Saturday, January 25, 2020

Soft Power in Japan and South Korea

Soft Power in Japan and South Korea The term ‘soft power’ is often used in the discussion of popular culture. This essay will utilise knowledge obtained through scholarly enquiry and education in Asian studies to discuss popular culture as a form of soft power. Firstly, I will provide a summative outline on the theory of soft power. Following this I will discuss Japanese and South Korean popular culture and whether they are consistent with the theory of soft power. The thesis of this essay will argue that soft power is a useful term in relation to the discussion of popular culture. Joseph Nye, who focuses on international relations, developed the theory of soft power in 1990. Nye suggested that power is influencing others to achieve a desired outcome. Similarly, the term ‘soft’ power may be understood through a state’s ability to achieve the outcomes it desires by leading as an example for other states[1]. This conveys that soft power is the ability of a nation to attract others to mirror interests consistent with their own. The desired outcomes of soft power vary, however most nations have broad aims for international stability and consistency, which may prevent or address global and national issues. For example, the United States has used mediums of soft power to justify actions towards ‘weapons of mass destruction’ by presenting American culture as attractive through its liberalism, democracy and human rights. This conveys that soft power is an intangible resource which uses ideologies, culture and economics to address intern ational issues[2]. Soft power has been used in contemporary international relations due to the interdependent nature of nations, making direct force costly. For example, a nation’s militarization incurs political and economic costs, which in return could reduce rather than increase a nation’s power. Rather, soft power is used in other resources such as transnational corporations, which allow more leverage of the global system as a whole. Contemporarily, these resources generate more power for nations because of a shift in power structures. Modernization, urbanization and increased communication have diffused power from the government to private sectors. The spread of power into the private sphere, in regards to transnational corporations, means that the most powerful form of soft power is popular culture. Ideologies of nations can be imbedded into products and communication. These commodities are introduced to other nations through transnational corporations and privat e sectors, who market their products to be attractive, consumerable and resultantly, popular. Since the mid twentieth century, Japan has been increasingly integral to global popular culture. Central to Japanese exports are manga and anime, the most distinguished forms of Japanese popular culture; hence their potential as forms of soft power. Japan’s ‘International Exchange Research Programme’ of 2003, reported the potential for Japanese popular cultures assistance in international diplomacy[3]. It was theorised that positive national images should be embedded into popular culture; mainly through the pre-existing subculture of manga and anime. The report’s recommendation was facilitated, and organisations such as the ‘Japan Cartoonist Association’ were created to reward artistic innovation. In conjunction with Japan’s conveyance of its national image, McGray suggests that Japanese popular culture is seemingly egalitarian; devoid of perspective and hierarchy[4]. This suggests that popular culture has effectively used ideologies, in accordance with culture and economics, to embed a positive national image. Therefore, popular culture that embeds national ideologies is a form of soft power. The Japan Cartoonist Association generates most of its interest and revenue from foreign states, which suggests that manga and anime are attractive to other nations. Hills argues that its appeal comes from the characters within manga and anime narratives, who are internal and selfless[5]. For example, Spike, the hero from ‘Cowboy Bebop’ was not a saint; a paradigm of the right morals, or always successful in his ventures. This conveys an opposition to Western ideologies of individualistic heroes, who fight on the right side of justice and always succeed. In accordance, its attraction may be sourced from manga and anime’s postmodernism; which allows an escape from modern Western culture. Therefore, popular culture that attracts others, generating international interest and revenue is a form of soft power. Market forces and consumer preferences drive the production and global consumption of manga and anime[6]. For example, the production company, Studio Ghibli has been increasingly popular in the market due to the international consumer desire for Japanese anime. Otmazgin argues that consumer desire is notably expressed in increasing trade, production and interdependence, with the importance of intra-East Asian trade tripling over the last forty years[7]. In accordance, corporations and organisations have had increasing influence and power in transnational relations, such as shaping economic relations and improving perspectives of Japanese culture. In accordance, corporations and organisations have had increasing influence and power in transnational relations, such as shaping economic relations and improving perspectives of Japanese culture. Therefore, popular culture that empowers corporations and private sectors’ leverage over global systems is a form of soft power Post-war perceptions, such as the Japanese being aggressive or imperialistic, and policies have prevented some of the Japanese state’s diplomatic aims. Mainly, Japan wishes to attain permanent membership on the UN Security Council[8]. In conjunction, the Japanese state has realised the potential of popular culture in facilitating the state’s desired outcome. Popular culture has generated economic prosperity, as well as conveying ideologies of a positive, progressive Japan. These resources may be considered effective in disassembling post-war perceptions and regulations. Equally, popular culture’s economic success has allowed Japan to become the second largest contributor to the UN’s budget, giving leverage over their diplomatic aim. Therefore, as Nye outlines, popular culture that influences a state’s desired outcome is a form of soft power. In the late 1990’s, South Korea was propelled into global popular culture. So profound was the movement, it has been described as the Korean Wave; with popular exports such as Korean films and music. Korean popular culture may be termed as a form of soft power. The Kim Dae Jung administration, in 1998, designated the media and entertainment sectors as a focus for development. In accordance to these political agendas, entertainment based private sectors increased their national significance. For example, the film industry doubled its Korean market share within the year. Central to the recognition of these industries is that they contain cultural content, which can enhance images of Korea. Joo argues that Korea attempts to embed into its cultural exports the idea that Korea is refined, sophisticated and prominent[9]. This suggests that Korean popular culture uses ideologies, in accordance with culture and economics, to embed a positive national image. Therefore, popular culture that embeds national ideologies is a form of soft power. Korean industries are increasingly obtaining status, interest and revenue from foreign states. Taiwanese television currently pays almost double to broadcast a Korean drama over a Japanese production. This suggests that Korean popular culture is attractive, which may be due to its balance of traditional and modern cultural values. For example, the Korean drama, ‘Winter Sonata’, encapsulates social conservatism, employing traditional morals of being sensitive, gentle and caring, yet presented in a modern environment. In accordance, South Korea provides a model for other conservative Asian states; how to modernize and keep traditional values. Therefore, popular culture that attracts and leads as an example for others is a form of soft power. With the adoption of Neo-Liberal approaches in South Korea, power was diffused from the government to private sectors[10]. Neo-Liberal strategies invoked privatisation and deregulation, which in return allow capitalists to govern systems of production, advertisement and consumption. For example, Korean music is governed by private sectors to be resonant with the Asian youth, which would have previously been stymied by the Korean nationalist government. This conveys that private sectors have more determination in generating what popular culture constitutes, and in conjunction perspectives of Korean Culture. Therefore, popular culture that empowers corporations and private sectors’ leverage over global systems is a form of soft power. Post-Cold War perceptions of South Korea may be summarised as contemptuous, inferior and economically weak; which were supplemented by the Korean financial crisis in the 1990s. Though, the Kim Dae Jung administration realised the potential of popular culture in granting diplomatic power; by conveying ideologies of an influential and prominent nation. By creating cultural markets and consumer demand, the state has effectively facilitated their desired outcomes. South Korea now ranks in the top 15 market economies, and feelings of affinity towards South Korea have increased unanimously, and by almost double in Japan during the Korean Wave[11]. Effectively, The South Korea state now constitutes a substantial amount of power, conveying the success of soft power in achieving their diplomatic aims. Therefore, popular culture that influences a states desired outcome is a form of soft power. Japan and South Korea have both provided examples of soft power that is derived from popular culture. In Japan, popular culture was able to generate power and influence in their diplomatic aims; conveying a positive image of Japan and gaining leverage over permanent membership on the UN Security Council. Similarly in South Korea, popular culture was able to convey a refined, sophisticated and prominent nation in conjunction with facilitating their prominence on the global market. Therefore, soft power is a useful term in relation to the discussion of popular culture. References Er Lam, Peng, â€Å"Japan’s quest for soft power: attraction and limitation.† East Asia 24, no. 4 (2007): 349-363. Hills, Mat, â€Å"Transcultural Otaku: Japanese representations of fandom and representations of Japan in anime/manga fan cultures.† Media in Transition 2, (2002): 1-13. Joo, Jeongsuk, â€Å"Transnationalization of Korean Popular Culture and the Rise of Pop Nationalism in Korea.† The Journal of Popular Culture 44, no. 3 (2011): 489-504. Joseph Nye Explains the Term Soft Power, Educational Film, directed by Allen Greg (Canada: Conversation, 2004). Kaori, Hayashi, and Eun-Jeung Lee, â€Å"The Potential of Fandom and the Limits of Soft Power.† Social Science Japan Journal 10, no. 2 (2007): 197-216. McGray, Douglas, â€Å"Japan’s Gross National Cool.† Foreign Policy 130, no. 1 (2002): 44-54. Nakarmura, Toshiya, â€Å"Soft Power and Public Diplomacy: How Cool Japan Will Be.† International Studies Association, (2011): 1-26. Nye, Joseph, â€Å"Soft Power.† Foreign policy, (1990). Otmazgin, Nissim, â€Å"Contesting Soft Power.† International Relations of the Asia-Pacific 8, no. 1 (2008): 73-101. Yang, Jonghoe, â€Å"The Korean Wave in East Asia.† Development and Society 41, no. 1 (2012): 103-147. [1] Allen Greg, â€Å"Joseph Nye Explains the Term Soft Power,† Educational Film, (Canada: Conversation, 2004). [2] Joseph Nye, â€Å"Soft Power.† Foreign policy, (1990): 161. [3] Nissim Otmazgin, â€Å"Contesting Soft Power.† International Relations of the Asia-Pacific 8, no. 1 (2008): 81-82. [4] Douglas McGray, â€Å"Japan’s Gross National Cool.† Foreign Policy 130, no. 1 (2002): 47. [5] Mat Hills, â€Å"Transcultural Otaku: Japanese representations of fandom and representations of Japan in anime/manga fan cultures.† Media in Transition 2, (2002): 10. [6] Peng Er Lam, â€Å"Japan’s quest for soft power: attraction and limitation.† East Asia 24, no. 4 (2007): 350. [7] Nissim Otmazgin, â€Å"Contesting Soft Power.† International Relations of the Asia-Pacific 8, no. 1 (2008): 85. [8] Toshiya Nakarmura, â€Å"Soft Power and Public Diplomacy: How Cool Japan Will Be.† International Studies Association, (2011): 14-15. [9] Jeongsuk Joo, â€Å"Transnationalization of Korean Popular Culture and the Rise of Pop Nationalism in Korea.† The Journal of Popular Culture 44, no. 3 (2011): 496. [10] Jonghoe Yang, â€Å"The Korean Wave in East Asia.† Development and Society 41, no. 1 (2012): 107. [11] Hayashi Kaori and Eun-Jeung Lee, â€Å"The Potential of Fandom and the Limits of Soft Power.† Social Science Japan Journal 10, no. 2 (2007): 213.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Ida Jean Orlando Essay

Ida Jean Orland was a first- generation American of Italian decent, born 1926. She received her diploma in nursing at New York Medical College in 1947, Bachelor of Science in Public health from St. Johns University in Brooklyn, New York in 1951 and her Master of Arts Degree in Mental Health Nursing from Columbia University. Orlando was an associate Professor at Yale School of Nursing, and while there she served as the Director of the Graduate Program in Mental Health Psychiatric Nursing. She was the project investigator of a National Institute of Mental Health grant entitled Integration of Mental Health Concepts in Basic Nursing Curriculum. In 1961, Orlando published her theory, The Dynamic Nurse- Patient Relationship and in 1972 The Discipline and Teaching of Nursing Process. She has served as a board member of Harvard Community Health Plan. Her theory is explanatory and straightforward, she believes that the role of the nurse is to find out and meet the patients immediate need for help. She describes nursing as it is, the nurse is responsible for gathering all the information directly from the patient and making decisions based on this information. We as nurses are the Care Plan that we develop, however, we must always be aware that situations change and we must be able to adapt to the change immediately and come up with other ways of treatment without allowing it to interfere with the quality of care that the patient is receiving. She directly states definition of nursing that can summarize the theory provided by Ida Jean Orlando. â€Å"All patients behavior can be a cry for help, both verbal and non-verbal. It is up to the nurse to interpret their behavior and determine the needs of the patient†. Nursing differs from medicine according to this theory because based on Orlando’s theory; everything we need to know to provide the best care to the patient is received directly from the patient. Usually with medicine, we use textbook information and trial and error, however, according to the theory  of Orlando, it is the nurse’s job to collect all the information directly from the patient and interpret it on our own to provide quality care. Orlando’s theory definitely relies on the content/knowledge of nursing. It is clearly stated that it is the nurse’s job to use their perception, thoughts about the perception or the feeling engendered from their thought to explore with patients the meaning of their behavior. This process helps the nurses find out the nature of the distress and what help the patient needs. It is the knowledge of the nurse that is being relied on for the best care. Ida Jean Orlando theory Deliberative Nursing Process was developed in the late 1950’s from an observation she witnessed involving nurse and patient interaction. Orlando’s Deliberative Nursing Process is based on and involves the patient’s behavior and nurse’s reaction. In most cases the patient will exhibit certain behaviors both verbal and nonverbal as a plea for help . The role of the nurse is to find out and meet the patient’s immediate need for help. The four major concepts of the metaparadigm, the person, environment, health and nursing collectively are one with Orlando’s Theory Stages Assessment, diagnosis, implementation, and the goal. Together they provide the nurse with the data needed to accurately assess and serve the patient. Ida Jean Orlando uses an assessment as a tool when collecting subjective and objective data in relation to the person/patient hence allowing the nurse to notably assess the disease process. The assessment stage enhances the nurse ability to analyze and interpret the behavior and determine the needs of the patient. The assessment is done without reason. The health of the individual is closely evaluated to determine the patient needs. During the diagnosis stage the diagnosis can be confirmed using links to classify the characteristics, related factors, and risk factors found in the person/patients assessment .The behavior of the person as well as the disease is well thought-out in this process. The nurse then uses clinical judgment regarding health dilemmas, tackling each one individually. The environment is an important part of this process. It influences the  individuals external as well as the internal aspect of life and well-being. After gathering the diagnosis, interventions can be implemented to help accomplish the goals. In this stage we put everything into action allowing us to carry out the care plan that was created using Orlando’s theory. The nurse is now able to assess whether the person have achieved their goals. Often times the complete set of goals are not met, however Orlando’s theory is adjustable. Orlando’s theory is universal allowing the nurse to be flexible. It’s also easily adapted when providing service to different person/patients with different diagnosis. With the mutual aid of the person/patient and the deliberate actions of the nurse, the goal put in place by the nurse is attained. Every deed of a nurse has significance. Ida Jean Orlando Theory focuses on the Dynamic Nurse-Patient relationship. Even though the theory focuses on the communication between the nurse-patient relationships, it makes it clear that the nurse is to assume that the patient’s communication is a plea for help and must be taken as is. This dictates that the primary focus is on the dynamic relationship but does give a secondary focus on the nurse as the modifiable component. The theory in itself is clear and simple. It describes the interaction between the nurse and patient in a certain time and place and follows a sequence until the patient’s problem is resolved. The sequencing of events results in its clarity. All of the primary duties of a nurse involve interacting with the patient, meaning that Ida Jean Orlando’s Dynamic Nurse-Patient Relationship Theory can applied in almost any setting. Whenever a patient interacts with nurse, the theoretical model can be applied. It does not need any special tools nor does it require a specific setting. It is derived from the patient, as a whole, interacting with a nurse as a whole. It stages the interaction to happen in a specific sequence. It places special emphasis on the nurses’ role on perceiving the patient behavior and interpreting it beyond its superficial affect. It deals with the immediate context and attempts to find the most complete resolution of the situation. It theory is built on the examination of over 2000 Nurse-Patient interactions. Her theory has led to deliberative consequences for nurses. It sets principles that have become ingrained in nursing education. It is the principle set on how a nurse’s role should be active rather than passive in a nurse’s interaction with a patient. It is set to give structure to a nurse’s role of performing ongoing assessments with validated results, to treat a person as a whole with feedback as reassurances of her actions and to achieve role and problem clarity so that the patient understands his or her own problems that may have been hidden from his or her own perception. Ida Jean Orlando’s theoretical is ingrained in all aspects of nursing interaction. It has also been codified in some fields as a standard of practice. When giving medication to a patient, we nurses must explain the medication, its expected effect, purpose, and its possible side effects. It is then standard practice to make note of its actual effect and react to that effect. It is logical, active, and directly follows the model. It is most important with pain medication. The patient may over exaggerate, misplace direct cause, or maybe misinterpret the pain. To the patient, pain is simply pain. It is the nurse’s role to accept the patient’s complaint and internally analyze it. Using the nursing discipline, decipher the superficial plea in order to see any underlying cause, react appropriately until the underlying cause is exposed and treated. Her theory serves as the basis for any interaction with a patient, arguably, for every health professional. As an emergency room nurse, we are encouraged to process patients efficiently and with haste. Patient interaction is, however, valued for its quality. We are expected to treat the patient’s most immediate concerns while looking for underlying agitators so that treatment can be administered efficiently. Unfortunately, in a fast pace environment, there may be no time to interpret and internally analyze a patient’s behavior or get their reaction to a certain treatment. Stabilizing and to processing a patient with an unfortunate consequence of diminished patient interaction quality as a frequent casualty. Without Orlando’s theoretic model, patients become numbers, treated by their symptoms rather than being treated like a person, without it we would end up dehumanizing patients. References Alligood, M. R., & Tomey, A. M. (2010). Nursing Theorist and Their Work seventh edition. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby. Ida Jean Orlando- Nursing theorist. (2011). Retrieved October 12, 2013, from Nursing- theory.org website: http://nursing-theory.org/nursing-theorists/Ida-Jean-Orlando.php Nursing theories a companion to nursing theories and models. (2013, September 9). Retrieved October 6, 2013, from Current nursing website: http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/Orlando_nursing_process.html Orlando, I. J. (1972). The discipline and teaching of nursing process: An evaluative study. New York: G. P Putnam. Orlando, I. J. (1990). The dynamic nurse-patient relationship: Function, process, and principles. New York: National League of Nursing. Orlando’s Nursing Process Theory. (2013, September 9). Retrieved October 12, 2013, from currentnursing.com website: http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/Orlando_nursing_process.html Parker, M. E. (2005). Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice second edition. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

What Is a Political Extremist

A political extremist is someone whose beliefs fall outside mainstream societal values and  on the fringes of the ideological spectrum. In the U.S., the typical political extremist is motivated by anger, fear, and hatred — most commonly toward the government and people of different races, ethnicities, and nationalities. Some are motivated by specific issues such as abortion, animal rights, and environmental protection. What Political Extremists Believe Political extremists oppose the core principles of democracy and human rights. Extremists come in many flavors  on both sides of the ideological spectrum. There are right-wing extremists and left-wing extremists. There are Islamic extremists and anti-abortion extremists. Some political extremists are known to engage in ideologically driven criminal activity, including violence.   Political extremists often show disdain for the rights and liberties of others but resent the limitations of their own activities.  Extremists often exhibit ironic qualities;  they favor censorship of their enemies but use intimidation and manipulation to spread their own assertions and claims, for example. Some claim God is on their side of an issue and they often use religion as an excuse for acts of violence. Political Extremists and Violence A 2017 Congressional Research Service report, authored by organized crime and terrorism expert Jerome P. Bjelopera, linked domestic terrorism to political extremism and warned of a growing threat in the U.S.: The emphasis of counterterrorism policy in the United States since Al Qaeda’s attacks of September 11, 2001, has been on jihadist terrorism. However, in the last decade, domestic terrorists — people who commit crimes within the homeland and draw inspiration from U.S.-based extremist ideologies and movements — have killed American citizens and damaged property across the country. A 1999 Federal Bureau of Investigation report stated: â€Å"During the past 30 years, the vast majority — but not all — of the deadly terrorist attacks occurring in the United States have been perpetrated by domestic extremists.† There are at least six types of political extremists operating in the U.S., according to government experts.   Sovereign Citizens There are several hundred thousand Americans who claim they are exempt or â€Å"sovereign† from the U.S. and its laws. Their hard-line anti-government and anti-tax beliefs place them at odds with elected officials, judges, and police officers, and some confrontations have turned violent and even deadly. In 2010, self-proclaimed sovereign citizen Joe Kane fatally shot two police officers in Arkansas during a routine traffic stop. Sovereign citizens often refer to themselves as â€Å"constitutionalists† or â€Å"freemen.† They may also form loose-knit groups with names such as Moorish Nation, The Aware Group, and Republic of United States of America. Their core belief is that the reach of local, federal, and state governments is excessive and un-American.   According to the University of North Caroline School of Government:   Sovereign citizens may issue their own driver’s licenses and vehicle tags, create and file their own liens against government officials who cross them, question judges about the validity of their oaths, challenge the applicability of traffic laws to them and, in extreme cases, resort to violence to protect their imagined rights. They speak an odd quasi-legal language and believe that by not capitalizing names and by writing in red and using certain catch phrases they can avoid any liability in our judicial system. They even think they can lay claim to vast sums of money held by the United States Treasury, based on the premise that the government has secretly pledged them as security for the country’s debts. Based on these beliefs, and a twisted understanding of the Uniform Commercial Code, they try various schemes that they think discharge them from responsibility for their debts. Animal Rights and Environmental Extremists These two types of political extremist are often mentioned together because their mode of operation and leaderless structure is similar  Ã¢â‚¬â€ the commission of crimes such as theft and destruction of property by individuals or small, loosely affiliated groups operating on behalf of a larger mission. Animal-rights extremists believe animals cannot be owned because they are entitled to the same basic rights humans are afforded. They propose a constitutional amendment creating an animal bill of rights that bans exploitation of animals and discrimination based on species, recognizes animals as persons in a substantive sense and grants them the rights relevant and necessary to their existence  Ã¢â‚¬â€ the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.   In 2006, an animal-rights extremist named  Donald Currie was convicted for orchestrating a bombing campaign against animal researchers, their families, and their homes. Said one investigator: The offenses were of a very serious nature and demonstrate the lengths a minority of animal-rights activists are prepared to go to for their cause. Similarly, environmental extremists have targeted logging, mining and construction firms — for-profit corporate interests they believe are destroying the Earth. One prominent environmental extremist group has described its mission as using â€Å"economic sabotage and guerrilla warfare to stop the exploitation and destruction of the environment.† Its members have used techniques such as tree spiking  Ã¢â‚¬â€ the insertion of metal spikes in trees to damage logging saws — and  monkeywrenching  Ã¢â‚¬â€ sabotaging logging and construction equipment. The most violent environmental extremists employ arson and firebombing.   Testifying before a congressional subcommittee in 2002, the FBIs domestic terrorism chief, James F. Jarboe, said: Special interest extremists continue to conduct acts of politically motivated violence to force segments of society, including the general public, to change attitudes about issues considered important to their causes. These groups occupy the extreme fringes of animal rights, pro-life, environmental, anti-nuclear, and other movements. Some special interest extremists — most notably within the animal rights and environmental movements — have turned increasingly toward vandalism and terrorist activity in attempts to further their causes. Anarchists This particular group of political extremist embraces a society in which all individuals can do whatever they choose, except interfere with the ability of other individuals to do what they choose, according to a definition in The Anarchist Library.   Anarchists do not suppose that all people are altruistic, or wise, or good, or identical, or perfectible, or any romantic nonsense of that kind. They believe that a society without coercive institutions is feasible, within the repertoire of natural, imperfect, human behavior. Anarchists represent left-wing political extremism and have employed violence and force in attempting to create such a society. Theyve vandalized property, set fires and detonated bombs targeting financial corporations, government entities, and police officers. One of the largest anarchist protests in modern history took place during the World Trade Organizations 1999 meetings in Seattle, Washington. A group that helped carry out the protests stated its goals this way: A storefront window becomes a vent to let some fresh air into the oppressive atmosphere of a retail outlet. A dumpster becomes an obstruction to a phalanx of rioting cops and a source of heat and light. A building facade becomes a message board to record brainstorm ideas for a better world. New groups have risen amid the rise of the alt-right and white nationalism in the U.S. to combat white supremacy. These groups reject the involvement of government police forces in tracking neo-Nazis and white supremacists.   Anti-Abortion Extremists These right-wing political extremists have used firebombings, shootings, and vandalism against abortion providers and the  doctors, nurses and other staff who  work for them. Many believe they are acting on behalf of Christianity. One group, the Army of God, maintained a manual that stated the need for violence against abortion providers. Beginning officially with the passage of the Freedom of Choice Act – we, the remnant of God-fearing men and women of the United States of Amerika (sic), do officially declare war on the entire child killing industry. After praying, fasting, and making continual supplication to God for your pagan, heathen, infidel souls, we then peacefully, passively presented our bodies in front of your death camps, begging you to stop the mass murdering of infants. Yet you hardened your already blackened, jaded hearts. We quietly accepted the resulting imprisonment and suffering of our passive resistance. Yet you mocked God and continued the Holocaust. No longer! All of the options have expired. Our Most Dread Sovereign Lord God requires that whosoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed. Anti-abortion violence spiked in the mid-1990s, declined and then spiked again in 2015 and 2016, according to research conducted by the  Feminist Majority Foundation. Surveys conducted by the group found that more than a third of abortion providers in the U.S. had experienced  severe violence or threats of violence in the first half of 2016. Anti-abortion extremists are responsible for at least 11 homicides, dozens of bombings, and nearly 200 arsons since the late 1970s, according to the National Abortion Federation. Among the most recent acts of violence carried out by anti-abortion political extremists was the 2015 slaying of three people at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado by a self-proclaimed warrior for the babies, Robert Dear. Militias Militias are another form of anti-government, right-wing political extremist, much like sovereign citizens. Militias are heavily armed groups of people who are motivated to overthrow the U.S. government, which they believe has trampled their constitutional rights, particularly when it comes to the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms. These political extremists â€Å"tend to stockpile illegal weapons and ammunition, trying illegally to get their hands on fully automatic firearms or attempting to convert weapons to fully automatic. They also try to buy or manufacture improvised explosive devices, according to an FBI report on militia extremism. Militia groups grew out of the 1993 standoff between the government and the  Branch Davidians, led by  David Koresh, near Waco, Texas. The government believed the  Davidians were stockpiling firearms. According to the  Anti-Defamation League,  a civil-rights watchdog group: Their extreme anti-government ideology, along with their elaborate conspiracy theories and fascination with weaponry and paramilitary organization, lead many members of militia groups to act out in ways that justify the concerns expressed about them by public officials, law enforcement and the general public. ...  The combination of anger at the government, fear of gun confiscation and susceptibility to elaborate conspiracy theories is what formed the core of the militia movements ideology. White Supremacists Neo-Nazis, racist skinheads, the Ku Klux Klan, and the alt-right are among the most well known political extremist groups, but they are far from the only ones that seek racial and ethnic purity in the U.S. White supremacist political extremists were responsible for  49 homicides in 26 attacks from 2000 to 2016, more than any other domestic extremist movement, according to the federal government. White supremacists act on behalf of the 14 Words mantra:  Ã¢â‚¬Å"We must secure the existence of our race and a future for white children.† The violence carried out by white extremists is well documented across the decades, from Klan lynchings to the 2015 slaying of nine black worshipers at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, at the hands of a 21-year-old man who wanted to start a race war because, he said, negroes have lower IQs, lower impulse control, and higher testosterone levels in general. These three things alone are a recipe for violent behavior. There are more than 100 groups operating in the U.S. that espouse views such as these, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups. They include the  alt-right, Ku Klux Klan, racist skinheads, and white nationalists.   Further Reading Bjelopera, Jerome P.  Domestic Terrorism: An Overview.  Congressional Research Service. August 21, 2017. Accessed February 2018.French, David.  On Extremism, Left and White. National Review. May 30, 2017. Accessed February 2017.Kaste, Martin and Siegler, Kirk.  Is Left-Wing Violence Rising? National Public Radio. June 16, 2017. Accessed February 2017.Bartels, Larry.  The Rise of Presidential Extremists. The New York Times. Sept. 12, 2016. Accessed February, 2018.Southern Poverty Law Center. The Year in Hate: Trump buoyed white supremacists in 2017, sparking backlash among black nationalist groups.  Feb. 21, 2018. Accessed Feb. 24 and Feb. 25, 2018.Anti-Defamation League.  Murder and Extremism in the United States in 2016. Accessed February 2018.University of North Carolina School of Government. A Quick Guide to Sovereign Citizens. November 2013. Accessed February 2018.  Federal Bureau of Investigation. What Are Known Violent Extremist Groups? Accessed February 2018.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

The Lottery, By Shirley Jackson - 974 Words

I. Introduction a. Lead in Destructiveness and constructiveness are equally intrinsic characteristics of human nature. b. Background In the short story â€Å"The Lottery,† the inhabitants of a village participate in a lottery, which is essentially a tradition for them. However, the villagers are oblivious to the true consequences and destructiveness of their death ritual. One June day each year, the lottery is conducted and the â€Å"winner† is violently stoned to death. The very same day, the villagers return home and carry on with their normal day-to-day functions. c. Thesis In â€Å"The Lottery,† Shirley Jackson manipulates tone to create the impression of a seemingly normal and peaceful town while foreshadowing the barbaric/savage ending, emphasizing the apathy inherent in human nature. II. Body Paragraph #1 - Tone a. Subthesis Throughout the short story, the author incorporates choice words into certain components of the story in order to create a calm and relaxed tone. b. Claim, Proof, Analysis Claim In the beginning of the story, the author creates the setting of a lively day. Proof The morning of the lottery was â€Å"clear and sunny,† â€Å"the flowers were blossoming profusely,† and the â€Å"grass was richly green.† Analysis The author paints a picture in the readers’ mind of a nice and beautiful day in the village. Seeing this beautiful setting might cause to reader to expect happy and exciting events to follow. c. Claim, Proof, Analysis Claim Throughout the story, the actions andShow MoreRelatedThe Lottery, By Shirley Jackson1195 Words   |  5 PagesOn the surface, Shirley Jackson’s short story, â€Å"The Lottery,† reads as a work of horror. There is a village that holds an annual lottery where the winner is stoned to death so the village and its people could prosper. Some underlying themes include: the idea that faith and tradition are often followed blindly, and those who veer away from tradition are met with punishment, as well as the idea of a herd mentality and bystander apathy. What the author manages to do successfully is that she actuallyRead MoreThe Lottery by Shirley Jackson757 Words   |  4 Pagessucceed but many fail just like the main character Tessie Hutchinson in Shirley Jackson’s short story â€Å"The Lottery†. When someone hears the word â€Å"lottery†, he or she may think that someone will be rewarded with prize. But â€Å"The Lottery† By Shirley Jackso n is different than what one thinks. In the story, a lottery is going to be conducted not like Mega Million or Powerball one play here. In the story, the person who wins the lottery is stoned to death instead of being rewarded with the prize. TessieRead MoreThe Lottery By Shirley Jackson931 Words   |  4 PagesIn 1948 Shirley Jackson composed the controversial short story â€Å"The Lottery.† Generally speaking, a title such as â€Å"The Lottery† is usually affiliated with an optimistic outlook. However, Jackson’s approach is quite unorthodox and will surely leave readers contemplating the intent of her content. The story exposes a crude, senseless lottery system in which random villagers are murdered amongst their peers. Essentially, the lottery system counteracts as a form of population control, but negatives easilyRead MoreThe Lottery By Shirley Jackson1504 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"The Lottery† by Shirley Jackson In The Lottery Shirley Jackson fills her story with many literary elements to mask the evil. The story demonstrates how it is in human nature to blindly follow traditions. Even though some people have no idea why they follow these traditions. The title of the story plays a role in how Shirley Jackson used some literary elements to help mask the evils and develop the story. The title â€Å"The Lottery† serves as an allegory. When people think of the lottery majorityRead More`` The Lottery `` By Shirley Jackson894 Words   |  4 Pagesshort story â€Å"The Lottery†, author Shirley Jackson demonstrates Zimbardo’s concepts in three different areas: Authority figures, Tradition and Superstition, and Loyalty. The first concept Jackson portrays in â€Å"The Lottery† is the authority figures. Jackson indicates that the lottery is being held in the town center by one authority figure, Mr. Summers, annually on June 27th. Every June 27th, without fail, townspeople gather in the town square to participate in the annually lottery even though mostRead MoreThe Lottery, By Shirley Jackson1510 Words   |  7 PagesShirley Jackson’s â€Å"The Lottery† illustrates several aspects of the darker side of human nature. The townspeople in Jackson’s â€Å"The Lottery† unquestioningly adhere to a tradition which seems to have lost its relevance in their lives. The ritual that is the lottery shows how easily and willingly people will give up their free will and suspend their consciences to conform to tradition and people in authority. The same mindless complacency and obedience shown by the villagers in Jackson’s story are seenRead MoreThe Lottery By Shirley Jackson8 11 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"The Lottery† was published by Shirley Jackson. The story was true expression of Jackson’s genuine thoughts about human beings and their heinous competence in an annual village event for corn harvest . First, her used to word symbolized main point of the story. Second, Jackson was inspired by few historical events happened in the past and a life incident in her life. Lastly, She was able to accomplish the connection between historical and biographical with the story. Therefore, Shirley Jackson’sRead MoreThe Lottery By Shirley Jackson934 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"The Lottery† by Shirley Jackson signifies the physical connection between the villagers and their unwillingness to give up their tradition. â€Å"The Lottery† is very unpredictable and quite misleading. The black box has no functionality, except every June 27th. Shirley Jackson depicts the black box as an important and traditional tool. Although the villagers in â€Å"The Lottery† are terrified of the goal of the lottery and the black box, they are unwilling to let go of the tradition. Shirley Jackson portraysRead MoreThe Lottery by Shirley Jackson799 Words   |  4 Pagesthe mood and to foreshadow of things to come. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson is a story in which the setting sets up the reader to think of positive outcomes. However, this description of the setting foreshadows exactly the opposite of what is to come. In addition, the theme that we learn of at the end leads us to think of where the sanity of some human beings lies. The story begins with the establishment of the setting. To begin, Shirley Jackson tells the reader what time of day and what time ofRead MoreThe Lottery by Shirley Jackson1764 Words   |  7 Pagesfilled with excitement and eeriness, leaving the reader speechless. The Lottery , a short story written by famous writer Shirley Jackson, created an uproar on June 26, 1948, when it was published in the magazine The New Yorker (Ball). The gothic thriller, set in an unknown time and place, shares the tradition of a small town, a little larger than three hundred people, in which a drawing is held once a year. In this â€Å"Lottery,† each family’s husband draws a slip of paper from a black box. The husband