Emotional Connection and Its Relation to Physical Intimacy or Sex Essay Example for Free

Emotional Connection and Its Relation to Physical Intimacy or Sex Essay Majority of women view sexual relationship with valued commitment. They do not allow themselves to be persuaded by their partner who believes that sexual intimacy is part of having a relationship. On the other hand, old-fashioned and modern day women acknowledge the belief that sexual relationship is much persistent within marriage life. This could be true since emotions flow and desires could be much prevalent in the intimate moments of married couples. However, this assumption can be a predicament, finding that intimacy within marriage somehow unpredictably vanishes, and consequently unlit the once flaming emotions. In western cultures and highly developed countries, it is publicly acknowledge and as a normal happening to observe teenagers already sexually aware, accepting that having sexual relationship is a customary expression of love. In fact, sexual orientation is part of the educational curriculum, embarking on the sexual awareness of teenagers at their early age. However, sexual awareness does not pinpoint much the linkage of keeping a happy marriage which is seemingly less emphasized in the sex education, discussing the development of sexual maturity. Either in marriage or in a platonic relationship, one of the important elements that should be present is emotional connection. However, experts believe that the key to successful relationships within marriage lies on adding the aspect of emotions to physical intimacy or sex. Coping or surviving an affair is determined by the sexual intimacy as partly the emotional means. Marriages come to an end because one or both parties are not emotionally attached to each other. They do not see their spouse as a partner in life but as a different individual which tends to be obsolete over time. This research paper will discuss and examine how relationship of couples is survived by several factors within their married life, relating how the effect of emotional connection to physical intimacy or sex is significant features. The review of several literatures and other information is the method used throughout the examinations and findings. Literature Review Overview In the United States, the common causes of divorce are found by experts to be purely emotional, rather than the usual infidelity of a partner. Vis-avis infidelity is also causal to several emotional disturbances, like failure to achieve sexual satisfaction can be disappointing and may cause one party to look for another sexual partner. The troublesome underpinning of failed emotional connection to a partner then becomes a baggage of couples right through their married life. Emotional connection is very crucial in every relationship, specifically marriage. This is why it is important for the couple to get to know each others emotions before deciding to exchange vows as the next level of commitment. Emotions could be the result of openness according to the individual liking or disliking that can be connected by simple understanding, agreement and appreciation (Paulsen, 2008). Sadly, emotional connection gradually disappears as the married life of couples matures. The intimacy that is required to make their marriage strong is displaced on the side, as couples seem to have separate lives within the home setting. When simple differences set in, their individual â€Å"baggage† comes in which initially ignite the unfulfilled emotions that cry out loud as a hostile ground of resentments. The conflict begins beyond disagreements and feeling of neglect, resulting to resolve at the option of divorce. Emotional connection is important in the survival of marriage, enabling couples to iron out differences and work out a solution without parting ways. The convergence of emotional attachment allows couples to make compromise in order to set aside the beliefs that separation would resolve the disagreements (Johnson, 2008). Thus, several factors must be established as the converging point of emotional connections. Importance of Emotional Intimacy in Marriage According to an article written by Shruti Paulsen (2008), creating emotional intimacy in marriage is vital to its survival and success. He likened married life to traveling on a ship with two pilots. At first, the two pilots know what direction to take as well as their destination. However, as the trip goes on, one of the pilots decides to shift the direction to the surprise of the other pilot. In a sense, this is what happens to marriage. In the first few years, the couple has a shared direction and goal. In order to establish emotional connection, it is important for couples to communicate with each others directions. Human culture has the notion that it is bad to be dependent and is a sign of weakness. The truth of the matter is that being emotionally connected with another individual is not. In fact, it provides some sense of security and safety. The basic tenet of the attachment theory is that being apart from another individual can be a traumatic experience (Johnson, 2008). On the other hand, the absence of emotional connection puts into jeopardy an individual’s need for security. Without someone to be emotionally connected with, there is a reason for an individual to panic and become worried. Being emotionally disconnected can play a crucial role in married life as well as in the life of partners. It develops into mistrust of a spouse of their partner (Johnson, 2008). Emotional connection paves the way for couples to develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Establishing intimacy requires sharing of feelings, thoughts, and beliefs. There are various factors that can affect the ability of couples to become emotionally connected to each other. Rearing of children and hectic schedule at work can contribute to the loss of emotional connection and intimacy. Aside from their failure to communicate with each other, there are other factors that can also lead to emotional insecurity such as low self-esteem, childhood experiences, past rejections, and failed relationships. When emotional connection is lacking, marital problems can set in. One spouse views their problem differently than the others (Marriage Quest. Org, 2007). Treatment Issues Warning Signs of Marital Problems When emotional connection is lacking, marital issues can develop some vital signs of marital problems, such as (1) feelings of isolation; (2) increase in arguments or negativity; (3) lack of affection; (4) increase in anger, hostility, and/or sarcasm; (5) avoidance of each other; stonewalling; (6) mistrust. Unfortunately, majority of couples do not possess communication, anger management, commitment, conflict resolution, and intimacy skills (Relationship Institute, 2004). According to Relationship Institute (2004), a study conducted by Dr. J. Gottman from the University of Washington has found the following ‘Four Signs of Relationship Breakdown’: ? Criticism is more than a complain when a spouse finds fault in their partner and attacks the personality and character of the other. ? Contempt shows intention of a spouse to insult or psychologically abuse the other. ? Defensiveness shows unwillingness of a spouse to listen to what their partner wants to say out of fear of being attacked or hurt by the other person. ? Stonewalling is for the spouse to completely ignore or make distance from the other. The Relationship Institute (2004) further cited that a similar study of Dr. Markman and Dr. Stanley from the University of Colorado has described the ‘Four Indicators of Relationship Breakdown’, as follows: ? Increased negativity during interactions of couple shows increased complaining and criticism of each other. ? Invalidation of couple does not show any interest in understanding each other’s point of view. ? Negative Interpretation occurs when one spouse does or says something neutral or positive, but their partner perceives it as hostile or negative. ? Avoidance and withdrawal shows the disagreements. Lack of emotional connection can likewise lead to look for a substitute for the lost intimacy. The substitute can be sexual in nature, such as a sexual partner (infidelity), sex over the phone, pornography, nightlife related to sexual mingling, internet blogging, chronic masturbation, to name a few, or non-sexual in nature, like sports activities, gambling, shopping, pets, community activities, among others. Therapists view these conditions as a disease or addiction, in which sex therapy is suggested to determine the underlying problems (Marriage Quest. Org, 2007). Another potential problem that may arise as a result of the absence of emotional connection is emotional affairs. Having an emotional relationship with another individual is as dangerous as having a physical affair. In marriage where emotional connection is conspicuously absent, one of the spouses finds emotional intimacy through circle of friends. The spouse finds ease, safety and comfort in confiding with another individual, wherein the emotional bond between the couple can become blunt which may jeopardize the marital relationship (Wasson, 2007). Most spouses deny speculations that they are emotionally attached to their friend. In which case, the spouse do not have an idea on what their intimacy with their friend or another person can do to his or her marriage life. While the attachment may not be obvious on the outside, there is however an underlying â€Å"physical chemistry† which can heighten the emotional bond between the individuals involved. The person with whom the spouse has an emotional intimacy with can either be an old friend or a co-worker. It can also involve an individual whom the spouse met through online chatting (Wasson, 2007). Eventually, this individual could transform as the spouse’s primary source of emotional strength. As this develops, the spouse would slowly feel that the friend or co-worker understands them better than their spouse. This would become a major marital problem because it would reach the point that the spouse would keep the conversation a secret to their partner. The spouse would then feel betrayed or deceived by their partner who would bring about a fracture or barrier in their marital relationship (Wasson, 2007). A certain John Gottman who has been undergoing research for more than 18 years, revealed that there are four potential contributors to unhappy marriage namely defensiveness, criticism, contempt, and stonewalling. Divorce is a potential end result due to the couple’s lack of communication. It was found in a study involving 130 newlywed couples that (1) lack of emotional connection was lacking as reflected in the husband’s rejection of the influence of his wife, (2) the negative feelings of the wife during conversations, (3) the failure of the husband to weaken the low-level negative effect of his wife, and (4) the absence of physiological soothing in the male (Levine et al, 2005). Studies have also revealed that the negativity of their wives has an adverse affect on the husband. This is evident when they withdraw from conversations raised by their wives’. As a result, the relationship satisfaction of the wife declines. The couple then undergoes a negative cycle wherein a high degree of negativity from the wife leads to higher degree of withdrawal from the husband (Levine et al, 2005). Infidelity Having an emotional affair is also known as emotional infidelity. Although there is no physical component that might be involved, emotional infidelity is an act wherein a spouse invests love, time, and attention to another person other than their partner. Components of emotional intimacy are present such as sharing, understanding, companion, self-esteem, and close relationships. According to a 2003 study, 57% of women and 44% of husbands revealed that they were emotionally connected to another person without involving intercourse. The study also revealed that women are more prone to emotional infidelity than men (Piercy et al, 2005). Infidelity refers to the â€Å"breach of a contract of sexual exclusivity between two individuals† that is dating, being married, or committed to each other. Recent definitions have expanded to having sexual relationships with another individual aside from the partner. It may also involve cybersex, pornography, physical intimacy, or emotional attachment with another person which jeopardizes the primary relationship. Infidelity may also involve issues which are connected to time, energy, and resources in order to maintain the other relationship (Piercy et al, 2005). According to statistics compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics from the 1980s to the early part of the 1990s, approximately a third of marriages end up as a failure in the first 5 years and about fifty percent to two-thirds results to divorce. Several studies reveal that a marriage which started with love, care, affection, sense of humor, commitment, and optimism usually results to satisfaction. This was reflected in a longitudinal study involving 95 newlywed couples who perceived that the marital bond between partners would stay married or divorced within the first five years of married life (Levine et al, 2005). Effects of Infidelity Emotional infidelity has a significant effect on the lives of couples and families. It transcends in the couple, family, as well as in the social network of the couple. Upon the discovery of the affair, the couple needs to make a decision whether to continue the relationship or part ways. To the offended spouse, they would become angry at their partner for betraying them. Eventually, they would lose their trust in their partner for their deception (Piercy et al, 2005). Aside from anger, the offender spouse may also become suspicious of their partner, having mistrust of the same cheat. They may continuously inquire about the whereabouts of their spouse. In return, the involved spouse may need to report about their activities and may be judged by their partner. Psychologically, emotional infidelity may lead to guilt feelings and loss of self-esteem. The involved spouse may develop the need to protect their partner from being hurt as a result of their deception. Consequently, this may hurt the couples’ chances of working on their relationship. They would develop fear of resolving some difficult issues as well as feeling unsafe communicating with one another (Piercy et al, 2005). Infidelity may also bring about physical effects. The combined factors of stress, agitation, and exhaustion can result to health issues for both partners. Likewise, the involved spouse may place the primary relationship at risk with the threat of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and herpes. Some STDs can be a lifelong suffering which could have a significant impact on the life of the couple and their families (Piercy et al, 2005).

American History :: History of America

The Space Race The goal of Apollo 11 was to send men to the moon, this goal was set by jfk in the year 1961. they landed on the July 20th 1969. The men who were aboard the ship were Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collins. These men were (other than Collins) the first people to ever to walk on the moon. The event was televised to millions of American homes. There were also three backup crew members who didn’t go into space: James Lovell, Fred Haise, and William Anders. The crew conducted many science experiments as well as leaving an american flag on the moon. The flag has since been bleached white by the suns unrelenting power. The first man on the moon is so important to the history of America because it solidified the country as a superpower. If Russia had beaten America to the moon, they would been the country to reach that pinnacle of space science. It also would have crushed the hopes and dreams of Americans young and old alike. With the US and Russia locked in the cold war, the American people needed a confidence boost, and they got it when they won the space race. 1st Black President In election of 2008, the candidates running were Barack Obama and John McCain. Obama won, making him the first African American President in American history. Throughout history African Americans were treated as lesser to whites and Obama overcame those stereotypes and became president. There was some speculation that Obama wasn’t actually from America, but these were put to rest when he released his birth certificate. Some issues during the election were the war in Iraq, economic downturn, and LGBT issues. American history is full of examples of minorities such as blacks being kept down. Slavery was a huge black mark on the nation’s history. It is one of the main factors for racism toward African Americans in our culture. Blacks were often seen and treated as lesser people, and having a president who is part of this minority is huge step forward in racial equality. since Obama was elected there have been more black candidates running for office. Nuclear bombs The conception of the nuclear bomb began when Albert Einstein wrote FDR a letter concerning the weapons and how powerful they had the potential to be. On July 1945 The first bomb was tested, and the scientists were pleased with the result of the test.

Domestic Violence Essay

The Negative Results of Childhood Exposure to Domestic Violence The phrase â€Å"domestic violence† typically refers to violence between adult intimate partners. It has been estimated that every year there are about 3.3 to 10 million children exposed to domestic violence in the confines of their own home (Moylan, Herrenkohl, Sousa et al. 2009). According to research conducted by John W. Fantuzzo and Wanda K. Mohr(1999): â€Å"[e]xposure to domestic violence can include watching or hearing the violent events, direct involvement (for example, trying to intervene or calling the police), or experiencing the aftermath (for example, seeing bruises or observing maternal depression)† (Fantuzzo &ump; Mohr, 22). The effects of exposure can vary from direct effects such as behavioral and developmental issues to interpersonal relationships, all of which lead to detrimental prospects on the child’s development. This paper will explore those effects and how it affects children . Exposure to violence in the first years of life brings about helplessness and terror which can be attributed to the lack of protection received by the parent. The child can no longer trust their parent as a protector (Lieberman 2007). This lack of trust early in life can bring about serious problems later in life, as there is no resolution to the first psychosocial crisis, trust vs. mistrust. For these children exposed to domestic violence, the imaginary monsters that children perceive are not only symbolic representations or a dream. The monsters that children who witness domestic violence have to deal with carry the reflection of their parents. Children who witness domestic violence face a dilemma because the children’s parents are at their most frightening exactly when the child needs them the most. The security of the child is shattered as their protector becomes the attacker in reality and the child has nowhere to turn for help (Lieberman 2007). â€Å"Exposure to family and community violence is linked with aggressive behavior. One of the theoretical perspectives that explains this link is social learning theory, according to which children learn from the aggressive models in their environments. Additionally, victimization may compromise children’s ability to regulate their emotions, and as a result they may act out aggressively† (Margolin &ump; Gordis 2004, 153). â€Å"Posttraumatic stress symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are important consequences of exposure to violence because they can impair social and behavioral functioning† (Margolin &ump; Gordis 2004, 153). Research has shown that children exposed to domestic violence demonstrate impaired ability to concentrate, difficulty with schoolwork, and significantly lower scores when their verbal, motor, and cognitive skills were being tested (Fantuzzo &ump; Mohr). It seems as if the academic and cognitive difficulties from exposure affec t the child possibly through its impact on psychological functioning. For example, PTSD and depression may hinder with learning and the ability to perform well in the classroom (Margolin &ump; Gordis 2004). Researchers have found a positive correlation between externalizing (aggression) and internalizing (lowered self esteem, depression, anxiety) and domestic violence exposed children. Children exposed to domestic violence have been found to be four times more likely to develop internalizing or externalizing behavior problems than children who are not exposed to violence. The disruption of the development of basic competencies harms the child’s ability to manage emotions effectively and increases internalizing and externalizing behaviors (Martinez-Torteya et. al., 2009). This is particularly problematic for preschool aged children as younger children display more intense externalizing and internalizing behavioral responses to parental conflict than older children do (Ybarra, Wilkens, &ump; Lieberman 2007). These responses are due in part to less mature cognitive skills. Because these skills have not advanced yet, there is an increase in the likelihood of the child expressing psychological vulnerabilities following the conflict because of cognitive errors. Exposure to domestic violence compromises interpersonal relationships that are the foundation of children’s daily lives in addition to having direct effects. â€Å"Social support is a key buffer against the negative effects of violence. Because parents are key sources of social support, the disrupted parenting associated with family violence may exacerbate negative effects of exposure to violence. More generally, children exposed to violence may be sensitized to hostile interactions and may have difficulty negotiating peer conflicts. These interpersonal difficulties can rob children of social support and increase their risk for associating with deviant peers† (Margolin &ump; Gordis 2004, 154). In a study conducted by C. McGee, it was reported that many children found it difficult to develop friendships for reasons such as holding back from others as well as fear of inviting others to their home (Adams 2006). In conclusion, it is clearly shown that domestic violence has a negative effect on the children who witness it. An expanding body of research suggests that childhood trauma and adverse experiences can lead to a variety of negative health outcomes (Anda &ump; Chapman &ump; Dube &ump; Felitti &ump; Giles &ump; Williamson, 2001, p.1). In fact, childhood stressors such as witnessing domestic violence and other household dysfunctions are highly interrelated and have a graded relationship to numerous health and social problems (Anda &ump; Chapman &ump; Dube &ump; Felitti &ump; Giles &ump; Williamson, 2001, p.2). It is obvious and clearly shown that the children who witness domestic abuse have serious long term mental effects.

The Social Organization of Singapore

My research will be based on Political, Economic, and Social Organization of Singapore—an industrialist city-state. Even though Singapore's history dates from the 11th century, the island was little known to the West until the 19th century. Singapore is one of the World's largest ports, because the city of Singapore has become a major port, with trade exceeding that of Malaya's, Malacca and Penang combined. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of steamships launched an era of prosperity for Singapore as transit trade expanded throughout Southeast Asia (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). Singapore is a very multicultural country, but education through social studies has brought the country into a social cohesive unit (Ho, 2009). Singapore is a Republic—a one-house Parliament makes the county’s laws. A prime minister leads a Cabinet, which carries out the operations of the Government. The ruling political party in Singapore, reelected continuously since 1959, is the People's Action Party (PAP), headed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong† (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). The president (chief of state) previously exercised only ceremonial duties. As a result of 1991 constitutional changes, the president is now elected and exercises expanded powers over legislative appointments, government budgetary affairs, and internal security matters. The PAP believes that rationalism and expertise is the proper approach to social and economic problems that may arise (Bellows, 1985). The PAP has held the overwhelming majority of seats in Parliament since 1966, when the opposition Barisan Sosialis Party (Socialist Front), a left-wing group that split off from the PAP in 1961, resigned from Parliament, leaving the PAP as the sole representative party† (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). â€Å"Singapore became independent in August 1965, and has had compulsory voting since the late 1950s (every Singaporean 21 years of age or older must vote). Between 1968 and October 1981, in four national parliamentary elections and innumerable by-elections, the PAP won every seat† (Bellows, 1985). The maximum term in Parliament is five years. The president appoints nominated members of Parliament from nominations by a special select committee. Nominated members of Parliament (NMPs) enjoy the same privileges as members of Parliament, but cannot vote on constitutional matters or expenditure of funds (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). Members of Parliament serve only two-and-a-half-year terms. As stated above, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of steamships launched an era of prosperity for Singapore as transit trade expanded throughout Southeast Asia (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). Also, in the 20th century, the Automobile industry’s need for rubber and the packaging industry’s need for tin assisted Singapore in becoming one of the World’s major ports. Singapore’s location among major sea lanes, and its industrious population, is what gives this small country its economic importance (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). â€Å"Upon independence in 1965, Singapore was faced with a lack of physical resources and a small domestic market. In response, the Singapore Government adopted a pro-business, pro-foreign investment, export-oriented economic policy framework, combined with state-directed investments in strategic government-owned corporations. Singapore's economic strategy proved a success, producing real growth that averaged 7. 8% from 1965 to 2009† (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). In addition to this economic strategy, the end of the cold war brought about less tension between Asian counties, which brought the region into a more globalizing production process (Heng, 2006, pg. 2). In the 1980’s, Singapore entered into a growth triangle (GT) with Indonesia and Malaysia, also written as IMS-GT. This triangle would prove to be a good move for the three countries, but with free trade agreements (FTAs) and close economic partnerships (CEPs) coming onto the scene, the growth triangles introduced in the 80’s looked as if they may have competition in the economic realm, but GTs continue to be at the tip of the spear due to the cooperation between the three are still very productive for them all. With all three countries being relatively close together, costs are minimal. Not to mention, this export-oriented cooperation is still attractive to foreign trading (Heng, 2006, pg. 1). The pioneering GT in Southeast Asia is that of the IMS-GT, and its evolution is very much tied to the economic development of the Singapore economy (Toh & Low, 1993, Kakazu, 1997). There are five GT’s in existence and GT’s are highly regarded by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). There were two major happenings that temporarily effected Singapore’s economy between 2001 and 2003—the worldwide electronics slump and the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Both times, growth bounced back, by world demand for electronics, pharmaceuticals, other manufactured goods, and financial services. The return was mostly contributed to by the economies of its major trading partners—the United States, the European Union, Japan, and China, as well as expanding emerging markets such as India (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). The next economic hit that Singapore would have to endure would not take place until 2008-2009. The hit was due to global financial crisis. Singapore had their worst two quarters in late 2008 and early 2009, but would bounce back quickly (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). Manufacturing and services are the backbone of Singapore’s economy, producing 26% and 69. 3% of Singapore’s gross domestic product in 2009. Singapore’s manufacturing of electronics accounts for 31. 5%, while chemicals account for 27% of the country’s manufacturing output. The government also approved the development of two casinos in Singapore, in May 2005, to facilitate new life in tourism. The investment produced more than $5 billion U.  S. dollars. Las Vegas Sands’ Marina Bay Sands and Resort opened in April 2010 and Genting International’s Resort World Sentosa opened in February 2010 (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). Lee Kuan Yew once said, â€Å"A casino in the city state was possible, only over my dead body. † Now, with the extra income to the economy, he seemed to have warmed up to the casinos. April 27, 2010, the opening of the Las Vegas Sands’ was published in USA Today and quoted as saying, â€Å"Singapore’s second casino-resort opened Tuesday, a massive $5. billion project by Las Vegas Sands Corp. that aims to makeover the city-state as a Southeast Asian gambling and tourism magnet† Singapore is continuing to grow economically as stated by the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, â€Å"The government is actively negotiating eight free trade agreements (FTAs) with emerging economic partners and has already concluded 18 FTAs with many of its key trade partner s, including one with the United States that came into force January 1, 2004. As a member of the Association f Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Singapore is part of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), and is signatory to ASEAN FTAs with China, Korea, Japan, India, and a joint agreement with New Zealand and Australia. Singapore is also a party to the Transpacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement, which includes Brunei, Chile, and New Zealand† (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). Singapore was a small society open to influence from the west through the English language and subject to homogenizing effects of modernization and industrialization. Ethnicity was not assured as a fundamental element (Unknown, n. d. ). Singapore, as stated by the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The annual population growth rate for 2009 was 3. 1%, including resident foreigners. Singapore has a diversity of linguistic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Malay being the national language, but Chinese, English, and Tamil are also recognized as official languages. English is utilized in administration, professions, business, and schools (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). English is mandated as the primary language by the Singapore Government to be used at all levels in schools. The government is said to provide at least ten years of education in English for every child (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). I have personally experienced this to be quite true. I have been to Singapore on three different occasions during my Naval career, and there is a surprisingly amount of people in Singapore that speak very good English. Ordering food at a restaurant in Singapore proved to be much easier than expected. Another surprising fact is that the literacy rate in Singapore is 96. 3% (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). A touchy subject in Singapore is the terms race and ethnicity. While 77% of the country’s population is Chinese, all Singaporeans are assigned a â€Å"race† at birth (determined by the father’s race), and this is indicated on an official identification card (Ho, 2009). The Singapore Department of statistics assigns the same meaning to both race and ethnicity and states the term ethnic group refers to a person’s race (Ho, 2009). The Singapore constitution also contains provisions that prohibit discrimination and guarantee protection to minorities, including articles 12, 16, and 152 (Tan, 2004). Singapore has diversity in ethnicity when it comes to religion. Singapore allows freedom of religion for the most part, but religion is subject to government view. Thus, some religions have been banned or restricted. â€Å"Almost all Malays are Muslim; other Singaporeans are Taoists, Buddhists, Confucianists, Christians, Hindus, or Sikhs† (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, 2010). The Buddhism is prominently displayed through Buddhist temples throughout Singapore. I actually saw many of these temples in my travels to Singapore. Some of these temples are very extravagant works of art. You may also see the diversity among Singaporeans if you are visiting during National Holidays. The people of Singapore will display their different cultures through dance and cultural clothing all across the country. The Singapore government experienced a loss of cohesiveness due to this multicultural social organization. The Government introduced Social Studies into the educational system in order to bring cohesiveness back into the country. The social studies curriculum was introduced, in 2001, to secondary educational levels—students from fifteen to seventeen years old. It is designed to allow students to grasp an understanding of Singapore’s geopolitical situation, including its strengths and vulnerabilities (Ho, 2009). This curriculum brings to light the differences in this culturally diverse country. This in turn brings the different people of Singapore together, thus encouraging social cohesiveness. Singapore has risen to every challenge that has come her way. Singapore has grown politically, economically, and socially with minimal negative results. Politically, the PAP remains the leader in the government. Realizing the need for economic growth, the PAP has always stood by industrialization. The building of casinos in the city-state has shown a remarkable ability to tap into tourism. Singapore remains at the head of the spear in terms of global trade. The social organization will continue to strengthen with education of youth. This fact has been recognized—education of the next generation will lead to political, economic and social success. â€Å"Economic, social, and political development requires autonomy and creativity as well as an effective, interventionist government staffed by a highly qualified and dedicated civil service. Singapore has come closer to achieving this mix than most other third World countries. There is much that other developing countries could adopt from the Singapore experience† (Bellows, 1985).

Kate Chopin and The Story of an Hour Research Paper Example

Kate Chopin and The Story of an Hour Research Paper Example Kate Chopin and The Story of an Hour Paper Kate Chopin and The Story of an Hour Paper Essay Topic: Literature Literary elements support and develop the themes in all works of fine literature. The short story â€Å"The Story of an Hour† by Kate Chopin is a work delicately woven together with different literary elements including symbolism, character, and point of view that contribute to the theme of the story, which is a study of individuality conflicting with oppression. Oppression in general can come from society, human beings, or even from the same person. In this short story, Louise is being oppressed by all three groups aforementioned. She is oppressed by society in having to conform to a certain stereotypical method of mourning, oppressed by her husband and their marriage, and oppressed by her own heart, which dares not continue on after losing her independence once more. Oppression in America was not uncommon at this time, especially in marriages. Kate Chopin was a feminist and often tried to expose how confined women were in society and in marital relationships. Liu Zhuo said that â€Å"[This short story was] exploring how American main stream society ignored womens values and imposed constraints on spiritual freedom. (Zhuo, 2004). Individuality in this short story is seen strongly when Louise is contemplating her own life. She, a dependent and intelligent woman, feels as if she has shrugged off some horrid burden and is allowed to have a free and wonderful time after she learns of the accident. As impressive as this may sound, she was intended on being just another woman being oppressed in this time period, but the death of her husband liberates her enough to show her independent nature. Emily Toth notes that Louise â€Å"will not have to live her life for anyone else; she will not have to submit to anyones wishes but her own. † (Toth, pg 10). Her strong will and desire to be her own person is evident in this analysis. Louise desires nothing more than to be her own person, but she may have not been aware if that before the news arrived. When her unknown desire comes into light, she becomes a shining new woman that is apart from other confined women. Symbolism in â€Å"The Story of an Hour† is both subtle and strong. Symbolism of oppression is often here seen in her desire to be free. This desire is projected to an open window and this window becomes a symbol for her newly-found freedom and prospects after finding out that her husband has died. Peering out of this window, Louise sees life and earthly wonders she had never before hoped to enjoy, and she begins to wonder about how her life will be now that she is free from the marriage. The text even goes so far in stating that â€Å"She was drinking in a very elixir of life through that open window. † (Chopin, 1894). This symbol becomes complete when she turns away from the window to find her husband lives, at which point she loses her life. Another symbolic aspect in this short story is her heart itself. In the story, her heart issues are the main focus of disaster and her joy. At the beginning of the story, her heart trouble is the first thing that is mentioned about her. When she begins thinking about her newly-acquired freedom, her heart races. The text relates that â€Å"Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body. † (Chopin, pgh 11). This would imply that her heart had been stoic and languid before this time, meaning that she was only now truly beginning to live. The news of her husbands death may have been broken to her gently so that her heart might not cause her death, but her heart actually stops beating when she finds out that he lives, alluding that she has symbolically and physically died again under her marriages oppression. Asserting that the heart troubles are symbolic, it would be easy to compare metaphorically her physical heart trouble to the trouble of her love life. It is common knowledge that when one loses another their heart might break, or that when one is in love their heart swells. Hearts are symbols for love, and Louises heart clearly lacks strength here. Louise has no reason to hate her husband, or be glad that he is dead. Rather, she expressed that she would be mournful at his funeral, and stated clearly that she did not love her husband. The characters of this story are very interesting, but Louise Mallard is the only one that has any true depth given to her. She is portrayed as a woman that has been confined to the cage of marriage, and would do anything to get out. She showed immense emotion to the onlookers after hearing the news of her husbands death but her inner thoughts and desires were joyful and hopeful. She has heart problems, but they are presented very vaguely and without a true label of disease. This, along with her external mannerisms suggest that her heart problems are physical and emotional. The point of view is written in third-person omniscient and is essential for the story to be carried out correctly. As a matter of fact, the entirety of the story would be very different if it had been written in the first-person point of view. The very first sentence would not have been possible, and thus the knowledge of her heart malady would not have been revealed. Perhaps if it had been written from her eyes, the entire story also might have sounded rather malicious. The narrator also serves to make Louise a sympathetic character rather than an uncaring one. Making excuses and sugar-coating her feelings of freedom, the narrator is essential in this story. Louise was not seeking out freedom from oppression or her marriage, but she had a taste of freedom through her open window when she learned she was a widow. Rather than her heart breaking as her family feared, her heart started beating. Louise gained her individuality and became a very dynamic character in the hour shut up in her room. Through the sympathetic narrator, the reader goes on a journey of self-discovery with Louise as she claws her way to a free state of mind and being. It is with these literary elements that the story teaches the theme of an individual dealing with an oppressive marriage. Resources http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-DBDS200406020.htm

The Problems of a Two Party System in the US Research Paper

The Problems of a Two Party System in the US - Research Paper Example Likewise, the first of these determinants which will be analyzed is with regards to the fact that the level of exasperation and frustration with the given paradigm seems to be ever-increasing. Although there are a number of factors which must be considered with regards to the overall level of support that the government engenders within the population, it must not be understated that the ineffectual nature in which the two-party system is exhibited over the past several decades is likely one of the causal components. Evidence of this can anecdotally be evidenced with regards to many of the polling results that a number of diverse entities has engaged in. The results of these nonpartisan polls have indicated that an increasing share of the American populace deals both disconnected and frustrated with politics as usual that is oftentimes exhibited at the regional levels. Such an eventuality is not surprising due to the fact that the two-party system necessarily divides people in an unn atural manner. When one stops to consider the fact that the United States is a multi religious, multi racial, multiethnic society, it comes as something of a curiosity that the two-party system has effectively been able to govern and represent an infinitely diverse level of needs and wants that such a vast and unheard modulus nation must necessarily engender.Another negative externality that the United States two-party system engenders within the current dynamic is with regards to the fact that the nation is currently in the midst of a wrenching difficult economic shift.... Evidence of this can anecdotally be evidenced with regards to many of the polling results that a number of diverse entities has engaged in. The results of these nonpartisan polls have indicated that an increasing share of the American populace deals both disconnected and frustrated with politics as usual that is oftentimes exhibited at the regional/state/federal levels. Such an eventuality is not surprising due to the fact that the two-party system necessarily divides people in an unnatural manner. When one stops to consider the fact that the United States is a multi religious, multi racial, multiethnic society, it comes as something of a curiosity that the two-party system has effectively been able to govern and represent an infinitely diverse level of needs and wants that such a vast and unheard modulus nation must necessarily engender. Although one may very well point to the fact that disagreement over economic policy, disagreement over involvement in foreign wars, or disagreement with regards to a litany of other social issues has helped to create an increasing level of frustration, the logical and to all of this is with regards to the fact that the frustration and dissatisfaction can ultimately be linked back to a general lack of creativity and problem solving that defines a ready-made two-party system. Another negative externality that the United States two-party system engenders within the current dynamic is with regards to the fact that the nation is currently in the midst of a wrenching and extraordinarily difficult economic shift. Whereas many decades the past history within the United States had been defined by an industrial era, the shift that is

The Significance of Software Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

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