Gullivers Travels Essay Example

Gullivers Travels Essay Example Gullivers Travels Paper Gullivers Travels Paper In this extract of Gullivers Travels, Gulliver has just been attacked by a herd of Yahoos throwing excrement at him, and his rescuers, the Houyhnhnms, observe him. Swift juxtaposes Gullivers human vanity with the calm, rational nature of the Houyhnhnms to satirise the human assumption of being the most morally and rationally superior species. This is significant preparation for Gullivers moral realisation towards the end of the book. This portrayal of Gulliver is perhaps a response against the Renaissance period views where mankind was celebrated as the ultimate being, and instead the neo-classical genre influence, where mankind was viewed as imperfect and inherently sinful but can redeem himself by a constant struggle towards humility, is strongly ingrained in the text. Gullivers belief that humankind is the most superior species, which has been developed throughout his journeys, carries on to Houyhnhnmland, as suggested by Swifts choice of images and words. One aspect of the extract that reveals Gullivers vanity as a human is his clothing. He makes several references in the first paragraph to his clothing: his hat is discomposed by the horses, and the fact that he was forced to adjust it better shows that vanity, in the form of concealing imperfections through clothing, is an innate part of humans. The Houyhnhnms unfamiliarity with clothing such as his coat, an unnatural covering for the body, thus highlights their belief in living in harmony with nature, and this neo-classical type of conservatism is presented as a much better way of life as it escapes vanity. Another aspect showing Gullivers pride in being human is his self-proclaimed strength of : Secondly, it will analyze Voyage I as topical in nature wherein Swift satirizes the European politics of eighteenth century and conclude by briefly commenting on Swifts message behind his use of political satire in Gullivers Travels. The theme or the structure of a book is what draws readers to it and hence success of the book largely depends on it. Although a lot of controversy is associated with Gullivers Travels, the fact cannot be ignored that it has sold millions of copies till now. The book is cast in the convention of an adventure story which is well reflected from its title, Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World or as it is popularly called Gullivers Travels. On the periphery the book appears as the tale of a simple Englishmans journey into the unknown and remote nations- Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, Balnibarbi, Glubbdubdrib, Luggnagg, Japan and Houyhnhnms and his experience on these voyages. Swift uses the device of verisimilitude in the novel to project his fantasy world as credible. In a work of fantasy, a writer creates impossible characters, places and situations and asks the readers to pretend that they are real. To help the reader in this task, the writer tells his tale in such a way that he makes it seem credible- that is, he gives it verisimilitude. Swifts use of first person narrative, giving his imaginary characters and places some real-world characteristics, addressing his reader directly and following each voyage to an unreal world with a voyage back to the real world can be attributed to the literary device of verisimilitude: But at the same time the reader can hardly conceive my astonishment, to behold an sland in the air, inhabited by men, who were able (as it should seem) to raise or sink, or put it into progressive motion, as they pleased. However, a lot of issues are hidden beneath the novel. Though he has cast his novel in the genre of an adventure story yet, he criticizes and ridicules other travel writers of his day. Gulliver, in the novel frequently says that he will not trouble the reader with detailed descriptions of a particular episode in his travels. Such statements are the authors jibe at travel writers who tend to inflate their descriptions with a prolixity of insignificant details. Most of all, the novel is a scathing attack on the eighteenth century European politics which will form the subsequent discussion of the essay. The most obvious joke in the title of Swifts Travels into several Remote Nations of the World is that what purports to be a chronicle of several excursions to remote nations turns out to be a satiric anatomy of specifically English attitudes and values. To write about public affairs or to criticize public men with any freedom invited censorship for the writer unless he uses literary artifices of various kinds to express his opinions with impunity. Perhaps this is why, Swift casts his novel in the garb of an adventure story to escape censorship and criticize the eighteenth century English society. Censure, according to Swift, is the tax a man pays to the public for being eminent. The text is a political satire in the sense that it exposes the mechanisms of court officials, corruption and degrading human values which fostered in the eighteenth century Europe. In his preface to The Battle of the Books, Swift writes, Satire is a sort of glass wherein beholders do generally discover everybodys face but their own, which is the chief reason so few are offended by it. In the book, many figures which seem to be imaginary are meant to depict real personages, or at all events are drawn from them. Swift in one of his letters to Alexander Pope regarding the book wrote, I have employed my time in finishing, correcting, amending and transcribing my Travels in four parts complete, newly augmented, and intended for the press when the world shall deserve them, or rather when a printer shall be found brave enough to venture his ears. This reference to the printers ears highlights as C. H. Firth says, the book contained political allusions which might bring the publisher to the pillory, and draw upon him the fate which befell Defoe. Ample political allusions abound in Voyage I of the book. Some are to the events of Queen Annes reign and others to events in the reign of King George I. The first part of Gullivers voyage to Lilliput has no political significance. In fact, the place appears to be an utopian land and its inhabitants as generous and kind: I now considered myself as bound by the laws of hospitality to a people who had treated me with so much expense and magnificence. However, as Gulliver progresses his story, Lilliput ceases to be Utopia and becomes England itself, instead of being an example to England. Sycophancy is practiced by the court officials who will go to any length to win favors from the Queen and lords. Swift, thus through the episode of rope-dancing performed upon a slender white thread criticizes the obnoxious practices of court officials: This diversion is only practiced by those persons who are candidates for great employments, and high favour at court. Gulliver further says, But the danger is much greater when the ministers themselves are commanded to show their dexterity; for by contending to excel themselves and their fellows, they strain so far, that there is hardly one of them who hath not received a fall, and some of them two or three. The image of Lilliput as England becomes clear when Reldresal says, We labour under two mighty evils; a violent faction at home, and the danger of an invasion by a most potent enemy from abroad. In Lilliput there are two struggling parties called Tramecksan and Slameckson, from the high and low heels on their shoes, by which they distinguish themselves. These allude the Tories and Whigs, Englands political parties and the potent enemy abroad is the island of Blefuscu which typifies France, Englands arch-rival. The emperor of Lilliput wants Gulliver to invade Blefuscu and could think of nothing less than reducing the whole Empire of Blefuscu into a province, and governing it by Viceroy; of destroying the Big-Endian exiles, and compelling that people to break the smaller end of their eggs, by which he would remain sole monarch of the whole world. This symbolizes Londons colonial enterprise who despite being a small nation like Lilliput had a number of nations under its control and the Lilliputian Emperors using of Gulliver reflects the British thrones using of and ally. The religious war between Lilliput and Blefuscu symbolizes the quarrel between England and France over the nature of sacrament and differences in communion of the catholic and Anglican Churches. Swifts use of the struggling parties, Tramecksan and Slameckson is his immediate jibe at European politics. Through their quarrel, Swift satirizes the War of the Spanish Succession. The Whigs had conducted a war against the Roman Catholic leaders of France and Spain. Although it had its religious overtones, the war also involved trading rights with the colonies in America. However, the Tories led by Harley and Bolingbroke after coming to power, began to negotiate with the French thus resulting in the peace treaty of Utrecht, 1713. Their naval policy, they said destroyed the Spanish fleet. However, the Whigs being unsatisfied later accused the Tories of treason because of a failure to get colonies and parts from France and Spain. In light of this Swifts remark holds very true, We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another. The ingratitude of the British throne towards its men of service is highly condemned by Swift and finds expression in the fire episode of Chapter 5. Gulliver is instrumental in saving the rest of the palace but the Queen instead vows revenge against Gulliver for urinating in the precincts of the palace which was later included in the articles of impeachment against him. This incident is an allegorical representation of certain incidents in Swifts life. Mr. Dennis says, Queen Anne was so much disgusted with the Tale of a Tub that in spite of Swifts political services, she could never be induced to give him preferment in the Church. Swifts satirical writings largely stood in the way of his promotion. He failed to get the Irish Bishopric in 1708 and it was with great difficulty that he obtained the deanery in 1713. All these can be attributed to the influence of the Duchess of Somerset, Dr. Sharp, the Archbishop of York, the earl of Nottingham and Robert Walpole. In the book, Gulliver r efers to Bolgolam, the Admiral of the Realm as his mortal enemy and his malice is constantly mentioned and insisted upon. Bolgolam typifies the Earl of Nottingham who used his private influences to stop Swifts preferment and opposed the Schism Act saying that it was dangerous because it gave too much power to the bishops. The character of Flimnap is a representative of Sir Robert Walpole under whose administration England became a fountainhead of corruption. Swifts critique of England under Walpole echoes Samuel Johnsons diatribe of the same in his poem London: all are Slaves to Gold, Where Looks are Merchandise, and Smiles are sold, Where won by Bribes, by Flatteries implord, The Groom retails the Favours of his Lord. The Kings cushions which saves Flimnap from breaking his neck symbolizes the Duchess of Kendal, one of the Kings mistresses, by whose influence Walpole, after his fall from power in 1717, was again restored to favor. Bolgolam, Flimnap and the other court officials conspiracy against Gulliver is indicative of the malice practiced by the court officials of King George I who instead of looking after the nation and performing their duties were only interested in bickering, gaining favors and opposing to anyone who stood in their way of making profit. This is perfectly highlighted in Dean Swifts quote, When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign that the dunces are all in confederacy against him. The account of the silken threads- green, red and blue given to the courtiers showing most agility in leaping over or creeping under a stick signify the various orders of the Thistle, Bath and the Garter. By alluding to this, Swift attacks the policy of George I who used these orders as cheap ways of buying political support from social climbers which increased corruption and sycophancy in the English society all the more. Gullivers escape to Blefuscu to escape trial provides the bitterest satiric attack on hypocrisy, ingratitude and cruelty by the eighteenth century English society. Bolingbroke, Swifts friend had brought a great war to an end but was denounced by his political opponents and accused of treason which made him flee England. Thus, Swifts scathing attack and political allusions in Book I of Gullivers Travels serve as a powerful critique of European politics. Swift has been criticized for being a misanthropist. However, his misanthropy arises out of his disappointment in human kind- he is constantly frustrated by what men do as opposed to what they ought to do. Through his satiric attempt at exposing the European politics, Swift intends to give a moral message to the people- to view themselves as he viewed humankind, as creatures that were not fulfilling their potential to be truly great but were simply flaunting the trappings of greatness. The main object of satire in the book is human nature itself, specifically mans pride as it manifests in pettiness, grossness, rational absurdity, and animality (Tuveson). Gullivers character, as a satirical device, serves Swifts ends by being both a mouthpiece for some of Swifts ideals and criticisms and as an illustration of them so that people can recognize their follies and correct their vices. For critics such as Dobree, the book is in a sense, a tragic work n that it is the picture of mans collapse before his corrupt nature, and of his defiance in face of the collapse. However for Swift, humbling human pride, enabling a more honest self-assessment was absolutely vital to addressing the suffering and injustice so prevalent in human life. Contrary to many who label swift a misanthropist, only a man who cared deeply about humanity could have produced a work like Gullivers Travels. As we travel with Gulliver, through the voyages, Swift brilliantly peels away our pride and pretensions, layer by layer, until he shows us what we are and challenges us, intensely and urgently, to be better. In the words of Louis A. Landa, Many looked about and saw widely prevailing infection, a culture losing its vigor and its better values, under the impact of bribery, luxury, political faction But only a person of the rarest gifts, such as Swift, could transmute these into an imperishable imaginative comment on the nature of man and society.

Staff motivation Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Staff motivation - Research Proposal Example Infact, Conndrey (2010) asserts that as a key internal force to satisfy the unsatisfied needs, staff motivation is capable of directing individuals’ behaviours in order to satisfy the particular needs.Thus, management ought to not only understand what the staff need but also how to satisfy those needs. It is within this backdrop therefore that this particular paper intends provide a proposal on management staff motivation with a case study of the Dnata Marhaba Department. The major focus of this particular research is to investigate staff motivation and the effectiveness of the Human Resource Management programs at the Dnata Marhaba Department in the Dubai International Airport. The research intends to respond to the below questions: According to Patterson et.al (2003), there is considerately a smaller number of research or studies regarding the relationship between staff motivation and management. This particular study will try to investigate that relation within the context of the Dnata Marhaba Department of the Dubai International Airport (Patterson et.al 2003, p88). The perspective of employee motivation is significantly associated with the effective implementation of HRM practices. The study will try to combine several theories of both HRM and motivation so as to explore those that are relevant to the organization under study. The discussions will be handled with a major focus on three important factors that influence motivation including compensation and benefits; training and development and performance management Although developments in terms of technology have transformed the place of work in recent years, there is no doubt that human beings still play a significant role in as far as the operation of an organization is concerned. As a result, it can be argued that human factor is very critical to the success of any organization. As highlighted

Terrorism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Terrorism - Research Paper Example for protection rackets or to enforce a code of silence is usually not labeled terrorism though these same actions may be labeled terrorism when done by a politically motivated group (Beatriz, 2011). Terrorism has been practiced by a broad array of political organizations for furthering their objectives. It has been practiced by right-wing and left-wing political parties, nationalistic groups, religious groups, revolutionaries, and ruling governments. An abiding characteristic is the indiscriminate use of violence against noncombatants for the purpose of gaining publicity for a group, cause, or individual. The symbolism of terrorism can leverage human fear to help achieve these goals (San, 2011). The only general characteristic of terrorism generally agreed upon is that it involves violence and the threat of violence. The terms "terrorism" and "terrorist" (someone who engages in terrorism) carry strong negative connotations. These terms are often used as political labels, to condemn violence or the threat of violence by certain actors as immoral, indiscriminate, and unjustified or to condemn an entire segment of a population. Those labeled "terrorists" by their opponents rarely identify themselves as such, and typically use other terms or terms specific to their situation, such as separatist, freedom fighter, liberator, revolutionary, vigilante, militant, paramilitary, guerrilla, rebel, patriot, or any similar-meaning word in other languages and cultures. Jihad, mujahidin, and fedayeen are similar Arabic words which have entered the English lexicon. It is common for both parties in a conflict to describe each other as terrorists. Terrorist attacks are usually carried out in such a way as to maximize the severity and length of the psychological impact. Each act of terrorism is a â€Å"performance† devised to have an impact on many large audiences. Terrorists also attack national symbols, to show power and to attempt to shake the foundation of the country or society

To what extent does the protective trade policy of the USA influence Essay

To what extent does the protective trade policy of the USA influence the Chinese economy - Essay Example United States of America (USA) has come out clearly in opposition to the kind of trading done by China. USA blames China for being business minded at the cost of the relations that exist between China and foreign investors. After USA and China re-established diplomatic relations in early 1979, trading between these two nations advanced greatly. China rose to the rank of being an imperative business partner of USA. However, with time, US imports from China rose to a higher level than the exports to that country. This resulted in the need for USA to formulate policies that would reduce consumption of products from China. For example, since the year 2004, USA banned poultry products from China. There are regulatory measures that are taken to limit trade within a nation when that nation is considered a threat to the balance of trade between the two nations. To benefit their citizens in a trade venture, some countries protect their markets against foreigners. This is an evaluation of the causes and effects of protectionism of trade by US on Chinese economy and possible remedies for restoring trade relations. Protectionism: This is an illegitimate way by which politicians use to shut down imports into a country on account of worsened domestic economic condition. This is aimed at improving benefits to local citizens and reduces spending on imports. Through this a country targets to spend less on imports than on exports (Chen, 2010, p170). Trade policies: These are regulations that are implemented by a nation to regulate trade relations with its partners. Through these regulations, a country is able to balance its spending on imports and exports. This fosters growth of a nation through time. Some trade policies are unjustifiable and are put in place to sideline potential competitors within a field of market (Gomory and Baumol, 2011, 689). Free trade: This is the creation of unrestricted exchanges of goods and services

Ethical Issues In The Human Genome Project

Ethical Issues In The Human Genome Project The Human Genome Project was the largest international scientific research conducted in the field of Biology. This research project began in 1990 with a mission of discovering all the genes in human DNA and determining the sequences of chemical base pairs which make up the DNA of human. The Human Genome Project was coordinated by the Department of Energy and National Institute of Health, in the USA. The research involved thousands of scientists, biologists, chemists, engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians and human participants from around the world. The researchers plotted several types of biological maps that enabled many other researchers to improve their knowledge and to use them in proceeding with their researches. According to web definitions, a genome is The set of genes that are carried by an individual. A chromosome is a genetic structure that contains cells that contain thousands of genes. The human genome is stored in 23 chromosome pairs. Gene sequencing is a process that determines the sequence of DNA of an organisms genome. The genome that was sequenced for the first time was a virus and was done in 1977. Scientists have discovered that there are over 3 billion DNA base pairs in a haploid human genome. One of the aims of the human genome project was to plot maps that are capable of providing a way for the researchers to locate specific genes in a chromosome. The primary aim of the Human Genome Project was to identify and map all the DNA pairs. There are many applications of Genome research, namely, Bio Technology, Bio Medical Research, Molecular Medicine, DNA Forensics, Agriculture, Livestock Breeding and bio-processing. The outcome of the Human Genome Project enables improved diagnosis of disease, Rational Drug design, creation of customized drugs and Gene therapy. These are several benefits of the HGP in the context of Molecular Medicine and Bio Medical Research. The maps created by the HGP have enabled researchers to unveil many genetic conditions such as inherited colon cancer, Breast cancer and Alzheimers disease. The HGP ( in the filed of DNA forensic) will enable to identify suspects by identifying DNA found in crime scenes, identify parents, and other relationships, and to identify DNA precisely in any context. Furthermore, it enables creation of nutritious products and Biopesticides as benefits to the field of Agriculture and Bi oprocessing. Plants and animals that are more immune to diseases could be created by understanding plant and animal genomes. Moreover, it will enable to reduce cost of agriculture and to provide customers with more nutritious and quality products. The benefits for Bioarchaelogy, Human Evolution and Anthropology are the ability to study the evolution of humans by understanding the genomics, ability to study migration of different populations and to discover the relationships between the archaebacteria, eukaryotes and prokaryotes. On the contrary to the above mentioned benefits, the Human Genome project and its applications have encountered significant social, ethical and legal issues. The main issue is allowing access to gathered genetic information. If the information is accessible by anyone, it could be misused. For example an employer can access this information, and use it in making decisions when they hire people. There may be people who are having genetic disorders, yet physically fit and capable of working. Nevertheless, the employers can decide not to hire them considering the possibility of developing a medical disorder. Decisions are made based on the employees personal genetic information. This could be unfair to a certain group of people with genetic disorders. Making decision based on the genetic information of the employees is unlawful under section 202 of the Genetic Information Non Discrimination Act of 2008. According to Section 202, Employer Practices, it is unlawful for an employer not to h ire or to discharge or to discriminate any employee based on their genetic information. If the data is accessed by Insurance companies, they could use it to earn profits. The person who is willing to insure himself will have to pay a premium depending on the severity of the disease he has. For example, a cancer patients premium will be higher that the premium of a normal person. The ethical issue is discrimination based on the genetic information. It is a known fact that discrimination is used to discourage people in many places such as schools, workplaces, universities, and even in public. There are many instances in which people had to leave workplaces, and children faced many problems in schools due to embarrassment which was a consequence of discrimination. Race and ethnicity discrimination was the most prominent form of discrimination. It has deviated into genetic discrimination since the genetic information is now available. This may cause embarrassment to people with certain genetic disorders, discourage them and even lose their confidence which could let them do wn. To regulate this situation, many governments have set laws and legislations that describe the penalties of discrimination. One such legislation is the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Section 702 of the act States (A) In General For purposes of this section, a group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan, may not adjust premium of contribution amounts for the group covered under such plan on the basis of genetic discrimination. It further discusses the penalties for the insurers and employers who use discrimination as a form of gaining profit. Another way of misusing the gathered information is using it do discriminate minority ethnic groups or communities. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Human genome states, No one shall be subjected to discrimination based on genetic characteristics that is intended to infringe or has the effect of infringing human rights, fundamental freedom and human dignity. Therefore even though a persons genetic information is revealed, he has the right to live without being a victim of discrimination. Nevertheless, the existence of the genetic information may lead to several social issues such as racial discrimination. Currently, most people in European countries are victims of racial criticism. The human genome project requires quite a large number of genes to be gathered and stored and then to be tested. The genetic differences between groups of people can be emphasized. This may have a psychological impact due to the differences between genetics. One of the greatest achievements of the Human Genome Project was the genetic map which is capable of facilitating researchers to pin point specific genes in a chromosome. This enables to discover a significant amount of disorders in the human body and doctors to quickly identify the disorders within their patients. Several decades ago, people were not allowed to be aware of the diseases and only the scientists were allowed to discover them and find treatments. The society has revolutionized, and people live more sophisticated lives, therefore, awareness of such diseases is at a higher level. Many people argue that patients have a right to be aware of their illnesses; on the other hand, this has a negative impact on the patients mentality. Even if a genetic disorder is discovered, it takes some time to discover the treatments. For instance, cancer was discovered, several decades ago, however proper treatments with no side effects have not been found yet. Similarly, when a genetic diso rder is diagnosed, it can create frustration and anxiety. This frustration and anxiety will remain within the patients mind until the treatments are discovered and the patient is treated. This may take a short time period or may take a couple of years. It is a well known fact that a person can live longer and happier as long as he is not aware of his illnesses. Another drawback is that people might be discouraged and refuse to live their normal lives due to frustration. Awareness of the genetic disorders can ultimately result in a group of people who are mentally ill which would become a severe social issue. Applying new genetics to unborn children is another area which may cause ethical and social implications. The discoveries of the Human Genome Project have enabled the scientists and doctors to replace cells in unborn children. This implies that parents can have custom-made babies, with the desired features. A possible dilemma is issues related to In-Vitro-Fertilization. In Vitro Fertilization is the process of fertilizing egg cells by male cells (spermatocyte) outside the womb. Since genetic information is available, genes with all good features could be selected and high grade embryos could be created. The concept of Designer Baby is introduced with this technology. Theses embryos could be sold at different prices which may cause in every human having a price and it will depend on the race, intelligence level, eye, or hair color and immunity to diseases. Prices of these designer babies will depend on the quality of the baby. Social issues may arise among people who are able to affor d for a high quality designer baby and people who are not capable of owning one. Another possible social issue is the competition among the designer babies when they grow older. Every parent would want their baby to be a high quality designer baby. The rate of child kidnaps and murders could rise as a result of the designer baby concept. As stated in the previous paragraphs, one of the main objectives of the Human Genome project was to map the DNA sequence. This enables the doctors to modify the embryos and create humans who can live longer, more intelligent and more immune to various diseases. In addition to the issues raised by having designer babies, creation of super human with fewer defects have raised religious issues. It contradicts with the religious beliefs on God of many people. Creation of super human has raised controversial issues among the scientists who are involved in research based on creating humans and spiritual and religious leaders. This is because many religions believe that the creator of humans is God. They believe that the superiority of human is decided by god. The argument brought by them is that only god has the power to create a living creature and humans are not creators, but only creations. They also believe that humans shall never become powerful than God. Moreover, they strongly belie ve that these scientific researches and developments have disappointed God, and the harsh punishments should be given to scientists who are engaged in such research. This religious issue could grow into a serious social issue where people might start attacking the scientists. Previous researches have shown that most people are against modifying embryos to create better quality humans. Furthermore, it is evident that people who are against the creation of super human are mostly religious and spiritual leaders and people who strongly believe in God. Forensic Investigation is another area which is benefitted by the Human Genome Project. Nevertheless, it can be the origin of many social and ethical issues. The DNA gathered by the HGP is stored in a database known as the National DNA databank: CODIS. The goal of storing this information is to use it for forensic investigation, in criminology. Investigations involving DNA is considered to be more accurate. The Combined DNA Index System has become a powerful tool to reduce violent crime as it combines DNA technologies with computers. Two indexes are used in CODIS, namely, The Convicted Offender Index and The Forensic Index. These indexes are generated using the biological evidences gathered from the crime scene. DNA profiles are then created using Short Tandem Repeat analysis. Different software is utilized in CODIS to search for the indexes for matching DNA profiles. According to the sources, the databank contains more than five million DNA profiles. DNA is tested to identify crimin als, but when the tests are done, used DNA records should be destroyed. Proper Disposal of the DNA information is vital or else the persons entire genetic information would be available. This again could be used to discriminate people or to accuse innocent people for crimes which they have not committed. Another distressing issue is the violation of privacy of the owners of the genetic information. Genetic information is considered as private and confidential information of a person and privacy implies that a person has the right to decide the extent of disclosing his or her genetic information. Privacy is violated due to not having proper means of disposing the used samples. Accusing innocent people or arresting them is another negative aspect of storing DNA in a databank. This technology matches DNA profiles of crimes with victims and therefore, it can match a person who has been in the crime scene earlier. This way, innocent people could be accused and arrested, hence discriminat ed and cornered by the society. Another alarming issue is populating criminal databases with DNA samples of people belonging to ethnic minorities. This is mainly done with an intention of discrimination and discouraging people. This is due to not gathering and storing genetic information in an unbiased manner such that it would not be unfair for a group of people. For example, a controversial problem occurred in a European country, for storing DNA samples in a biased manner such that the criminal databases were mostly populated with innocent people belonging to ethnic minorities. Consequently, innocent people were arrested and questioned. Gene Testing is yet another area which may cause social issues. In gene testing, DNA sample are taken and stored in databases, and sometimes used to compare with other peoples DNA samples. Once a DNA test is done, the company issues a copy to the owner of the DNA and results are kept in hard copy files as well as databases. These hard copy files could be accessed by any one and refer to the genetic information and test results of some one. The database can also be hacked and the genetic information can be revealed. It is a known fact that no database is hundred percent secure even if it is an offline database. Therefore security is a main issue in genetic testing. Some of this DNA samples are compared with other samples during tests, and mostly done without the consent of the owner of the DNA sample. Privacy is the main issue of having a massive databank with DNA information of millions of people. DNA can provide information about people including their probability of having certain diseases, sexual orientation or certain behaviors. Gaining access to this information would violate the privacy of another. Police, forensic science service and researchers can access this information without the consent of the people. This violates the privacy of the people. One can use this information unethically, against another to discriminate or to harm someone emotionally. Celebrities would be the first to lose their privacy as many people are keen on gathering information about them. This information could be published and could be the origin of many other issues in their personal lives. The probability for genetic discrimination by the government, schools, employers and insurance companies may increase. Invading someone elses privacy is illegal according to many privacy laws and legislations set by many governments. According to the Privacy Law of the United States of America, privacy is the expectation that confidential personal information disclosed in a private place wil l not be disclosed to third parties, when that disclosure would cause embarrassments or emotional distress to a person of reasonable sensitivities. Furthermore, it discusses the penalties of invading other peoples privacy. Article four of universal Declaration of the Human Genome and Human Rights states that The human genome in its natural state shall not give rise to financial gains. In most countries it is believed that DNA, when removed from a person, is not considered to be in its natural form, hence it is used to gain financial benefits. For instance, in the US, innovations are encouraged by allowing gene patenting. Though using genomes to gain profits is against the Universal declaration of Human Rights many companies tend to use this to gain profits. But many people are against gene patenting for various reasons including their strong beliefs which says that human gene sequences should never be patented. It is also believed that human genome is an inherent part of every person. Gene patenting is prohibited in some parts of the world and there has been evidence of situations in which legal bodies have denied to grant patents. Another area of the Human Genome Project which will cause several ethical, legal and social issues is genetic Testing, Screening and Counseling. As a result of identifying new genes, tests that can determine the level of risk for a particular genetic disease are developed. This will enable people to know whether there is a potential of developing a disease or a genetic disorder which could be passed on to their children. This will have a negative impact on the society. Also it could change the whole life of a person. For example, a person could be mentally letdown if he gets to know that he has a high possibility of developing a rare disease which could not be cured. If this information is revealed, and accessed by an employer this person might not be granted a job. Similarly, if the person wants to get an insurance coverage for himself, he might be required to pay a higher premium to the insurers depending on his disease. Genetic engineering involves manipulation of genes. The map created as a result of the Human Genome Project provides information that will enable to diagnose and treat many diseases. The map can also help in determining the genetic foundation of physical and psychological behavior. As a result, it is possible to alter the behaviors with the involvement of genetics. Two areas of genetic engineering is somatic cell manipulation which alters body cells and germline manipulation which alters reproductive cells. The use of Somatic cell manipulation is ethically accepted as it limits the changes that can be done to an individual. Since it alters only the body cells, the risks are not inherited by the descendants. In contrast, the germline cell manipulation raises ethical issues since the manipulations of reproductive cells can extend the risks across the generations. Genetic engineering done on humans may cause health issues. For example, genes of one person could be enhanced to increase a persons height further than his natural height. But this may cause stress to other parts of the body such as the heart. As a result, the person might be left physically ill. Another key ethical issue of the Human Genome Project is the use of genetic screening. According to web definitions genetic screening is The process of testing individuals in a population for certain hereditary defects. Mandatory genetic screening for adults raises many ethical issues related to privacy and personal liberty. Furthermore, Genetic screening of infants, young infants and other vulnerable groups who cannot grant their consent is unethical. For example, in most cases, infants are screened without the consent of parents. Screening is done based on an assumption that parents are willing to know about the probable diseases that might develop in their children. There is evidence of situations where genetic screening has been used as a form of discrimination. For example, in insuring patients who are willing to obtain a health insurance, there are required to pay extra amounts. In addition to the applications discussed earlier, Agriculture and livestock breeding are two other applications of the genome research. As opposed to the above applications, these areas do not use humans for testing. Yet it may give rise to many health issues which might convert into social issues with time. These applications entails of developing bio engineered food and animals, also known as genetic engineering. This process is similar to genetic engineering done on humans. Though many researchers explain the positive aspect of bio engineered food, many health issues and other side effects night arise by consuming modified food. Many companies tend to create genetically modified food regardless of the consumers health. Regular consumption of genetically modified food may severely damage the health of people; as a consequence, people of a country may not be able to involve in the development process of the country. Furthermore, companies would refuse to hire people and as a result , the country can be populated with unhealthy and unemployed people. Though the mission of The Human Genome Project was accomplished, it is evident that the potential and current applications of the Human Genome Research have caused many issues. Ethical and social issues included issues concerning the privacy of the people, discrimination, unauthorized access to the gathered information and security issues and many other related issues. Issues related to the informed consent and legal issues were also caused by the applications of the genome research. The concepts of super human and designer baby were two controversial concepts that caused religious and social issues. Furthermore, other applications in the field of agriculture and genetic engineered food could cause health issues in the society. In my opinion, the Human Genome project and its current and potential applications have a significant amount of social, ethical, religious and legal issues which would directly affect many peoples lives.

College Admissions: Philosophy, Politics and Economics :: College Admissions Essays

The crucial importance and relevance of politics, philosophy and their related disciplines to the modern world have led me to want to pursue the study of these social sciences at a higher level. My experiences of Politics at A Level have shown me the fundamental part it plays in our lives, but it has also shown me that it cannot exist alone, and is inextricably linked to history, sociology, economics and, most of all, philosophy. I have found it useful in my other studies, in adding reality to academic analysis - and a sense of stability and proportion too. I established, and remain editor of, a radical student newspaper at my school and I have tried to bring this fresh outlook and dynamism to my other roles: managing the school Prefects as Vice School Captain, representing the student body on many School Councils and the Equal Opportunities committee, as well as organising younger students as House Captain. My music is important to me, whether it be the band I play in, the school orchestra, or else performing with a local oriental Gamelan group. I work extensively with computers, recently winning a national multimedia competition and programming freelance for a variety of private clients, as well as designing the school magazine. These activities have taught me the importance of balancing academic study with my other interests successfully. Though I do not aspire to professional politics, several years of Public Speaking have significantly helped my oratorical and debating skills. This, along with my music, computing and languages, is something I look forward to developing further in the future, as an aspect of the partnership between vibrant student life and academic study that I hope to discover at university. From what I have seen, the study of politics and philosophy cannot be divorced from real life, nor understood out of context. I look forward to the opportunities to study in depth at degree level, independently but with the guidance of experts and in the company of new and interesting people.

Negative and Positive Effects of Prohibition in Canada

During the years of 1918-1920 Canada had a brief moment of prohibition. During this period in time drinking alcohol was considered illegal. As a result many negative and positive side effects had taken place in the country. Although the ban of alcohol may have been able to do great good on Canada, the people’s reaction to it completely flipped it around. Although it may have been overall a disastrous idea; Canada still managed to benefit from prohibition just like the United States (maybe even more). Although our Country may have benefitted greatly from the illegalization of alcohol, Canada still became a lot darker.Organized crime and bootlegging became a lot bigger since people wanted to keep drinking regardless of what the law said. Thanks to this many police became overburdened and stressed out since they had to keep going out of their way to arrest these people going against the law. It does not end there though; many people also lost their jobs since alcohol became illeg al and had to resort to crime. It still gets worse. Alcohol was sold in the same manner as many illegal drugs such as Cocaine, LSD, Meth, etc.Because of this the people buying didn’t know if the drinks they got were reliable / safe to drink (most of them weren’t). Because alcohol was made illegal, the people who were poisoned by these drinks weren’t able to report them so they can get treated (treatment also happens to be very expensive). Now the root of all these problems is the fact that many people happen to have drinking problems. Unfortunately for these people the treatment of these drinking problems were also prevented so they couldn’t fix their problems that may result in their deaths later on thanks to the unreliability of the alcohol they buy.Thanks to prohibition the law enforcement, the court systems, and politics became permanently corrupted. Because organized crime became so powerful, they were able to bribe, blackmail, or even murder anyone who tried to stop them. They were even able to get one of their men into a high position of power by cheating in elections. Now you may be wondering what would be one of the causes for something this horrible. If you must know it is religion. Thanks to what the religious jerks kept preaching, many people couldn’t find a job and had to resort to crime to support their families.They couldn’t find a job because the influential groups kept telling others that they were coming from the â€Å"devil’s work†. Many religious figures preached that if alcohol would be made illegal then god would â€Å"bless† America and usher in a great paradise. Ironically the exact opposite happened. Because of these false promises that ushered in far more harm than good, many people lost their respect towards religion and stopped listening to what they preached†¦ Wait why this is listed on under a negative effect of prohibition, that has got to be one of the greatest things that have ever happened in North American history.Long story short, prohibition was just one failure after another Although many negative impacts came out of prohibition; it wasn’t exactly an all-out failure. Canada still benefitted in many positive ways through prohibition. Although many people resorted to crimes and felony, other people decided to make themselves useful and help benefit society by finding another job. It also ended the great sausage parties (this means women were finally allowed to join in on parties and other places such as bars, clubs, etc).Unfortunately that is just about it for the non-alcohol related positive effects of prohibition. Some people were very stubborn and still wanted to keep doing what they did before even with prohibition taking place. So instead of resorting to crime or finding another job they decided to travel to a different country and continue what they were doing before without a care in the world. Thanks to these people, man y drinks exclusive to only North America were shared with other countries and their drinks were shared with North America when the Bartenders came back after prohibition.In a way these people helped unify many Countries and help build a healthy relationship between them. Also during prohibition car racing became famous since many people had to upgrade their cars to evade the police as they went about selling illegal narcotics. Not many people know how this evolved into the great sport of car racing but it just did. Prohibition although disastrous and unpredictable did do North America one great favor. Because of all the failures and disasters caused by prohibition many people lost respect towards the religions that enforced prohibition.Thanks to that the people of North America were able to become more self-aware and not act as some mindless puppet of their religion. Unfortunately although Canada may have experienced numerous positive impacts thanks to prohibition; it was still not enough to remove the amount of negative (and beautifully positive) impacts that continued to plague the country even after it was removed for good. Law enforcement, the court system, and politics became permanently corrupted and have remained corrupted even to this day.Many people were financially, emotionally, and morally broken and suffered greatly during the twenties and thirties. Due to a great many people losing their jobs because of Prohibition they had to either find lower paying jobs, or become criminals. This really tore people apart. It also permanently created and maintained an uncanny amount of disrespect for the law. The reason for this is because everyone broke the law of prohibition, which technically made them criminals. Prohibition made people view the law as something stupid and unimportant instead of what it was meant to do (good and protecting).Prohibition did nothing to encourage respect and obedience towards the law, it did the opposite. Although the illegaliza tion of alcohol can indeed benefit society greatly, it cannot be done because of the huge role alcohol plays in society nowadays. In Conclusion, prohibition resulted in many positive and negative effects to take place in Canada. Although the ban of alcohol may have been able to do great good on Canada, the people’s reaction to it completely flipped it around. Although it may have been overall a disastrous idea; Canada still managed to benefit greatly from prohibition.