The Chosen, My name is Asher Lev, In the Beginning, and The Book of Lights :: Comparison Compare Contrast Essays

Assimilation and the American Jew in Potok’s The Chosen, My name is Asher Lev, In the Beginning, and The Book of Lights.  Ã‚  Ã‚   America has always been a country of immigrants, since it was first settled by Europeans over five hundred years ago.   Like any country with a considerable immigrant population, American has always faced the problem of assimilation.   Because America was founded and settled by immigrants, her culture is a combination of the cultures of other countries. Should these immigrants isolate themselves from the mainstream American culture, or should they sacrifice the culture of their homelands for the benefits American culture has to offer?   Judaism in particular has had to deal with the assimilation question.   One of the world’s oldest religions, it has remained strong over its six thousand year history by remaining distinct – and isolated – from other cultures. Chaim Potok focuses on how Orthodox and Hasidic Jews have handled this problem in his books The Chosen, My name is Asher Lev, In the Beginning, and The Book of Lights. Many of Chaim Potok’s characters want the American Jewry to remain isolated from the mainstream American culture: The world kills us! The world flays our skin from our bodies and throws us into the flames! The world laughs at Torah! And if it does not kill us, it tempts us! It misleads us! It contaminates us! It asks us to join in its ugliness, its abominations! (The Chosen 127)  Ã‚   The Chosen â€Å"deals with the problems Jews have faced in trying to preserve their heritage – in particular, the problem of how to deal with the danger of assimilation† (Young). The Jews have always been professionals occupying jobs in medicine, law, education, and other fields requiring a college degree. American Jews, however, face a dilemma: â€Å"Ideas from this secular world inevitably impinge upon an individual born in a church community or a synagogue community, especially when that individual embarks on a college experience† (Potok 2). American Jews must either take on nonprofessional jobs, assuming an identity completely different from that of European Jews, or expose themselves to secular America. Isolation is thoroughly impractical for the American Jew. Chaim Potok’s works often focus on main characters whose talents draw them to the outside world:    When individuals are brought up in the heart of such a community or culture [as Danny’s and Reuven’s did in The Chosen] they learn to commit themselves to its values †¦ They see the world through the system of values of that unique community.

A feminist or misogynistic Essay

In the play Medea, Euripides recognises the lack of gender equality of his time and comments on the patrichial nature of ancient Greek society. A feminist theme resonates in the play and has been developed through the characterisation of Medea and Jason. Medea, the female protagonist, is portrayed as powerful figure. Medea is spurned and aggrieved by a man but instead of accepting the situation submissively as she would have been expected to do, she asserts her own power. Furthermore, when King Creon decides to banish her, she doesn’t hesitate to argue persuasively on her own behalf despite his position of power. She naturally assumes that she has the right to speak as a man might do. Medea recognizes the oppression of women in her society when she declares â€Å"we women are the sorriest lot: first we must at great expenditure of money but a husband and even take on a master of our body†. However, Medea herself denounces women by admitting that they were born ‘useless for honest purposes’ suggesting that woman’s skills lie solely in the ability to exert their will by deceit and manipulation. Her deceptive nature is evident in the nature of the murder of Glauce by giving gifts laced with poison. Medea argues that although women have a deserved reputation for treachery, they only do so as the patriarchal society to which they belong deprives them of any other avenues of power. Yet Medea’s response to masculine exploitation surpasses any reasonable measures by her horrific murder of her children. The audience is positioned to be shocked and unsympathetic towards her actions. Medea’s actions are portrayed as hers alone not indicative of the natural behavior of women and Euripides acknowledges that the social injustice experienced by Medea cannot absolve her personal accountability for her actions. In the play through his characterisation of Jason, Euripides mocks the men’s supposed entitlement to authority and supremacy over women. Jason, the key male figure, from the onset of the play reveals himself to the audience to be a weak character, at odds with his reputation as a hero. His abandonment of his obedient wife, Medea, his greed-driven re-marriage and his inability to admit his own culpability in the drama that ensued, portrays him to the audience as vapid, vacuous man whose actions are fuelled almost entirely by self-interest. His constant emasculation of Jason by his depiction as a weak and flawed character makes him appear unsympathetic to the audience. Medea is a strong-willed and powerful individual whose personality traits would be stereotypically attributed to a male character whilst Jason’s self-obsessed and treacherous ways would more often be linked to a female character. Through the depiction of Medea and Jason, Euripides makes the conjecture their characters are both highly flawed and so they should be condemned for their deeds rather than for the gender.

“The Most Valuable Thing in Life Is Friendship”. Do You Agree?

In this era of globalization, people are busy chasing for material wealth,leaving behind many valuable things. It is undeniable that our society is becoming more materialistic. For most of us,money is the most important thing on earth. However, we have forgotten that there are certain things which money could not buy. To name a few,friendship,family,love and health. But which is the most valuable thing in our life? In my opinion,friendship is what I will cherish the most. Admittedly,depression had become a big menace in our society. People start to concern about this issue and it has surely become a hot topic nowadays. Mass media has been trying hard to give solutions to the public,hoping to reduce the impact of depression,such as suicides. However,people are becoming more individualistic nowadays. We are selfish and only mind their own business. Worse off,we no longer see the value of a true friendship. Instead,we love to compete among each other,either to get a higher position in class or in a company. More disheartening is, some even set friends up just to achieve success. This phenomenon certainly do not help those who are suffered from depression They have no where to seek for help as they hardly find a friend they could trust to talk to. As we all know,the cost of getting professional help is rather pricey and not everyone can afford it. Therefore,I believe that nothing is more important than we,as a part of the society,change our mindset and see the importance of a true friendship, namely the most valuable things in life. A friend is a listener,a counselor, a supporter and the list is endless. A friend is also someone we can trust. The reason I am of the opinion that friendship is the most valuable thing in life is a friend is always be there for us and is always ready to give us a helping hand. For instances,a friend can help to take care of our homes and pets while we are on vacation. When we are depressed,a friend is also ready to listen and give us advice. The value of friendship is also seen in the business. There are many businessmen and entrepreneur that always highlight the importance of friendship in their life. They shared their experience,which their friends offered them modal to start their business and promoted their business. Those who are working in the insurance sector also. One of the qualities to success in this field is having a wide social circle. In short,I believe that friendship is really the most important and valuable thing in life. However,I could not deny the fact that family is also one valuable thing in life. Whenever we met a problem,the first one we'll think of is our family. It is always true that family will never betray us and is able to forgive our every mistakes. We grew up with our family members and therefore,the strong bonding causes them to be the one that understand us the most and will give us suitable advice to make a decision. Many successful figures show that they cherish their family and always try their best to spend some precious time with family. Many good qualities we possess now, too,were inculcated since we're young by our dear parents. The undivided love from our family makes it one valuable thing to cherish in our life. There are also many things to cherish in life. To name a few,knowledge is also valuable because with a wide knowledge,others will not look down upon us. Our own reputation and image can be increased with vast knowledge we gained in our life. Health, too, is what we should cherish in our life. Without a healthy body,we will not be able to enjoy our life. To summary,there are too many valuable things to be cherish in our life besides friendship. To conclude,we should not take a true friendship for granted. Instead,it is imperative for us to put as much effort as we could to conserve the value of a friendship,which is the most valuable thing in our life, as it brings us immense benefit. If you think it is bad,forgive me. I am still learning to produce a nice piece of work. And,honestly,it is better than what I've written in my MUET test just now.

Illiteracy in United States

Illiteracy in United States Free Online Research Papers Illiteracy in America can have negative and devastating effects on society as a whole. The effects that illiteracy has range from embarrassment, to low self-esteem, as well as high crime rates. Illiteracy seems to have an even more devastating effect in the lower income communities. Driving down a street and not knowing how to read the street signs can be scary to an illiterate person. Even worse, sitting in a classroom and being called on by an instructor to read aloud and not being able to read, can be even more frightening. There are many Americans faced with these types of challenges and nowhere to turn, because they are afraid and embarrassed. As in Edward P. Jones’s, The First Day, the embarrassment the mother had to face while enrolling her child into school is disheartening. While trying to fill out the paper work for her child, she says, â€Å"This form. Would you mind helpin me fill it out? The woman still seems not to understand. â€Å"I can’t read it. I don’t know how to read or write, and I’m askin you to help me† (109). The mother in â€Å"The First Day† had to say this in front of her child. It must have taken a lot of courage for her to speak up that day. As you see this is the perfect example of embarra ssment and humiliation that an illiterate person has to deal with on a day to day basis. Negative effects of illiteracy in America are also heavy in politics. One has to wonder how someone who can’t read or write manages to vote. In order for a person to vote or make a wise decision about who they should vote for, one must know how to read. As Jonathan Kozol writes in â€Å"The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society†: The number of illiterate adults exceeds by 16 million the entire vote cast for the winner in the 1980 presidential contest. If even on third of all illiterates could vote, and read enough and do sufficient math to vote in their self-interest, Ronald Regan would not likely have been chosen president. There is, of course, no way to know for sure† (165). Kegan makes a great point. Most illiterate people that do vote, vote based on what the person looks like and not what they know about the person and what they can do to help. In doing this our society is threatened by the fact that the right officials may not be elected because the percentage of illiterate voters may not choose the person best suited for the position. That is a scary thought, but one to think about. Communication is key when trying to earn an education. Younger students may be dealing with things at home that make them afraid to ask questions in the classroom, so they are left wondering the answers to those questions. Other students may have more confidence in themselves and their parents may have taught them that the only dumb question is the one not asked. Therefore, self-esteem and communication play a major role in illiteracy. Robert Bickel and Sande Milton write; in â€Å"The Social Circumstances of Illiteracy: Interpretation and Exchange in a Class- Based Society: As communication breaks down, the thoroughly social process of learning to read may Become a threatening activity, a source of humiliation, in which some students feel that Rewards, recognition, punishment, and subordination are distributed unfairly. Moreover, not learning to read may become not only a continuing act of self-defense and passive-aggressive defiance, but a political statement of loyalty to the ethnically homogeneous peer group- the emergent alternative to conventional classroom organization. (207) In reading this, it proves that an illiterate person may use a defense mechanism, like showing anger to hide the fact that they can’t read. This particular defense mechanism can lead to a high crime rate. Crime leads to overcrowded jails, which lead to higher taxes, and the list goes on and on. Illiteracy in America seems to be an issue that does not receive enough public attention. There are so many illiterate people in society who may overdose because they can’t read the directions on a prescription. There are even more illiterate people incarcerated and would rather stay incarcerated to hide the fact that they can’t read or write. Programs for these types of people should begin during elementary school, so that children know exactly what they may be faced with when they become an adult. Teachers should embrace the student who seems to sit in the back of the class and shy away from the other students. More one on one time spent with the student who seems to act out in a bad way the most, while in class. The student, who is not paying attention and seeking attention in negative ways, is acting out for a reason, but it is up to the teachers to pay attention in order to try to intervene and possibly stop the problem before it starts. Illiteracy seems to be a growing problem in America that can’t be fixed overnight. More programs need to be created and more parents need to be involved in the education of their children. Offering programs for illiterate people and advertising these programs should be priority over alcohol and condom commercials. There should be programs offered for illiterate people during election time, more than another time of the year. To do this would help so many Americans feel liberated and apart of something. It may even encourage some to go back to school and further their education. Slowly the world could change and what a wonderful world it could be. This task would be too much for one person to handle alone, therefore, the world needs to get involved if there is going to be change. Bickel, Robert, and Sande Milton. â€Å"The Social Circumstances of Illiteracy: Interpretation and Exchange in a Class-Based Society.† The Urban Review. Vol. 15, No. 4, 1983: 203-214 Jones, P. Edward. â€Å"The First Day.† The Blair Reader. Seventh Edition: 107-110 Kozal, Jonathan. â€Å"The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society.† The Blair Reader. Seventh Edition: 164-172 Research Papers on Illiteracy in United StatesHip-Hop is ArtStandardized Testing19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceQuebec and CanadaBringing Democracy to AfricaHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayThe Fifth Horseman

In the life of a modern man born in the Renaissance essays

In the life of a modern man born in the Renaissance essays Have you ever pondered the birth of your hobbies? Or have you ever wondered who invented the mechanisms you use in your everyday life? Well, modern art, today's religion, and the present printing press had to originate some point in time. And what could be a better time then during the Renaissance and the Reformation? These three points were a major part of those years. If it weren't for them, a lot of things we have today, if you think about it, we simply would not have them. Modern art. Today's art is another way to express your feelings and emotions with the stroke of your hands. Back in the time of the Renaissance, the humanist's emphasis on cultivating an individual's talent inspired Italian artists to express their own values, emotions, and attitudes. In modern and in past times ...

What Is Zorvolex Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

What Is Zorvolex Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Are you taking Zorvolex? Or are you simply looking to learn more about the medication? Regardless, we’ve got answers for you. In this guide, we explain all of the most important facts to know about Zorvolex, starting with what it's used for and what its dosages are. We then go over possible side effects and drug interactions you can have with Zorvolex. What Is Zorvolex? What Is It Used For? Zorvolex pills are diclofenac capsules. Each capsule is 18 mm long and bisected into two colors (blue and light green). On the capsule is an imprint that varies depending on dosage (we’ll talk more about what dosages there are in the next section). So what is this medication used for? Zorvolex is a low-dose prescription drug used to relieve mild to moderate acute pain or osteoarthritis pain. Like Advil and Aleve, Zorvolex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), meaning it can reduce pain, aches, fevers, and swelling/inflammation. Doctors often prescribe Zorvolex to patients who have osteoarthritis pain or pain from other short-term issues, such as muscle aches, backaches, menstrual cramps, sports injuries, and tooth pain. Zorvolex Dosage and Contents There are two dosages of Zorvolex: 18 mg and 35 mg. Both doses come as blue and green tablets; however, Zorvolex 18-mg tablets have the imprints â€Å"18mg† and â€Å"IP-203,† whereas Zorvolex 35-mg tablets have the imprints â€Å"35mg† and â€Å"IP-204.† Diclofenac is the only active ingredient in Zorvolex. This substance is an NSAID and thus comes with the same risks as other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. Diclofenac relieves pain by preventing the body from creating a substance that causes pain, inflammation, and fever. If you are prescribed Zorvolex, your doctor will determine an appropriate dosage for you based on the type and severity of pain you have. As with any NSAID, you should take the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time needed to get better. That said, there are some general guidelines when it comes to Zorvolex dosage. Patients who have osteoarthritis typically take three 35-mg capsules a day. For all other pain management, the recommended dosage is three 18- or 35-mg capsules a day. Remember, though, that it'll ultimately be up to your doctor to decide on an appropriate dosage for you. Your doctor will choose an appropriate dosage for you based on the type and severity of your pain. Zorvolex Brand Name and Manufacturers Zorvolex is the brand name of a type of diclofenac capsule and is manufactured for and distributed by Iroko Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Other diclofenac medications are available under different brand names. Zipsor is the brand name for diclofenac potassium capsules used to relieve mild to moderate acute pain, whereas Cambia is the brand name for a diclofenac potassium powder (that becomes a solution) used to treat migraines in adults. Both Zipsor and Cambia are distributed by Depomed, Inc. Zorvolex Side Effects As with any NSAID, there’s the potential for side effects when taking Zorvolex. These effects can range from mild feelings of discomfort to severe allergic reactions. Always tell your doctor if you’re experiencing any side effects or if they don’t seem to be getting better. According to the official Zorvolex website, commonly reported side effects include the following: Swelling Nausea Vomiting Dizziness Headache Constipation Diarrhea Gas Itching Heartburn Occasionally, serious Zorvolex side effects or allergic reactions can occur. Such signs include the following: Swelling of the face or throat Trouble breathing Heart failure Kidney problems Liver problems Skin reactions indicating an allergy If you experience any of these side effects, seek immediate medical attention. If you're having any serious side effects, see a doctor ASAP. Drug Interactions to Avoid With Zorvolex Certain drugs can interact poorly with Zorvolex, so be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you’re currently taking (including over-the-counter pills, vitamins, and supplements) before you start taking Zorvolex. According to the National Institutes of Health, drugs and substances known to interact poorly with Zorvolex include the following: Alcohol Blood thinners such as warfarin Aspirin Beta-blockers Loop diuretics Lanoxin (digoxin) Lithium Trexall, Rasuvo, Rheumatrex (methotrexate) Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf (cyclosporine) Alimta (pemetrexed) Other NSAIDs Recap: What Is Zorvolex? In conclusion, here are some of the essential points to remember about Zorvolex: Zorvolex is a blue and light-green capsule imprinted with either â€Å"18mg/IP-203† or â€Å"35mg/IP-204.† It is used to treat mild to moderate acute pain and osteoarthritis pain. Available dosages are 18 mg and 35 mg (the dosage will be reflected on the capsule). The main ingredient in Zorvolex is diclofenac, an NSAID that relieves pain by halting the body's production of a pain-causing substance. Zorvolex is the brand name of a type of diclofenac capsule. There are also other brands of diclofenac medications, such as Zipsor and Cambia. Like any NSAID, Zorvolex can cause mild to severe side effects, from nausea and vomiting to facial swelling and skin reactions. If your side effects are serious or if you are having an allergic reaction, see a doctor immediately. Certain substances can interact poorly with Zorvolex, including alcohol, blood thinners, and other NSAIDs. Always tell your doctor what medications you’re on so that you can avoid any problematic interactions.

Racial Discrimination Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Racial Discrimination - Research Paper Example The enforcement of laws under Title VII is done by The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and does not protect age discrimination or disability discrimination that are dealt by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Employers under the jurisdiction of Title VII include private sector companies whose commercial operations affect â€Å"interstate commerce† and who employ 15 or more employees, Federal, state, and local government employers, Unions, Employment agencies (making hiring referrals). The law permits discrimination on religion, sex, and national origin if there is a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) rationally essential for standard business operations. Organizations that are exempted from Title VII prohibitions and protections are religious organizations, scholastic institutions, or societies, employing persons of a particular religion; bona fide, tax-exempt private clubs; contracts that contain a Bona fi de occupational qualification necessary to perform the job; and aliens employed outside the United States. It is important to note that Title VII does not prohibit all discrimination. Employers are open to study factors such as experience; job knowledge, personality characteristics, provided those factors are interconnected to the job in question. Title VII remedies include reinstatement, back pay, damages and attorney's fees (Feldman, Fox & Morgado, PA). Backpay and similar retrospective support, presented to recipients of employer discrimination, is proposed to reimburse individuals for monetary losses straightforwardly traceable to discriminatory practices. Front pay is remuneration granted for lost compensation (opportunity cost) during the period between judgment and reinstatement. Similar to back pay, front pay fundamentally is the counterpart of lost incomes. A principal petitioner can recover attorney fees under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Furthermore, main parties recover "costs" which include filing fees, transcripts, and other entries. Punitive damages exist in cases result from under Title VII (discrimination because of race, sex, national origin, and religion) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but not the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). These damages are created to reprimand past misconducts and discourage future wrongdoings, and the plaintiff must demonstrate that the employer acted with "malice" or in irresponsible neglect for federally protected legal rights. Elements necessary to establish a prima facie case of employment discrimination? The plaintiff must initially present a prima facie case of discrimination. A prima facie case is that minimum amount of evidence required to claim a legitimate question of discrimination (Air Force Alternative Dispute Resolution Program).