Can Religion Make You Happy? Essay -- Happiness Essays

â€Å"If Religion Makes People Happy, Why Are So Many Dropping Out?† -- Louis Tay and David G. Meyers. Throughout history, religion has helped form the basic fabric of society. From an early age, religion provided the answers to any unexplainable natural phenomena. The question of why the world worked in a particular way was easily answered with â€Å"because [name of deity] made it that way.† Religion was everywhere; everyone had their own ideas about how the world worked and what their role was in the universe. Each likeminded group held that their religious beliefs were the root cause of their happiness and general satisfaction with life. Centuries of religious dominance eventually gave birth to a widespread idea that strong religious beliefs are essential to living a happy and fulfilling life. Even today, in a society dominated by scientific advances, religion finds a niche in catering to people’s spiritual needs. Indeed, despite the societal changes that have occurred in modern times, religion has remained largely unchanged since its early days. The belief t hat religion factors heavily into one’s life satisfaction and happiness has also remained much the same, despite today’s complex and ever-changing society. The problem lies where religion is viewed as a major way to achieve happiness, and this perspective can lead to blind acceptance of religion solely on the basis of its supposed universal benefits. Basically, a new way of looking at religion is needed: seeing it not as the end-all happiness tool, but as a small factor in a complex web of happiness and well-being. Traditionally, organized religion in the Western world encouraged a melancholy outlook on life. Today, however, religion represents an image of happi... ...tz, Hans-Georg; Lewis, Christopher Alan. â€Å"The Relationship Between Religion and Happiness Among German Students.† Pastoral Psychology. 51.4 (2003): 273-281. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Web. 19 June 2015. Madigan, Timothy J. â€Å"Godless Happiness.† Free Inquiry Summer 1998: 32+. Student Resources in Context. Web. 19 June 2015. Moeller, Philip. â€Å"Religion Makes People Happier--But Why?† Chicago Tribune. N.p., 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 15 June 2015. Myers, David G. â€Å"Who’s Happy? Who’s Not?† Christianity Today. 23 Nov. 1992: 23+. Gale Power Search. Web. 19 June 2015. Schumaker, John F. â€Å"Can Religion Make You Happy?† Free Inquiry Summer 1998: 28+. Student Resources in Context. Web. 19 June 2015. Stearns, Peter N. â€Å"The History of Happiness. (Cover Story).† Harvard Business Review 90.1/2 (2012): 104-109. Business Source Complete. Web. 6 June 2015.

Events in Czechoslovakia in 1938-1939 Essay

Ultimately, the events in Czechoslovakia in 1938-1939 played a major role in contributing to the outbreak of world war 2 as it ended the appeasement policy and led to Britain’s realization that war was the only solution. However, the nazi soviet pact is also a factor as it gave germany the confidence to invade Poland, a move that guaranteed war. After the anschluss, Czechoslovakia was next on hitler’s list of expansion. The Czech government felt threatened, and sought support from Britain and france should Hitler invade Czechoslovakia, and both Britain and france felt bound to help them. On 15 september 1938, Hitler told chamberlain that he would risk war to bring the Sudeten germans into germany. Chamberlain found his demands reasonable, and decided that areas in which more than half the population was germans should be handed over to Hitler. However on 22 sep Hitler stepped his demands and asked for the whole of Sudetenland. Originally, chamberlain rejected his demands. Eventually, in an attempt to avoid war, he, along with Mussolini and the prime minister of france decided that Sudetenland would be given to germany. This was known as the munich agreement (29 sep). Czechoslovakia was not consulted, and it had felt betrayed. Following that, Hitler then assured chamberlain that he had no further claims in Europe. However, in march 1939, Hitler took over the rest of Czechoslovakia, showing that he could not be trusted. Following that, Britain and france both abandoned the appeasement policy and announced that it would declare war on germany in event that Hitler invaded Poland. However, the nazi soviet pact was also an extremely important factor as it enabled Hitler to avoid a two frontwar, and allowed him to continue to provoke the western countries as stalin now secured his eastern border. Hence, Hitler could now channel all his resources to fighting the western front. Hitler learnt 2 important lessons from the First World War. Firstly, the importance of the involvement of Russia if a Slavic nation was attacked and next the strain of having to fight a war on two fronts. Therefore, the nazi soviet pact was signed on 23 august 1939 where communist Russia agreed to remain neutral if Poland was attacked. It also contained a secret protocol whereby germany and Russia agreed to carve up Poland between them, with germany getting the western parts and Russia getting the eastern parts along with Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. With this, Hitler felt assured and proceeded to attack Poland, which unleashed the second world war. In analysis, the events in Czechoslovakia played an extremely significant role in contributing to the outbreak of war in 1939 as compared to the signing of the nazi soviet pact. The events in Czechoslovakia had laid the foundation for the outbreak of war, and it was after the invasion of Czech that led to Britain’s realization that hitler’s aims went way further than merely just redressing the wrongs of the Treaty of Versailles. It showed that Hitler aimed to dominate central Eastern Europe and British knew that war was the only solution in stopping him. Furthermore, the invasion of Czechoslovakia was so unjust that it gave Britain the high moral ground to â€Å"defend the right† without regard to self-interest. This was the point when Britain and France announced that they would declare war on Hitler were he to invade Poland. Although the nazi soviet pact did play a small role, it merely acted as the trigger for the invasion of Poland. Hitler’s invasion of Poland was inevitable, and the pact merely sped up the process. Rather, the decision of Britain and france to abandon appeasement and to defend Poland was made after the events in Czechoslovakia is 1938-1939, thus making it more crucial.

Essay about Adam Smith Father of Economics - 5633 Words

Final Paper | Dr. Kang: History of Economic Thought | | | | Brian Witt | | | Brian Witt Dr. Kang MBE 330.01 Final Paper Adam Smith: â€Å"The Father of Economics† Adam Smith was a Scottish moral philosopher and a pioneer of political economics. One of the key figures of the Scottish Enlightenment and modern economics, Smith is an author of The Theory of Moral Sentiments and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nation, now known to be called The Wealth of Nations. Smith is commonly cited as the father of modern economics. Smith studied moral philosophy at the University of Glasgow and Oxford University. After graduating, he delivered a successful series of public lectures at Edinburgh, leading†¦show more content†¦Smith began delivering public lectures in 1748 at Edinburgh under the patronage or Lord Kames (Rae, 1895). His lecture topics included rhetoric and belles-lettres, and later the subject of â€Å"the progress of opulence.† On this latter topic he first expounded his economic philosophy of â€Å"the obvious and simple system of natural liberty.† While Smith was not adept at public speaking, his lectures met with success (Buchan, 2006). In 1750, he met the philosopher David Hume, who was his senior by more than decade. In their writings covering history, politics, philosophy, economics, and religion, Smith and Hume shared closer intellectual and personal bonds than with other important figures of the Scottish Enlightenment. In 1751, Smith earned a professorship at Glasgow University teaching logic courses. When the head of Moral Philosophy died the next year, Smith took over the position. He worked as an academic for the next 13 years, which he characterized as â€Å"by far the most useful and therefore by far the happiest and most honourable period† (Rae, 1895). Smith published The Theory of Moral Sentiments in 1759, embodying some of his Glasgow lectures. This work was concerned with how human morality depends on sympathy between agent and spectator, or the individual and other members of society. Smith defined â€Å"sympathy† as the feeling of moral sentiments. He based his explanation not on a special â€Å"moral sense,† as the third Lord Shaftesbury and Hutcheson had done, or onShow MoreRelatedAdam Smith : The Father Of Economics1599 Words   |  7 Pages The first individual to discuss is Adam Smith. One of the most notable tags associated with Smith is he is known as the â€Å"father of economics.† Adam Smith was a philosopher and thus this caused him to question all things about the world as well as other aspects of nature (Overview of Economics). As Smith studied, he examined closely the business side of the world and made some interesting predictions. He believed that people in societies, who behaved and acted in their own interest would produceRead MoreThe Father of Economics - Adam Smith3144 Words   |  13 PagesThe Father of the Economics During the 18th century, when Adam Smith lived, the most important social, moral, and technological presumptions had matured. These assumptions have helped to shape the market system as the publicly accepted and entrenched economic lifestyle, and the basis for cultural and even ethical relationships. The presumptions were market intensification and the spread of money operations, as well as the need for accounting and technical production, not the seizure of newRead MoreAdam Smith : The Father Of Modern Economics And Capitalism2619 Words   |  11 PagesApril 2014 Adam Smith was an influential 18th century philosopher who many consider to be the â€Å"father of modern economics and capitalism.† Born in 1723 in Scotland, he was one of the greatest classical liberal thinkers of all time. He is best known for his works The Wealth of Nations and The Theory of Moral Sentiments. His ideas were developed during the mid-1700s, during the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution was one of the largest social, political, and economic shifts in humanRead MoreThe Invisible Hand By Adam Smith923 Words   |  4 Pagesperson. Obvious that is Adam Smith. Even though, after ten years or thousand years the economists will recall Adam Smith. Moreover, if you visit United Kingdom you can recognize Adam Smith face in the 50 and 20 pounds. ‘Man is an animal that makes bargains†- Adam Smith (Brainy Quote, (n.d)). That is underling the people’s instinct when they make a deal. â€Å"A person, who received his education through h ard work, is like an expensive Car’- Adam Smith (Brainy Quote, (n.d)). Adam Smith encouraged people toRead MoreClassical and Neoclassical Economists: Adam Smith and John Maynard Keynes1289 Words   |  6 PagesIn order to understand how economics really work in today’s age we must think about how those economic ideas, revolutionary theories of many economists, that helped to shape the economic structure as we know it now, through many individuals and school of economic though that has existed through the ages. These schools are â€Å"the mercantilists, the physiocrats, the classical economists, Marxian economics, the neoclassical economists and the monetarist economics. For this essay I will only refer toRead Moreâ€Å"It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our1000 Words   |  4 Pagesof Nations, which Adam Smith wrote, addresses well about why and what reason people work for. The butcher, the brewer, or the baker does not cut, stir, or bake because they want to please the customer or to feed the poor, but to earn money and for their own happiness. Adam Smith, who fully understood the concepts of capitalism and free market system, became one of the most well respected economists throughout the world. Smith became famous because of his philosophy of economics. Because of his thoughtsRead MoreAdam Smith706 Words   |  3 PagesAdam Smith was a Scottish political economist and moral philosopher, who studied moral philosophy at Oxford University and University of Glasgow. Smith is considered by many to be the founding father of economics and the first free-market capitalist. In fact, in many ways his philosophies and theories have helped shape our country and our economy into what it is today. Smith introduced us to the invisible hand theory which referred to the free markets. The invisible hand theory stated that ultimatelyRead MoreAdam Smith was born in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland on an un known date. While the exact birth date of600 Words   |  3 PagesAdam Smith was born in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland on an unknown date. While the exact birth date of Smith is unknown, records show that he was baptized on June 5, 1723. He was the son of the comptroller of customs in his small village; however, his father sadly died approximately six months prior to Adam being born. He was then raised by a widowed mother. Around the age of 15, Adam Smith attended Glasgow University where he studied moral philosophy. About two years later, in 1940, Smith enrolled inRead MoreEconomics Essay1090 Words   |  5 PagesEconomics is an ever-changing field of study. Within that area of interest, there are many people who have influenced the world with their individual economic point of view. Some of those people have made a fundamental impact upon not only the United States of America, but also upon the world. Adam Smith, David Ricardo, John Maynard Keynes, Friedrich Von Hayek, Milton Friedm an, and Fengbo Zhang are six men who have accomplished just that. Their opinions, actions, and words have forever changed theRead MoreThe Biography Of Adam Smith1505 Words   |  7 PagesThe Biography of Adam Smith Adam Smith was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland in the year 1923, and died in the year 1790 at the age of 67 (Stewart, 1861). His exact date of birth is unknown but was baptized on 5th June 1723. His father was a prosecutor, advocate, and solicitor but passed on two months after his birth, leaving his mother to bring him up. His mother, Margaret Douglas, played a great role in his upbringing, especially in education. He joined the Burgh school where he learned history, writing

As Japan Joined The Global Community, Its Leaders Realized

As Japan joined the global community, its leaders realized that in order for Japan to achieve the same successes as the Western powers, it needed to emulate the methods of the West. Notably, Japan sought to acquire colonial land holdings, in part because Japan lacked many natural resources of its own, but also to be on the same playing field as the Western powers who held many colonies, especially in Asia and the Pacific. Using the Western powers actions in China and Japan with the Unequal Treaties, as well as their actions in other Asian countries, Japan tried to justify their imperialism in Asia by stating they were trying to protect Asia from Western influences and to promote Pan-Asianism. Just like some Western powers have done, the†¦show more content†¦As a result, many Japanese industries expanded into Manchuria with the help of the Japanese government, who desired the concept of fukoku kyÃ… hei, which aimed to increase Japan’s economic and military power. Worl d War I presented Japan a great opportunity to further two of its primary goals: propagating the idea of Pan-Asianism under Japanese rule, and acquiring natural resources for its growing industries. By allying with Britain and America, Japan could seize many imperial holdings of Germany and its allies for itself, as well as sell their military goods to the Western allies. Due to Japan’s support of the winning side of the war and its inclusion in the League of Nations, they had recognition from the Western powers that their new colonies were legitimate. As heard from the many first-hand stories of people in these newly acquired territories, the Pan-Asianism Japan espoused was nothing more than a ruse, and Japan would act much the same as the previous Western rulers. Outwardly, Japan claimed that its imperial actions in Asia were to benefit all Asian people, and to promote Pan-Asianism in the face of Western imperial influence. However, this was mostly a guise by the militarist s in Japan, who wanted a united Asia under the control of Japan. The ultimate plan of the military government was for hakkÃ…  ichiu, or all the world under one roof, which implied that Japan would conquer theShow MoreRelatedAssessment Of An Organization : A Unique Form Of Growth Than Its Peers1295 Words   |  6 Pages Netherlands and Tokyo-Narita, Japan. Delta Airlines currently has around 800 aircraft for his services in over 57 countries where it operates. Overtime, Delta Air Lines have continued to grow as a result of many airline fusions over a period of eight decades. It has also instituted a fine leadership structure. The following is the list of executives that is encompassed in the leadership structure: Richard Anderson is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), he joined the company in April 2007 and eventuallyRead MoreEssay On Foreign Affairs1216 Words   |  5 Pagesaggressive attitude in this matter†. McKinley urged â€Å"patience until a naval investigation could determine the cause of the explosion that sank the Maine.† On the other hand, offsetting the pro-war pressure from newspapers was the concern of the business community for the costs and destruction that would accompany war. America did not want involvement, they just waited patiently and did not have the desire to fight back after the explosion. America started to increase its involvement in foreign affairs duringRead MoreIf Someone Had Told Me In High School That I Would Be Applying1550 Words   |  7 Pagesheadline that read â€Å"U.S. Navy: A Global Force for Good.† I thought to myself that this could allow me to see the world, but it could also give me the opportunity to help people, so I marched down to the recruiter’s office and enlisted. In the Navy I was a welder, a firefighter, an instructor and a leader. Within a few years, I oversaw my entire division, including four people who were ranked higher than me. This was the point in my life in which I really realized who I was. I had been so meek andRead MoreBarack Obama s President Of The Free World2269 Words   |  10 PagesBarack Obama was elected in 2008 his supporters had many high expectations. Here was a man who had just became the first man of color to be elected President of the United States of America, the most powerful nation in the face of the planet and the leader of the free world. Taking on this role was no easy feat as though Obama had inherited the greatest recession the United States had experienced since the Great Depression of the 1930s, millions of Americans were losing their homes. Occupied with thisRead MoreAsean s Security Dilemma ( Asean )4070 Words   |  17 Pagesdespite all the threat, ASEAN set its goal to become a community in December 2015 which has lot of potential to contribute to the world stage but it also has countless number of challenges, mainly caused by its diversities, nationalism and lack of leadership within the region. However, ASEAN seeks to overcome its threats collectively by constructing its identity as ASEAN Centrality with the aim to be the center of the regional structure and be the leader of itself. Nevertheless, ASEAN is currently facingRead MoreContinuity Of Foreign Policy Of The Obama Administration2202 Words   |  9 Pagesthe president has greater influence in foreign and defense policy than in the domestic policy. As the commander-in-chief of the most powerful military forces and the leader of the world’s No. 1 economy, it is safe to say that the US president is the most powerful man in the world. As the US engages in greater extent on the global stage, the power of the president is also amplified. We can think of the decision makers as a circle around the president. Within the thin circle there are always thoseRead MoreCoffee and Starbucks10899 Words   |  44 Pagesapplied to keep tracking in the industry†¦..†¦15 Recommendations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.17 References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦19 Abstract Starbucks opened its first location in Seattle s Pike Place Market in 1971. Now Chairman Howard Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 as Director of Marketing. Schultz visited Italy and noticed the popularity of espresso bars there. He thought this would be a great idea in the Seattle area and convinced Starbucks to open a coffee shop in downtown. Schultz foundedRead MoreCase Study of Automobile Industry5967 Words   |  24 Pageslargest automotive corporation operating in over 70 countries with a presence in more than 200 countries, more than 260 major subsidiaries, and a total of 395,000 employees worldwide which translate into global opportunities that span the planet. Founded in 1908, GM has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in more than 190 countries. General Motors is involved in Telecommunications, Aerospace, Defense, FinancialRead MoreStarbucks Case Study : Starbucks Case Analysis3325 Words   |  14 Pagessales of around $10 billion. Starbucks, along with many other companies, was majorly affected by the 2008 recession. They had no choice but to change their operations and strategy. Starbucks is a growing company and it is imperative that their leader Howard Schultz helps it continue to evolve. Background: Starbucks is an internationally known coffee brand. Starbucks got it’s start in 1971 when three friends, Zev Siegel, Gordon Bowker and Jerry Baldwin decided to partner up and start a coffeeRead MoreTaobao vs. Ebay China8878 Words   |  36 PagesCASE: IB-88 DATE: 01/04/10 TAOBAO VS. EBAY CHINA Ten to 15 years from now, I think China can be eBay s largest market on a global basis†¦. We think China has tremendous long-term potential and we want to do everything we can to maintain 1 our No. 1 position. — Meg Whitman, eBay CEO, 2004 By 2008, Jack Ma, CEO of Alibaba.com Inc., was in a position to consider how to fortify Taobao’s dominant position in China’s online consumer-to-consumer (C2C) market. Ma and his company had come a long way

Essay on Literary Analysis of James Baldwin’s Sonny’s Blues

Fictional writing is generally done just to entertain readers. Some authors create stories with a singular point of view, while others introduce more complex plots and storylines. When it comes to author James Baldwin’s short story Sonny’s Blues, there is much depth given to the storyline and the characters. Sonny’s Blues has been analyzed by many different people throughout time because the story has many elements. From Baldwin’s skillful use of metaphors and similes to his incorporation of religious references, this story is insightfully and complexly written. A simple story about a man and his brother leaves readers with an inside look into family, drug addiction, socioeconomic struggles in the Black community, and the language of Jazz†¦show more content†¦Jazz Fiction is a type of literature that uses jazz music as a language between characters, to illuminate feelings through the use of musical descriptors, and to give the story a jazz-like rh ythm. James Baldwin successfully does each of those things in Sonny’s Blues. One example of how Baldwin uses musical terms to describe something is when Sonny is trying to explain to his brother what it was like being addicted to drugs. He says â€Å"when you finally try to get with it and play it, you realize nobody’s listening†¦Sometimes you’ll do anything to play† (p. 327). He’s using the word â€Å"play† as if he’s talking about an instrument, but really he is talking about his struggle with drugs. The jazz-like rhythm of the story could be felt at different points like during a back and forth dialogue between the brothers: â€Å"All right†¦so it can come again. All right† â€Å"I had to try to tell you† â€Å"Yes, I understand that† â€Å"You’re my brother† â€Å"Yes†¦yes. I understand that† (p. 328) The author also describes Sonny’s walk in a musical way, â€Å"He has a slow, loping walk, something like the Harlem hipsters walk, only hes imposed on this his own half-beat† (p. 325).Show MoreRelatedAnalysis Of James Baldwin s Sonny s Blues 916 Words   |  4 PagesJames Baldwin’s story â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† tells the tale of two African-American brothers trying to survive in 1950s America. Both struggle with darkness in their lives, from drugs to bottling up emotions. The following sources were found Literature Research Center’s website. Each of the four sources will be evaluated for the quality of their information, as well as their usefulness on the topic of darkness in â€Å" â€Å"Sonny’s Blues†. Flibbert, Joseph. Sonny s Blues: Overview. Reference Guide to ShortRead More Franz Kafkas The Metamorphosis and James Baldwins Sonnys Blues 1819 Words   |  8 Pagesthat lead to the development of an individual’s identity. Franz Kafka’s â€Å"The Metamorphosis† illustrates an extreme change in Gregor Samsa’s external identity and the overall outward effect it has on the development of his family. While James Baldwin’s â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† illustrates a young man struggling to find his identity while being pushed around by what society and his family wants him to be. Both of these characters exhibit an underlying struggle of alienation but both also demonstrate a craving

Videodrome Movie Analysis Free Essays

Videodrome Videodrome, directed by David Cronenberg, is a movie setting in Toronto during the early 1980s depicting a television station attempting to broadcast a show of violence and torture named Videodrome. Max Renn, owner of a small-sized television station, learned about a Videodrome, which was broadcasted in Malaysia, just when he wanted a change to the program the station was showing. Max immediately gained interest to the new show and order to start pirating it as he believes that the show would gain popularity quickly. We will write a custom essay sample on Videodrome Movie Analysis or any similar topic only for you Order Now The late 1970s and early 1980s was the time when television gain popularity. It became a social norm to have a television in every room in the house. Television developed into a big part in everyday living, people could not fall asleep without the company of the television. The anxiety slowly rises as with the amount of television people were watching. This anxiety continued to grow as media technology advances. The society then begins to affiliate with videotape, videocassette, VCR, and etc. It almost got to the point when people would never seem to leave the house again. This movie well reflects the social anxiety of the time. After Max watches the footage of actual torture and murder, he began to see illusions of televisions coming to life. As part of the Videodrome project, he also sees himself as a videocassette recorder with hole in his body as a slot to insert video tape. His brain was controlled. The movie came to a conclusion and emphasis on the anxiety with the murder of Max by a television. With the assist of Videodrome, O’Blivion’s prophesy of television coming to life and takeover would come true. Videodrome is a lethal weapon designed by the government that would broadcast signals to give brain tumor in the viewer. The main purpose is to correct the fixation on softcore pornography and violence in the society, by eliminating those who are drawn in the world of videography. The intention was to let Max see Videodrome and broadcast to the public. However, the Videodrome project made no exception to Max as he, too, was brainwashed. Max would then go on to kill his colleagues. The death of Max could David Cronenberg reflected the social anxiety in form of a movie. The director is implying the disturbing effect of social disorder brought by the television and other media technology. The director exaggerated the negative contribution brought by the television and media technology for how it has impacted the social norms. It can be said that the director believed intense television viewer should be doomed for their ignorance of the society. The role of the government and its Videodrome project can be interpreted as a representation of what Cronenberg is doing by filming the movie in real life to make a statement of the false effect brought by the increasing popularity of television culture. How to cite Videodrome Movie Analysis, Papers

Cultural Background Summary free essay sample

Culture is defined as the system of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that the members of society use to cope with their world and with one another, and that are transmitted from generation to generation through learning. Culture helps to understand how things are created, developed, managed and changed. Each culture is unique, People will not find any culture that is exactly like another culture but they can find many similarities. Some similarities are their dedication to their families, religion and their own native cultures as well as fitting into the culture in which they live. Differences between cultures seem to almost outweigh the similarities. Some differences, other than language barriers, are personal and family values, what is considered polite, how hygiene is regarded and what food they eat. My culture has shaped the way that I have lived my life. Within my community there were major Catholic influences. My parents were devout Catholics and many of their friends were as well. Our community was not diversified, but was mostly Catholic, so where friends, authority figures, social gatherings and public hangouts. It was not until high school when the diversity emerged. My parents grew up with Catholic teachings, considering they grew up in a small town in Portugal just outside the city. My mother’s family had a farm. The men’s role would be to work the farm from sunrise to sunset. My mother and grandmother were charged with cleaning the house and cooking for the men when they ended their workday. Today I continue to live my life with the same family structure. I would like to pass them down to my son the same way my mother did to me. As I approach the experiences of assimilation, acculturation, and a climate of pluralism; my identity has been molded. Assimilation is the process of becoming part of or more like a group that someone was not previously part of. Assimilating into a new group involves the addition of new knowledge or information or traits from that group’s culture to what someone had already learned or known. My parents moved to New Jersey from Portugal as young adults. My mother learned English at the same time as her children did. She became a translator in her community. Through hard work and determination my mother able to assimilate into the American lifestyle, my father did not. My mother expressed to her children the importance of an education but to also not lose sight of the heritage. Thus, the children grew up with an American culture, but incorporating their principle Portuguese culture as well. Acculturation is the process of adopting the beliefs and behaviors of another group. As a child I was raised in Newark with an ethnic background of Portuguese and Brazilian following the Catholic faith. I spent most of my time as a child playing with the children from down the street who were African-American, Puerto Rican and Italian. The multicultural environment was enriching. My father belonged to the Portuguese Club where they taught how to read and write Portuguese. They also taught Portuguese cultural history. I would go with my father and observed some of the classes that were available. As time went on, I joined the club and learned Portuguese folk dances, experienced specific cooking techniques and distinct customs. Cultural pluralism is the process of maintaining each own cultural identity within a largely diverse community. While growing up with the family down the street I learned about their Italian culture and was involved in some of their traditions. During Christmas time they demonstrated the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes. Traditionally on Christmas Eve dinner was seven different seafood dishes. This celebration is a commemoration of the wait, or Vigilia di Natale, for the midnight birth of baby Jesus. While benefiting in this traditionally Italian custom I realized the similarity in maintaining my Portuguese identity and beliefs during the holidays. In conclusion, my identity has been molded through the interaction of cultural experiences I encountered through the assimilation, acculturation and a climate of pluralism in my life. I continue to live my life with the same virtues that my family passed down to me but also with the assessment of shared beliefs, values, and an appreciation of the customs of other cultures around me. As an individual, I have a better understanding of the uniqueness of the world and benefit in being a part of it.