Microaggressions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Microaggressions - Essay Example Having a friend who belongs to the said racial group though, I felt that it was demeaning. As I recall now those episodes in high school, I realize that I was probably not just a witness then. Although I somehow felt that those microinsults were really demeaning, my passivity or inaction towards such incidents was probably reflective of my own distinct biases to people of color. It was clear that students who were clearly not Caucasians were being treated as second-class citizens. However, it was not just because they were of color that they were treated as such. Most of the African American students in high school did not come from well-off families. Their economic status was also a factor that contributed to the treatment. I believe that passivity towards the issue then could be attributed to the fact that while I might not have been very particular about race, I held the belief that society is stratified on the basis of economic status and that such status quo should be maintained. Incidentally, most African Americans and other students of non-Caucasian lineage that I knew in high school were relatively not well-off compared to many of the whites. It was because of this concept that made me think that their being second-class citizens has made them vulnerable to microinsults. I was caught between my belief that they should expect such treatment as second-class citizens and my tendency to develop sympathy to their plight. Such sympathy, however, was also constrained with the idea that in stratified society, such treatment is only normal. Not knowing how to react to over racism, I managed to make a stand that I now realize to be a case of microinvalidation. As I tried to make friends with fellow African American students, I actually introduced myself to them as being color-blind. Every time I meet African Americans whom I wanted to make friends with, I always try to insinuate that I do not mind about the color of one’s skin. Through different ways of

Analysis of a survey conducted on a website Assignment

Analysis of a survey conducted on a website - Assignment Example Most people view exercise as a vital lifestyle Majority of the individuals who participated in the survey viewed exercise as an important aspect of health maintenance. 3% of individuals viewed exercise as not essential, 97% of the participants viewed exercise as important. Most individuals from the survey live an active lifestyle, by spending a lot of time outdoors. 5 to 6 hours is the average time spent outdoors by the majority participants Most people who participated in the survey, spend 5-6 hours when is weather is favorable. 31% of the participants spend 5-6 hours outdoor in a good weather. 23% spend more than 8 hours outdoors; contrary to the 15% that spend 0-2 hours outdoor. Insecurity, boring state, injuries and other vices are related to trails According to the data on the survey as to why people do not like trails; time factor was the most eminent factor; with 118 in number. The majority participants do not use trails because they do not have enough time. Trails are not convenient for the 99 participants, 85 individuals avoid trails because their friends are not interested in trailing. 48 people view trails as scary, 39 people state that rails limits their exercise routine, and 33 participants say that trails are boring.

Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat Essay Example for Free

Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat Essay The two poems I am comparing; Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat by Thomas Gray and To a Mouse by Robert Burns were both written in the eighteenth century, which makes it interesting to make a comparison of their content, style and techniques, to see how poems of the eighteenth century differ from each other.  Both of the poems feature an animal as the main subject of the poem. In Grays poem he has a house cat as the main focus of the poem whilst Burns dedicates his poem to a field mouse. Both these animals come to an unfortunate end. The cat due to curiosity tumbled headlong into a tub of gold fishes This supports the well known phrase curiosity killed the cat In the poem it refers to the cat as actually loosing 9 lives: Eight times emerging from the flood  She mewd to evry watry God.  No one arrives to save her:  No Dolphin came, no Nereid stirrd :  Nor cruel Tom, nor Susan heared.  The dolphin is included in the list of possible rescuers because it is a reference to the classical legend of the harpist, Arion, being saved by a dolphin which had been entranced by his music, much in the same way the cat wanted to be saved by someone who heard its meowing.  Ã‚  In Burnss poem the mouse unlike the cat does not actually die, but it is made clear that the prospects for the mouse are bleak due to its home being destroyed by the plough and the fact winter is coming and the mouse has no time to build another home for itself: Now thous turnd out, for a thy trouble,  But house or hald,  To thole the Winters sleety dribble,  Ancraneuch cauld!  The poems are both basically about a particular ill-fated animal but each has a deeper meaning and message through anthropomorphism.  The cat in Grays poem is given feminine characteristics: a fair round face illustrates the ideal image of an eighteenth century womans face. Gray also uses metaphors to describe the cat which also apply to a ladys jewels and adornments: The velvet of her paws,  Her coat, that with the tortoise vies,   Her ears of jet, and emerald eyes.  In verse four the comparison of the cat to a woman is made even clearer:  She stretchd in vain to reach the prize.  What female heart can gold despise?  What cats averse to fish?  It is clear here that Gray is illustrating how women are seduced by the desire for gold as cats are seduced by the desire for fish. The anthropomorphism continues in verses 5 and 7:  Presumptious maid and  From hence you Beauties, undeceivd  Know one false step is neer retrieved.  The last lines of the poem contain a moral:  Not all that tempts your wandring eyes  And heedless hearts, is lawful prize;  Nor all that glisters gold. Through the cat Gray created a cautionary tale specifically aimed at women. Its a warning not to be tempted by what is not rightly theirs, and not to be seduced by glittering appearances because it may not be as good as it looks on the outside.  Gray is very direct with his message of warning to women but he writes in a light-hearted way throughout. However, Burns poem is much more serious and sombre. He uses anthropomorphism like Gray to get his message across through an animal, in this case the mouse is used to highlight the social and moral problems that he felt existed in both the public and in his own family His father died after eighteen years of hard work as a farmer. After his fathers death they had little money, leaving them no choice but to sublease a farm in order to keep their home. These experiences were brought through in to his poem when the mouse had its home destroyed by the plough:

Ethics In Computer Science Computer Science Essay

Ethics In Computer Science Computer Science Essay Information technology has revolutionized most aspects of our life. Information has altered significantly areas such as entertainment, commerce, medicine and employment. Information is affecting both positively and negatively our daily lives. Information and communication technology (ICT) has transformed our relationships, family and community lives, careers and education, freedom and democracy. Issues around ethics deal with concepts such as what is good or evil, the issues that are right or wrong and virtue or vices. Ethics or moral philosophy investigates concepts of good and evil behavior. Philosophers group ethical issues in three major areas. Metaethics, normative ethics and applied ethics. Metaethics analyzes the genesis of ethics. It questions where ethical values come from. Normative ethics deals with the tasks that regulate right and wrong conduct. It articulates good behavior and investigates consequences of our conduct towards others. Finally, applied ethics analyses cont roversial issues like animal rights, homosexuality and abortion. Ethics in computer science is in the broadest sense revolves around computing professionals and the decisions they make especially on professional and social front. Computer and information ethics investigates ethical and social effects of ICT. Ethical decisions that one makes revolves around the individuals personal code, code of conduct in the context of a work place and how exposed one is especially on the code of ethics. Computer ethics thus forms a branch of practical philosophy that explains the manner in which professionals in computing need to make decisions concerning their profession and social conduct (ACM Council Par. 5). Ethical issues identification and there definitions, has been for the longest time causing much trouble. There are various problems solving method used in issues related to computer ethics. The most common one follow a procedure, which begins with stating the ethical problems, followed by facts checking, and then a list of options generated by making con siderations concerning important factors that are in one way, or the other connected to the problem. The Association for computing machinery (ACM) and the members of IEEE has recognized the significance of technology in life quality impact worldwide. As an effect, they have taken into consideration to obligate their members and the committee as a whole to practice ethics and professional conducts as stipulated. The ACM code of ethics and professional conduct proposes a set of guidelines as a basis for making ethical decisions. The code serves as a foundation for judging the advantages of formal complains that concern the violation of professional standards of being ethical. ICT Contributes to society and human well-being. Communication not only improves the well-being of the society but human race as a whole. Each person has fundamental human rights protection that needs to consideration. In addition, there should be respect for all the diverse culture that we have. Computing professional should work towards reduction of negative consequences resulting from computing systems. These range from threats to health to negative social issues. During system design or implementation, computing professionals should ensure that their products are socially responsible and meets the required social standards. They should not result to any kind of harm to the health and welfare of individuals. Computer professionals should thus make decisions with the public welfare in mind and always disclose factors that might threaten the environment as a whole. They should also prevent harm at all costs. These should include prevention of negative impact, like loss of information, loss or damage of property as well as any undesired environmental. The computing professionals should take caution from taking part in any practice that will cause harm. These harmful practices are like; intentional destruction, file modifications, modification of programs that might lead to serious loss of useful resources thus causing unnecessary expenditure of other resources like time. On the other hand, there are practices that might accidentally lead to harm. In such a condition, the people responsible should undo or mitigate the side effect as much as they can. For the harm prevention, the computing professionals need to minimize malfunctions by following accepted standards for designing sand testing systems. Under the working environment, the professionals should report any danger on the system that might end up resulting to fatal or minor accident. If the organizations superiors do not take any action concerning the matter, it is much significant to blow the whistle for the problem correction. ` Reporting of violations can be much harmful in it self. Before making anyone can report on any matter, all necessary aspects of the matter need assessing thoroughly. The assessment of risks and the responsibility has to be credible. Trustworthiness and Honesty; the essential component of trust is honesty (IEEE Board of Directors, Par. 3). When an organization lacks hon esty, there is no effective functioning. Computing professionals should be honest, as they are not supposed to make any deliberate false or claims that are deceptive concerning system design or system as a whole. Nevertheless, they should provide full disclosure of all limitations and problems facing a particular of pertinent system. It is the responsibility of computer professionals to be honest about their qualifications. They should offer any condition that may lead to conflict of interest. In other terms, the professional have to be honesty and much realistic when stating claims based on the data they do have. Honesty helps them avoid perceived conflicts of interests whenever possible, as well as making them disclosed to those parties affected, they should also reject all forms of bribery. This will help in seeking, accepting and offering criticisms of technical work, making acknowledgements as well as crediting others contributions clearly. Stating correct qualifications will assist in the maintaining technical competence. Being a volunteer member in some of the organizations like ACM and IEEE can also cause more confusion especially if such an individual makes certain statements or acts in a certain way. Such statements or acts can have more weight than necessary. Members of ACM and IEEE therefore should exercise caution. This will ensure that they are not interpretated wrongly. Fair Actions and Decisions, Equity, tolerance, respect among other virtues and other principles that leads to equal justice. These values should govern the computing professionals. Sexual, racial, religion, age discrimination among other distinctions, is an open violation of ACM and IEEE policies. Inequalities among different groups of individuals might be because of misuse of technology and information. In a fair community, all individuals needs to be treated equally because all have equal chances of participating or benefiting from the computer resource usage, regardless of their dividing factors like age or sex. On the other hand, this principle does not approve the use of unauthorized computer resources nor do they allow enough foundation for the violation any other ethical principle of these codes. Property Rights as a Patents Need to be honored. Violation of patents, trade secrets, copyrights as well as agreed terms of license, should be prohibited. Even using the unprotected software is a violation that is against professional behaviors. Software copies should be created if and only if proper authorization procedure had been followed. Respect other persons privacy and confidentiality; communication and computing technology helps during collection and exchange of peoples information on a scale that is unprecedented in the civilization history. As effect, there are high chances that might lead to the violation of individual and groups privacy. The professional has been obligated to maintain privacy and data integrity that describes an individual. This involves taking precautions that ensures that data accuracy as well as its protection from unauthorized access, accidental disclosure to unintended people is minimized. In addition, procedures have to be installed to give room to individuals receive their records and make corrections appropriately. The principle imply that, only part of individuals information be collected in a system. Therefore, the retention and the periods of disposal for the information need to be defined and indicated clearly. Information that belongs to someone should not be used be used for other unstated purposes, without the owners consent. This should apply especially on electronic mail. Monitoring electronic data without permission from the owner of the massage is unacceptable. Information observed during system maintenance should be handled with a lot of confidentiality. If for any reason, the content or nature of that information has to be disclosed, the proper authorities should be provided with such information. The principle of honest is broad. It includes privacy and confidentiality of all information. This applies whenever an individual has made an explicit promise of honoring confidentiality. Finally, computer professionals should understand the needs of users of computer systems. Users should clearly spell out their needs to assist during assessment and when designing the systems. The systems also need validation in order to be sure that they meet the required standards. The needs of current and potential system user whose lives are affected directly must be incorporated when developing the systems. In order for these systems to be validated, they should comply with this requirement. Implementation of policies that protect the personal dignity and privacy of users should be enhanced. Information regarding principles and limitations of computer systems should be availed for users. Courses that enable them to familiarize with consequences and limitations of the systems should be developed. Education is essential in making the users participate and to making them aware of the dangers of the computing systems.

Po :: essays research papers

All the Pictures   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Potatoes. Instant potatoes at that. This was the meal of the evening. A plastic bowl half filled with a pasty hot goo that claimed to be somehow derived from a potato. Thoughtlessly, Jimmy gulped it down as he stared blankly at his computer screen. On the monitor showed a blank white page, even whiter than his potato mush. The screen was ludicrously devoid of all semblance of any color than white. There was no hint of the black font that was supposed to have filled fifteen such screens by now. His term paper on the many recurring symbols of questioned manliness in a novel he had read in his English class was due the next class, which was in twelve hours to be exact. He was in no hurry to finish, or to even start, this task. He was content with his blank staring and eating.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This was a typical scene in Jimmy's room; clothes strewn about the floor and on his bed, his black chair covered with unread books and parts to his broken fan, his desk in utter disarray and covered with various pieces of paper and assorted plates and glasses from weeks past. In the center of it all always sat Jimmy, idly staring at his computer screen with a face that appeared barren of any thought or emotion. Pretty much any night of the week, you could find Jimmy in this exact position, and usually with the same meal in his hands and the same clothes in the same spots. One thing you could say for Jimmy, he was definitely reliable.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Yet, he had not always been like this, or so it would seem. If one was so inclined to almost physically drag a story out of Jimmy, it would be raucous and amazingly entertaining, and probably filled with different kinds of liquor and different names of different women. But right after he would finish the story, he would fidget uncomfortably in his computer chair until the intruder of his room grew so uneasy himself that he would leave. He would just sit in his chair in silent boredom with everything about life, with no signs of any intentions to start to do anything about it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On his desk sat many pictures, some of him, some of his friends, some of his dog. Almost without fail, everyone of those pictures had Jimmy or someone else doing something absolutely ludicrous with huge stupid grins on their faces, and enjoying themselves and enjoying life.

Robotics Essay -- essays research papers fc

Robotics The image usually thought of by the word robot is that of a mechanical being, somewhat human in shape. Common in science fiction, robots are generally depicted as working in the service of people, but often escaping the control of the people and doing them harm. The word robot comes from the Czech writer Karel Capek's 1921 play â€Å" R.U.R.† (which stands for "Rossum's Universal Robots"), in which mechanical beings made to be slaves for humanity rebel and kill their creators. From this, the fictional image of robots is sometimes troubling, expressing the fears that people may have of a robotized world over which they cannot keep control. The history of real robots is rarely as dramatic, but where developments in robotics may lead is beyond our imagination. Robots exist today. They are used in a relatively small number of factories located in highly industrialized countries such as the United States, Germany, and Japan. Robots are also being used for scientific research, in military programs, and as educational tools, and they are being developed to aid people who have lost the use of their limbs. These devices, however, are for the most part quite different from the androids, or humanlike robots, and other robots of fiction. They rarely take human form, they perform only a limited number of set tasks, and they do not have minds of their own. In fact, it is often hard to distinguish between devices called robots and other modern automated systems. Although the term robot did not come into use until the 20th century, the idea of mechanical beings is much older. Ancient myths and tales talked about walking statues and other marvels in human and animal form. Such objects were products of the imagination and nothing more, but some of the mechanized figures also mentioned in early writings could well have been made. Such figures, called automatons, have long been popular. For several centuries, automatons were as close as people came to constructing true robots. European church towers provide fascinating examples of clockwork figures from medieval times, and automatons were also devised in China. By the 18th century, a number of extremely clever automatons became famous for a while. Swiss craftsman ... ...ng time. Research into developing mobile, autonomous robots is of great value. It advances robotics, aids the comparative study of mechanical and biological systems, and can be used for such purposes as devising robot aids for the handicapped. As for the thinking androids of the possible future, the well-known science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov has already laid down rules for their behavior. Asimov's first law is that robots may not harm humans either through action or inaction. The second is that they must obey humans except when the commands conflict with the first law. The third is that robots must protect themselves except, again, when this comes into conflict with the first law. Future androids might have their own opinions about these laws, but these issues must wait their time. Bibliography Buckley, Ruth V. "Robot." Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc. 1993. Gibilisco, Stan. The McGraw-Hill Illustrated Encyclopedia of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. McGraw-Hill, Inc. New York, 1994. Warring, R. H. Robots and Robotology. Tab Books Inc. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa. 1984. And various sites on the internet.

Looking At A Extract From Young Goodman Brown English Literature Essay

Hawthorne uses realistic ocular imagination and symbolism, through color alterations of visible radiation and darkness, to demo contrast of the â€Å" pious and iniquitous † ( 26 ) . In the beginning, it is at twilight that Brown sets off into the wood, and the eventide will gets darker.This symbolizes the prefiguration of the visible radiation of faith easy melting off from Brown as he wanders off further into the forest. In bend ; stand foring the solitariness of a life without religion, which can be seen when Brown goes through desperation towards the terminal of the narrative. In contrast, the heavenly presence of the metonymy â€Å" bluish arch, the stars lighten uping in it † and the â€Å" deep arch of the celestial sphere † ( 26 ) denotes a sense of hope and the strong being of religion. This is self-contradictory to the Puritan belief that the wood is a â€Å" pagan wilderness † ( 26 ) , which indicate that it is irreligious and wild, where no â⠂¬Å" church had of all time been gathered nor lone Christian prayed † ( 26 ) . This reassures Brown to non lose hope. However, merely as Brown manages to hold reassurance in religion, a â€Å" black mass of cloud † ( 26 ) appears overhead. This brings about the downward alteration of the one time hopeful fable, where the presence of hope is now overshadowed by somberness, boding Brown`s province of depression subsequently on. Another contrast is made utilizing the symbolism of the â€Å" ruddy visible radiation † ( 27 ) , â€Å" lurid blazing against the sky † ( 27 ) and â€Å" four blaze pines, their tops aflame † ( 27 ) to exemplify the enchantresss Sabbath, which in contrast to the Godliness of the â€Å" bluish arch † ( 26 ) , is to tag the presence of immorality. These comparings illustrate efficaciously the alteration from good to evil. The usage of nonliteral linguistic communication helps to stress a sinister atmosphere created by Hawthorne. The initial rhyme â€Å" whispering without a air current † ( 26 ) and the onomatopoeia â€Å" mutter † ( 26 ) indicates a stalking property to the wood, proposing that there is evil skulking about. It can besides be seen as a foreshadow to the mutter of the chants Brown hears subsequently at the enchantresss Sabbath. â€Å" Nothing can be done until I get on the land † ( 26 ) implies that possibly the Minister, together with the Deacon is winging, as Brown hears their voices â€Å" speaking so queerly in the empty air † ( 26 ) but â€Å" the travelers nor their steeds were seeable † ( 25 ) . This encapsulates the impression of the â€Å" unobserved † ( 21 ) , which causes the reader to doubt whether it is existent or an extension of Brown`s phantasy. Hawthorne`s usage of sarcasm, together with controlled ambiguity, exhaustively but dexterously permeates the narrative ( Novelguide ) . The obvious would be the beginning of the infusion, where Brown overhears the conversation between the Deacon and the Minister. As these characters are figures of higher governments in the church, it is dry as the reader, together with Brown, expects these characters to exudate scrupulousness. Alternatively, they would â€Å" instead lose an ordination-dinner † ( 26 ) and partake in â€Å" devilry † ( 26 ) . They are so, on par in position to evildoers, who are shunned in the Puritan community. This comes after Brown`s foundational belief in God is undercut when he finds out his Catechism instructor, Goody Close, is friends with the Devil. Brown`s belief in Faith is dry as he uses his married woman as a symbolic averment to his belief. â€Å" And Faith below † ( 26 ) shows that Brown sees his married woman as an incarnation of being a â€Å" pious † ( 26 ) individual. Ironically, it is Faith who later causes Brown`s downward spiral to depression, when he sees Faith`s pink thread drifting down from the â€Å" black mass † ( 26 ) . Distinctly, it shows that wickedness is unconditioned in worlds and that even those who are deemed to be â€Å" pious † ( 26 ) are caught within its appreciation. Hence, the win-over of immorality ( Howard 1 ) . Hawthorne coins â€Å" Communion † ( 26 ) in sarcasm. When defined, it is sharing the same spiritual religion ( Dictionary.com ) . Alternatively of a spiritual matter with God, Hawthorne uses has the Deacon use the term in relation to â€Å" deviltry † ( 26 ) . In utilizing the term â€Å" communion-table † ( 26 ) , the storyteller relates Brown`s treachery to when Jesus reveals the prognostication of his treachery ( Wikipedia ) . The footings â€Å" met † and â€Å" seen † shows the manner Brown distances and does non partake in any evil activities. However, it is dry as Brown subsequently succumbs to evil and partakes in it. The usage of a 3rd individual limited narrative ( SIM SU3-19 ) leaves the reader in equivocal purgatory, inquiring how accurate the point of position is, in showing whether what Brown sees is existent or is his semblance. Hawthorne interweaves the narrator`s ideas together with that of Brown ‘s. The usage of the withdrawal â€Å" Once, the hearer † ( 26 ) takes on the sympathetic tone of the storyteller to Brown`s predicament, in his inability to now separate the â€Å" pious and iniquitous † ( 26 ) . This causes the reader to be drawn along into the darkness that merely Brown is good, while giving a negative examination of the remainder of Salem. In bend ; â€Å" Night † ( 26 ) is so seen as a ruling symbol of the significance refering to experiencing stray and contemplating solitariness. Perceived as the merely good character, it is dry that Brown`s concluding minutes with â€Å" his deceasing hr † ( 30 ) be full of somberness. The usage of similes â€Å" like † ( 26 ) , â€Å" as if † ( 26 ) and the word â€Å" possibly † ( 26 ) creates ambiguity for the reader as we do non cognize if this is Brown`s effort to associate the unknown to â€Å" familiar tones † ( 26 ) to convey some visible radiation to the enveloped darkness he is sing. A Hawthorne manages to pull the reader into Brown`s phantasy by allowing the familiar elements of the bloodcurdling, through the usage of sarcasm and ocular imagination. Beneath this infusion, which on the surface is simply about a man`s journey through the wood, is an implicit in experience of horror and unhappiness. Hawthorne wavers Brown`s position of his Puritan community, foregrounding the thought that of the perennial battle between good and evil ( SIM SU3-21 ) . Word Count: [ 986 ]