Chinese culture Essay Example for Free

Chinese culture Essay 1. Executive Summary Business today is becoming more universal and it is common to travel around the world for business dealings. In order to clinch a business deal with parties of other countries, it is essential to do some research about the country first. This will provide critical information about their business tradition, etiquette issues and other factors that will allow easier acceptance of Singaporean business persons. China being the largest populated country of 1. 3 billion, with an area of 9,600,000 square kilometers, has a long history, unique culture and a wide variety of distinctive customs and traditions. She has been attracting foreigners to invest as there are plentiful resources and labour market, which are crucial in business dealings. Besides the factors that are mentioned above, other factors play essential roles as well. Guanxi and Mianzi are the foremost factors that Chinese businessmen take into account. Other factors include preparation for Chinese business meetings, knowledge of the Chinese Lijie, such as non-verbal communication and social relationships. Also, the Chinese banquet consisting table etiquette together with drinking and toasting. There will also be gift-giving, such as what should be considered to give and what should be avoided. Last but not least, different ways to negotiate with the Chinese for the best solution should be taken into consideration. In conclusion, having the knowledge of the Chinese etiquette will better help one to succeed in clinching more business dealings. At the same time, it also helps one to understand the culture and customs of Chinese. Therefore, this will not only do one good for business purposes, but also encourages common understanding amongst countries. 2. Introduction The Peoples Republic of China, has a largest population of 1. 3 billion and a GDP of US$2393 billion. Thus, it has been eyed by many business executives due to its big market share and a large pool of labour which provides many business opportunities. In order to carry out business transactions efficiently with the Chinese, it is important for us to know what the prohibitions, customs and taboos are in China. By understanding these, we will be more prepared to conduct business with the Chinese. 2. 1 Meeting the Chinese. To begin with, the Chinese are very particular about first impressions. They prefer to be introduced formally to people as they are reluctant to strike up conversations with people they are unfamiliar with. A proper handshake will be most appropriate upon introduction. If one is being introduced to a group, remember to shake everyone’s hands. Also, stand up throughout, when being introduced or when presenting self. Begin introductions with his/her name, followed by the company’s name and specify the country that he/she is from. 2. 2 Business Cards. It is polite to use two hands to hold both corners when presenting business card and to position it so that it is legible to the recipient. Try to have one side of the card being translated and print the Chinese letters using gold ink as this is an auspicious colour. It will be respectful to spend a few seconds reading the card upon receiving it and helps in remembering one’s name. It is demeaning to put it directly into your pocket without glancing. If it is a sit-down meeting, place the card on the table so that one can look at it. 2. 3Conversations. Most Chinese like to engage in conversations concerning topics which they have knowledge on, such as weather, geography, Chinese cuisine, Chinese scenery and landmarks. Topics related to politics should be avoided. Dismiss personal questions with a little humour if uncomfortable. The Chinese would often compliment the country of origin. However, accepting praise outright is not considered as good etiquette for them. Instead, one is expected to deflect compliments and pretend it is unworthy of receiving them. 2. 4 Greetings Surnames come first when addressing a Chinese. In business situations, one will seldom concern themselves with a Chinese person’s given name. It is advisable to get straight how one should address someone at the first meeting. For business purposes, it is traditionally acceptable to call a Chinese by the surname, together with a title such as Managing Director Toh. 2. 5On the telephone Although Chinese may make arrangements through the phone, most Chinese prefers face-to-face meetings. On the telephone, the standard greeting is the word â€Å"wei†, which means â€Å"hello† or â€Å"are you still there† in Mandarin. Chinese often do not furnish any identifying information upon answering the phone; hence it is good to verify that one has reached the organization he/she intended to dial. 3. GuanXi – Relationships Personal relationships play a vital part in the business world of Chinese. Chinese businessmen do not rush into discussions and negotiations, as they want to get familiar with their business partners before doing business. This is known as Guanxi, which means â€Å"relationships†. It is the network of relationships among various parties that cooperate together and support one another. Before doing business, Chinese will extend hospitality to demonstrate their respect for others and appreciation of the finer things in life so as to soften their visitors. There will be small talk during the first full day, where Chinese learns about his visitor and goals. The evening during the welcome banquet, they would learn more as foreign visitors will open up during casual talks. Also, the visitors may visit the residence of their acquaintances from other organizations and bring some gifts as it is important for building and creating Guanxi. Gifts like foreign cigarettes and quality wines are acceptable, which will be discussed more at the later part of the report. Trust is built during such situations and Chinese would then be more comfortable to work with them. Relationships are not only between companies but also personal levels. Establishing a sincere, supportive relationship based on mutual respect is a fundamental aspect of Chinese culture. In the world of business, possessing the right Guanxi is crucial for ensuring the minimization of difficulties and frustrations that are often encountered and it is also important to any successful business strategy in China. 4. Mian Zi Face Face, also known as Mianzi, is a mark of personal pride and forms the basis of an individual’s reputation and social status. Having face means having a high status in the eyes of ones peers, and is a mark of personal dignity. It is a prized commodity, which can be given, lost, taken away or earned. Face to a Chinese, holds more importance and encompasses a greater part of life. In order to establish all important interpersonal relationships, face must always be created and maintained at all times. Losing face may be caused by, for example, public insult, chastisement or contradicting someone in front of another, and also, by ourselves, such as losing temper or losing your own control in public. Furthermore, rescinding an order can also be constructed as losing face. This is why Chinese leaders would rather follow the policies even if there are events that prove them that it is irrelevant. Causing someone to lose face through public humiliation or inappropriate allocation of respect to individuals within the organization can seriously damage business discussions. On the other hand, praising someone in moderation before their colleagues is a form of giving face and can earn respect, loyalty and aid negotiations. Nevertheless, face is so important that it is justification for spending money even if the Chinese is not very rich. Money that may be set aside for emergency use may be used for buying gifts or accessories instead because of face. 5. Lijie- Art of Politeness Being polite is a type of basic courtesy one should possess. In China, personal feelings and hint of criticism should not be dealt with publicly as it might cause public embarrassment and unpleasantness. A glass of tea that is automatically set out in front of arriving guests is how the Chinese allows the guest to feel comfortable and appear gracious. 5. 1 Surface harmony Surface harmony is an essential skill because the world of Chinese etiquette is very insensitive to unpleasant genuine feelings as it concerns matter of â€Å"face†. To the Chinese, things are done more for show than for substance; for example, manners are tools which they use to maintain pleasantness at all times, even when it is not entirely felt. Surface harmony is disturbed when one expresses his/her disagreement. Therefore, it is advised to remain quiet and â€Å"give face† as it might result in sabotage, subversion or revenge as the Chinese are well capable of such actions. 5. 2Intermediaries Intermediaries can be useful in communicating something unpleasant to the Chinese, and they help to ask questions, as preservation of face and surface harmony is considered highly important to Chinese. Intermediaries are highly useful in negotiations as they provide back channels for information that might prove too sensitive or risky. However, anger may be expressed directly for strategic purposes. 5. 3 Social relationships Chinese manage their social relationships by an imaginary circle that surrounds them. Relatives, friends, neighbours, classmates and co-workers are within the circle. These people have relationships with one another and hence, bear some sort of obligation. Chinese tend to go all out for them, be it putting themselves at great inconvenience or even ethically questionable circumstances. The rest of the world, whom a Chinese treats like a stranger, remains outside of the circle to whom with no particular obligation. 5. 4 Non-verbal communication. Chinese have various non-verbal communications. Firstly, Chinese tends to have a shorter social distance compared to many western cultures, for example, a Chinese friend might stand a little close to you for comfort or breathing directly into your face when talking to you. Furthermore, if one steps backwards, his/her Chinese counterpart may advance accordingly. When dealing with a Chinese, particularly the older ones, one should not touch a member of the opposite sex you do not know extremely well as other types of physical contact can be misinterpreted. However, it is said to be perfectly acceptable for Chinese to be physical with members of the same sex. Traditionally, Chinese are seldom demonstrative with the opposite sex in public. Therefore, foreigners should keep in mind that they are well advised to avoid more passionate forms of contact besides holding hands with a companion. During a conversation, one should not slink down in chairs as they are deemed disrespectful. Furthermore, some Chinese will avoid meeting one’s eyes or smile. This is a sign of shyness or keeping feelings to themselves. Thus should not be confused with insincerity, unfriendliness or anger. Silence is a virtue for it represents reflection or a sign of politeness. Gestures such as â€Å"come here† by curling index finger upward, â€Å"okay† sign with thumb and forefinger forming a circle, and shrugging of shoulders showing â€Å"I don’t know† may not be understood by the Chinese. Nodding or shaking of head, thumbs-up and clapping of hands for applauding are universally accepted gestures. 5. 5 Ways to reject a Chinese Rejecting people or saying ‘no’ can result in losing face, therefore the Chinese devised a number of methods of refusing without saying ‘no’. Ways to reject are, saying to grant the wish would be â€Å"inconvenient† as it means there are political problems associated with fulfilling a request, or it is â€Å"under consideration† or â€Å"being discussed†. This generally means that something is unlikely to happen. Another way is to blame someone else for the roadblock by finding a scapegoat. Lastly, a Chinese may tell a lie such as inventing a story to get out of the uncomfortable position in which a person feels placed. 11. References and Acknowledgements 1. De Mente Boye. (2004). Chinese etiquette ethics in business. Boston: McGraw-Hill. 2. Scott D. Seligman. (1999). Chinese Business Etiquette: a guide to protocol, manners, and culture in the People’s Republic of China. United States of America: A Time Warner Company 3. About. com: China Online (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http://chineseculture. about. com/od/businessculture/Chinese_Business_Culture. htm 4. Communicaid global communication: doing business in China. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http://www. communicaid. com/chinese-business-culture. asp 5. Chinese Culture. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http://www. chinese-culture. net/html/chinese_business_culture. html 6. Kwintessential- Language and culture specialists (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http://www. kwintessential. co. uk/cultural-services/articles/china-business-culture. html 7. China’s GDP grows 10. 7% in 2006. (January 25, 2007). ChinaDaily. com. cn. Retrieved on June 25, 2007. from http://www. chinadaily. com. cn/china/2007-01/25/content_792311_2. htm 8. Economy – Economic Structure Trends. (2006). Retrieved on June 20, 2007. http://china-europe-usa. com/level_4_data/eco/042_3. htm 9. China – Business etiquette, manners and cross cultural communication. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 15, 2007. http://www. cyborlink. com/besite/china. htm 10. China – Business Travel Etiquette. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 15, 2007. http://www. crazycolour. com/os/china_02. shtml 11. Business Card Etiquette by Neil Payne. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 15, 2007. http://www. sideroad. com/Business_Etiquette/business-card-etiquette. html.

Leading In the Affective Domain

Leading In the Affective Domain Describe the effect behaviors have on productivity. Contrast the cognitive and affective domains. Research What is the relationship between the domains and learning? Identify a cognitive skill and an affective skill? The concept for learning domains and educational taxonomies evolved from the 1948 American Psychological Association Convention (Menix, 1996). There are three domains involved in the process of learning which exist as separate yet interactive processes involved in the Human learning outcomes. The cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains epitomize the different aspects and degrees of learning complexity (Menix, 1996). The cognitive domain is often described as what we know, but is more the interaction of knowledge, understanding, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation (Jensen, 2003). This encompasses the psychological and intellectual functions that facilitate comprehension and subsequent formation of rational judgments and includes perception, memory, imagination, thought and language (Brà ¼hlmeier, 2010). An example of a Cognitive skill is comprehension-to successfully interpret the meaning in order to develop an understanding of what is required. The affective domain concerns empathy and behaviour by the interaction of receiving, responding, valuing, organization and characterization by a value or value complex (Gronlund, 1991, p. 34). Emotions stimulate our learning and determine whether we are confident in this learning. Only when we have strong feelings about it do we believe something and give significance to it (Gazibara, 2003). An example of an affective skill is Value- to attach values to concepts and express an opinion as to its worth. Between the domains which one has the greatest impact on productivity? I feel that affective domain has a more significant impact on productivity in that the cognitive domain imparts the knowledge of how to do the task and the psychotic domain gives us the manual dexterity however the intention to do the task is carried out by the affective domain-attitude and motivation. Koul et al (2004) suggested that students perceptions of biology and physics classroom learning environments and their biology and physics classroom anxiety are conditioned by their motivational goal orientations Contrast the tasks, obstacles and goals of the Bully versus the Charismatic Leader. The authoritarian leadership style is the historical model of leader, based on the power being held exclusively by an individual leader who dictates policies and procedures, determines goals and strategies and directs without input by the subordinates, possibly modelled on historical feudal leadership where the word of the leader is absolute. It is largely dismissed as a leadership style. Smither (1991) wrote that it is not advocated in any management textbook recommends it. Many people who have under an authoritarian leader, describe their experience as a nightmare. Authoritarian methods of operation are dysfunctional, causing breakdown in the organization, in work accomplishment, and in interpersonal relations (Fisher, 1978). It is not without advocates however, in certain situations. Smither (1991) wrote about cases where a team management approach has been ineffective, and that authoritarian leadership as a management style has seen some revival. Researchers have found that there are cases where teams respond well to this management approach. The article suggests essentially that some people like to be led, and do not want responsibility of decision-making concerning organisational operations. Many individuals favour the structure and order of an authoritarian workplace. Additionally he writes that changing ones leadership style to fit the situation -has been found ineffective by a great many managers. While it is important to remember that authoritarian management is not a synonym for oppressive or punitive management, there is no cause to assume that teamwork or quality circles in themselves will result in higher productivity (Smither, 1991). Clegg et al (2003) described three forms of authority-charismatic authority as authority denoted due to the attractiveness and power of the leader, in that the leader is effectively owed homage through personal magnetism, grace and bearing. Traditional authority where the authority is owed by birthright e.g. the clas s system. Rational-legal authority holds that authority is given due to the position held by the leader in that it is not the individual but the office that commands authority. Kuhn (2012) described a charismatic leader as a person who creates the belief that anything is possible, via the command of three elements-branding, articulation and affection of the team. Tuomo (2005) wrote that a charismatic leader is effective when the leader behaviours are motivated by altruism as opposed to ego. Raelin (2003) warned that though charismatics can charm employees with their rhetoric and can draw the big picture, they can display such traits as grandiosity and suspicion. This was further tempered with the lack of availability with born leaders, and the requirement to recruit the capable. Traits required included innate intelligence, a desire to learn and work with others, giving them the ability to become effective leaders. The key issue with an authoritarian leader is one of staffing retention and low morale. The key issue with the charismatic leader is to perform and produce the promises. Describe a memorable leader: How did they impact Stress, Control and Satisfaction? Greg Dyke amongst other achievements served for a short-lived tenure as the director general of the British Broadcasting Cooperation. This was terminated following a disagreement with the government of the time concerning an edition of the current affairs programme Today questioning the justification from the government for the role of the United Kingdom in the conflict. During his tenure, Greg Dyke achieved several significant victories overseeing the transition from analogue to digital television, the rise of the MTV phenomena. He significantly reduced costs by terminating consultancy and agency staffing which was a contributory factor to the cooperations lack of success, as was the extant management style at the time which was responsible for eroding the BBCs Creativity (Schlesinger, 2010). Overturning this and effectively empowering his staff helped to regain creativity within the cooperation which effectively defines his tenure. Additionally, he had a management style that one many allies within the cooperation in that he was an approachable individual who interacted with all levels of staff. Such was his popularity that when he was forced to resign the cooperation saw industrial action as workers went on strike in protest. His success as a leader was according to him, down to making sure staff who worked closely with him, broadcasted the right message to others. References Clegg. S., Kornberger. M., Pitsis. T. (2011) Managing Organisations An Introduction to Theory Practice. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Fisher, J. (1978). The Authoritarian as Anti-Manager. Public Personnel Management. 7.1 (Jan./Feb. 1978): 33. Gazibara, S, (2003) Head, Heart and Hands Learning. A challenge for contemporary education. Journal of Education Culture and Society No. 1_2013 Gronlund, N. E. (1991). How to write and use instructional objectives (4th ed.). New York : Macmillan Publishing Company. Jensen, E. (2003). Super teaching: Over 1000 practical strategies. Zagreb: Educa. Koul, R, Roy, L, Lerdpornkulrat, T. (2012) Motivational goal orientation, perceptions of biology and physics classroom learning environments, and gender. Learning Environments Research; Dordrecht15.2(Jul 2012): 217-229. Kuhn, M Alexander. (2012) Charismatic Leaders. Leadership Excellence; Aurora29.7 (Jul 2012): 20. Menix, K,. (1996) Domains of Learning: Interdependent Components of Achievable Learning Outcomes. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing; Thorofare27.5 (Sep/Oct 1996): 200-208. Raelin, J (2003) The myth of charismatic leaders. Profile. T + D; Alexandria57.3 (Mar 2003): 46-54. Schlesinger, P. (2010) The most creative organization in the world? The BBC, creativity and managerial style. International Journal of Cultural Policy, 16(3), pp. 271-285. (doi:10.1080/10286630903302766) Smither, R. (1991). The Return of the Authoritarian Manager. Training. 28.11 (Nov 1991): 40. Tuomo, T (2005) Problems and Perspectives in Management, 3/2005 45 Charismatic Leadership and Power

Brain Death and Organ Donation in Children and Adults Essay -- Science

Brain Death and Organ Donation in Children and Adults Introduction Does one try to save a premature baby who has little chance of survival? When do doctors or family members decide to "pull the plug" on a loved one? When is organ donation the correct choice? Is this patient the one on which God will choose to perform a miracle? What about a postmortem delivery? Is it realistic to be able to have a child postmortem? These questions are difficult for any of us to answer - even more so if we are dealing with a situation in which we may have to answer one or more of these questions. Yet, for some of us, these questions are all too real. If someone is considered to be in a vegetative state and the doctor determines that they are not coming back, when do family members decide to let go? When do family members give up hope? These questions can only be answered once a person is faced with a situation where he or she needs to determine another's fate. All of the answers to the questions are personal answers and no one should judge another person for making a choice in a difficult situation. Decisions regarding organ donation and when an unconscious person has died or experienced brain death are very difficult decisions for the family to make, even with the help of medical professionals. Organ donation started in 1869 and since then the procedure has improved but doctors with unethical practices still, and always will, exist. After all of the improvements in adult organ donation, questions still remain about organ donation and anencephalic infants. Should these infants be treated as human beings, should they be allowed to donate their organs? What happens to any infant whose mother dies before delivery of the child? Def... ...tion? Works Cited Ackerman, Terrence. A Casebook of Medical Ethics. New York:Oxford UP, 1989. Gorman, Christine. "Are Animal Organs Safe for People." Time. 15 January 1996. Henderson, Allen. Get With It-Teen Perspectives on Donation. The Indiana Heart Institute. 1994. Humber, James M. Biomedical Ethics and the Law. 2nd Edition. New York: Plenum, 1979. Koukl, Gregory. "Babies as Organ Farms". L.A. Times. 8 June 1995. Lamb, David. Death, Brain Death and Ethics. Albany:New York UP, 1985. Mason, JK. Human Life and Medical Practice. Great Britain:Edinburgh UP, 1988. Neufeldt, Victoria. Webster's New World Dictionary. 3rd Edition. New York: Prentice Hall, 1991. Pothier, Richard. "Animal Tests Saved My Life." Newsweek. 1 February 1993. Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Stedman's Medical Dictionary. 24 Edition. Baltimore:Williams and Wilkins, 1982.

My Personal Philosophy of Education Essay examples -- Philosophy of Te

Philosophy of Education For me, the decision to become a teacher is more of a way of life than a career. I have always loved school, practicing at being school marm from a young age, and voraciously devouring every shred of education offered me in my career as a student. If it were possible, I would be a student for the rest of my life. And then I still would not have learned enough. As a teacher, I hope to instill this appetite for knowledge in secondary students. They are, after all, the future leaders of the world, and what better place to expand the minds of the generations to come than here in Appalachia where education programs, especially the sciences, which I plan to teach, are poorly funded and children’s dreams often fall by the wayside under the weight of everyday life. I don’t want to control the way my students think, but to encourage them to think in ways different than the traditional, to challenge their horizons. As I stated above, I don’t believe that children are being challenged enough. I believe that students rise to meet the reasonable expectations set before them. If a teacher sets the bar a little higher than average and maintains faith in his or her students, then the children will rise to the task and feel better about themselves in the end. One of the most common complaints from students is boredom. Through the philosophies and theories I champion, I hope to combat this attitude. My philosophy is completely idealistic, with elements of pragmatism apparent. I also embrace the theories of experimentalism and progressivism. Teachers should be role models in both the classroom and the community. As an idealist, I truly believe that every single student make... ...orms are going to come and go, and are often necessary, but if teachers become instrumental in their construction, then reforms will be created that will benefit all involved without hampering the ability of teachers to educate their students. Teaching is a noble profession and a journey of lifelong learning. As an educator I will continue to further my own education while doing the same for my students. Biology especially is an ever-changing field, and that is part of the excitement of teaching it to children. There are new and different things discovered every day: things that are wonderful, things that are painful, and things that have a deep impact on the future. This is similar to students: some are truly delightful to work with, others can be a struggle, but ultimately they are all important as people and as the next generation of Americans.

Winter Essay -- Creative Writing Essays

I pressed my face up against the glass window, my moist breath causing it to fog up. I watched the boy's dark silhouette shift positions slightly, as he leaned back against the deteriorating stonewall, and buried his head in his hands. Tendrils of dark bronze hair assisted in the covering of his face, making it even more impossible to see what he might look like. He didn't know I was here, quietly watching him. Hell, he didn't even know I existed. I squinted, straining my vision, hoping I could maybe see his face in order to have a visual picture of him. But I couldn't. The nighttime environment only helped him remain anonymous. Yet, even without being able to clearly see him, I was slowly being overwhelmed by a very strange feeling - that I had to leave. Now. And as if he'd planned it, the boy's head snapped up, and his eyes immediately met mine. They were a shockingly bright turquoise, and in them was an unknown emotion so overpowering that I actually gasped and stumbled backwards. My heart was pounding so loudly that all other noise seemed to fade away. - "What is that, Winter?" Tyler inquired, pointing to the new diamond stud in the side of my nose. "A nose piercing," I replied irritably. I was in a dark mood, and even my best guy friend was bothering me at the moment. I just didn't want to talk to anyone. All I wanted to do was go back to that house - with that boy. His face had been burned in my mind, those aqua eyes haunting my thoughts. The corners of Ty's lips turned down, his eyes showing that he was upset. His angelic face didn't hide his emotions either, he was hurt. "I know. I just want to talk to you." "Sorry," I muttered halfheartedly. "I didn't mean to be so snappish. I'm in a bad m... ...'s your name?" he requested, a small laugh following the statement, and causing my heart to throb uncontrollably. "Because I can't keep calling you 'pretty', as true as it is." I felt lightheaded at his compliment, and reminded myself to breathe. "Winter," I said, my voice sounding stifled and forced. "Winter, eh? The name suits you quite well. Pale skin, gorgeous blue eyes†¦ the beauty and colors of the season." He winked at me, suddenly seeming a bit more human, not to mention all the more seductive. "Thank you," I said nervously. God, I must be so awkward to talk to right now. "I†¦ I almost feel like I have to come," I admitted quietly. "There's something that keeps drawing me back." A small smile formed on his lips, and there was a glint in his eyes that was bordering sinister. "Oh†¦ is there now? Finding the long way home, aren't you?" Winter Essay -- Creative Writing Essays I pressed my face up against the glass window, my moist breath causing it to fog up. I watched the boy's dark silhouette shift positions slightly, as he leaned back against the deteriorating stonewall, and buried his head in his hands. Tendrils of dark bronze hair assisted in the covering of his face, making it even more impossible to see what he might look like. He didn't know I was here, quietly watching him. Hell, he didn't even know I existed. I squinted, straining my vision, hoping I could maybe see his face in order to have a visual picture of him. But I couldn't. The nighttime environment only helped him remain anonymous. Yet, even without being able to clearly see him, I was slowly being overwhelmed by a very strange feeling - that I had to leave. Now. And as if he'd planned it, the boy's head snapped up, and his eyes immediately met mine. They were a shockingly bright turquoise, and in them was an unknown emotion so overpowering that I actually gasped and stumbled backwards. My heart was pounding so loudly that all other noise seemed to fade away. - "What is that, Winter?" Tyler inquired, pointing to the new diamond stud in the side of my nose. "A nose piercing," I replied irritably. I was in a dark mood, and even my best guy friend was bothering me at the moment. I just didn't want to talk to anyone. All I wanted to do was go back to that house - with that boy. His face had been burned in my mind, those aqua eyes haunting my thoughts. The corners of Ty's lips turned down, his eyes showing that he was upset. His angelic face didn't hide his emotions either, he was hurt. "I know. I just want to talk to you." "Sorry," I muttered halfheartedly. "I didn't mean to be so snappish. I'm in a bad m... ...'s your name?" he requested, a small laugh following the statement, and causing my heart to throb uncontrollably. "Because I can't keep calling you 'pretty', as true as it is." I felt lightheaded at his compliment, and reminded myself to breathe. "Winter," I said, my voice sounding stifled and forced. "Winter, eh? The name suits you quite well. Pale skin, gorgeous blue eyes†¦ the beauty and colors of the season." He winked at me, suddenly seeming a bit more human, not to mention all the more seductive. "Thank you," I said nervously. God, I must be so awkward to talk to right now. "I†¦ I almost feel like I have to come," I admitted quietly. "There's something that keeps drawing me back." A small smile formed on his lips, and there was a glint in his eyes that was bordering sinister. "Oh†¦ is there now? Finding the long way home, aren't you?"

Geof is the only genuine caring character in the play Essay

Geof is the only genuine caring character in the play; the others are totally selfish and self centred. Discuss this statement. From the beginning of the play we can see Jo is the main character, she is highly independent and self reliant this is obvious from one of the opening pages were Jo’s mum Helen states ‘children owe their parents these little attentions’ to which Jo replies with ‘I don’t owe you a thing.’ This shows Jo sees her relationship with her mother as strained, she feels she has brought herself up and not really had her mother their to support her. She has learnt to rely on herself and not trust her mother. When Jo becomes pregnant with a black boy form the navy, who leaves her pregnant Jo reacts badly because she is so independent and used to looking after herself. Geof (Jo’s gay friend) offers her a shoulder to turn to and she turns on him ‘I’m not planning big plans for this baby or dreaming big dreams. You Know what happens when you do things like that. The baby will be born dead or daft!’ She feels she has let herself down and been promiscuous, however the sailor boy was offering her marriage and love before he left, she felt in a safe relationship and that was why she slept with him. But Jo just sees that she’s made the same mistakes her mother made when she had her at a young age. Most expectant mothers don’t have this negative attitude towards their unborn child however I feel it’s because she thinks she may let the child down like her mother let her down. Jimmy the black boy from the navy who got Jo pregnant gave the impression of a kind and genuine character who did honestly love Jo until he left. In my opinion he loved her and did intend to return for her but got scared of the prejudice he would face if he did return. He said to Jo about her mother finding out about their engagement ‘She’ll see a coloured boy.’ He obviously felt his race was going to be an issue in their relationship and how it was perceived and was worried about it. Jo however did know Jimmy was in the navy and even said to him on one occasion ‘I might as well be naughty while I’ve got the chance. I’ll probably never see you again I know it.’ So I believe deep down Jo knew there was a chance she wouldn’t be seeing him again. In my opinion Helen did love her daughter she just didn’t know how to treat her, maybe it was because she had her at a young age? She seems to think she should treat her daughter like a friend, she even encourages her underage daughter to drink ‘You don’t smell it, you drink it!’ I think the only way Helen knew to make her daughter love her was the way she made men love her, by getting her drunk. Helen did want her daughter to make something of her life I feel. She encouraged her to draw, saying her drawings were very good ‘Have you ever thought of going to a proper art school and getting proper training?’ But I think the main reason she wanted Jo to make something of herself was so she could sponge of her. Helen says to Jo ‘When you start earning you can start moaning.’ In my opinion she’s saying to Jo you make some money and get us somewhere nicer. She’s not taken the task upon herself to find her and her daughter somewhere nice to live she’s going to wait for her daughter to did it for them. Not a typical loving mother and daughter relationship, Helen is reliant on her daughter Jo. Helen is in my opinion lazy with regard to her relationship with her daughter. She is constantly asking her daughter to do stuff around the house ‘Pass me that bottle’ ‘Have we got any aspirins left Jo?’ Here is another example of Helen being reliant on her daughter. She also becomes strangely jealous of Jo’s gay friend Geof. She is constantly rude to him ‘Oh shut up Geof’ ‘Sling your hook’ I believe she is jealous of his strong bond with Jo. She feels jealous of their close relationship and doesn’t like him around as she feels inadequate compared to him. Jo maintains through out the play that she wants to be rid of her mother ‘as soon as I get a full-time job, I’m leaving Helen and starting up with a room somewhere’ so for Helen to know there’s someone in her life she wants there, that person being Geof it must make her feel less important. Even for Helen who shows no real care for her Jo to know that her own daughter feels like that must be difficult. I think part of her feels she should have a close loving relationship with Jo I just don’t think she knows how to or more importantly can be bothered. Peter, Helens latest fling who becomes her husband comes across as a decent sort of guy at first, however he is sleazy ‘Helen you look utterly fantastic’ ‘Got your blue garters on?’ He does turn nasty towards the end when their marriage isn’t going so well ‘Look at Helen, isn’t she a game old bird? Worn out on the beat but she’s still got a few good strokes left.’ and ‘I dragged you out of the gutter once , If you want to go back there it’s all the same to me.’ The way he speaks down to Helen are reminiscent of his character, he believes himself to be above everyone else, better looking, better dressed, better educated, a real snob. Geof takes a mothering role in Jo’s life, which I don’t think she always appreciates. ‘I’ll buy you one for Christmas. If you ask nice I’ll buy you two.’ ‘I’ll stay here and clear this place up a bit and make you a proper meal.’ I think Jo actually likes having a figure to look after her but I think she finds it difficult sometimes as she’s not used to it, she’s used to fending for herself. ‘Why don’t you leave me alone?’ I think that all this shows that despite Jo’s though exterior she does want looking after and companionship, especially from her mother even though she denies it, as that is what Geof is doing for her, being a substitute mother. Geof , a single gay man was evicted from his flat by his landlady because she caught him with another man. In those days being a sexually active gay man was frowned upon so he was probably quite ashamed about the reason for his eviction and that is why he tries to hide it from Jo. When she asks ‘has your landlady thrown you out?’ Geof replies ‘Don’t be silly,’ but later tells her the truth. Geof also agrees to move in with Jo, taking on the responsibilities of looking after a Jo and her baby. Also when Jo tells him her baby will be black he is extremely accepting and doesn’t seem to care. In my opinion this is due to the prejudice he has faced about being gay. Another time his kind and compassionate character is seen is when he tries to get Jo and Helen talking again despite Jo telling him exactly what her mother is like he still persists and tries to build bridges in their relationship with them and get Helen to help out with the baby. ‘Your mother should know, do you have her address?’ When he meets Helen though he is struck by how rude and uncaring she is and sticks up for Jo telling Helen. ‘If I’d known you were going to bully her like this I’d have never asked you to come!’ Here he shows true loyalty for Jo by sticking up for her. In my opinion Geof is a very lonely young man he didn’t seem to have any other friends besides Jo in the play, other than young man he was found in his flat with but in his own words ‘he didn’t really know the guy’ . We can’t really be sure of his past because the play doesn’t mention it but I feel he’s faced a lot of prejudice about his sexuality and perhaps that is why he so understands Jo. He doesn’t seem to have any family, and I think he was trying to make Jo and the baby into a surrogate family for himself. I feel he was the nicest character in the book but he did become quite irritating as he was too nice all of the time. All the other characters had floors and attributes that made them lovable or unlovable. Geof however, was just quite bland. Helen for instance was an interesting character because she was so unpredictable, she could have a new boyfriend at any moment, or get drunk and do something ridiculous. Goef on the other hand was predictable but provided the rock of the story. He was Mr. Reliable that Jo could turn to he wasn’t an interesting character like Helen but was a vital part of the play.

Effects On The Industrial Revolution

ECONOMICALIndustrialization resulted in an increase in population and the happening of urbanization, as a growing number of people moved to urban centres in search of employment. Some individuals became very wealthy, but some lived in horrible conditions. A class of wealthy industrialists, ship owners and merchants conquered, accumulating great wealth, but at the same time the working classes had to live with minimum comforts in overcrowded environments. Children were sent to work in factories, where they were broken and ill-treated. The growth of the Industrial Revolution depended on the ability to transport raw materials and finished goods over long distances.There were three main types of transportation that increased during the Industrial Revolution: waterways, roads, and railroads. Transportation was important because people were starting to live in the West. During this time period, transportation via water was the cheapest way to move heavy products (such as coal and iron). As a result, canals were widened and deepened to allow more boats to pass. Robert Fulton made the first steam-powered engine to power a steamboat, and in 1807 he demonstrated its use by going from New York City to Albany via the Hudson River.His steamboat was able to carry raw materials across the Atlantic Ocean by the mid 1800's. The roads also improved immensely during this time period. Previously, people traveled using animals or by foot, but there were many problems with the conditions of the roads. In 1751, turnpikes were created for easier transportation, especially for the horse-drawn wagons. John Loudon McAdam made â€Å"macadam† road surfaces which consisted of crushed rock in thin layers.Thomas Telford made new foundations in roads with large flat stones. Soon after, roads across America were improved based on these techniques. The closest to trains were horses, commonly used to pull freight cars along rails. In 1801, Richard Trevithick made the first steam locomotive . These improvements on waterways, roads, and railroads all made traveling safer, and it allowed goods to be moved more efficiently.SOCIALWomen experienced large changes in their lifestyle as they took jobs in  domestic service and the textile industries, leaving the agricultural workforce and spending less time in the family home. This period also saw the creation of a middle class that enjoyed the benefits of the new prosperity. People started spending their free time entertaining themselves in theatres, concert halls and sports facilities or enjoying the countryside in long path.The Industrial Revolution was preceded by an agricultural revolution that increased the food supply while decreasing the amount of labor needed. Traditionally, the primary goal of agriculture was to produce enough food to prevent famine. This overwhelming fear of starvation made most farmers very conservative and highly skeptical of change. Poor harvests would lower the supply of food, which would resul t in increased prices. The basic effect of supply and demand was at the center of most of the class conflict in this preindustrial world.Both bad harvests and increased population affected the price of food. High prices increased the wealth of the aristocratic class and led to death and starvation among the peasants; therefore, the primary reason behind most peasant uprisings was the high price of food.POLITICALMost important, however, 19th-century Britain experienced political unrest as the industrialization and urbanization of the country created a need for social and political change. There were increasing demands for improved social welfare, education, labour rights, political rights and equality, as well as for the abolition of the slave trade and changes in the electoral system. As a result, the slave trade was abolished in 1807 and the Great Reform Act was passed by Parliament in 1832. After this Reform Act, manufacturing cities such as Birmingham and Manchester could be repr esented in Parliament for the first time, thereby substantially changing the character of parliamentary politics.The Industrial Revolution brought many changes to Europe but one of the most notable differences is urbanization. Urbanization is the process of people migrating to the cities from farms and the country. Before urbanization and the Industrial Revolution, most people were peasants and lived out in the country. Their occupation was a farmer and they generally just worked from home. However, once the Industrial Revolution started people, people started moving to cities and working in  new factories, increasing urbanization. A reason for this was that because of a surplus of food, the population increased.This supplied more labor which allowed people to start moving to cities instead of staying on the farms. Also more jobs were found in the cities compared to the farms because of new technologies that greatly increased the productivity of farming which cause the demand for farmers to decrease. However, the continuity of this change is that even though farmers were moving out the cities to find jobs, there were still farmers working in the country. Farmers were still needed to produce food for the growing population but there were less of them needed because technology replaced some the need for human labor. Urbanization was certainly a crucial change during the Industrial Revolution but there were still some features that stayed the same.