Midsummer Nights Dream Essays (401 words) - Demetrius, Hermia

Midsummer Night's Dream William Shakespeare intensifies the emotion of love and foolishness in the epic tale of four lovers and an enchanted forest in his classic Midsummer Night's Dream. Early in this work, we learn of two young maidens, Hermia and Helena, and their unfulfilled passions. Hermia, the daughter of a gentleman, is cast into the burden of marrying a suitor, Demetrius, chosen by her father for which she does not love. Instead, she has fallen for Lysander. To agitate further, Helena is madly in love with Demetrius, who treats her as if she does not exist. As a result, Helena's emotions can be shared by everybody: infatuation, betrayal, jealousy, and spite. Therefore, it is Helena's character that answers to comedy as a tortured soul among lovers in fairyland. Everywhere in the play, Helena plays the victim of Demetrius' apathy. We find pity for poor Helena when she finally catches up to Demetrius in the forest and says "I'll follow thee and make a heaven of hell, to die upon the hand I love so well" (336). In desperation, Helena cries "we cannot fight for love, as men may do; we should be woo'd and were not made to woo" (336). So unrequited is her love that she begs him "Stay, though thou kill me, sweet Demetrius" (340). Helena's jealousy of her friend Hermia emerges from her soliloquy "Happy is Hermia, wheresoe'er she lies, for she hath blessed and attractive eyes" (340). When she finally receives the attention and affection from Demetrius, she becomes mortified at the thought that Hermia and Demetrius have plotted to humiliate her even further by mocking her. Helena vehemently protests "O spite! O hell! I see you all are bent to set against me for your merriment" (345). When she finally encounters Demetrius and Hermia, she questions the decency of their motives "Have not set Demetrius, who even but now did spurn me with his foot, to call me goddess, nymph, divine and rare, precious, celestial?" (346). Her torment is so real that she slowly embraces the fate of her existence. "But fare ye well. ?Tis partly my own fault, which death, or absence, soon shall remedy" (346). Fortunately, as with all comedies during the Elizabethan era, the play ends and "everything turns out exceptionally well" (327). With the help of the fairies, Demetrius pairs with Helena and she becomes a tortured soul no more. The only question left to ponder is the view of humanity as seen in this play a just view of love or that of infatuation, lust, and merriment?

Substance Abuse Media Representation of Drug Abusers

Substance Abuse Media Representation of Drug Abusers The war on drugs is not over yet and it is unlikely to be finished in the recent future. Americans are bombarded by messages about negative effects of substance abuse. Media provide a variety of stories about violent crimes associated with drug abuse.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Substance Abuse: Media Representation of Drug Abusers specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Officials keep talking about the necessity to launch programs aimed at promulgating healthy life styles. Admittedly, these strategies will help develop appropriate public opinion on the matter. Nevertheless, it is important to take into account various trends existing in the society. Thus, it is important to understand that the attitude towards substance abuse is not static as it is constantly changing. It is also crucial to make sure there is no bias in media representation of substance abusers as this negatively affects development of the Ame rican society. Finally, it is important to understand to what extent the image created by media does influence people and shapes their attitude towards substance abuse. Therefore, it is possible to state that appropriate media representation of substance abuse may help develop American society where drugs are seen as something harmful, unnecessary and needless. To develop appropriate strategies aimed at promulgating healthy life styles, it is necessary to make sure that they will be based on extensive data on substance abusers. According to Kugler and Darley (2012) the very image of drug abusers has changed throughout decades. In the twentieth century, â€Å"the media supported a punitive approach to drug policy† (Kugler Darley, 2012, p. 217). Drug abusers were depicted as people who were often engaged in violent crime activities.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn M ore Reportedly, Americans had concerns that their close ones might become victims of a variety of crimes associated with drugs (Kugler Darley, 2012). Nonetheless, the perception is changing as people start adopting less punitive approach in the twenty-first century. According to Kugler and Darley (2012, p. 217) â€Å"only 30 percent of the public now believes that the government should emphasize arresting drug users† and there is growing support of legalization of such substance as marijuana. In many states across the country, more and more people are changing their viewpoint on the matter. Marijuana is not seen as a harmful drug anymore as it is regarded as another medication. These trends signify the shift in public opinion. Now drugs are not regarded as primary concern in the American society. As has been mentioned above, media representation of drug abusers is subjected to a variety of prejudice. According to Cobbina (2008), racial and ethnic minority groups are often depicted as substance abusers. These groups of people are often associated with drug-related crimes. Cobbina (2008) implemented research based on analysis of more than 100 newspaper articles. The author found that African Americans had often been depicted as substance abusers and criminals who threatened order in the American society. Fig..1. Drug Use in 2002-2011 by Race. This figure illustrates the rates of drug abusers among different race groups (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2012).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Substance Abuse: Media Representation of Drug Abusers specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More At this point, it is necessary to point out that race is not the defining factor when it comes to substance abuse. According to US Department of Health and Human Services (2012) Asians turned out to be the ethnic group with lower rates of substance abusers compared to other ethnic groups (see Figure 1). In 2011, the rate of substance abusers were as follows, African Americans (10%), whites (8.7%), Hispanics (8.4%) (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). Clearly, race is not the defining factor affecting people’s choice. At the same time, education and socioeconomic factors play primary roles (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). Minorities often face a lot of discrimination and they often have fewer opportunities. This may lead to lack of self-esteem which, in its turn, may lead to drug abuse. Nonetheless, the data show that ethnic groups have quite similar rates of drug abusers. Irrespective, of these data media continue developing an image of a substance abuser as a person of color who is often engaged in unlawful activities. Beckett et al. (2005) provided illustration of the image that persisted in the society in the end of the twentieth century and in the beginning of the twenty-first century. According to Beckett et al. (2005), the image of a non-white drug abuser is still strong and still affects the way police treat criminals and suspects. Now many people tend to believe that black or Hispanic drug abusers must be punished severely as they may be engaged in a variety of violent crimes whereas white drug abusers should be let off with warnings and fines and some public works. The reasons why people of different racial groups become substance abusers are also seen differently. White substance abusers are often seen as victims of unemployment, lack of opportunities, bad environment, etc. When it comes to people of color, many consider substance abusers to be criminals, not victims.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is necessary to note that this image also persists in media which can have a variety of effects on the contemporary American society. According to Shaw, Whitehead and Giles (2010) media representation shapes public opinion and especially young people’s attitudes towards substance abuse to a considerable extent. The research implemented by Shaw, Whitehead and Giles (2010) illustrates this assumption. Thus, Amy Whitehouse is seen as a talented young female who became a victim of substance abuse. At that, she is seen as a victim of drug dealers. Though, the singer somewhat romanticized substance use in her works, people do not think that she stimulated young admirers to start taking drugs. On the contrary, her sudden death can be regarded as a precaution to all who might consider taking drugs. Amy Whitehouse is an illustration of an image of a white young female who is rather a victim of unfavorable environment. Shaw, Whitehead and Giles (2010) analyzed a number of newspapers articles and it turned out that those sources created the image of a victim. It is possible to elicit another image. Cobbina (2008) provided an illustration of another image. When it came to white arrestees, they were regarded as those who bought the substance for personal use. Again, white abusers were represented as victims who tried to escape from reality as they did not find another way to address their problems associated with financial constraints. At the same time, people of color were depicted as criminals who sold and bought drugs and were drug abusers. It is possible to note that media have created an image of a black arrestee who is a criminal and a threat to the American society. Clearly, these two images have been created on the basis of a variety of biases. People tend to think that people of color often live in poor neighborhoods with few opportunities and this, as people think, inevitably leads to drug abuse. More so, many think that people of color choose criminal path and become a threat to the entire society. At the same time, white abusers are regarded as victims of criminal groups. It is also necessary to note that media representation of substance abusers affects public opinion. Notably, many people keep talking about romanticizing of drugs use as many films and songs create images of a drug abuser who is creative, strong and free. However, latest surveys show that this representation is not enough to make young people start taking drugs (Shaw, Whitehead and Giles, 2010). Though, socioeconomic factors play essential role. Obviously, better life conditions and ‘healthy’ environment will encourage people to live without drugs. Media should also show the other side of drugs without emphasizing such points as ethnicity or race. To sum up, it is clear that media representation of drug abusers is subjected to changes. It reflects trends existing in the society. However, it also influences the way people see substance abusers. Ther efore, it is possible to launch various programs and initiatives to make people understand that drugs are harmful and unnecessary. Media can provide numerous stories creating adequate image of a drug abuser. Of course, this representation should be free from any bias. People cannot continue thinking that white substance abusers are only victims that should be understood and forgiven while people of color should be severely punished if associated with substance abuse. This wrongful representation leads to the situation when some people enjoy impunity whereas others are pursued for slightest mischief. Reference List Beckett, K., Nyrop, K., Pfingst, L. Bowen, M. (2005). Drug use, drug possession arrests, and the question of race: Lessons from Seattle. Social Problems, 52(3), 419-441. Cobbina, J.E (2008). Race and class differences in print media portrayals of crack cocaine and methamphetamine. Journal of Criminal and Popular Culture, 15(2), 145-167. Kugler, M.B. Darley, J.M. (2012). Punitiveness towards users of illicit drugs: A disparity between actual and perceived attitudes. Federal Sentencing Reporter, 24(3), 217-221. Shaw, R.L., Whitehead, C. Giles, D.C. (2010). â€Å"Crack down on the celebrity junkies†: Does media coverage of celebrity drug use pose a risk to young people? Health, Risk Society, 12(6), 575-589. US Department of Health and Human Services. (2012). Results from the 2011 national survey on drug use and health: Summary of national findings. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/

Company critical analysis - AT&T Research Paper

Company critical analysis - AT&T - Research Paper Example Launched from New Haven, Connecticut in 1878, AT&T, working under the aegis of the American Bell Company gradually spread its business into all major towns of the country and acquired the assets in their totality from the Bell Company on December 30, 1899. Background of the company (AT&T) and its problem with competitors AT&T partnered with the Western Electric Company during its initial years in business and made innovative discoveries in the field of telecommunications which allowed it to spread the business to all parts of the American Continent. Its innovations and discoveries allowed it to make transcontinental telecommunication feasible. When the Bell Company’s patent expired in 1894, thousands of other operators’ jumped into the fray triggering intense competition and causing a spurt in the number of telephone connections in the US. AT&T has never looked back since then and after decades of monopolistic rule in the American telecommunications industry, it till re mains the market leader by foraying and diversifying into technologies which changed with signs of the times. AT&T spread out throughout the world and established offices and manufacturing facilities in major cities of the developed countries. The company has many inventions’ in telecommunication technology credited to its scientists, seven amongst them even winning the Nobel Prize in Physics (Web, AT&T). The invention of the transistor, the telephone dial, push-button telephony, the coaxial cable, mobile telephony, cellular telephone and demonstration of the first television are credited to the company, technologies that revolutionized the electronics industry. The company played pioneering role in the launch of the first telecommunications satellite in the world and the implementation of 911 as a direct emergency helpline within the United States. The first major issue which AT&T faced during its century long dominance in the United States was the settlement of its first fe deral anti-trust lawsuit in 1913, when it established itself as government sanctioned monopoly by signing a document called the Kingsbury Commitment, divesting itself of the control of the Western Union telegraph company, and paving the way for non-competing independent telephone companies to establish interconnectivity with AT&T services. The company was being directed during this period by its President, Theodore Vail, whose innovative strategies set the trend for the company’s operations for the next seventy years (Web, AT&T). Another anti-trust suit was filed against the company in 1974 when it had to divest itself from local telephone operations in favor of lifting of restrictions on the company as envisaged in the 1956 Consent decree (Web, AT&T). The parent Bell System ceased to exist in 1984 and the company acquired a new logo and renamed itself as AT&T. It forayed into computer business by acquiring NCR computers, which subsequently established itself as an independen t company after a decade long liaison. Competition in the telecommunications sector intensified in 1996 after President Bill Clinton signed the telecommunications Act into law which endeavored to eliminate legal and regulatory barriers prevalent in the industry. The company directors reduced subscription rates in populist endeavors to sustain itself,