbol of status (Jones-Nerzic) because of their origins in Byzantium and the dangerous journey they made to get into the hands of the Europeans. Another form of Byzantine art was the carving of ivory reliefs, such as the Triptych Icon of Hodegetria, (Greek for â€Å"She who shows the way†) made in Con stantinople in the late 10th Century. This exquisite three-paneled piece shows wear due to veneration over time, and features the Virgin with the Christ Child as well as two unknown saints on the folding wings of the triptych.This triptych is 4-3/4 inches high and 9 inches in length (The Walters Art Museum, 2001). An outstanding and elaborate ivory triptych is housed at the Louvre; it is called the Harbaville Triptych after the last known owners and features the elegance and detail of the revival of icon use after the iconoclasm. This triptych is sunning, with the central panel depicting the Deesis (entreaty) of Christ enthroned on behalf of humanity (Louvre Museum, n. d. ). Flanking the Son Of Man is the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist.Beneath the center panel and on the wings are the apostles, martyrs and soldiers. This piece is considered to be one of the finest from the imperial workshop known as â€Å"Romanus† and combines several different techniques from the Orien t as well as classical antiquity and the Christian tradition. The reverse side of the central panel is embellished with a Latin cross featuring rosettes along with scenes from the Garden of Eden. Two cypress trees, one on either side of the cross represent Good and Evil, all under a starry background.The side panels depict saints with books or crosses. Traces of gold leaf can still be found on this triptych, and the Louve literature states that there are two other similar ivory triptychs, one being housed in the Vatican and the other at the Palace in Venice. All three are thought to have been carved around the same time, between the 9th and 11th centuries in Constantinople. One more example of these reliquaries is a cross reliquary featuring St. John Chrysostom, made in Constantinople around 920 – 930 (Dr. Rozmeri Basic, 2000-2005).Made of gilded wood and painted, the scenes of this lovely box depict St. John Chrysostom on the underside of the lid, with the Crucifixion on the top. The scene inside the box is decorated around a cavity for the box’s contents and features saints and angels in detail. Given the turbulent times and the rich history surrounding Byzantium and Europe during the medieval times, it is a wonder that pilgrims dared to cross into the Holy Land. But they did, driven by the desire to see and touch the very places and items associated with Jesus and the saints.Reliquaries were designed for this purpose, enabling pilgrims to bring back earth, bits of bone or cloth, anything that could be deemed something from a sacred place. Pilgrims often traveled in groups and were subject to robberies and even murder from roadside bandits and wild animals, including lions. Still, the faithful made their journeys and the reliquaries that made it back to their homelands were preserved and valued not only as pieces of art but also as items in contact with the Messiah’s surrounding. Some even were professed to have healing properties.Recrea ting these reliquaries in modern times would be considered labor-intensive and toxic; some of the ingredients used in the reliquaries certainly shortened more than one life span of an artist in the ancient days; still, reliquaries are being reproduced and copies are on the open market, still drawing an intrigue after more than a millennium. References Basic, Dr. Rozmeri. 2000 – 2005, â€Å"Early Christian and Byzantine Art. † University Of Oklahoma. |Online|, available at: http://www. ou. edu/class/ahi4263/byzhtml/p05-04. htmlBrepohl, Erhard Prof. Dr. 2001, â€Å"Nillo Work†, Brynmorgen Press. |Online|, available at: http://www. ganoksin. com/borisat/nenam/nillo-work-10-1. htm â€Å"Byzantine Art†, 2003, Online Catholic Encyclopedia, K. Knight. |Online|, available at: http://www. newadvent. org/cathen/03095a. htm â€Å"Cloisonne†, 2005, Chinese Moods. |Online|, available at: http://www. chinesemoods. com/cloisonne. html Crystal, Ellie. 1995  œ 2005, â€Å"The Byzantine Empire: The Roman Byzantine Period†, Crystal Links Encyclopedia. |Online|, available at: http://www. crystalinks.com/byzantine. html â€Å"Decorative Arts: Middle Ages: The Harbaville Triptych. † N. d. , The Louvre Museum. Online|, available at: http://www. louvre. fr/llv/oeuvres/detail_notice. jsp? CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673226172&CURRENT_LLV_NOTICE%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673226172&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=9852723696500778&bmUID=1133157145797&bmLocale=en Jones-Nerzic, Richard. June 2002, â€Å"European Medieval Pilgrimage Project – Relics. † Virtual School History Department. |Online|, available at: http://194. 3. 120. 243/humanities/vs/pilgrims/relics. htmâ€Å"Reliquary of the True Cross (Staurotheke), late 8th–early 9th century Byzantine; Made in Constantinople†, 2005, Metropolitan Art Museum of New York. |Online|, available at: http://www. metmuseum. org/toah/ho/06/eusb/hod_17. 190. 715ab. htm â€Å"The first iconoclastic period: 730-787†, 2005, Wikipedia. |Online|, available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Iconoclasm#The_first_iconoclastic_period:_730-787 â€Å"The Medieval World: Triptych Icon of Hodegetria with Saints. † 2001, The Walters Art Museum. |Online|, available at: http://www. thewalters.org/html/collec_object_detail. asp? ID=2&object_ID=71. 158 â€Å"Vatican Treasures. † 1998, Cleveland Museum Of Art, Past Exhibits. |Online|, available at: http://www. clevelandart. org/exhibit/vatican/ Vican, Gary. 1982, â€Å"Byzantine Pilgrimage Art. † Dumbarton Oaks, Trustees for Harvard University, Washington, D. C. |Online|, available at: http://www. doaks. org/PilgrimageArt. pdf Secondary Reference Treadgold, Helen. 1997, â€Å"History of the Byzantine State and Society†, Stanford University Press. Secondary resource contained within Wikipedia, cited above.