Construction of gender and sexual identities Essay

Construction of gender and sexual identities - Essay Example It has aptly been observed that every culture of the world maintains some specific characteristics and traits, which distinguishes it with the rest of the cultural groups and communities at large prevailing within the same natural and physical phenomena. This distinction is generally dependent of several sub-cultures existing under one culture, which not only divide the individuals into factions and groups, but also provide them with identification on the basis of their likes and dislikes, and priorities and aversions as well. Consequently, the sub-cultures of society work in an active and effective way by not only uniting the like-minded people under one platform, but also helping them in respect of winning their rights and privileges particularly at the time when the majority of the population appears to be standing at the opposite side, censuring and condemning the minority group in one way or the other. It is especially the case with the homosexuals, which have established their specific sub-culture, and have invented and introduced particular terms and jargons in order to convey their messages to their community members on one hand, and conceal it from the members of outer groups on the other (Warren 1998). The present paper aims to concentrate upon the gender and sexual identities with reference to the homosexuals in order to get acquainted with their sub-culture and mode of communication while living in the societies, an imperative majority of which still regard same-sex relations as perversion and deviant behavior (Macionis 2007). Sexual identity and the terms related to it, according to Ponse (1978), are applied in quite a different way in gay and lesbian environment to the dominant mainstream social set up. In addition, there also exists a sub-culture within the gay environment, which could only be comprehended with by the members of homosexual community, as well as the individuals interested in the same. As a result, an imperative proportion of the m ajority population remains almost unaware of the terms to be applied in order to express some specific action, performance or identity in general. For instance, the term gay had frequently been applied in order to demonstrate the individuals carrying jolly and care-free disposition in past; though, the same adjective has become entirely confined to defining homosexual males and females, and the previous usage of the word focusing jovial people has ceased to exist in main culture and homosexual sub-culture as well (Sherwin 2006). However, some of the terms are exclusively applied to identify homosexuality. Unger & Crawford (1993) argue that the feminists have articulated various terms in order to make division between sex and gender, determining the biological characteristics, and social traits and qualities of the homosexuals respectively. For instance, the notion lesbian explains a female engaged in a homosexual relationship, though in past it was donated to the individuals belongi ng to the Greek island Lesbos (248). Similarly, the notion active simply describes a vigorous and energetic person, though in homosexual acts, the same defines the person playing dominant part in homosexual relationships by penetrating into the recipient or passive partner; the terms dominant and top also define the penetrating partner, while submissive and bottom signify the receiver respectively. Hence, Ponse (246-47) appears to be justified in her claim that the terms used by the majority of the population are applied interchangeably in gay culture, and hence display the meanings that are quite different to the actual application of the same in their nature and scope. On the contrary, the essentialists strictly confine sexual behavior on the basis of the biological characteristics of males and females. As a result, males and females should always play dominant and submissive roles as per the demand of their sex organs and biological traits.

Teenage Prostitution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Teenage Prostitution - Essay Example (India Today) The reasons why children work as prostitutes and why adults seek sexual favors from them, are multiple and interdependent. From information gathered during interviews with children, the following reasons seem most prevalent (Jain P & Kasturi 25) Almost all the girls interviewed mentioned poverty, lack of financial support from their parents and the need to eat and clothe themselves as reasons for getting involved in prostitution. Thus, in many ways, in addition to mere sexual exploitation, the children's poverty is exploited. Another way in which child prostitutes are victimised is their social exclusion and stigmatisation. Most girls become prostitutes to seek better living conditions and due to their desperate situation and/or lack of information -do not care about the consequences, which can include contracting STDs and HIV through unprotected sex. Child prostitution is also caused by changes from traditional values to those of a contemporary society. The consequences of rural to urban migration, and the subsequent reorientation of lifestyle can have far-reaching effects, most notably on the structure of the family. Fewer girls than boys enroll at school, and girls are more likely to drop out. For those who have the opportunity to go to school, conditions are basic and learning materials are in short supply. Many pupils have to travel long distances to get to the schools, which are overcrowded and under-equipped. Also, poverty and the need to contribute to the family's income often cause children to leave school to go to work instead. (Jain P & Kasturi 25) Because of their limited educational opportunities, many girls realise that their chances of obtaining good jobs are poor. Informal education and recreational opportunities are basically non-existent. All of these contribute to a lack of optimism with regard to the future (5) Social attitudes towards child prostitution Many girls testify to facing problems from their parents, their peers or members of the community because of the work they are doing. The social alienation can occur before the girls take up sex work. It is evident that the stigmatisation of the child who is vulnerable and at risk of getting involved in prostitution can be a factor in driving her towards prostitution. (6) Sexual abuse/violence and rape (7) Use of children as 'attractions' by owners and managers of bars, discotheques and restaurants Teenage prostitution is a growing phenomenon in the world. The reasons for this are multiple, but they include chronic family poverty owing to a lack of employment for adults and young persons; a breakdown in family support mechanisms; migration; gender inequality; and the impact of HIV/AIDS. Another contributory cause is the inadequacy of the education systems, which provide quality schooling for only a limited number of children. (India Today) Child prostitution is often dealt with exclusively as a form of child abuse. Although teen prostitututes

Comprehensive evaluation in Mathematics Essay Example for Free

Comprehensive evaluation in Mathematics Essay Continuous comprehensive Evaluation should be carried out in relation to learners’ cognitive, affective and psycho-motor growth. Cognitive growth refers to the intellectual development of learners (such as learners’ knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation). Affective growth emphasizes learners’ attitude, interest and personal development. Psycho-motor growth deals with learners’ ability to perform some activity or do some practical work. Therefore, if you want the teaching-learning process to be really effective, you should evaluate the learners continuously and comprehensively Hence to bring about the improvement in the quality of education and the holistic development of the child who is tomorrow’s global citizen, evaluation process should focus adequately on both scholastic and non-scholastic areas of development. Hence the focus needs to shift to comprehensive evaluation. The comprehensive evaluation also needs to have continuity at regular intervals through out the academic year. This thought is further gets support from the fact that the National Progressive Schools Association has also recommended the scrapping of class X board exams This module focuses upon the various evaluation tools and techniques which can be used for decision making with reference to learners scholastic and non scholastic needs. By comprehensive evaluation, we mean that evaluation should not concern itself only with knowledge but it shall also take into account the factors that are inherent in students’ growth such as skills, understanding, appreciation, interest, attitude and habits. In other words, evaluation should cover all the learning experiences of the learner in curricular as well as non-cognitive areas. Need of Continuous comprehensive evaluation. Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation is intended to provide a holistic profile of the learner through assessment of both scholastic and non-scholastic aspects of education spread over the total span of instructional time in schools. It helps to identify those positive attributes of the learner which are not usually assessed during the examinations conducted by the Board As it is spread over a period of two years in class IX and X it provides several opportunities for the school to identify the latent talents of the learners in different contexts.

The Spiritual Development Project

The Spiritual Development Project Personal development is a very broad topic and can encompass anything that involves your transformation as a person. It means becoming the best you can be and reaching towards your potential. When you become a better person than you were yesterday (this does not mean better than another person) your life and its circumstances improve. This is usually achieved by looking internally and then changing the way you act externally. Accomplishing such a challenging assignment requires growing in the understandment of what it means to be a Christian. Taking what I learn by expanding my personal knowledge of biblical truth and applying daily things that I learn. Through the presence of His indwelling Spirit, God enables me to know, obey, and serve Him. God expects His children to grow spiritually and His Word encourages personal examination as an element of growth. This Personal Development Project can help me complete an examination and carefully search within my spiritual growth. The projec t will help me carefully think about my spiritual development related to six specific spiritual disciplines; abiding in Christ, living in the Word, praying in faith, fellowshipping with believers, witnessing to the world, and ministering to others. This development will take course over a period of six days. Practicing the above one each day. Not only is this a school project but is also designed to help me reach important life goals and to live a life that honors God. This will be a cumalitive process that entails seeking Gods will for my life, setting life goals consistent with that will, developing a strategic plan to pursue those life goals, and habitually tracking my progress toward my goals. Much of this is straight forward and fun to do, but seldom do most people take the time to formally tackle these tasks because of our frenetic, over extended lives. Like other types of planning we do in life like planning a wedding, planning a vacation, financial planning, and so on. Creat ing a Personal Development Plan will maximize my chances of gaining the results I am seeking. (Fares) Abide in Christ 1) I practiced a regular quiet time and looked forward to that time with Christ 2) When making choices, I seek Christs guidance first. 3) My relationship with Christ is motivated more by love than duty or fear. 4) I experience life change as a result of my worship experiences 5) When God makes me aware of His specific will in an area of my life, I will follow His leading. 6) I believe Christ provides the only way for a relationship with God. 7) My actions demonstrate a desire to build Gods kingdom rather than my own. 8) Peace, contentment, and joy characterize my life rather than worry and anxiety. 9) I trust Christ to help me through any problem or crisis I face. 10) I remain confident of Gods love and provision during difficult times. Tuesday, March 8 Live in the Word 1) I regularly read and study my Bible. 2) I believe the Bible is Gods Word and provides His instructions for life. 3) I evaluated cultural ideas and lifestyles by biblical standards. 4) I try to answer questions about life and faith from a biblical perspective. 5) I replaced impure or inappropriate thoughts with Gods truth. 6) When the Bible exposes an area of my life needing change, I respond to make things right. 7) I use the Bible as the guide for the way I think and act. 8) I study the Bible for the purpose of discovering truth for daily living. Wednesday, March 9 Prayer in Faith 1) My prayers focus on discovering Gods will more than expressing my needs. 2) I trust God to answer when I pray and wait patiently on His timing. 3) My prayers include thanksgiving, praise, confession, and requests. 4) I expect to grow in my prayer life and intentionally seek help to improve. 5) I spend as much time listening to God as I do talking to Him. 6) I pray because I am aware of my complete dependence on God for everything in my life. 7) I maintain an attitude of prayer throughout each day. 8) I believe my prayers impact my life and the lives of others. 9) I engage in a daily prayer time. Thursday, March 10 Fellowship with believers 1) I forgive others when their actions harm me. 2) I admit my errors in relationships and humbly seek forgiveness from the one I have hurt. 3) I allow other Christians to hold me accountable for spiritual growth. 4) I seek to live in harmony with other members of my family. 5) I place the interest of others above my self interest. 6) I am gentle and kind in my interactions with others. 7) I encourage and listen to feedback from others to help me discover areas for relationship growth. 8) I show patience in my relationships with family and friends. 9) I encourage others by pointing out their strengths rather than their weaknesses. 10) My time commitments demonstrate that I value relationships over work, career, and hobbies. Friday, March 11 Witnessing to the world 1) I share my faith in Christ with non believers. 2) I regularly pray for non believers I know. 3) I make my faith known to my neighbors 4) I intentionally maintain relationships with non believers in order to share my testimony. 5) When confronted about my faith, I remain consistent and firm in my testimony. 6) I help others understand how to effectively share a personal testimony. 7) I make sure the people I witness to get the follow up and support needed to grow in Christ. 8) I encourage my church and friends to support mission efforts. Saturday, March 12 Minister to Others 1) I understand my spiritual gifts and use those gifts to serve others. 2) I serve others expecting nothing in return. 3) I sacrificed my finances to help others in my church and community. 4) I go out of my way to show love to people I meet. 5) I share biblical truth with those I serve as God gives opportunity. 6) I act as if others needs are as important as my own. 7) I contribute time to a ministry at Church. 8) I help others identify ministry gifts and become involved in ministry. At the end of the week, I reflected on the tasks I put forth. Some were easy while others were very challenging, but if everything was easy in life no one would ever learn anything. One of the hard tasks I encountered was forgiving people when they do harm to me. Emotions do fall into this category and at times I was very angry. Another challenge was sacrificing my own funds to help others in my church. This is hard for anyone, especially in this bad economy. The funny thing is; that the money was returned and with extra. By far, the hardest task is witnessing to others. Not everyone is going to accept the facts without giving some sort of a hard time. People have questions and if you can not answer them. It makes it very difficult to convert or even persuade a willing ear. The easy things like reading the Bible more and praying gave me more insightfulness and knowledge. I completed each one of the tasks written. I am very pleased that I did this Personal Development Project. I am mo re willing to talk more people and it is easier to share my testimony. I will continue to pray, read the Bible, and witness to others. As John and Patrice Robson put it, If we want something to change, we need to be clear about what we want. Then we need to make it happen.

Marketing Case Study Essay -- GCSE Business Marketing BTEC Coursework

Marketing Case Study Marketing Mix: The term marketing mix is used to describe the all the options available to the marketing manager in order to market a particular good or service. It is often referred to as the 4P’s(i.e Product, Place, Promotion, and Place) The Product Variable: This aspect of the marketing mix deals with researching consumers’ product wants and designing a product with the desired characteristics. This is a very important element of the marketing mix because it directly involves creating products and services that satisfy consumers’ needs and wants. The Place Variable: To satisfy consumers (i.e their needs and wants), products must be available at the right time and in a convenient location. In dealing with the place aspect, a marketing manager seeks to make products available in the quantities desired to as many consumers as possible. The Promotion Variable: This aspect relates to methods used to inform one or more groups of people about an organisation and its products. Promotion can be aimed at increasing public awareness of an organisation and of new or existing products. It can also be used to educate consumers about product features or to urge people to take an interest in that product. The Price Variable: This aspect of the marketing mix relates to the activities associated with establishing pricing policies and determining product prices. Price is a critical component of the marketing mix because consumers are concerned about t...

Use of Coincidence in Vonneguts Cats Cradle :: Vonnegut Cats Cradle

Use of Coincidence in Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle Most modern novelists avoid the use of coincidence as a plot device, and such use of coincidence is looked on as trite and cheap. This was not always the case, as novelists of yore, Charles Dickens is a great example, have been known to throw in a suspicious coincidence at the very climax of the book that ties up the plot nicely but leaves modern readers feeling betrayed and deceived. Perhaps due to more literate, sophisticated readers, or just the maturation of the novel form, writers no longer have the luxury of plot coincidence. Modern novelists have to navigate through their plot with well-crafted character motivations, understated if any foreshadowing, and logical rising action. In other words, the reader has to feel that they could have known what was coming next, even if they really had no clue. So why is Vonnegut exempt? In Cat's Cradle, most of the plot revolves around the character's coincidental meetings and odd bits of shared history. Can such a plot be credible? And why, as readers, do we let Vonnegut get away with this circus of manipulation? The most obvious reason that we let Vonnegut get away with it is because we are busy laughing. This is no coincidence. Vonnegut makes each coincidence so absurd that it's humorous. Instead of hiding the fact that a certain scene comes about as coincidence, he focuses on the coincidence, repeats it, creates another scene with it, whips us back around again, until the reader no longer thinks, "How convenient of all his characters to end up on the same plane." The reader instead starts guessing ahead, examining the details that might lead to more absurdity. Vonnegut also introduces a medium for coincidence early. If Vonnegut waits until the plot thickens, heavy in coincidence, to tell us about "Bokononism" and the inexplicable nature of a "karass", he would quickly lose credibility.

Movie crash

The film that had an impact on me was the movie Crash.   This Oscar-winning movie written and directed by Paul Haggis showed so many lessons about life that are important.   The movie demonstrated the need for empathy in this world.   No matter what color or sex or size, people need to show more empathy to one another.     But this movie is also about the anger and frustration that we carry around with us everyday as well.   Living in the modern day world is tough, but we need to find better ways to relate to each other.   As Robert Jensen says, â€Å"We all carry around racial/ethnic baggage that’s packed with unfair stereotypes, long-stewing grievances, raw anger and crazy fears.   Even when we think we have made progress, we find ourselves caught in frustratingly complex racial webs from which we can’t seem to get untangled† (Jensen). No matter where we are from around the world, the point remains that we need to find better ways to get along.   Not just with those from other places and backgrounds but with those next to us who deserve better.     This idea of â€Å"It ´s the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We ´re always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something.† means that we need more relating and touch and understanding from the people around us.   This idea of being able to relate to each other and get along is shown over and over again in this movie One example of the theme of getting along are the characters of Rick and Jean (Brendan Fraser and Sandra Bullock), a rich white couple.   Rick is a DA who tries to remain unprejudiced, but the viewer feels like he is all about image so he can be re-elected.   Nothing â€Å"real† seems to come from him, and the viewer suspects that he is having an affair with his white co-worker.   Jean, on the other hand, is all real.   She is increidibly prejudiced against the Hispanic locksmith who comes to the house.   She very clearly tells her husband exactly what she thinks. â€Å"I would like the locks changed again in the morning. And you know   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   what, you might mention that next time we'd appreciate it if they didn't   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   send a gang member†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She is a mean person, and she has this one memorable quote.   She is talking with a so-called friend on the phone and she begins to explain the way she feels, â€Å" I am angry all the time†¦ and I don't know why† (Crash).   The viewer wonders how many others feel this way.   Jean has supposedly everyone that anyone would want.   She has lots of money and a rich and important husband.   She can do anetying she wants, but she has nobody in her life. If a woman like this is angry all the time, what can that say for the rest of us? She berates and chastises everyone due to her own unhappiness, and I believe that may just be the general state of the world.   And at one point, she tells her maid that she is indeed her best friend.   This is the maid who has taken her to the hospital after she has fallen down the stairs; her friends were too busy.   We need to find ways to connect with each other and make our lieves more fulfilling, so that we can have relationships with other people. That is the lesson that Jean teaches in the film.   the old adage that money cannot buy happiness is shown again.   Meaningful people in our lives bring happiness. Another character who displayed the importance of relationships, and was the opposite of Jean’s character was the Latino locksmith Daniel (Michael Pena).   By first glance this man did not have half of what Jean’s character did.   He was just a working-class guy trying to make a living.   However, when we catch a glimpse of him at home with his family, our take is altogether different.   The viewer sees him under the covers with his daughter telling her a sotyr about the invisible cloak and being a dad and a family man.   His story is plauful and fun, not just matter of fact. â€Å"She had these little stubby wings, like she could've glued them on, you know, like I'm gonna believe she's a fairy. So she said, â€Å"I'll prove it.† So she reaches into her backpack and pulls out this invisible cloak and she ties it around my neck. And she tells me that it's impenetrable. You know   what impenetrable means? It means nothing can go through it. No bullets, nothing. She told me that if I wore it, nothing would hurt me. And I did. And my whole life, I never got shot, stabbed, nothing. I mean, how weird   is that?† (Crash). He enjoys his time with his daughter, like tucking her in at night.   It seems that he is good at his job, but he works to live rather than lives to work.   he lloves his wife and his daughter, and the viewer cringes at the idea of something horrible happening in this family.   The scene where Daniel’s daughter almost gets shot is one of the most tense of the film.   This man, while he does not have money or status, shows the viewer what life is all about.   he forms meaningful connections in life, and these are what sustain him. And there is another character who seems to be in the middle, between Jean and Daniel in his ability or lack of ability to form relationships.   This is officer Ryan.   While he is a racist cop and does some terrible things in this movie, he is also a human being as evidenced by the scenes with his father.   Because of his powerlessness at home, he is able to commit horrible atrocities at work and yet, turn around and do something entirely redeeming.   His sense of powerlessness is because his father may have cancer, but their HMO prevents them from using a different doctor. His father is having prostate trouble, and the viewer sees the two of them together at night in the bathroom.   The humiliation in these scenes is overwhelming, and the love between father and son is clearly shown.   But Officer Ryan takes all that out on those around him.   He tries to appeal to the caseworker Shaniqua, but he still insults her by lashing out about affirmative action.   In the end, she cannot form a connection with him, and she honestly anwers his pleas with, â€Å"Your father sounds like a good man. And if he'd come in here today I probably would have approved his request. But he didn't come in, you did. And for his sake, that's a real shame.† We can’t really blame Shaniqua for not wanting to help him, but the viewer wishes that she would.   Again and again we are shown what happens when we lack compassion and empathy for others and do not form relationships. The title itself and the opening quote implies that we are too busy with our own lives to get to know others, but that many of our preconceived notions or prejudices would be gone if only we would take the time.   This applies for people from all walks of life.   If rich people never do things where they come into contact with different types of people, the preconceived notions will continue to exist.   The other lesson here is that everyone has a story and a reason for acting the way they do.   If human beings could just take the time to learn about toehrs, we could at least begin to understand why they act the way they do.   Crash does a phenomenal job of showing us these things without preaching. Works Cited Chang, Jeff and Chan, Sylvia.   â€Å"Can White Hollywood Get Race Right?†Ã‚   Posted July 19, 2005.   Retrived April 27, 2007 at http://www.alternet.org/movies/23597/?page=3 Jensen, Robert and Wosnitzer, Robert.   2006.   â€Å"Crash the and Self-Indulgence of White   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   America†.   Retrieved April 26, 2007 at    http://www.nthposition.com/crashandtheself-indulgence.php