“Everyman” and “Doctor Faustus” Essay

Both Everyman and Doctor Faustus are plays. They are written within different time Periods, with Everyman written in the medieval era and Doctor Faustus written in the Renaissance. Everyman and Doctor Faustus are both Morality Plays, these are specifically plays that existed within the Medieval period. They were popular during this period as they were intended to instruct the audience in the Christian way and attitudes to life. The morality play is essentially an allegory written in dramatic form. In the fourteenth Century, morality plays were mainly based on the seven deadly sins as in Everyman with each character representing each sin. Everyman centers around allegory. It focuses on the allegorical representations of moral issues with the inclusion of figures that represent abstractions of the issues that are confronted. Doctor Faustus follows the general five-act structure of an Elizabethan Romantic Tragedy. However Christopher Marlowe used the structure of an older Medieval form of English Drama, the morality play as a model. Morality plays tended to show the moral struggle of mans soul and the conflict of good and evil. This is evident in the play of Doctor Faustus who is embroiled in a battle between the temptation of the devil and God. You could argue that Doctor Faustus is not classed as a morality play. Because in the tradition of a morality play God and the devil are external forces that affect the individual. However, in Doctor Faustus it is far more of an internal drama inside Faustus’ own mind. Both are entirely didactic in nature, they were made with the intent to educate their audience in one respect or another. There was a moral to each that conveyed similar messages. Therefore the term ‘morality play’ correctly defines each one. The medieval time period in which Everyman was written contained a society that revolved around religion (Ecclesiasticism) The fact that Everyman can get nowhere without turning to religion directly reflects on the attitudes of the middle ages. There is constant references to the beliefs and ideas of the Catholic Church such as confession, penitence and the Virgin Mary this suggests the catholic centered society in which the play existed. It concentrates on the qualities of the catholic religion that are important in the journey to heaven. Everyman is a symbol of the human condition and how it is understood by medieval Catholicism. Whereas in the sixteenth century in which Doctor Faustus was written, saw a shift of Christian ideals. No longer was there only the strict belief in God but also the equal belief in the existence of the devil and the â€Å"work of the devil.† The medieval world placed God at the centre of existence, leaving the individual and the natural world in second place. The emergence of the Renaissance is evident in Doctor Faustus by the clash between the church and the introduction of knowledge through science. The Reformation caused a dramatic change at that particular time, England had converted from predominantly catholic to a protestant country. This shift becomes apparent in Doctor Faustus in the scenes with the Pope. The Renaissance was also a time when the bubonic plague was at its peak of destruction. As a result the plague was a great concern of the theatre, audiences and writers. The plague was a large part of Marlowe’s life and work. Marlowe refers to the plague regularly in Doctor Faustus with examples such as â€Å"A Plague on her.† Here Marlowe is using speci fic language to reflect certain aspect of the precise period, being Reformation. When considering the audience of each play, this can again create disagreement concerning the meaning of the term ‘morality play.’ Morality plays, as I have mentioned like Everyman, primarily express aspects of moral doctrine to the audience. In the Play Everyman, the anonymous author may have been a priest or teacher who was explaining the Christian values to an uneducated society. It is written by and for people of catholic religion. This would fit accurately into the description as a ‘morality play.’ However, some may argue that Doctor Faustus is more comically delivered as opposed to morally. Elizabethan audiences often viewed great tragedies such as this in a slightly humorous manner. Scenes such as the one with the Pope’s food and drink being stolen highlights this point. Also Marlowe includes numerous comical characters such as Wagner and Faustus’ servant. Therefore can we still group this together with the other morality plays such as Doctor Faustus? Contrary to this, it is clear that the audience of the play Doctor Faustus are not simply an audience of ‘Commoners or clowns,’ they have to employ a certain level of intelligence and education to understand the symbolism and al legory present in the play. We can acknowledge the play of Doctor Faustus as one from the Elizabethan period as its verbs differ from modern day usage, with phrases such as â€Å"What see you?† and â€Å"You look not well.† Also Elizabethan playwrights wrote in blank verse or iambic pentameter, as its evident here. Marlowe uses various Christian phrases to summon the devil, who is providing the power. The most obvious reference to Christian language is shown through Faustus’ Latin Chant which is used to raise the devil. Marlowe’s technique of hyperbole is demonstrated by his regular usage of blasphemy in the play. By using exaggeration like this, Marlowe is affecting the audience’s perception of the character of Faustus. The language used gives the character heroic stature. Contrast to Doctor Faustus, The language in Everyman is solely based on religion. There is reference to the original sinner Adam and the seven deadly sins, this mainly focuses on the notions of Christianity. The language used in both Everyman and Doctor Faustus represents the conflict between power and Christianity. In conclusion, Marlowe borrows many of the conventions of a morality play especially with the inclusion of the good and bad angels. This symbolizes his divided will. This is mirrored in the play Everyman where there is an obvious spiritual crisis of an individual who must chose between good and evil. Both Everyman and Doctor Faustus effectively reflect the periods in which they were written. Faustus is the product of an era that was deeply torn, it stands in the threshold between two periods-The Renaissance and the Middle Ages. It includes the notions of Good and evil, sin and salvation, as did religious dramas of the medieval period such as Everyman. Although some may see this comparison as the rejection of the medieval due to further emphasis on the individual rather than God. After all, the opening scene of Doctor Faustus was praising science and magic in favour of God. So where do we draw the line? Everyman statically reflects the period of medieval whereas Doctor Faustus focuses on the actual change in that particular period of the Reformation. Therefore it is possible to see the alteration from one period to another. Bibliography ‘Doctor Faustus’-Christopher Marlowe ‘Norton Anthology of English Literature’ Oxford Dictionary Online ‘LION’- http://lion.chadwyck.co.uk http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Texts/faustus.html (3/12/03) http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/doctorfaustus/ (5/12/03) http://www.miracleplayers.org/everyman/play.htm (15/12/03) http://www.luminarium.org/medlit/intro.htm (17/12/03)

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Essay

Bridge to Terabithia is an ambitious, thrilling, and at times heartbreaking story about childhood, friendship, and individuality. Paterson begins the story by introducing Jess Aarons, an eleven ­year ­old boy living in a rural area of the South who loves to run. He dreams of being the fastest boy in the fifth grade when school starts up in the fall, feeling that this will for once give him a chance to stand in the spotlight among his five sisters, and win him the attention of his constantly preoccupied father. Jess is very insecure in his identity. He loves to paint and draw, but he knows that this labels him a â€Å"sissy† in most eyes, particularly his father. As Katherine Paterson said â€Å"Jess drew the way some people drink whiskey.† I enjoyed reading about Jess’s confliction between his masculinity and effeminacy. With his family stretched so tight by poverty he has little chance to really explore his own identity during this crucial period of adolescence. He is determined to win in doing something masculine that will rid the undesired label of â€Å"sissy† or â€Å"Girl† in the eyes of his father and schoolmates which will allow him to shine in his own right. He practices each morning, always dreaming of his upcoming victory. However, when the races come around at recess, a new girl, Leslie Burke, who just moved next door to Jess, boldly crosses to the boys’ side of the playground and beats everyone.

Structure of The Major Histocompatibiltiy Complex (MHC) Essay

Structure of The Major Histocompatibiltiy Complex (MHC) - Essay Example The functions performed by the complex are: binding of peptide fragments from invading pathogens and then displaying these peptide fragments on the cell surface so that it should be recognized by T-cells fro further degradation. MHC has got two unique properties, which make it difficult for any pathogen to evade immune responses in this way. These are:i) the MHC is polygenic: there are different varieties of MHC class I and MHC class II genes, hence every individual has got a set of MHC molecules with different ranges of peptide-binding specificities.ii) the MHC is highly polymorphic; there are multiple variants of each gene within the population as a whole. The MHC genes are, in fact, the most polymorphic genes known (Janeway 2001). It has become an important and more frequent clinical practice to replace diseased organs through transplantation. The response of the body to tissues with nucleated cells is more severe, as compared to blood transfusion containing anucleated RBCs, and it is the response of T-cells to highly polymorphic MHC molecules. This can be achieved by matching of the MHC type between donor and recipient that is not possible to 100%. (Janeway 2001) Previously rejected graft from a donor decreases the probability of acceptance of the second graft from the same donor to the same recipient and this response even earlier than the first set reject when body rejects it within a week time. This is again mediated by CD8 T cells, by CD4 T cells, or by both and at times even antibodies also become a part of this team (Janeway 2001). Matching donor and recipient at the MHC When donor and recipient differ at the MHC, the immune response, which is known as an alloreactive response as it is directed against antigens (alloantigens) that differ between members of the same species, is directed at the nonself allogeneic MHC molecule or molecules present on the graft. Most tissues contain predominantly MHC class I antigens. Once a graft is rejected due to presence of a particular MHC type, the second graft with the same nonself MHC molecule will also be rejected in a second-set response in a rapid manner. This is because of the frequency of T cells specific for any nonself MHC molecule that is very high, making differences at MHC loci the most potent trigger of the rejection of initial grafts (Janeway 2001). In human, HLA matching significantly improves the success rate of clinical organ transplantation but even it cannot in itself prevent rejection reactions. There are two main reasons behind this phenomenon: a) HLA typing is imprecise, owing to the polymorphism and complexity of the

Mid-Term Reflection on Anthropology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Mid-Term Reflection on Anthropology - Essay Example In this regard, Albert defined civilization as: â€Å"It is the sum total of all progress made by man in every sphere of action and from every point of view in so far as the progress helps towards the spiritual perfecting of individuals as the progress of all progress† (Gat, 14). Civilization determines the culture of a complex society. It has more intricate cultures such as professional art, literature, organized religion and complex customs associated with the elite. The increased complexities in our societies today are directly related to changes in the structure and dynamics of human civilization (Hodder, 11). In addition, the complex socio-economic environment is consistent with identifying global human civilization as an organism that is able to offer protection to its components that are human beings (Peet, 41). The convoluted culture linked with civilization is characterized by the spread to and influence other cultures sometimes espousing them into civilization. Example includes assimilation of Korean, Japan and Vietnam who were assimilated into the Chinese civilization (Gat, 77). The interdependence of human civilization on a global perspective is revealed in numerous ways that local action in one part of the world affect global behaviors (Cremo, 116). For instance, the effects of oil embargo and OPEC in the 1970s revealed the impact of oil supply from Middle East and the ever global concerns in that region; the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990 illustrated global response despite the fact that the crisis originally involved some small population (Hodder, 91). Archeology is the scientific study of past human culture and behavior, from the time of origin to the present time (Hodder, 77). Just like civilization, archeology is a vital field of anthropology, which is the broad study of human culture and biology. Through the study of human evolution, archeology enables the appreciation of our common

New and Improved Rewards at Work Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

New and Improved Rewards at Work - Assignment Example Therefore, the relationship between the workers and the stakeholders will determine the level of change in any association (Politano & Macnaughton, 2009, p.110). Hence, this will contribute in integration of different skills, which if worked upon tactically will lead to growth of the organization to greater heights. In addition, all heads of departments should organize forums in which they have to meet with the aim of interacting, socializing, and exchange of ideas and experiences from their respective fields. Upon meeting, the heads will have robust environment to discuss for the way forward. Secondly, training of the workers by the organization will not only improve production by also the ability to use the required technology. Moreover, workers get motivated with the rewards from the organization. In alliteration, Innovation is the key factor in improving the strategy of any organization on the globe. Here is some crucial factor that all workers should embrace to initiate change a s below: learning, quality of life with innovation at hand, and monitory incentives just to mention but few. Learning It is noteworthy that the available innovation gives employees the opportunity to learn and put into practice the learned technological skills. In addition, by statistics analysis, it is evident that the number of hours worked by American employees is on the rise. The above, is propelled by the high standards of living and so many workers are scared on how effectively they will meet the demand of lives. Flexibility of employees is one key factor that facilitates production in an organization. Monetary incentives:- money is the main motivational factor globally, here the organization’s profit, if shared among the employees will motivate employees to a greater heights. Besides, to reduce absenteeism, and improve employees’ production, monetary rewards are the best igniters so far. On the contrary, if monetary rewards are not incorporated with other reward s can be short lived. Again, if not well distributed among all employees, the monetary incentives can prove to be fatal (Deeprose, 2007, p.120). However, the current competitive conditions in an organization or business world make it almost impossible to not only retain, but also acquire top talents. Therefore, an organization should offer the right pay and effectively manage the pay increase in order to retain the top talents after identification. On the other hand, it is advisable to keep personal budget by stabilizing the compensation strategy. Compensation strategies are vital in identifying the job markets to an organization hence building the attractiveness of company’s top talent. Compensation strategy and competitive advantages Nowadays, it is worth to note that employees are on the same level with the customers. Thus, they are not in a position to identify a good organization since better employers are identified no longer. Competitive advantage is a propelling facto r to a mix success. It is important for any organization to identify differently themselves for not only presentation but also for a different approach to the employees. In addition, it is real that the most successful differentiators are compensation strategies. An organization is not only differentiated from other organization by compensation strategy but also it brings differentiation in an organization. It is pertinent to note that, effective compensation gives the

Public Health Seminar unit 8 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Public Health Seminar unit 8 - Research Paper Example The quest motif is therefore used in the film. The character of plastic bag represents the victim, the weak or vulnerable character who succumbed to the forces of the world (Silverblatt, Ferry & Finan, 2009, p. 194) such as the monsters (animals), winds, rains, and tides and who needs the protection of an outside agent such as his maker. The images are used as an art through mythical symbols that provide clues and cues for the viewer. For instance, water and air (primal elements of nature) has been used in the film. Water may symbolize the birth of the plastic bag in the pacific vortex for he found his belongingness for objects like him, death because of possible destruction from tides, and purity of his love for his maker. On the other hand, the air may represent his freedom and an accompanying force towards the achievement of his goal. The film is symbolic in nature and I can relate to the story because it deals with the meaning of life, contentment, and happiness. Moral dilemma ma y be present depending on the interpretation of viewer. For instance, I think that the plastic bag’s need to belong will give him happiness but it turned out in the ending that death would give him happiness. If we would apply it in reality, does this film encourage euthanasia or suicide when the situation provokes, even if it is against the morality of the society? This is because the film addressed happiness both in terms of

Your Death Would Be Mine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Your Death Would Be Mine - Essay Example The book offers a glimpse into French life and times, and also reveals how the character of rural France was changed forever. One of the most important details the book looks at is the, altering of the bucolic rural lifestyle. The war claimed the lives of the men who tilled the land, and the women were alone to manage the family farm, and look after the children, as in the case of Marie, a sick infant. In France, the military is seen more as a â€Å"social and political institution† (Bell & Marta) and stories dealing with time of war, concern themselves more with the changes wrought by war in the social sphere, than its military operations. The Great War as WWI is at times known, as a catastrophe of unimaginable proportion, leaving behind in its wake a decimated population, an economy in shambles and all around misery for the general populace. Yet, the French soldiered on towards victory, which research has proved, was not so much the result of military accomplishments, but the tenacity and stoicism of the ordinary French civilians (Marta & Bell). Paul and Marie, were a young newlywed, peasant couple who lived in the southwest of France during World War I. Ever sincethen, Paul had to stay away from home since he had to serve in the army from 1914 to 1919. Martha Hanna paints a vivid picture revealing a very powerful and personal perspective of the devastating war. Hundreds of letters exchanged between the couple, helped both the combatants and civilians experience a sort of emotional commitment, which brought untold misery and pain suffered due to the absence of their loved ones. While Paul vividly narrated with great intensity and poetic clarity, about the atrocities and brutality of war and its impact on them by way of fatigue and their dietary needs, Marie enumerated about the difficulty of working on the family farm why looking after the sick infant at home. She

Discuss the reasons that France was ripe for a Revolution in the years Essay

Discuss the reasons that France was ripe for a Revolution in the years leading up to 1789. Include a discussion of Sieyes''What is the 3rd Estate '' and the Cah - Essay Example It was under the motivation, guidance and inspiration of the bourgeois that the French revolution took place. There have been a lot of debates and discussions as to what led to the French revolution. Critics vary in their analysis of the true cause behind the revolution. According to Hunt (p 5), the middle-class intellectuals were the masterminds of the revolutionary plot as this particular social class was economically well-off, socially aware and educationally advanced. The bourgeoisies were against feudalism and absolutism and stood for democracy. Furet is of the opinion that one of the many reasons of the French Revolution was a change in the mindset of people for a newer and liberal kind of political establishment. On one hand the increasing exploitation of the third Estate with the drainage of the royal treasury spent on mindless luxury of the nobility, levying heavy taxes on common people at whim and on the other the coming into sense and socio-economic status of the bourgeois were reasons for the mass outburst. Moreover, it was a revolution where women too played significant roles a s the social status of women was as good as nothing (Levy et al). There was a demand for the declaration of the rights of man that was behind the radical decision to storm Bastille in 1789 (Hunt et al p 653, Lualdi p 50-52). However, there was no attempt to reform the older policies to uplift the general scenario of the ailing land and its people. Joseph Sieyes has provided a vivid and detailed description of the function and potential of the third Estate thereby nullifying any requirement or presence of the other two Estates that of the King and the Church. He has defined his own class system that is not based on the paradoxical concept of hierarchy but on an innovative concept of work sequence. According to him peasants should ideally belong to the first class because agriculture is the basis of any nation. Next he puts the workers

Buddhism and Christianity Essay Example for Free

Buddhism and Christianity Essay Thesis: While both Christianity and Buddhism were religions that encourages kindness and renunciation of wealth, Christianity caused a stir with Jesus’ hatred against the greedy rich and powerful and his alliance with the lower class, which eventually lead to his execution, whereas Buddhism’s leader, Buddha, spread a message that was not threatening to the high class, letting him live his life until his natural death at 80. This Venn diagram compares and contrasts Buddhism and Christianity. It represents my key knowledge and thinking skills by showing my ability to diagnose important similarities and differences between the two major religions, My Venn diagram is okay, but there is room for improvement. It lists some key similarities and differences, but they are worded in an awkward manner. Christianity Christianity * First Christians were persecuted by the Roman Empire (because of the Christians’ refusal to worship the roman polytheistic religion) * By the time Theodosius was Emperor, Christianity became the preferred official religion of the Roman Empire. * Women’s role in church slowly deteriorated * The Great Schism split Christianity into two religions, Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox. * Saint Paul spread the small religion  * First Christians were persecuted by the Roman Empire (because of the Christians’ refusal to worship the roman polytheistic religion) * By the time Theodosius was Emperor, Christianity became the preferred official religion of the Roman Empire. * Women’s role in church slowly deteriorated * The Great Schism split Christianity into two religions, Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox. * Saint Paul spread the small religion Changes Changes Continuities Continuities * Strong denial of gods of other Religions * The Bible stayed a constant Main religious text for Christianity * Extremely Monotheistic * * Went from worshipping Brahma to three deities (Vishnu, Siva and Brahma) * Women were not allowed to perform sacrifices anymore  * Went from having sacrifices of animals to personal sacrifices (fasting) * Changed from Brahmanism and lunar and solar lineages to Hinduism. * Went from worshipping Brahma to three deities (Vishnu, Siva and Brahma) * Women were not allowed to perform sacrifices anymore * Went from having sacrifices of animals to personal sacrifices (fasting) * Changed from Brahmanism and lunar and solar lineages to Hinduism. Changes Changes Continuities Continuities Hinduism Hinduism Open to everyone * Caste system * Intentional misinterpretation of Hindu texts To keep patriarchy Thesis: While Christianity and Hinduism both had continuities of (respectively) a strong sense of denial of other religions’ gods and a strong caste system, both had major changes such as going from a heavily persecuted religion to the Roman Empire’s official religion and switching from animal sacrifices to personal sacrifices. The two tables show changes and continuities for two  major religions, Christianity and Hinduism. The table shows my key thinking skills by being able to point out key continuities and changes. My Table is a little bit sparse on the continuities side, but the changes for Christianity are plentiful. I need to work on researching with more effort. Thesis: Although the four main religions, Buddhism, Brahmanism, Hinduism and Christianity affected the role of women, the poor social role of women outside of church was uniform in all the regions of these religions. Patriarchy is very much alive in all of them. My spoke diagram shows a variety of religions. The statements are also positive and negative towards patriarchy. It shows my key thinking skills by displaying quotes for all the statements. My spoke diagram could use more statements, five seems like enough, but more would be better. I think I did a great job on putting quotes for all the statements. Analyze similarities and differences in attitudes and treatment towards women in TWO of the following societies in the Classical period. Han China (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.) Mauryan/Gupta India (320 B.C.E.–550 C.E.) Imperial Rome (31 B.C.E.–476 C.E.) or Analyze similarities and differences in methods of political control in TWO of the following empires in the Classical period. Han China (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.) Mauryan/Gupta India (320 B.C.E.–550 C.E.) Imperial Rome (31 B.C.E.–476 C.E.) cause of the cast system and its traditions, India had more of a social code of conduct instead of rigid laws. Tradition of having local princes also was a cause of the fall of the Maurya Empire, because they made it easier to rebel against the main government China During the HAN dynasty, Confucianism came back into government with high sights on education, the tradition of using the mandate of heaven ensured that the Han Empire fell by 3rd century CE. And the Qin Empire fell in a mere 20 years since he lost his mandate of heaven Confucianism taught orderly society with relationships. The tradition of bureaucracy in the Chinese government kept power in the wealthy class. * So they traveled on the Silk road and also traveled to Spain and France * All the provinces conquered by the Roman empire now were influenced to become Christians * So he wrote the gospels * So he used the Roman Roads and traveled all across the Empire, spreading the word of Christ * So they traveled on the Silk road and also traveled to Spain and France * All the provinces conquered by the Roman empire now were influenced to become Christians * So he wrote the gospels * So he used the Roman Roads and traveled all across the Empire, spreading the word of Christ Cause and Effect of the spread of Christianity Cause and Effect of the spread of Christianity Cause Effect * Christians were expelled from the Roman Empire * Theodosius made Christianity the  Roman Empire’s Official religion * St. Paul wished to make Christianity A major religion * St. Paul wanted to spread the Religion throughoutCause and Effect of the spread of Buddhism Cause and Effect of the spread of Buddhism Roman Empire Effect * His word was spread in India, but not much more than the Ganges River. * Buddhism spread even more in India, to northern India even. * The monks made the Chinese believe in Buddha * He promised himself to make up for it by spreading Buddhism by erecting stupas Effect * His word was spread in India, but not much more than the Ganges River. * Buddhism spread even more in India, to northern India even. * The monks made the Chinese believe in Buddha * He promised himself to make up for it by spreading Buddhism by erecting stupas Cause * Buddha traveled in India * After Buddha’s death monks also traveled in India * Monks traveled along the Silk Road * Asoka was appalled by the bloody Battle of Kalinga Thesis: Although both Christianity and Buddhism spread along the Silk Road, Christianity moved along this trade network because of exiled Christians who were seeking a home away from the Roman Empire, whereas Buddhism spread voluntarily, with monks successfully trying to convert the Chinese. The cause and effect table lists the causes and the effects of the spread of two major religions, Buddhism and Christianity. It displays my abilities to  make connections to major effects and their causes. The table is okay. It has four causes and effects for both religions, which is not great. For Buddhism, it seems a little too focused on monks traveling to spread Buddhism. Thesis: Although both China and India’s political systems were influenced by tradition, India’s caste system created no need for laws, while the qin dynasty’s legalistic system created very rigid ones. The two flowcharts show a continual effect of tradition or religion on India and China’s political systems. It displays my abilities to connect separate events into one continuous lineage of facts. The flowcharts do point out main ideas I was trying to display, but they seem a little bit incoherent at times.

Future Career Essay Example for Free

Future Career Essay When i think about a future career for myself, i see myself doing it for a very long time. In my imagination i picture myself as a millitary special forces officer. I have always wanted to go into the military since i was a little boy. The first time i ever heard about the green berets or the navy seals i knew that was what i wanted to do. I was told that being in the special forces was a very hard, but honorable career. You have to be very tough physically and mentally. My favorite thing about the special forces teams were that they are allowed to access the worlds latest technology and would go on top secret missions and save tons of people and no one would even know that the event had happened. The military today is a lot different than it was when I was a little kid. Karl von Clausewitz defined war as an act of violence intended to compel our opponent to fulfill our will In order to attain this object fully, the enemy must be disarmed, and disarmament becomes therefore the immediate object of hostility. In the future, we will have the prospective to make war without the use of violence and fulfill the second half of von Clausewitzs definition with software alone. Cyber describes systems that use mechanical or electronic systems to swap human control. Cyber warfare can be executed without violence and therefore the reliance on software intensive systems-cyber systems can make nations exposed to warfare without violence. With the escalating use of computers in military and government, there has been a growing awareness of both a new susceptibility in national infrastructure and a new method of attacking ones enemies. Cyber Warfare could mean winning wars without firing shots, the shutting down of entire national infrastructures at the push of a button, and the complete exploitation or destruction of an enemys communication networks. It could mean threats from across the world by states with no ability to launch a conventional attack just by using cheap laptops. In conclusion nations and their critical infrastructures are becoming increasingly dependent on computer networks for their operation. Also as armies around the world are transforming fr om a platform centric to a network centric force there is increasing reliance on networking technology. With all the advantages of such connectivity come unprecedented challenges to network security. Today we have unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as drones, is an aircraft without a human pilot aboard. Its flight is controlled either autonomously by onboard computers or by the  remote control of a pilot on the ground or in another vehicle. It allows us to keep soldiers lives safe it were to go down. Putting drones together with the futures technology create a new idea of a drone. In the future computers will become more intelligent and will be able to decide answers in situations. Putting a computer like that into a drone will create a weapon of mass destruction. The drone will be able to make lethal decisions without the command of a human. Within the next ten years our drones will become a lot more technologically advanced. Soon the drones will be able to choose and make lethal decisions by itself without the command or control of a human. The military has access to the Military Imaging and Surveillance Technology. The Military Imaging and Surveillance Technology (MIST) program can develop a fundamentally new optical capability that can provide high-resolution 3-D images to locate and identify a target at much longer ranges than is possible with existing surveillance systems. Within the next decade our surveillance will be so technologically advanced that the military will be able to look up anyone in the world and pinpoint their exact location and view what kind of activities they are participating in. Joining the military will be tough trying to keep up with todays expectations in intelligence and technology. But getting to be able to live my dream and do what I have always wanted to do with allow me to strive to accomplish whatever means necessary.

Criminology Essays Terrorism Airports Security

Criminology Essays Terrorism Airports Security Terrorism Airports Security Defeating Terrorism Assignment Abstract Small municipal airports that serve communities near major metropolitan areas may not have appropriate security measures in place. These municipal airports have not received the same scrutiny or funding as major airports. Regardless, small airports face challenges and risks similar to larger facilities. Additionally, vandalism, petty theft, and commandeering of an actual aircraft are incidents for which administrators at smaller airports need to strategically plan. Every airport (small or large) does face some similar threats, but as all facilities are not the same smaller airports require unique security measures. There are several factors to consider when planning that include, but not limited to, geography, demographics, budget, and facility design. All are integral components which must be examined in light of proposed prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery measures. This paper will discuss multiple areas that an airport security administrator in charge of a municipal airport must examine in regard to contemporary threats. It will also discuss current and proposed security measures and safeguards for smaller airports as well as the hierarchy for administrative responses. Introduction The events of 9/11 placed terrorism at the forefront of the minds of many Americans. One cannot dismiss the possibility of another terrorist attack on United States soil. The use of aircraft for carrying out acts of mass destruction, killing civilians and severely disrupting an economy has proven a fruitful tactic for the enemies of democracy. Although, September 11, 2001 served as a catalyst for the pioneering of new methodologies for anti-terrorism and securing airports, there are still great strides that need to be made. A functional, yet universal and adaptable concept regarding security procedures for large and small airports must be established, maintained and frequently reevaluated. Much of the current success for elevated, refined security measures and advancements in technology for larger airports can be attributed to the United States Federal Government and the development of the Department of Homeland Security. Their mission to prevent, minimize, respond and recover from catastrophic incidents has materialized in the airline industry through the Transportation Safety Administration. However, security at small community municipal airports have not received the same amount of attention or federal funding. Larger, commercial airports have received the vast majority of attention; this is mainly due to passenger volume and smaller airports being privately owned and in many cases self-reliant for revenue and maintenance. As of yet, smaller municipal airports have not been successfully compromised and the potential for sensational nationwide devastation is somewhat limited. Because the United States continues to makes strides in improving security conditions at major airports, we must recognize that terrorists may already be assessing softer targets like commuter airports. Threats One of the most common threats that municipal airports face are small crimes which have the potential to escalate quickly. The number one threat facing a community airport is the theft. Theft can range from equipment to fuel. Sources of threats can be internal, domestic or foreign. Since September 11, 2001 security administrators have re-prioritized their threat assessment to include theft of a small aircraft. Currently theft and/or hijacking of a small aircraft are one of the major concerns to owners, operators and pilots. Threats of this type generate significant risk to personnel and serious financial losses. Depending on the motive of the intended thief or hijacker, theft of a small aircraft also presents a danger to the general population and surrounding communities. With manifold consequences in mind, airport security is strongly motivated to protect life, property and prosperity. It is in the best interest of owner/operators to devise measures that will prevent misuse of their aircraft (International Council of Aircraft Owners, 2005). Criminal mischief, sabotage, and vandalism are also threats that community airports must counter. In dealing with these threats, one must consider mechanical and functional destruction and not just the cosmetic damage to a faà §ade or loss of replaceable equipment. Accessibility restrictions to aircraft storage and maintenance areas can be difficult to impose and enforce in multiple circumstances. Existing controls imposed at airports must do their utmost to deter theft and criminal mischief as well as sabotage to operating equipment (International Council of Aircraft Owners, 2005). Risks After the tragedies of September 11, 2001, the American public questioned not only the events of that day, but also the circumstances leading up to the successful terrorist operation. Questions such as: Who was behind the attack? What was the goal or purpose? When did planning begin? Where did they receive flight training? Why did this happen? How where they able to carry out these attacks? These types of questions appeared on every television station, newspaper and radio broadcast in the United States for months after attacks. Airport Administrators are now realizing the potential appeal for misuse of smaller airports and their vulnerability to criminals and terrorists. It has become apparent that procedures for background checks of employees, instructors, students, pilots and passengers is an evident way to reduce risk and ensure the integrity of an airport and its operators. With the pressing concern of advanced terrorist attacks employing weapons of mass destruction, the attraction of small aircraft as a target cannot be ruled out. The ability of small aircraft to spread chemical weapons could potentially be as severe as an attack on a nuclear power plant. Terrorists may not be able to buy or steal a nuclear weapon at a small airport, but opportunities exist for terrorists to use aircraft as a tool to assist in their sinister plots. For example, a terrorist may contemplate some type of nuclear terror stratagem. It could involve attacking a nuclear power plant using a small plane to breach perimeter security and then be used as a guided missile to reap destruction and chaos. It is important to keep in mind that an attack on a nuclear power plant may transpire whenever someone with a terrorist mindset hijacks a commercial airplane or charters a private one. A private plane could be easily filled with conventional explosives (Nykolyshyn, 2006). Recent studies conducted over the past several months by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), have shown that structures housing reactor fuel in United States nuclear power plants will be protected against the release of radiation even if struck by a large commercial jetliner. State-of-the-art computer modeling techniques have determined that typical nuclear plant containment structures, used fuel storage pools, fuel storage containers, and used fuel transportation containers at United States nuclear power plants would withstand these impact forces despite some concrete crushing and bent steel (Nuclear Energy Institute, 2002). Nonetheless, if terrorists were able to acquire an aircraft and attempt to crash into a nuclear power plant, it raises further suspicions and fears of their capabilities and tenacity./a> An IAEA spokesman once claimed that current nuclear power plants were never designed to withstand an attack by â€Å"a large jumbo jet full of fuel†, and prior to 2001, the likelihood of such a crash was never considered high enough to be included in safety regulations (Bunn, 2001). Further vulnerabilities that small airports present for criminals and terrorists are the lack of federally mandated security and technology measures. Often people are able to slip through the cracks or â€Å"go under the radar† without drawing attention to themselves. Criminal organizations have been known to use small community airports to transport and smuggle illegal immigrants, drugs and other illegal contraband. These risks are major concerns for Airport Administrators. This is especially true near the southern Border/Coastal States. According to the Tennessee Airport Information Center (2005), a Cessna aircraft carrying six undocumented immigrants, including the pilot, took off from Fullerton Municipal Airport in California but was forced to land at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico, after running out of fuel. The plane crossed the country picking up undocumented Brazilian citizens in Boston on the way to Atlanta. It was the second time the pilot −− an illegal immigrant whose legally registered plane appears on Federal Aviation Administration records −− had flown undocumented immigrants. The flight identifies potential security vulnerabilities of small private and municipal airports, which often conduct little or no screening of small planes (Tennessee Regional Information Center, 2005). One of the principal changes is requiring a background check for a private pilot’s license. According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (2008), a candidate is now required to submit the following information for a background investigation: Full name, gender, current address and five-year address history, date and country of birth, and citizenship information. Security and Safeguards Security at small community airports can be very costly. In order to cut costs, community airports typically use outside contractors for their security. One such company is Navigance, which boasts a comprehensive physical security solution by integrating technology to security systems while mitigating risks. Their technological innovations create security systems that can deliver a revenue stream for airports by providing secure wireless broadband communications and remote monitoring serving both tenant and transient customers (Navigance, 2007). Many small airports have no security at night. Control towers, if they exist, often close for business at 6 or 9 p.m. Security fences are uncommon, although some airports are beginning to recognize the new threat environment and are constructing fences accordingly. Lack of security seems to fit the freewheeling world of private aviation, which nearly collapsed when the federal government banned many private flights for weeks after Sept. 11 (Dotinga, 2002). As augmentation to fencing, community airports must consider using cameras as another layer of protection for perimeters and surrounding areas. To remain current, security upgrades must include wireless digital cameras with a three-week archiving system (minimum) and a state-of-the-art wireless access control system for vehicle gates. The cost is not overly prohibitive. Integrators often re-sell the products as part of larger, turn-key package. Therefore these system prices do vary. Ballpark figures can be in the range of $2,000 to equip a single gate or door with an access panel and reader. And depending on an airports configuration, one panel can control up to four gates/doors. A monthly, per-panel network access fee, usually costs less than $100 and keeps each one tied into a central monitoring station and data storage repository (Broderick, 2003). Security Consideration When developing a plan for perimeter security, there also needs to be a great deal of consideration for access roads leading up to alternate parking. Alternative parking will offer entry/exit points for access onto the main airstrip. The alternate entry/exit points should be located on both sides of the airport. They too need to be secured by some type of fencing and gate and should not be used for daily activities. The purpose behind the alternate parking lot entry/exit points should be reserved for emergency vehicles and contingency use only. Currently, very few small airports have the resources to secure and protect its parking areas 24 hours a day. One security feature that small airports should implement is the ability to identify both employees and visitors upon arrival and departure of a facility. According to Thomas W. Wathen; â€Å"Protecting life and property frequently requires that you identify employees and visitors entering and leaving the premises you guard† (1989, p. 141). First one would start by confirming that employees and visitors are cleared for access onto the property by verifying their identification. Security personnel should record and track the employees or visitors time spent on the grounds as well as their intentions. Random and routine searches can offer security and work as a deterrent for theft and criminal mischief. Secondly, to help protect people and the facility, an airport should ensure extensive lighting exists not only on the exterior and interior of the building, but on parking areas, gates entry/exit points, on all access roads leading to the facility, and at security enclosures. Security lighting is an inexpensive and effective preventative measure against intrusions or other criminal activities. This type of lighting aids security personnel in the detection of intruders and works as a deterrent. It also promotes a feeling of safety among staff and visitors. Lighting should not be limited to night; lightning should be able to turn night into day (Broderick, 2003). Thirdly, all parking areas should be equipped with overlapping video surveillance that is continually monitored and recorded. A municipal airport should be able to install a relatively small number of cameras to achieve complete coverage of parking and other public areas. Last but not least, a small airport should consider the feasibility of employing security officers to patrol the parking area as well as inside and outside the perimeter of the facility. The physical presence of a guard, even if conducting patrols at random intervals provides yet another layer of protection. Optional Security There is optional security equipment that can be utilized to augment security and barriers already addressed. Physical security can contain features such as motion detectors/sensors and laser light beams. Although this may enhance the detection of an intruder and alert security for a faster response time, there are drawbacks to the use of these types of security sensors. One major drawback to these additional security measures is cost effectiveness. Prior to implementation, considering a total cost approach when budgeting for an overall safety and security plan is paramount to success. The second drawback is the reliability of such devices and their room for marginal error. For example; movement of wildlife and debris blowing in the wind could cause numerous false alarms. This in turn, can tie up human resources that could be better utilized in other areas rather than responding to false alarms. All doors and storage facilities should be equipped with some type of pass card readers. These pass cards take the place of keys, and serve to identify and track personnel and visitors. This is the surest way to maintain an accurate head count for the number of personnel in a facility at any given time. Pass cards also work as a deterrent by restricting access into protected areas. Within a guarded facility, this is important based on job function, personnel needs and responsibilities. Information garnered from pass cards can be recorded and maintained for a determined period of time for auditing purposes. If an employee forgets or loses the pass card, then they must inform security at the gate and be issued a temporary pass card for the day until filling out the proper forms for a new one with human resources. Additional advantages to pass card readers are; upon the termination of an employee, their old card can immediately be deactivated. If one finds their lost card it can be reactivated at that time. In the long term, this will reduce the expense of re-keying locks in the facilities and obtaining company property back from an employee upon termination. It also prevents the risk of employees making duplicate keys. All visitors and vendors will also be required to check in at the security gate and be issued a temporary pass card with limited controlled access. Those who own storage garages for their personal airplanes will be issued a pass card to their own storage facility upon the granting on their signed contract and background check with the facility. The pass card identification system presents multiple security solutions for preventing and eliminating vulnerabilities. They work to immediately increase security and reduce future expenditures. Although more expensive, adding photographs to access cards provides an even greater level of security. Airport Hierarchy As previously discussed, municipal airports typically contract out their security operations. If economically feasible, security organizations should screen and hire their own security forces. If resources are available, security officers should be stationed strategically at vulnerable points revealed by a thorough risk assessment. For example; One security officer should remain in the dispatch and surveillance office at all times. A security officer should be stationed at the entrance/exit gate at all times for vehicle and personnel checks. In addition, an officer should be on constant interior patrol of the facility and an officer should be on constant exterior patrol of the facility. It will initially be the responsibility of the security officer to notify the proper chain of command during nature or manmade disasters. They will assess and direct response teams to the disaster and crisis sites. In turn, airport hierarchy for response should work similar to the below list: Responding officer on-site Airport facility management Local law enforcement and first responders Surrounding jurisdictions with mutual aid agreements Although municipal and private airports are regulated by policies, goals, and objectives, to an extent, they should have common standards of operation. These Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.) should include maintaining the safety of its travelers, support economic prosperity, preserving investment and a level of service to state, national and international markets (Bend Metropolitan Transportation Plan, electronic). Familiarization with, and regularly scheduled training in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) is a must as large scale incidents can quickly overwhelm the response capabilities of airports serving smaller communities. Participation in joint exercises with local law enforcement and first responders will provide the foundational principles to be employed during a catastrophic event and give the owners/operators of small airports an opportunity to examine current preparatory measures and refine protocols for incidents of varying consequence. To conclude, municipal airports face a myriad of challenges similar to the challenges seen in large commercial facilities. Because America has yet to see a catastrophic act of terrorism involving smaller aircraft, attention paid to security at municipal airports has been minimal. Although the risks to National Security are not as obvious or as potentially catastrophic, particularly in the absence of a successful execution of a chemical or biological attack, smaller airports with limited security budgets are an attractive and softer target for terrorists who may be thwarted by improved security at large terminals. There are many cost effective solutions available to reduce the vulnerability of municipal airports; training in NIMS and ICS principles as well as developing an understanding of how to best utilize outside resources is of negligible cost but could well prove invaluable in the face of an actual catastrophe. Unfortunately, in a time of limited resources and unlimited potential threats, it may take a successful terrorist attack to increase emphasis on the security vulnerabilities of municipal airports. References Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. (2008, January 29). Government advocacy. Retrieved April 14, 2008, from http://www.aopa.org/tsa_rule/. Bend Metropolitan Transportation Plan. (n.d.). Aviation Systems. Retrieved April 14, 2008, Retrieved from http://www.ci.bend.or.us/depts/community_development/bend_metropolitan/docs/Chapter_15_Aviation_Systems_Final.pdf Broderick, S. (2003, February 1). No High-Wire Act. Retrieved April 14, 2008, from http://www.ultra-safe.com/RedlandsAirport.htm. Bunn, M. (2001, October 29). Reducing the threat of nuclear theft and sabotage. Retrieved April 14, 2008, from http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/publication/12691/reducing_the_threat_of_nuclear_theft_and_sabotage.html. Dotinga, R. (2002, January 8). Small airports, big problem? Retrieved April 14, 2008, from http://dir.salon.com/story/news/feature/2002/01/08/airport_security/index.html. International Council of Aircraft Owners. (2005, January 18). IAOPA Input for ICAO Security Manual (DOC 8973). Retrieved April 14, 2008, from http://www.iaopa.org/info/security_manual.html. Navigance. (2007). Brochure. Retrieved April 14, 2008, from http://www.navigance.com/brochure/navigance.pdf. Nuclear Energy Institute. (2002, January 23). Analysis of nuclear power plants shows aircraft crash would not breach structures housing reactor fuel. Retrieved April 14, 2008, from http://www.nei.org/newsandevents/aircraftcrashbreach/. Nykolyshyn, O. (2006, February 6). Summary of the book Nuclear terrorism: The ultimate preventable catastrophe., Vienna. Tennessee Regional Information Center. (2005, May 27). Illegal immigrants on flight. Retrieved April 14, 2008, from http://www.tbi.state.tn.us/TRIC/tbi_triccn_files/05.27.05.pdf. Wathen, T. W. (1989). Security Subjects, a Primer for Protection Officers. Van Nuys: Guardian Security Publications.

Speech: Accepting and Dealing with Change :: essays research papers

Change can have many meanings. It is going from â€Å"same† to â€Å"different†. Change can be defined as an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another and as a process of transition. The forces of change affect attitudes, beliefs and behavior. Not a single moment goes by when everything in our lives will remain the same. When you become adjusted to your surroundings, something changes again. Changes can affect both individuals and groups. Throughout our lives we go through many changes, especially in adolescence. This is shown in the song Graduation by Vitamin C. Graduation is about the change of leaving high school and moving on to adulthood. It shows the many questions young people have about leaving school, and uncertainty of the future. At the same time, it shows the constant of friendship that people can rely on, when many other things in their life are changing. Some people who have dealt with changes in their lives have become inspirational to others because of their courage, determination and optimism. Examples of such people are the Biggest Loser contestants and also Bethany Hamilton. The television program the Biggest Loser shows people changing their lives physically and emotionally through diet and exercise. People watching the show could relate to these people, which could give them inspiration and motivation to make changes of their own. Bethany Hamilton is an example of dealing with change in an optimistic way. In October 2003, Bethany was attacked by a shark while out surfing in Tunnels beach, Hawaii. Without warning, a Tiger shark attacked her surfboard, dragging her back and forth and then disappearing into the ocean. Bethany was able to compose herself to use her right arm to swim back to the shore. She was later taken to hospital with severe injuries, where her left arm was amputated. She came through her recovery with things that were important to her, such as her family and her Christian faith. Despite the trauma of the incident, Hamilton was determined to return to surfing. Just 10 weeks after the accident, she returned to the ocean and went surfing again. She adjusted to the change by using a custom made surfboard and changing her surfing style. Bethany taught herself to surf with only one arm and she also began surfing competitively in competitions again. Hamilton claims that the loss of her arm was a bles sing in disguise.

Karl Marxs The Communist Manifesto Essay -- Communist Manifesto Essays

Karl Marx's The Communist Manifesto The Communist Manifesto written by Karl Marx explains the history of all societies as the history of class conflicts, he claims that the power and direction of all societies is determined by the modes of production, as such when the mode of production no longer suits the relations of society there is a revolution. He predicts that a revolution is coming between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie, and calls its coming inevitable. Marx argues that the bourgeoisies are no longer fit to rule, nor is their rule sustainable, as such the proletariat will overthrow them and end all class antagonisms with the creation of a classless society. However, Marx does not give enough credit to nationalism, nor does he ascribe to the possibility of compromise between the classes. Due to this he predicts a class war which never, and might never, take place. The first section of the Communist Manifesto describes the history of all society as the history of class conflicts. Claiming, that every society is essentially divided into, the oppressors and the oppressed. Furthermore, Marx adds, in the past, societies were organized in more complex combinations and hierarchies, but modern society is being split into two ‘hostile camps’. There has always been a continuous conflict between the different classes; the end result of these conflicts is always, either the total suppression of the oppressed classes, or a revolution, which leads to an overhaul of society. He blames the cause for the separation of modern society into only two groups, on the fall of feudalism. These new class antagonisms are between the proletariat, and the bourgeoisie. Marx views the rise of the bourgeoisie in Europe as the result of a couple of factors; firstly, he believes that, the initial elements of the bourgeoisie, were developed by the chartered burghers who evolved from the serfs of the medieval ages. Next, following the great colonization of the 16th and 17th centuries the market expanded, leading to a great need for increased production. This great demand could not be sufficed by the feudal guilds, as such they were replaced with manufacturing. However, the markets and the demand kept increasing and the manufacturing system could no longer keep up, as such it also was replaced, by Modern Industry. The Industrial Revolution of the late 18th century and th... ... the revolutionary parties. These sorts of compromises happened, and different socialist parties left behind the ideas of radical revolution and instead pursued gradual improvement through unions and parliament. Thus the previously constant decrease in workers state did not continue, rather the workers started getting more rights, for example universal male suffrage. Also they fought for, and won, social and economic improvements, for example more employment stability, higher wages and laws such as the Ten Hour Act of 1847 and the Factory Act of 1833. Such reformations, the increase in the power of Unions and the ability of the workers to vote led to sustainable compromises between the classes, as such no class war took place. Marx’s description of European society as driven by economics and divided by class lines is correct. However he fails to see the great influence of nationalism and he does not entertain the idea of compromise between the classes, because of this he wrongly predicts the destruction of the capitalist system and the bourgeoisies by the proletariat. Works Cited: McLellan, David. Karl Marx: Selected Writings (Oxford, NY: Oxford University Press, 1977)

Racism and Ethnic Discrimination Essay

Particular sectors of the population that are considered inferior based on their ethnic identities have limited socio-economic mobility and limited access to political participation, and for this reason the organization of current society reflects a situation of structural racism, which in turn perpetuates inequality. The phenomenon of institutionalized racism is covert, and is falsely considered something of the past instead of as an ongoing process that is real, still in force, and continually reproduced in social relations. While the fight against racism advances, expressions of racism become more sophisticated,4 and it intensifies other discrimination based on gender, age, geographic origin, or socio-economic status. 5 The ideology of racism is institutionalized by the State, as power and access is granted to certain groups based on the recognition of a superior culture. Racism then persists in the attitudes held by those with a voice in shaping laws, public policies, and programs, and therefore becomes imposed on the institutions and interactions that shape everyday life. One aspect that makes the analysis of racism and discrimination more complex is the fact that Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendent communities have internalized and accepted the racist structures, often reproducing those structures in their own relations. Stigmas held by certain groups against others create hierarchies that are inextricably linked to physical and cultural traits such as skin color, â€Å"grade† or â€Å"purity† of blood, clothing, and language and accents. At the international level there have been significant advances in the instruments and international mechanisms of protection and defense of the rights of Indigenous and Afro-descendent peoples. The Inter-American System of Human Rights is a notable advancement is the construction of jurisprudence on the collective rights, as well as the instruments and mechanisms established in the United Nations system. Nicaragua has ratified the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), however, it does not fulfill its commitments with respect to providing periodic information. After a complex history of external colonization that maintains Nicaragua divided in two socio-cultural realities, in the last few years a process of juridical and political recognition of multiculturalism has initiated. 6 These measures however have not contributed to transforming the State, or to guaranteeing equal opportunities of access in the construction of democracy. The central problem continues to be the form and behavior removal or diminishment of recognition, enjoyment, or exercise, under equal conditions, of human rights and fundamental liberties in political, economic, social, cultural spheres, or any other sphere of public life. 3 UN Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples and CODISRA. JUN POP TIJONIK. 2006. 4 Francisco Cali. CERD Expert, Guatemala. 2006. 5 The Guatemala Human Development Report (2005), analyses the concept of social stratification, which gives evidence of the asymmetries with respect to access to development for Indigenous and Afro-descendent Peoples, having to do with difference that go beyond socioeconomic factors, and that moreover, reinforce ethnic subordination. UNDP, Guatemala. 2005. 6 This is a doctrine based on the explicit recognition of cultural diversity is established in conformance with equality of citizenship. It recognizes the existence of collectives that are historically and culturally different from the cultural group that has been in power, to which once recognized, the collective cultural rights will be guaranteed, incorporating them in laws and state institutions and creating public policies to manage the diversity. Multiculturalism facilitates the culture and the identity that are constituted in main axes of political rights and duties. 5 of 104 Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Nicaragua November 2006 of the National State: mono-ethnic, exclusionary in its concept of citizenship and in the distribution of goods and services. The Mestizo project of the national State continues to identify the administrative structure and resources of the State with an ethnic group, its cultures, and values. Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendent communities in the Autonomous Regions, Pacific, and Central-Northern region continue to be discriminated against. Racism and inter-ethnic conflict in Nicaragua continues to be a daily reality in the lives of Indigenous and Afro-descendent people. New threats linked to globalization and internal migration also exacerbate the conflicts. Despite advances in the Indigenous and ethnic movement, as well as increased recognition of rights, it is evident that to fight against these forces there must be greater commitment, as indicated by one of the subjects interviewed for the study: â€Å"We need to operate from a feeling of the value of others and the recognition of our Miskitu, Mayangna, and Kriole brothers and sisters as human beings—as individuals that have their own values, which are worth the same as mine†¦ I need to see [others] as human beings with whom I must live, and therefore, with whom I have to create an environment of empathy where we see each other as people fighting together to move forward †¦ and for this, we will need to change our ways of feeling, thinking, and acting †¦ we will need to have concrete goals†¦to move forward hand in hand as Costenos and as Costenas †¦ and this is possible. †7 This report seeks to describe racism in a way that documents a range of experiences of discrimination, in all spheres of life. Perhaps the outlook presented here will seem quite negative, as most of the subjects interviewed were skeptical that any governmental or nongovernmental organizations are taking steps to address the problems—nor were they confident that the situation would change in the near future. Since racist and colonial structures still exist in all corners of the world, unfortunately there are few examples of anything more than incremental changes in the past few years, decades, or even centuries. However, the intention of this report is not to showcase a list of complaints, nor to assign blame to any particular group or institution. Instead, this study operates under the possibility that the process of documenting experiences of racism and discrimination can facilitate communication across sectors, and can be the first step toward taking affirmative actions to combat the ideology and practice of racism. Thus, like other documents— reports, laws, declarations, treaties—this study can only be a starting point. The real work begins when, armed with consciousness and the will to change, people choose to undertake the task of struggling together for progress. 7 Interview with Benalicia Lucas, 2 October, 2006. 6 of 104 Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Nicaragua November 2006 2. STRUCTURE AND METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY This study was conducted with the support of Diakonia, a Swedish international cooperation agency whose mission is to promote the respect and exercise of all the human rights of all people and to contribute to the democratization of societies for the strengthening of a democratic culture. The study carried out the objective of analyzing and systematizing racism as an ideology and an everyday practice in Nicaragua. The specific objectives were the following: 1. To establish and explain briefly the connection between racism, external colonialism and internal colonialism. 2. To characterize racism against Indigenous Peoples, Garifunas, and Afrodescendents in Nicaragua, in the cultural, social, economic, legal, and political spheres. 3. To describe the current situation and trends of the phenomenon of racism. 4. To analyze and evaluate the types of demands of the affected groups to combat racism, the affirmative actions to be taken, and the role of organized civil society in this process. 5. To analyze and evaluate the actions from the State in relation to racism at the national, regional, and international levels, identifying political strategies, programs to raise awareness, and potential results. 2. 1 Scope and methodology. The study was carried out at the national level, covering the North and South Atlantic Autonomous Regions, Indigenous Communities of the Pacific and CentralNorthern region, and Managua. Qualitative and participatory methods were used to collect the data for the study, complemented by a literature review. The methodology seeks to identify the ways in which racism manifests itself on a daily basis in the lives of Indigenous Peoples, Krioles, and Garifunas in Nicaragua. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were held with key individuals and organizations in Bilwi, Bluefields, Managua, Sutiaba, Leon, Nindiri, and Sebaco, as well as with Regional Autonomous Councils. A guide of questions was used for each interview and focus group, and is included at the end of this report (see: â€Å"Instruments Utilized. †) We recognize that knowledge of the historical construction of race in Nicaragua is indispensable to a complete understanding of the current situation; however, we consider that beyond the scope of this study. Moreover, it is important to note that policies of the State or of other institutions are by no means static. Portrayed in this study are the impressions of a variety of people based on trends and overall tendencies in the daily experience of racism, but we do not to pretend to represent all the facets of this theme, since we understand that there are other experiences and challenges that exist in Nicaragua. 7 of 104 Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Nicaragua November 2006 Similarly, it is important to take into account the context of human development and well being in order to appreciate the full extent of the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendents in Nicaragua. However, this report does not present extensive data on social, political, economic, or cultural well-being, and only refers to those indicators when directly relevant to expressions of racial discrimination or to examples of institutionalized racism. It is important to highlight that one of the limitations is the absence of a system of national statistical information with disaggregation by ethnicity or culturally relevant indicators, which makes it difficult to make comparisons. Finally, no ethnic group should be perceived as monolithic, as there is as much diversity in each group as there are shared characteristics. To assign a rigid set of values or perspectives to any ethnic group comes perilously close to contributing to institutionalized racism, as one of the basic traits of all ethnic groups is that, because they are made up of people, they are full of inconsistencies, paradoxes, and contradictions. Indeed, ethnicity is but one of many identities that we use to define ourselves, along with nationality, geographic origin, age, religion, physical and mental ability, gender, and sexual orientation. It is the intersections of these identities that determine the experience that we live as specific persons and Peoples. The report has been organized in the following order: In the first two chapters there is an introduction, the objectives are defined, and the scope and methodological aspects of the study are presented. In the third chapter the themes of racism and discrimination are analyzed using an approach based in individual and collective human rights, and concludes with various notes related to ethnic identity. In the fourth chapter the historical process of racism and ethnic discrimination in Nicaragua is analyzed in light of processes of external and internal colonization. It concludes with a discussion of new forms of colonization that Indigenous and Afrodescendent Peoples confront. In the fifth chapter the diverse forms and manifestations of ethnic discrimination in cultural, social, economic, juridical-legal, and political spheres are presented. In the sixth chapter the principal demands of Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendent communities are presented. In the following chapter there is an assessment of the responses that the State and various other actors have given to fight against racism and ethnic discrimination. In the last chapters conclusions and recommendations of the study are presented. 8 of 104 Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Nicaragua November 2006 3. RACISM AND INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE HUMAN RIGHTS For the analysis of discrimination for ethnic and racial motivations we have considered it appropriate to use a human rights approach. The basic premise of this approach is that a society free from discrimination should permit people to live with dignity and achieve the highest levels of humanity guaranteed by the body of international human rights laws. This requires the recognition that Indigenous Peoples and Afrodescendent communities are subjects with individual and collective rights derived from their specific historical and cultural characteristics, and that a result of racism those Peoples have not had that recognition nor conditions to exercise their human rights. Indigenous Peoples define themselves as the descendents of the original inhabitants before the formation of States that, independently of their size or level of development, maintain cultural characteristics, cosmovisions, spirituality, and harmonious relationship with nature and are guided by their own forms of organization, customs, and traditions. 8 In the case of Nicaragua, this is understood by Indigenous people as â€Å"the human collective that maintains a historic continuity with societies before colonialism, whose social, cultural, and economic conditions distinguish them from other sectors of national society, and whom are governed totally or partially by their own customs and traditions. †9 In the case of ethnic communities, these are understood as the combination of families of Afro-Caribbean ancestry that share the same ethnic consciousness, through their culture, values, and traditions, linked to the cultural roots and forms of ownership of land and natural resources. 10 Article 5 of the Political Constitution of Nicaragua establishes ethnic pluralism as a principle of the nation, and that the State recognizes the existence of â€Å"Indigenous Peoples† and indicates among their special rights â€Å"maintaining and developing their identity and culture, having their own forms of social organization, administrating their local affairs, maintaining their communal forms of property of their lands, and the enjoyment and use of those lands. † These concepts do not necessarily imply that those characteristics are static, or that a certain sample could represent the extensive diversity and forms of organization, or the distinct demands of the Afro-descendent Peoples and communities in Nicaragua. As the process of reconstructing individual and collective identities and the international and national recognition of collective rights have advanced, the members of Indigenous communities have begun to recover and live in their everyday and public lives their specific collective identities: Rama, Sumu-Mayangna, Miskitu, Chorotega, and others. Each People has more specific cultural characteristics, others that have been adapted, and others shared. ILO Convention 169. Law 445 on Property and Communal Lands. The law defines the term Indigenous community as the combination of families from Amerindian ancestry established in a territorial space that share feelings of identification, linked to the past aborigines of their indigenous people and that maintain an identity and their own values of a traditional culture, as well as forms of ownership and communal use of lands, and of their own social organization. 10 Ibid. 8 9 9 of 104 Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Nicaragua November 2006 The concept of a People is linked to the international right established in the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Convention on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and has been incorporated, without qualification, 11 in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2006. Convention 169 of the International Labour Organization is however the only binding instrument that refers specifically to Indigenous Peoples and tribes. In addition to the United Nations, the Organization of American States has initiated a discussion on the project of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and through a variety of considerations, observations, and recommendations, has advanced the international juridical rules referring to Indigenous Peoples. The commission and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights has also had a notable process of constructing jurisprudence on collective rights within the InterAmerican system. Indigenous Peoples possess collective rights based on their historical rights and collective cultural identity, which are indispensable to their existence, well-being, and development as peoples. 12 Collective rights are human rights of the third generation that are derived from their political, social, and cultural structures, spiritual traditions, histories, and philosophy. It is also important to highlight that among collective rights are the rights to self-determination and autonomy, which are expressed through the right to conserve and their own political, juridical, economic, social, and cultural institutions, while maintaining their right to participate fully, if they desire, in the political, economic, social, and cultural life of the State from the local to the national level. 13 These rights are linked to the territorial right based on historical and ancestral usufruct, and access to the enjoyment, use and benefit from natural resources. 14 The central element in the debate on collective rights of Indigenous Peoples has been the recognition of their collective rights as peoples, and the consequent rights that are derived from that recognition. Because of the close relationship between collective rights and identity as Peoples, individual and collective identity is a process of reconstruction that depends on the degree of oppression that is confronted, the degree of cohesion of the group, their level of coordination with the grassroots, and their relations with the rest of society. Afro-descendent communities, based on their distinct ethnicity15 and the conditions of colonization, racism, and social exclusion that have been imposed on them, are subjects of collective rights. For them it has been very complex to obtain recognition of The text of the Universal Declaration adopted on June 29, 2006 by the Human Rights Council goes beyond the concept of Indigenous Peoples included in the ILO Convention 169, since it is not limited to the domain of States, and in this sense it is equal to what is established in the first paragraph of the ICCPR and ICESCR. 12 The definition of the rights of peoples is in the framework of the ICCPR and the ICESCR. 13 Universal Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights Council, United Nations. 29 June 2006. A/HRC/I/L. 10 14 Ruling in the case of Awas Tingni, Inter-American Court of Human Rights. 15 An ethnic group is one that shares common cultural characteristics and whose members recognize themselves as part of a group for reasons of relationship, solidarity, or culture. They share a name that they identify with common ancestry, historical memory, common cultural elements (religion, language, customs), and a sense of solidarity. In the case of Afrodescendents in the region, only the Garifunas share the sense of connection to the land and territory. 11 10 of 104 Racism and Ethnic Discrimination in Nicaragua November 2006 their distinct identity, because it has been associated with derogatory prejudices and the lack of clear forms of communal and cultural organization of their communities. However, the discrimination that these communities suffer is high and generally hidden. 16 The black communities, descendents of African slaves and workers of Caribbean islands as a result of the policy of colonization by the English during the 17th and 18th centuries, maintain certain common characteristics, such as their roots in African ancestry, their history of being uprooted and of slavery, and their specific customs, values, and traditions. 17 They are basically concentrated in two groups: the Garifunas and the Krioles. 3. 1 A note on cultural and ethnic identity. Ethnic identity is dynamic and complex, and can evolve over one’s lifetime according to a variety of factors, which may be incorporated consciously or unconsciously into one’s identity. It is affirmed by various elements that an individual defines for herself or himself as the criteria for a sense of belonging to a certain group, such as a set of shared values, attitudes, lifestyles, and/or customs. Similarly, cultural identity is formed based on a common ancestry, a shared historical memory, a connection to a native land, and/or common practices such as religion, language, traditions, and customs, which result in a feeling of solidarity. Each cultural group is further defined by its differentiation from others, based on cultural markers (such as language or clothing), and other attitudes and practices that are associated with a particular social group. In Nicaragua there is a mixture of shared ethnicities and cultures. Therefore, race and ethnicity cannot be defined based on blood, skin color, or physical traits, but rather, are based on the way in which one self-identifies based on a variety of cultural, social, and political factors. 18 For example, the construction of identity in the Autonomous Regions has been defined through contacts with external and internal colonization, in different historical moments, from the first contact with the English in the mid-17th century, up to the current migration of poor rural people from the central region of Nicaragua that is advancing with the agricultural frontier to the coastal regions. In addition to the specific identities of each people and community, there is also a â€Å"costena† identity promoted by these communities as a strategy of survival. 19. Racial and ethnic discrimination is the daily manifestation of racism that is expressed through behaviors differentiated according to the origin of a person. It occurs in personal relations and at each moment, but it also occurs in the institutional domain, where it is expressed in ideological constructions with which one has grown up, lived with, and been educated. Because of the fact of being internalized, it is expressed through laws, public policies, and forms of organization that are adopted by institutions within the State, as well as cooperation agencies, civil society, families, and educational centers. Its effects are both individual and collective, and in the case of Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendents it is expressed through the violation of their collective rights. 17 UNDP, Regional Human Development Report, 1999. 18 In the case of the Autonomous Regions, Law 28 recognizes ethnic self-identification as a right. 19 Similar processes have been documented in other similar contexts where there are negotiations and repositioning of actors that use symbols, and defend diverse cultural values in contexts of domination and resistance. Ong, (1999) 16.

Green Practices and Their Benefits on the Environment Essay

Every country is endowed with rich natural resources which can greatly affect the country’s competence within the international economic arena. Each country is highly dependent upon the natural resources that it owns. These natural resources are being utilized to aid the country’s needs in order to strengthen their economy. Thus in order to make full use of natural resources, one must be keen in protecting the environment. The environment shelters all the resources that people need in order to sustain life. Thus damaging the environment can create strong adverse effect on the humans’ needs and well-being. However, the seemingly rapid development within the field of industry and technology diverted the society’s awareness on the importance of environment protection. The discovery of new technological innovations attracted people towards adapting new ways and processes unmindful of the possible threats that these new inventions may bring to the environment. And over time, scientific discoveries have caused the deterioration and depletion of important natural resources. Alongside these innovations and the discovery of the harmful effects that these developments have inflicted on the environment, comes the need for increased awareness and concern in protecting the environment. If people will not learn how to control their utilization of the environment and the proper way of extracting uses from it, the nature’s gift endowed for the humans to make use of shall soon become scarce and will eventually die out completely. From this truth and realizations, certain organizations have emerged to save the environment from further abuse. Environmentalist groups have surfaced in order to prevent the environment from continuous depletion. These environmentalists were formed under the bond of concern for the environment, primarily towards ensuring the â€Å"preservation, restoration, or the improvement of the natural environment† (Rozeff, 2007). These groups of people hold advocacies in order to create a strong stand in promoting their cause and ideals. In addition to this, â€Å"green† companies have also been set up in order to fight for this cause. These companies are those who have responded to the need of protecting the environment, and those who have believed that doing such shall become favorable to them in the future. And as such, these environmentalist organizations and green companies have devised of ways to protect the environment while still reaping the benefits from rich natural resources. In this light, site management programs are being done in order to provide protection to land, water and air resources. These programs are geared towards effectively monitoring the status of natural environment with respect to its utilization, acts ensuring replenishment and maintenance and improvement of such resources (â€Å"Green Remediation,† 2008). Ecological and Soil Preservation The importance of preserving land formations translates into the preservation of the ecology in general. Land resources serve as the widest form of habitats for most of living organisms within the ecosystem. Thus, ensuring that the natural habitats are being well taken cared of will help maintain biodiversity which will benefit humans and other forms of living organisms. One way of ecological and soil preservation is through the use of grassfarming. Grassfarming, when done in a proper way will result to a net benefit in the environment. Animals raised through this process shall help in lessening the use of fossil fuels. Furthermore, development of pasture of this kind helps to reduce the occurrences of soil erosion. With the United States losing a significant mass of soil every year, diversion from the conventional ways of cropping and instead resorting towards row cropping will eventually lessen the rate of soil loss by up to 93 percent (â€Å"Grassfarming Benefits the Environment,† 2008). In addition to this, grazed pasture will also help in removing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Furthermore, grassfarming helps in reducing greenhouse gases thus eventually slowing down the rate of global warming (â€Å"Grassfarming Benefits the Environment,† 2008). Another way of preventing soil erosion is through tree trimming, tree planting and landscaping. While these processes keep soil erosion at a lesser rate and percentage, these also serve the purpose of beautifying the surrounding. While these work to create a more beautiful environment, these also increase the reliability of environment by strengthening and further enrichment of the resources available to humans (â€Å"Tree Trimming and Landscaping: Balancing Beauty and Reliability,† 2008). In general, the protection of ecology and soil preservation will eventually lead to the following: increase in wildlife habitat, reduce wind, water and soil erosion, decrease in carbon emission, protection of water resources and the establishment and development of â€Å"greenspaces† corridors (â€Å"Green Remediation,† 2008). The most important amongst these positive effects in the environment is that while the environment beautifies and becomes more useful for the people, the people will have a greater sense of property values. And as such, the community will have a better perception of the advantages that a â€Å"green† environment will serve for them. Water Preservation and Conservation Preservation of aqua life is also equally as important in maintaining a healthy environment. Developments in the society have pushed people towards over consumption of water resources. In addition, the commercialization rampant in every country has turned every water resource into either an industrial or commercial site. Thus, actions are needed towards recovering and conserving what is left of the planet’s water resources. In United States, the campaign in passing a National Healthy Oceans Act is being pushed. It is believed that upon the approval of the act, a cohesive national policy will be pushed to revitalize and revive the oceans. If this materializes, the protection of what is left in the country’s marine life shall be restored and protected (â€Å"Ocean Solutions,† n. d). In addition to this act, the development of underwater parks is also being suggested. The establishment of protected marine areas shall help preserve the rich marine life by allowing marine species to reproduce, thus providing a more balanced and diverse marine ecosystem (â€Å"Ocean Solutions,† n. d). In line with this, certain policies are also pushed which shall ensure that destructive fishing shall be stopped and violators will be properly reprimanded. It is necessary to know that use of destructive fishing will deliberately decrease marine diversity. Such policies will also promote for the prevention of occurrences of water pollution. Water pollution further hastens the development of water damage to natural systems. Thus, the government has provided ways to ensure that sewage systems are being monitored in order to prevent leakages that can further contribute to marine death. In addition to these, several conservation designs have been suggested in order to strengthen the campaign of water resources protection. These conservation designs include the formation of clusters and landscapes which shall enable the prevention of excessive water runoffs. Examples of these landscapes include trenches, basins, rain gardens and vegetated treatment systems among the others (â€Å"Green Remediation,† 2008). Moreover, military sonars are being put under restrictions. Military activities over time were proven to have induced harmful effects upon water resources, and as such, activities of this kind must be minimized. If these steps shall be taken, people can help curb the probable adverse effects of global warming. At the rate that global warming is currently occurring in the planet, the planet’s aquamarine resources are predicted to suffer from grave effects it may bring. Thus, being keen in preventing the further intoxication of the marine resources through excessive emission of carbon dioxide in bodies of water, people can help in sustaining and protecting the growth of diverse biofuels (â€Å"Ocean Solutions,† n. d). Air Quality Protection Every individual needs clean air in order to attain a healthy life. Maintaining the natural ecology by giving priority in the protection of trees also helps in cleaning the planet’s air resources. However, there are direct plans which can be done in order to strengthen the society’s position in keeping the atmosphere free from toxic gases. Green remediation activities that come in forms of certain policies can enormously aid in building standards necessary for protecting the atmosphere. Provisions made under Clean Air Act, Energy Policy Act and Energy Independence and Security Act are few of the policy programs which if followed can assist in maintaining clean air within the country (â€Å"Green Remediation,† 2008). Through these acts, it will be made clear that equipments needed in the manufacturing industry will be checked to make sure that companies comply in the reduced emission of harmful gases. These efforts will ensure that heavy equipments and vehicles are functioning properly in such a way that air protection opportunities are being guaranteed to work. Waste Management Given the three important aspects of environment which greatly need attention and protection, a proper and efficient waste management system also contributes to the prevention of environmental degradation. Aside from direct plans involving the environmental maintenance and revival, there are also activities which are seeking to prevent further degradation of the surroundings. In this light, an activity such as â€Å"Reduce, Reuse and Recycle† program is being initiated which is expected to increase the environment’s sustenance against pollution. In the event that this will be strictly observed, this will be of great help in pursuing waste reduction by recycling materials that can still used (â€Å"Reduce, Reuse and Recycle,† 2008). Thus, such activity will help save environment and at the same time, it will also help alleviate poverty by making use of trash materials as a source of livelihood. In general, a feasible waste management practice must take into consideration the opportunity of giving a worthy cause for livelihood while eliminating the threats to the environment. Ideally, an effective waste management system is geared towards (1) conserving landfill space; (2) reducing the environmental impacts coming from wastes while reducing the cost of producing new materials from old and used materials; and (3) reducing the overall project expenses by avoiding new and more expensive purchases and unnecessary disposal costs (â€Å"Green Remediation,† 2008). A Sustainable Development A greater understanding of the environment’s delicateness and vulnerability will lead the people towards the developing a greater sense of concern with how one makes positive use of the rich natural resources provided by the environment. However, even if the people will make use of environmental resources with outmost caution, there are resources that are cannot be renewed and replenished, or resources that take too long before they can be replenished. This then brings into light the importance of how to use our resources in a sustainable way. Though resources may be renewed and replenished, it is still necessary to know how to use them properly while allotting time for these resources to be replenished according to the pace that suits them. Trees and forest reserves are examples of renewable resources. While trees and forest can always be replenished, humans who make use of it should be careful in consuming the richness and wealth that these resources provide us. As such, people must be keen on knowing when it is time to start making actions towards ensuring that such resources will be given an ample time to replenish that resources that have already been utilized by humans. Consequently, nonrenewable resources are also present in the environment. These include the nature’s fossil reserves. Fossil fuels though are still currently rampant within the environment are nonrenewable resources, which if used inappropriately will soon become scarce. Thus, it is the obligation of human beings to know how to carefully and prudently use these resources in such a way that future generations will still have enough to make use of for their own development. In this light, renewable energy resources must be integrated properly to ensure future abundance and proliferation. And on the other hand, alternatives must be provided as replacements to nonrenewable resources. The utilization of solar and wind alternatives can be useful instead of continuously relying to nonrenewable fossil reserves as energy sources (â€Å"Green Remediation,† 2008). Thus, if these are given proper attention, while prolonging the life of the nature’s nonrenewable resources and protecting the environment, this can also help the economy in reducing country costs and liabilities. Ideally, an effective system in managing renewable and nonrenewable energy sources may result in the: (1) decrease in fossil fuel prices while ensuring long-term benefits and cost savings; (2) lowering the demand and reliability on traditional energy resources; (3) reducing the emissions from fossil fuel consumption; and (4) widening the opportunities for new market and job creation (â€Å"Green Remediation,† 2008). Environment Protection: Translation Towards Human and Economic Development As previously mentioned, the planet’s rich natural resources serve as the people’s basic source of livelihood. Without these resources, people will be left with nothing to feed on, no shelter and no means to survive. Thus, it is widely believed that poverty and environment are two interrelated concepts that humans must be able to grasp in order to attain the fullest potential that humans can attain. A report following the researches conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) concluded that to be able to battle poverty, people must turn towards environmental protection. The relationship between the two is linked in a â€Å"downward spiral† wherein the poorest among the nation are those who have extracted their environmental resources towards the limits without being keen on replenishing them. Thus, environmental degradation has further impoverished people due to lack of education and knowledge to keep the resources alive (â€Å"UNDP-EC Poverty and Environment Initiative,† 2004). Thus, the goal set up by the UNDP Environment Initiative is to provide practitioners and policy makers in identifying solutions towards equipping the people with proper knowledge on how to take care of natural resources while allowing them the privilege of making use of the environment’s richness. Given the immense importance of environmental resources to the lives of every people living in the planet, it is of great necessity that people must learn how to utilize these resources in such a way that the environment retains its healthy form and condition. The processes, policies and projects stated beforehand are bright solutions towards maintaining a sustainable development. The environment is one of the best gifts bestowed upon human beings. Observing â€Å"green† practices and making sure that environmental protection is put at first priority on top of human selfishness and recklessness will benefit not only the environment itself, but more specially human beings who are largely dependent on the gifts that environment provides. References Grassfarming Benefits the Environment. (2008). Eatwild. Retrieved July 29, 2008, from http://www. eatwild. com/environment. html Green Remediation: Incorporating Sustainable Environmental Practices Into Remediation of Contaminated Sites. (2008). United States Environmental Protection Agency. Ocean Solutions. (n. d) NRDC. Retrieved July 29, 2008, from http://oceans. nrdc. org/solutions Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. (2008) The Green Flag Program. Retrieved July 29, 2008, from http://www. greenflagschools. org/mshs/project_areas/ Rozeff, M. S. (2007) What is Environmentalism? LewRockwell. com. Retrieved July 29, 2008, from http://www. lewrockwell. com/rozeff/rozeff151. html Tree Trimming and Landscaping: Balancing Beauty and Reliability. (2008) Knoxville Utilities Board. Retrieved July 29, 2008, from http://www. kub. org/wps/portal/! ut/p/c1/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gPC1OnYE8TIwMDlwAnAyMfl1BLU1c3D1cPA_1wkA68KvDKG-GXDzQzhMgb4ACOBvp-Hvm5qfoF2dlBHuWOigCUwDZj/dl2/d1/L3dJMjJZZyEhL0lCakFBQVFnQUlUQ0FBaUNJQUNBb2dBSUJ1d0FDR0EhL1lCcDNwSnchLzZfSDg1QlNJNDIwMERQQjAyTERVOTVFRkhFNjA! / UNDP-EC Poverty and Environment Initiative. (2004) United Nations Development Programme. Retrieved July 30, 2008, from http://www. undp. org/seed/pei/