The Makings of a Hero Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Makings of a Hero - Essay Example The Republic of the Philippines, an archipelagic nation located in Southeast Asia, classified among the third world countries, has made Overseas Contract Workers their most dynamic labor force, with more than 11 million workers abroad with remittances amounting to 64.7 billion pesos last year, it has played a major part in sustaining the economy of the country, making it the fourth (4th) largest recipient of foreign remittances behind India, China, and Mexico (source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OFW). But regardless of the economic help an Overseas Contract Worker can extend, the reality of being far away from home, living alone in a different land where traditions and culture vary from your own, letting others benefit from your talents and skills, serving and taking care for the needs of other's children while missing your own children's growing up years, is definitely, heartbreaking. But because of the will to provide a better quality of life, these OCW's carry on no matter the pain, with the hope that a better future is being stored for their loved ones with their hard work and perseverance. With all the struggles and sacrifices they are making, indeed, they are worthy to be the "Heroes of the Modern Day"- especially for countries where foreign notes have higher values than their own currencies, these Overseas Contract Workers, are really, doing a noble job. Anywhere in the world, a construction laborer can be found. Construction Workers, defined by Encarta as builders of large structures such as a house, road or bridge, can also be viewed as Heroes. These construction workers are usually people who were not able to acquire education, there were some who have entered school but more or less, not enough for a lighter, high-paying Mabini 3 job, thus construction become their only chance for toil. It is definitely not a career that one would choose if given the choice, but left without any option at all, they bear the work. Construction is definitely, not an easy employment. In fact it is one of the jobs considered to be most strenuous. It requires not just mental faculty with all those skills involved, not just stamina but superlative patience, but most of all, one has to have a strong and enduring physique to finish what has been started. With the construction workers around, people are assured that development will continue to flourish, roads will be constructed, buildings will keep on rising, bridges will be made to connect places and houses will be there for us to be our home- and all of these because there are people who are not afraid of taking all the risk in the workplace and are willing enough to

Research Paper On Amistad

Research Paper On Amistad HBO and Dreamworks socially and morally charged movie, Amistad is produced by Debbie Allen, Steven Spielberg and Colin Wilson, directed by Steven Spielberg and was written by David Franzoni. It stars Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Djunon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, Nigel Hawthorne, Stellan Skarsgard, Harry Blackmun and Anna Paquin. It was released late 1997 and did not do outstandingly well in the box office (Amistad Film) although the movie is making waves through home video distributions. This is highly due to the fact that the movies theme and storyline is so historically, educationally and socio-politically charged that it is recommended to many educational institution nationwide as a multi-media supplement to curriculum. Synopsis The story revolves around the events that befell the passengers and crew of La Amistad, a two-masted American schooner that was owned by a Spaniard. On July 1839, Sengbe Pieh (also known later in America as Joseph Cinque) led the slaves being transported in La Amistad against their captors. All of these Africans were kidnapped from their homeland and was supposed to be sold as slaves. Two crew members were kept alive to navigate the ship back to Africa, however, they tricked Cinque and his people and brought the ship to the US coast where it was caught by the US Navy and all were imprisoned for their violent deeds on the La Amistad (Harvey). A widely-publicized court case would then ensue, dredged in politics and emotions, regarding the situation of these so-called slaves. The Amistad legal battle would then go as high as the US Supreme Court given its national and international value, but in 1841 it was ruled that the Africans were illegally transported and kidnapped and therefore c annot be called slaves but as individuals who are fighting their rights for freedom against oppressors and were ordered to be freed. (Ham) Analysis Amistad can be credited for being one of the few movies that dealt with a pre-civil war event on slavery. It also delves into the same eras notion of slavery in America but there is a twist. This is not about American slaves but of men who almost became American slaves through no fault of their own. In the process, it manages to present the issues of racism, human rights and moral awareness, set in a time where slavery was allowed to a certain degree. This is probably one of the very few, and latest movie that delve on this topic using a historical event. The one other movie that uses this approach is Glory directed by Edward Zwick, which alludes to the same issue of racism and bigotry of Amistad although its subject is the civil war and its effect on the characters. (Chapman) Historical movies are defined as movies depicting a real past event with a historical degree of accuracy allowed and limited by available actual historical reference. (Best Historical Movies). But it is also true that while the movie Amistad is based on the historical account of the La Amistad mutiny and the rifts it created internationally, it has made a number of changes to the screenplay wherein many scholars have shown disappointment over its historical portrayal of facts. With this in mind, you start to wonder at the amount of leniency in portraying historical details in the movie Amistad. If it is truly a movie based on the actual account of the mutiny of Amistad and the effects it had on the times, how much of the movie followed the true account? Should a movie that has taken so much liberty in portraying a historical event, be given importance and credit such as it is presently being given now in the study of slavery, abolitionists and historical accounts of the actual incide nt? Points of Contention Spielbergs Amistad portrayed how much the La Amistad case affected the blossoming conflicts of the abolitionists and slave owners in the US at that time, even referring to the possibility of civil war when in fact it would happen two decades afterwards. It should be clarified though that what the events of La Amistad historically affected is the movement to eliminate the international slave trade route and not the abolition of slavery in America. In the movie, Cinque tells the horrors of his kidnapping and the trade routes Middle Passage, which is a true area in the Atlantic Slave Trade where slaves, and slaves-to-be suffer at the hands of kidnappers and slave dealers. Do notice that even at that point in the story, nothing is mentioned of the injustices done to the domestic slaves, and yet the movie is connected to the abolition of slavery in the history of America.(Historical Accuracy, 3) Amistad took too many liberties in its screenplay to be considered as a main source of historical education with regards to slavery and its abolition in America. The introduction of it being a educational tool through a study guide that is being distributed to a number of schools in the country have led to students believing the actuality of Theodore Joadson (played byMorgan Freeman), one of the characters in the story; when in fact he is just a fictitious character thats inserted into the screenplay to augment the movies plot value. As a matter of fact, Theodore Joadson is the representation of the black man fighting for the black man and against bigotry. Clarification of this fact should be made clear to students before they watch Amistad if they truly intend to use it as an educational tool. Historians and educators are not given the proper credit in the creation of this film and they are even slightly reproached for not including the details of the La Amistad in school curriculum for awareness of slavery and as historical account for slavery abolition in the US. Meanwhile these scholars are offended and reprimand the movie for its use in some educational levels as historical source when there are a number of historical incongruities in the movies storyline. (Foner) This situation adds doubt regarding to the use of Amistad in educational and historical aspects. I dont agree with these scholars saying that it would have been better if books were printed with the money used to produce the film, which amounted to a whooping $75 million (Foner, 74); since film has its advantages over printed literature and they are two different mediums. But I do agree with them that this movie should not be used in American schools as a visual aid to show historical fact for the incidents concerning La Amistad, nor should it be used as an introduction to abolition of slavery in the US. Though it can be an educational tool for moral awareness, human rights, film appreciation and critique, racism, or at the very least present the effect the La Amistad incident had on the elimination of the international slave trade route at that time. But to use the movie as historical gospel to the actual incident and the series of events that were brought about by the La Amistad murders is as bad as people believing that the Blair Witch is real just because of the movie The Bl air Witch Project (Mythology). Allow me to point out that the producer and director are not historians but they have done their jobs wonderfully. They managed to show their version of history on screen for the right reasons and with proper application of their mediums tools such as cinematography, costumes, acting, direction and cinematic representation. One of the highlights of the movie is the use of original language from the actual incident, Mende a West African language, and presenting it in scenes that need no translation, since not all audiences appreciate subtitles. The portrayal of the actors in the first scene is enough that no translations is needed for the audience to be captivated purely by the visual and auditory aspects and not of dialogue; a truly genius move by Spielberg because it allowed the audience to partake of the scene through empathy and nuances. This is something that is hardly used in movies today and is truly highly commendable (Leong), but historically speaking that movie is still boun d by that same directorial interpretation which should credit the movie as a cinematic rendition and interpretation of the La Amistad affair and should not be used as for presenting historical facts. Conclusion Once again, Hollywood is guilty of presenting entertainment over information via this Spielberg movie. All the actors presented sterling performances, the camera work is very prolific, the plot smooth and easily understood and the movies message manages to reach the emotions and hearts of its audience. This is indeed a signature among all Spielberg historical and even fictional works such as Schindlers List, The Color Purple and A.I (Steven Spielberg) The movie, Amistad the movie, can also boast as that it is one of the most singular movies that are recommended by many educational, socio-political and historical groups and organizations with regards to civil rights, bigotry, racism, social and moral awareness in an international scope. But the fact that it is regarded for its historical value is quite problematic. There are just too many changes made from actual historical data made in the movie for it to be a proper curriculum supplementary material. And though it remains one of the foremost films that deal with slavery with magnificent film approaches and acting skills, it must be credited for what it is: a mind-opening, social awareness cinematic great that placed more attention on entertainment than factual information to reach as many people, races and countries as possible. That alone is quite a feat for any film and that is highly commendable and praiseworthy. It has proven very effective in this goal and should not be praised for or given historical credit more than it its due.

Supernatural in Shakespeares Macbeth - Witches and Lady Macbeth Hold t

The Witches and Lady Macbeth Cause the Downfall of Macbeth      Ã‚  Ã‚   William Shakespeare's tragic play, Macbeth shows the gradual descent of the character Macbeth into the moral abyss.  Ã‚   Macbeth's yearning for power draws him to the murder of King Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff's family. It is difficult to understand how a courageous, gentle man such as Macbeth, could be involved in such villainous activities. In truth, it was the witches and Lady Macbeth that transformed into evil Macbeth's natural desire for control and authority.   The play, Macbeth clearly illustrates that wicked intention must, in the end, produce wicked action.      Shakespeare focuses on Macbeth's courage early in the play.   For example, Duncan and the sergeant both compliment Macbeth's mental and physical bravery in Act I, Scene II.   Macbeth "carv'd out his passage"(I.ii.21) until he and the enemy general were face to face.   In the same act, the reader is told that Macbeth is brave because of his "disdaining Fortune"(I.ii.19) In addition to his quality of courage, Macbeth is also a gentle man.    Demonstrating his love and devotion for his wife, Macbeth refers to her as "his dearest partner of greatness"(I.v.11).   Lady Macbeth views his kindness as somewhat of a problem for their quest for power.   She says that Macbeth is "too full o' the milk of human kindness"(I.v.17)   to place them on the   throne of Scotland as a result of murder.      Macbeth realizes that Duncan is, in fact, a good and humble king.   Other than to fulfill self-centered desires and uncontrolled ambitions, there is no valid reason to murder him.   However, both his wife and the three witches soon pressure Macbeth to murder Duncan.   The three witches are supernatural in... ...es are ruined.    Works Cited and Consulted:    Biggins, Dennis. "Sexuality, Witchcraft, and Violence in Macbeth." Shakespeare Studies VII (1975)    Callaghan, Dympna. Woman and Gender in Renaissance Tragedy. Atlantic Highlands: Humanities Press International, Inc., 1989    Foakes, R.A. "Images of death: ambition in Macbeth." In Focus on Macbeth. Ed. John Russell Brown. Boston: Routledge, 1982.    Muir, Kenneth. "Introduction." In Macbeth. Ed. Kenneth Muir. New York: Routledge, 1992.    Novy, Marianne. Love's Argument: Gender Relations in Shakespeare. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 1984    Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Ed. Kenneth Muir. New York: Routledge, 1992.    Stallybrass, Peter. "Macbeth and Witchcraft." In Focus on Macbeth. Ed. John Russell Brown. Boston: Routledge, 1982.   

“Shrouded in Contradiction” by Gelareh Asayesh

In the essay â€Å"Shrouded in Contradiction† by Gelareh Asayesh discusses the distention of gender in her Islamic society. She expresses her feeling toward wearing a hijab and how it’s not a big deal until it is. â€Å"None have been more daring than I. I've wound my scarf into a turban, leaving my neck bare to the breeze. The woman in black is a government employee paid to police public morals. †Fix your scarf at once! † she snaps. †But I'm hot,† I say. †You're hot? † she exclaims. ‘Don't you think we all are? † I start unwinding my makeshift turban. The men aren’t hot,† I mutter. Her companion looks at me in shocked reproach. â€Å"Sister, this isn’t about men and women,† she said, shaking her head. â€Å"This is about Islam. † I want to argue. I feel like a child. Defiant, but powerless. Burning with injustice, but also with a hint of shame. † In this excerpt, she clearly expres ses the way that a hijab is about a lot more than a religious article of clothing.It’s a societal definition of genders. She expresses the way that the hijab can become complicated do to the societal views. She feels a strong sense of injustice because on a hot scorching day by the sea short, as a result of their sexuality women have to endure the heat in silence under there hijab. When she expresses her discomfort, she is reproach by a women officer. She reminded her; that the hijab has nothing to do with being a woman or a man, but is about being an Islamic woman.Thus, lies the contradiction, gender does play a role within the Islamic religion and society. This dictates the way in which a woman should dresses, and is expected to behave. This excerpt correlates with the main topic of this essay, by explaining the role of clothing in an Islamic society. She also links this excerpt by expressing the powerless and guilty feelings she felt when the officer reproach her. There sh e was a women, yet she felt â€Å"†¦like a child. † Because of the societal rules and expectations that where being demanded of her.

An Important Skill In Modern Education Education Essay

Critical thought is an of import accomplishment in modern instruction. Many academic sections hope that its pupil will be good at critical thought accomplishments. In my sentiment, I give support to use this in my category because it would assist all pupils to analyze and work more efficaciously. In this essay, I will present by and large approximately critical thought and argue that critical thought should be promoted in my category. With regard to schoolroom, critical thought theory can be summarized as follow: Definition of Critical Thinking â€Å" Critical Thinking is the general term given to a broad scope of cognitive and rational temperament needed to efficaciously place, analyse, and measure statements and truth claims ; to detect and get the better of personal biass and prejudices ; to explicate and show converting grounds in support of decisions, and to do sensible, intelligent determinations about what to believe and what to make. â€Å" ( Gregory Bassharn, william Irwin, Henry Nardone, James M.Wallace, 1959, Critical thought: a pupil ‘s debut ) . Critical thought in schoolroom includes three chief accomplishments: Understanding the statements and issues that are discussed in the category Measuring critically what are larning. It means discoursing critically the statement or thought. Developing your ain statements on peculiar subjects. The criterion of critical thought The most important critical thought criterions include: Clarity: A critical mind demand to understand clearly what other individual says and express himself clearly. Accuracy: It is the passion for truth, timely information Consistency: That are logical Consistency and practical consistence Preciseness: critical mind have to develop to detect the hints and so detect the solution. Relevance: It means critical mind should utilize the relevant information Logical rightness: It means ground right Completeness: It means believing profoundly and happening the kernel of the issue Fairness: critical mind have to hold open-mindedness Critical thought is good for many grounds. It helps pupils to analyze better by bettering their ability to apprehension, measuring and developing and supporting the statements and beliefs. The barrier of critical thought The most powerful barrier include: Egoism is the inclination to see world as centered on oneself. It include self-interested thought and self-serving prejudice Sociocentrism is group-centered thought. It includes group prejudice and conformity Relativistic thought is believing that is based on the thought that there is no â€Å" nonsubjective † or â€Å" absolute † truth. The most powerful of it is moral relativistic. Unwarranted premise are things we take for granted without good ground Desirous thought is believing something because it makes one feel good Critical thought should be apply in my category because many grounds. First of all, intent of specifically using critical thought in the category is bettering the believing accomplishments of pupils and therefore better fix them to win in the universe. Almost pupils in my category have ne'er been taught how to believe efficaciously about a capable affair, how to properly understand and measure it. That is believing critically. How a pupil can analyze efficaciously if they can non establish the basic accomplishments and cognition? In a logical manner, it can non go on. The pupils will make work less than their ability. The 2nd issue is feasibleness. My category is belong to a esteemed plan. The plan ‘s director will seek to acquire the best for their pupil. They will accept to convey this accomplishment into the plan if it is necessary. In my category, all pupils have graduated university before. They have adequate ability to analyze the new accomplishments. And they besides have inducements to seek to use it because of their good consequences. Therefore, it will be support by the pupils of my category. The 3rd issue is experimental method. Detect the universe, you can see that many states have use it into their class. My class can be analyze the experience of that states. With it ‘s ability, the class director can seek to ask for the instructor from that states to learn for this topic. And pupil can analyze about the theory of critical thought and utilize it for all of topics in the plan and for their life subsequently. That ‘s is why using critical thought can be perform from experience of other states in the universe. Beside of that, because critical thought aid people to believe and work efficaciously, it will assist all critical mind salvage the clip they spend for work. Therefore, pupils in my category can use this accomplishment, they will hold more clip for analyzing or other activities. When critical thought have taught in my category, I suggest some ways that the pupils can use it. The most basic type of critical thought is cognizing how to listen to a talk actively instead than passively. The pupils have to recognize it is of import and carry out it. A good book to read is How to Speak, How to Listen by Mortimer J. Adler. In category, pupils should inquire inquiry. Questions from pupils mean they are believing critically about what instructor are stating. After category, they should reexamine about the lesson and take note what they do non understand. In their instance, it will assist to better authorship accomplishment, a portion of critical thought. Students have to analyze the manner to transform the information and do it their ain by practising paraphrasis, sum up, or sketch all reading assignments. Writing forces them to form their ideas and believe critically about the stuff. They should pattern critical thought accomplishment in mathematic ( assist them believing about nature and world in empirical and quantitative footings ) , in term paper ( necessitating that they get, synthesise, and logically analyze information, and that they so present this information and their decisions in written signifier ) The last 1 is use critical thought in multiple pick reply and pattern their head to believe as critical manner. Finally, I perfectly agree to use critical thought accomplishment into my category because it help all pupils improve their ability in analyzing, in life with scientific discipline analyzing method. With this accomplishment, I believe that the pupils in my category will analyze better than in the yesteryear and they will hold clip to make more things they like.