The Prevalence of Fetishism in Classical and Contemporary Era

Introduction Commodity fetishism appeared in Marxism as an important component of Capitalism. According to Marx, fetishism was prevalent in the Classical Era both in commodity fetishism and the commodity production process (Edles and Appelrouth, 2005: 68). However, there was commodity fetishism even in the Contemporary Era, with both similar characteristics as those of the classical era as well as updated ones.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Prevalence of Fetishism in Classical and Contemporary Era specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, commodity fetishism existed in both eras. The common reason for commodity fetishism was technology. Totalitarianism gives a society’s viewpoint to explain fetishism in the Contemporary Era. Commodities have a certain superior but unseen power over human beings. Commodities are used to satisfy the needs of human beings. An object should be useful not only to onesel f but also to others. Marx argues that products have both the use value and exchange value. Marx developed the theory of commodity fetishism in order to explain the use value and exchange value of commodities. Fetishism refers to a great obsession in something. The exchange value is what makes an object to become a commodity. The use value exists naturally in the object while the exchange value is created by a capitalist society. Commodity fetishism is created by the nature of the various types of values that are attached to objects. Marx believes that capitalism is the source of commodity fetishism. Commodity fetishism is dominant in capitalist societies. This discussion seeks to explore the dominance and effects of fetishism in both the classical and contemporary eras. Classical Era Marxism perceives the value in the use of a commodity according to its capability to satisfy human wants or if those properties are as a result of human labor (Marx, 1867/2005: 72). Therefore, both qua lity and quantity are used in determining the commodity value. Human labor is an important part of a commodity. Marx revealed that â€Å"the relation of the producers to the sum total of their own labor is presented to them as a social relation, existing not between themselves, but between the products of their labor† (Marx, 1867/2005: 72). In the earlier analysis of Marx of alienation in the form of the ‘fetishism of commodities’, he believes that there is a distorted relationship in commodity fetishism â€Å"between individuals and the production and consumption of goods† (Edles and Appelrouth, 2005: 68).Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The value of a commodity should originate from the labor used in its production. However, exchange value supersedes use value in capitalistic societies and it does not get its value from any process but surpasses the labor process. In capitalism, all commodities are measured by their exchange value, which has become fetishized. This is the only value that individuals know about. The real value of commodities is hidden by the fetishized exchange value. The relations between people have been replaced by the relations between commodities. People only interact during the exchange of commodities. People are isolated from the real components involved in the process of producing goods. Individuals buy goods as if the values are able to increase or they believe they deserve. The fetishism of commodities affects the individuals in different ways. Marx used the examples of silver and gold. Gold and silver are ordinary substances which have odd social characteristics and they were used as money (Marx, 1867/2005: 75). Therefore, commodity fetishism makes people to misevaluate the value of products. In the long run, the social interactions of the public in buying of commodities are not facilitated by individ ual qualities but by the products. Therefore, fetishism makes the consumers to only focus on goods and not themselves (Edles and Appelrouth, 2005: 68). In other words, the consumers focus on the fashion, the appearances or the technologies the goods can bring to them instead of their own needs. Such attitudes improve the development of production but also encourage the commodity fetishism. In a capitalistic society, people desire a product, not for its basic value but as a symbol due to the social value attached to that product. A product can have both use value and exchange value attached to it. A product’s use value refers to the real value of a product that is used in satisfying human needs. On the other hand, the exchange value of a product refers to the value of a product that is determined by the demand and supply of the market.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Prevalence of Fetishism in Classical and Contemporary Era specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Use value is dominated by exchange value in capitalist societies. Through marketing, capitalists increase the people’s demand for useless products. Needs that are not existent are created by capitalists. People therefore strive to gratify these created needs and they believe that they have achieved happiness. According to Marx, commodity fetishism makes people to â€Å"mask† things to themselves and others and may or may not be aware of what they are doing. People can therefore sell and buy many things without being aware of what the full repercussions of their actions are. The relationships between people and the commodities they trade are concealed. What can be observed from the surface is not necessarily what really goes on. Things are not the way they seem to be and the whole meaning of the activities is hidden. Marx believes that people can function well in the markets and conduct their trading activities wit hout being aware of the nature of their social set-ups and the markets. The people are not aware of what causes the markets to work well or not. In order to participate in the markets, it is not necessary to have the true knowledge about the markets (Marx, 1867/2005: 74). Marx sees capitalism as a way to isolate the people who produce commodities from the products that they produce. As a result, human beings are unable to accomplish their life activity. When individuals are isolated from the goods that they produce, they become detached from their value as human beings. Commodity fetishism leads to the value of commodities to be attributed to the commodity’s essence instead of the labor used to produce it (Marx, 1867/2005: 75). Commodities in capitalist societies possess the power to interact on the market and determine their value because people believe so. Marx argues that the activities and production volumes of society’s private and independent producers can be adj usted to each other only by the inconsistent product values when exchanged in the markets.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More These producers may only relate to each other through the transactions that they conduct among themselves. Therefore, their societal cohabitation is only expressed through their transactions and trading activities. Money and commodities express their social relations. The relationship between the traded commodities greatly depends on their production costs. Production costs include the human labor but the workers have no power over what happens to the products that they produce (Marx, 1867/2005: 72). Relationships between the commodities start to dictate the relationships between the people and therefore, they have to adjust regularly to the changing values between commodities. The people no longer have control over the changing values of commodities since the markets are really never controlled by anyone. The commodities’ trading values achieve an actualized and autonomous power such that things seem to have inherent and natural social characteristics. Demand and supply seem to be automatically balanced by the market but people do not see the human effort that makes it possible. The role of human beings is no longer needed in economic theories since the market actors trade things and associate as individuals. The fetishism of commodity relationships leads to the alteration of the real economic relationships between people and the environment. This brings about the distortion of the social relationships that hold people together (Marx, 1867/2005: 74). The process of commodity production can be fetishized. The production of commodities, according to Marx, is â€Å"the specific social character of private labor carried on independently† (Marx, 1867/2005: 74). Product values are determined â€Å"by an exchange† and by the various kinds of human labor spent on them (Marx, 1867/2005: 73-74). Two different products with same quantities can be expressed in various values due to the different kinds of labors spent on them. The act of exchange is f ound â€Å"directly between the products and indirectly between the producers† (Marx, 1867/2005: 73). The exchangeability of all the useful different kinds of labors can satisfy both social wants and multiple wants of individual producers. Due to the process of exchange, the values that commodities realize in the market depend on its use of labors. Therefore, in order to increase the commodity value, the efficiency of production will be eventually improved. The machines and the works have a special relationship, which is easy to confuse. In the process of increasing the production efficiency, people would rarely recognize that the production process is transformed by the owner of the means of production and not the machines that are used (Edles and Appelrouth, 2005: 68). Laborers are prevented from holding capitalists responsible by the fetishism of the commodity production when new technology is used to either increase the speed in which a labor process is done or to change the way in which that labor process is structured amongst the workers (Edles and Appelrouth, 2005: 68). Serious political consequences arise when we assign the source of workers that increases exploitation to the new technology instead of the capitalists (Edles and Appelrouth, 2005: 68). The converted social nature of the production process does not enable the workers to â€Å"press their class-based interests for change† effectively (Edles and Appelrouth, 2005: 68). Therefore, in the classic era, workers did not support the invention of machines because of the belief that those machines eliminate their skilled labor. On the capitalists’ side, the new technology leads to the reduction of the production time and costs. They would definitely keep on inventing new machines to replace the original labors. According to Marx, machines are used in the production process in capitalist societies so as to produce cheaper commodities and not to make the workers’ life easie r. When machines are improved, fewer employees will be needed. Therefore, they will be laid off. This will lead to increased unemployment. Capitalism entails the thorough division of labor in which workers specialize in a particular task only. Therefore, only one particular capability of the worker is exploited while the others remain untapped. This division of labor makes the workers overly dependent on the capitalists and in case they are laid off due to the increased use of machines, it would be hard for them to secure another job. Even if they find employment elsewhere, they will be unable to perform a different task from the one they were used to. Capitalism reduces human beings into working machines and therefore, human labor becomes forced labor. Workers therefore are isolated from the products of their labor, the labor process, other human beings and human nature. The workers are isolated from the products of their labor since they produce commodities which they do not use o r sell because they are owned by the capitalists. The workers have no control over the commodities that they produce and they cannot use them to meet their needs. In addition, workers are alienated from the labor process in that they cannot control their working conditions or work organization. The workers are overworked and all the work processes are determined by the management. People also get isolated from other human beings because they only relate through buying and selling of commodities. Moreover, workers get alienated from human nature since capitalism subjects them to forced labor. Capitalism makes individuals to think only about profits and not consider the consequences that some production methods may cause to the natural environment (Marx, 1867/2005: 75). According to Weber, the most significant feature of capitalism was market exchange rather than production. As Weber observes, religion is a condition of likelihood of modern western capitalism when instilled in economi c activity modes. He believed that the ideology of ascetic Protestantism could be able to be a source of motivation towards the justification of daily life. This predisposition would enable people to accumulate capital though religious ethics and therefore achieve economic advancement. This would lead to the inclination to reinvest capital. The making of money is in the modern economic order if it is conducted legally (Weber and Parsons, 2003: 180). Thus, the fetishism of commodity production was prevalent in the classical period. Contemporary Era In the Contemporary Era, the commodity fetishism is affected by the advancing technology. Under Marxist theory, the working class, as â€Å"the source of revolutionary change†, has been â€Å"assimilated into the prevailing social order† (Appelrouth and Edles, 2011: 110). The new prevailing â€Å"forms of social control† are technological (Marcuse, 1964/2011: 115). The technological controls occur to be â€Å"the very embodiment of reason for the benefit of all social groups and interests† (Marcuse, 1964/2011: 115). In the contemporary period, the industrial society along with technology and science effectively dominates man and nature and efficiently utilizes all resources (Marcuse, 1964/2011: 117). These efforts create brand new â€Å"dimensions of human realization† successfully. In the industrialization, with updated technology, â€Å"the highest productivity of labor can be used for the perpetuation of labor, and the most efficient industrialization can serve the restriction and manipulation of needs† (Marcuse, 1964/2011: 118). On the other hand, with the advanced technology, the new â€Å"needs† are the ones that â€Å"maintain the existing way of life† (Appelrouth and Edles, 2011: 110). In the modern world, people are faced with a couple of new â€Å"needs†, including true and false ones. Technology becomes â€Å"a means for preserving dominationà ¢â‚¬  avoiding making a wrong choice (Appelrouth and Edles, 2011: 110). The new technology helps the economy to grow fast and improves the individuals’ lives efficiently. Individuals face a couple of new choices because of the improvement in technology. Their desire to purchase goods increases due to the appearance of upcoming new products. The commodity fetishism expands under the influence of the consumer and updated goods. Marcuse believes that advancement in technology can be advantageous to the working class by modernizing the society. When operations are automated many tasks are done by the machines. The technological operations have become the dominant social control forms. Political power is able to dominate through having control over the technological machine processes. Technological advancement improves the living standards and conflicts are stabilized owing to the increased productivity. Technology brings about change and can lead to a society that is unrestricte d. The world can be revolutionized through the adaptation of technology in the production process. Marcuse argues that partial adoption of technology in today’s society is a form of slavery and therefore, all operations should be automated in order to liberate human beings. According to Marcuse, the false needs that are created by capitalists through marketing lead to the failure to gratify the real needs. He asserts that people should independently determine their real needs and control their lives. People gratify the false needs created by capitalism through consumerism (Marcuse, 1964/2011: 112). In the contemporary period, the alienation of commodity fetishism on the societies’ side is shown as totalitarian. According to Marcuse, advanced societies, including capitalist, communist and socialist, all conclude â€Å"totalitarian social orders† (Appelrouth and Edles, 2011: 110). Totalitarianism is â€Å"not only a terroristic political coordination of society, but also a non-terroristic economic-technical coordination which operates through the manipulation of needs by vested interests† (Marcuse, 1964/2011: 112). In Marcuse’s view, the political power in the industrial societies can only be preserved and protected if it is successful in organizing, mobilizing and exploiting the available productivity for industrial civilization, including the scientific, technical, and mechanical productivity (Marcuse, 1964/2011: 112). In the contemporary era, with the rapid improvement of technology, the economy developed at a high speed. As a result, the product values increased and new products were produced to satisfy the social activities. In the meantime, the situation of commodity fetishism appeared especially in some well-developed industrial societies. Capitalists were after the profit of production. Governments fetishized in political power and fortune. They accumulated the fortune of other countries to develop military or cutting-e dge technologies, for example, outer space explorations. Such fetishism leads to an extreme status of totalitarianism. In the contemporary period, there were two countries with dominating powers in the world. These include the Soviet Union and the United State of America. The two countries with totalitarians created tentative and intense atmospheres globally. Usually, two totalitarian countries can easily lead to wars or arms rivalry, which are disasters to the whole world. Luckily, the intense situation was solved in the end. Therefore, totalitarianism should be controlled by the society (Appelrouth and Edles, 2011: 110). According to Herbamas, the source of political power is in the citizen’s communicative power. He draws a difference between communicative power and administrative power and explains that the law is used as a tool to transform communicative power to administrative power. Successful communication can only occur when two speakers reach a mutual understanding ( Habermas, 1998: 497). Herbamas pinpoints rationality in interpersonal linguistic instruction structures. All human beings possess the competence of communication. Herbamas argues that the public sphere decay has been facilitated by several factors. These include the conversion of the public into a passive consumer public by the growth of moneymaking mass media. Another factor is the growth of the welfare state which combined the society with the state leading to the detriment of the public sphere. Habermas is optimistic that the public sphere can be revived where there will be a democracy-driven system (Habermas, 1998: 510). According to Sklair, globalization should be perceived as a new chapter of capitalism. He argues that there are other possible alternatives to global capitalism that can be adopted (Sklair, 2002: 590). Four perspectives from which global capitalism can be studied include global culture, world-systems, global capitalism and global society. The world-systems appro ach is concerned with the discrepancy between peripheral, semi-peripheral and core countries based on their varying roles in the capitalist-dominated world system. The global culture model is concerned with the problems posed to national identities by a normalizing culture based on mass media. According to the global capitalism model, the dominant global forces are located in the structure of a capitalism that is continually globalizing (Sklair, 2002: 591). Baudrillard believed that production was not the main motivation in a capitalist society. He believed that consumption was the main drive and criticized Marx’s economic thought. Needs are not inherent but are created. People buy things because of fetishism and thus, consumption is more significant than production. He outlined four ways through which objects attain value (Baudrillard, 1994: 426). An object has the functional value, exchange value, symbolic value, and sign value. The functional value of an object refers to i ts active purpose, for instance, a pen is used to write. The exchange value refers to the economic value of that object, for instance, the economic value of a pen can be equal to three pencils. The symbolic value of an object refers to the value assigned to the object with regard to another subject, for instance, a pen may be a symbol of a gift presented to a student for excellent performance. The sign value of an object refers to the value of that object in a classification of objects, for instance, a pen might signify status when compared to another pen although the two have the same functional value. Baudrillard explains that consumers do not buy goods based on their meanings but they buy according to the signs on them (Baudrillard, 1994: 429). This is commodity fetishism. Therefore, fetishism was also dominant in the contemporary era. Conclusion From the above discussion of the classical and contemporary era, it is evident that fetishism exists in both periods in various forms. Fetishism occurs due to the improvement of production and technology. From the economic point of view, commodity fetishism has the advantage of improving the manufacturing of new goods and stimulating the demands of the market. However, the fetishism of the commodity production encourages the invention of new technology and machines, which partly replaces the human labor and further influences the working opportunities of the working class. From the political perspective, commodity fetishism is represented as totalitarian. Totalitarianism has negative effects on the stability, peace, and development of the whole world because it leads to wars. Commodity fetishism is a controversial topic in the history of human development. To the modern society, it is necessary for both individuals and governments to include the advantages and disadvantages of commodity fetishism in order to develop the world properly and rapidly. Reference List Appelrouth, S. and Edles, L.D. (2011). Sociological T heory in the Contemporary Era. (2nd edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Pine Forge Press. Baudrillard, J. (1994). Simulacra and Simulation. USA: University of Michigan Press. Edles, L. D. and Appelrouth, S. (2005). Sociological Theory in the Classical Era. (2nd edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE/Pine Forge Press. Habermas, J. (1998). Between facts and norms: contributions to a discourse theory of law and democracy. USA: MIT Press. Marcuse, H. (1964/2011). â€Å"One-Dimensional Man.† In Edles, Laura Desfor and Scott Appelrouth. Sociological Theory in the Contemporary Era (2nd edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Pine Forge Press, pp. 111-119. Marx, K. (1867/2005). â€Å"From Capital†. In Scott Appelrouth and Laura Desfor Edles. Sociological Theory in the Classical Era (2nd edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Pine Forge Press, pp. 69-80. Sklair, L. (2002). Globalization: capitalism and its alternatives. USA: Oxford University Press. Weber, M. and Parsons, T. (2003). The Protesta nt Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. New York: Courier Dover Publications. This essay on The Prevalence of Fetishism in Classical and Contemporary Era was written and submitted by user Axel S. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

buy custom Post Partum Period essay

buy custom Post Partum Period essay Post partum period is generally agreed as the period starting immediately after a mother has given birth to a baby. It is not clearly agreed on the length of this period. Many attempts have been made to divide this period into distinct sections. Many authors have come up with many phases in making a trial to demarcate the period (Rosdahi Kowalski, 2007, 901; Blackburn, 2007, 320). Most of the authors have divided the period into three or four phases. As a response to this confusion Pairman, Pincombe and Thorogood (2006, p. 458) have compiled information from regional workshops which were held in New Zealand. These workshops identified four phases of postpartum period described as below. The phases are said to have different characteristics which make it possible for them to be distinguished from each other. The authors argue that in the first and second phase physical recovery is the main concern for most women. This is equally accompanied by the concern for caring and being able to breast feed their babies. The authors advocate for women to be supported emotionally at this period of time. Such support may include simple acts like holding of their hands. They argue that the midwives should be attentive and, aware of the normal physiology and being able to give practical help and advice (Pairman, Pincombe and Thorogood, 2006, p. 458). This will be quite helpful especially for the case of Anna considering the fact that she has undergone episiotomy. The authors further argue that, women need to be reassurd regarding their physiological wellbeing this is a fact which is very applicable for this case study. Anna will definitely need a lot of reassuring from a midwife concerning her well being factoring in her delivery procedure. Pairman, Pincombe and Thorogood (2006, 458) associate these phases with high level of physical pain which is likely to cause emotional distress. They further implicate this distress with inability to cope with physical and emotional changes. Therefore, in this case study the husband (Ian) will have to be constantly attentive to his wife and provide the emotional support whenever it is possibly required. This in the actual sense will help Anna to feel more reassured and will help in the process of healing. Pairman, Pincombe and Thorogood (2006, 458) advocates for women to engage more in breast feeding as this has the effect of boosting the levels of prolactin and oxytocin. Buckley (Pairman, Pincombe Thorogood 2006, p. 458) on writing on the benefit of oxytocin on women claims, oxytocin acts to keep the mother relaxed and calm, and there is an indication that it is involved in tolerance and adaptation, and feminine response such as tending and befriending (p. 458). Therefore, it will equally be important for Anna to breast feed more often at this period as it will help her to balance her emotions. Production of prolactin will be beneficial to Anna. The authors quote Riordan Auerbach (1993) implicating milk production with the presence of prolactin. Insights byy Buckley (2004) show that, it reduces stress response, alters sleep patterns and stimulates natural hormonal analgesia (Pairman, Pincombe Thorogood, 2006, 458). This will be quite good as it will help Anna to heal quite quickly wihtb less pain-analgesia factor. This the period characterized with the healing of a woman and the making of the progress in breastfeeding and gaining confidence in her efforts to care for herself and the baby. At this point the women will begin to take note of the changes that have occurred and their significance (Pillitteri, 2007, p. 200). In this case study the midwife and Ian will need to talk more to Anna as this, according to Pairman, Pincombe and Thorogood (2006, 458), will help her to make a difference on how she feels about herself and the baby. This period should be used by the midwife to enhance her self knowledge and learning. This phase occurs in the sixth week of the post natal care. It involves the woman and her family accepting the transition to parenthood. The family at this phase accepts the changes in the family dynamics and takes the responsibility in taking care of the baby (Pairman, Pincombe and Thorogood, 2006, 458; Wickham, 2004, p. 154). At his phase the midwife is no longer required. The Post partum period is mostly associated with transition challenges (Wickham, 2004, p. 154). In this case study it is even more challenging due to the fact that Anna has undergone episiotomy. The next section discusses the aims of prenatal care in the light of this case study. Buy custom Post Partum Period essay

5 Steps on How to Get Organized in College

5 Steps on How to Get Organized in College With all that you have to balance, getting organized in college can sometimes seem like both a hopeless and useless task. After all, what kind of person can create order out of so much chaos?! You might be surprised, however, to learn just how easy it can be to get organized during your time in school. 1. First and Foremost, Have a Time Management System Whether youre a super senior or an incoming first-year student, time will be your most precious commodity. Just when you need it the most, it will seem the most scarce. And you will rarely if ever, feel like you have enough of it. Consequently, having a good time management system that you use is critical for getting organized - and staying that way - during your time in school. After all, how are you supposed to know what youre supposed to be doing if you arent even sure, well, what youre supposed to be doing? 2. Write Down All Your Academic Responsibilities When you first get your syllabi at the beginning of the semester, find a quiet table at a coffee shop, get a cup of coffee, and sit down with your calendar. Put everything thats on your syllabi into the calendar: when classes meet, when things like required films and labs are scheduled, when midterms are, when classes are canceled, when finals and papers are due. And when you think youre all done putting everything in, double check your work and do it again. Once you have everything inputted into your time management system, you can rest assured that youll know about all required course assignments well before their deadline. Sometimes, just knowing whats coming down the pipeline can account for 90% of your organization prowess. 3. Go Through Something Once a Week It sounds strange, but youll likely be surprised at just how helpful this rule can be when it comes to staying organized in college. At least once a week, go through and organize something. It can be your backpack; it can be your bank statement; it can be your desk; it can be your email. You undoubtedly, however, will find something that slipped your mind or that youve been meaning to get to. And if you hadnt have gone through that item, you would likely have forgotten all about it. 4. Have a Budget and Check in on It Regularly A major part of being organized in college is staying on top of your finances. Even if most of your costs, like room and board in the residence halls, are taken care of through the financial aid office, staying on top of your money situation is still important. Being organized means knowing whats going on in your college life at any given point in time. If you arent sure how much money is in your account - or, worse, if youll have enough to make it through the semester or quarter - you arent organized. So stay on top of your budget and know where youre money has gone, where it is, and where its headed. 5. Be Proactive and Plan in Advance You know that guy down the hall who always is stressing out and cramming last minute for exams? Or that girl who freaks out every time she has a paper due the next day? Chances are youd be hard pressed to find someone who would describe either of them as organized. If you know whats coming - holidays, major events, midterms, papers, lab reports, finals - you can plan in advance and avoid unnecessary chaos. And if you know whats coming, you can organize your life (e.g., get enough sleep) far enough in advance that you can still enjoy yourself during even the worst of the worst.

Random house Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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Art and Human Nature Essay Example for Free

Art and Human Nature Essay When discussing art it has continuously been examined how much it is applied to human nature. In The Art Instinct by Denis Dutton he spend an entire chapter discussing the colorations between the two. Art can be seen in human nature through its history, it’s comparison to language, and its creation from humans through genetics and their tendencies. Language has always been considered a part of human nature. All culture through all ages has some manner of language. Though it changes throughout the world with over six thousand known types, the universal ability to communicate is unquestionable â€Å"Despite vocabulary and surface grammar differences †¦ languages are never mutually incommensurable †¦ This is possible because language structure is shared across cultures and because languages are ties to universal prelinguistic interests, desires, needs, and capacities (30). Language is cross-cultural and though the mannerism and speech are different they are all inherent in their ability. At the same time one cannot argue that each language and gesture changed throughout the different culture. This is how language can be considered so universal in human nature. Art can be said to have the same universality of language. Like language it has transcended through all cultures and history. Different cultures all express them in a different way, and though everyone doesn’t necessarily understand all others cultures art, it is still a human universals. Also like language, art has the innate ability throughout all societies. Art in many way is very comparable to the human nature of language â€Å"The field of natural languages resembles the field of art considered cross-culturally: both exhibit an interplay between, on the one hand, deep, innate structures and mechanisms of intellectual and emotional like and, on the other hand, a vast ocean of historically contingent cultural materials† (31). With these many colorations art appears essentially connected to human nature. This thought that art has coloration with human nature has been around throughout history. Plato though rejected art as a form of knowledge, he still admitted it connection with nature. He saw art as an imitation of nature, which was already the imitation of the Forms, which make up our true reality. This he felt was disillusion, which brought out the worst customs of human nature. Either it represented a misleading view of our world in the sense of the beauty always found in art, but not in true reality. Or that it feeds our most basic instincts From a Platonic point of view, much of the violent entertainment offered by dramatic form – from the theater of the Greeks to the violence and animal passions of today’s entertainment media †¦ For Plato, the arts at their worst are bad for the soul because they engage and reward its basest elements (32). Though you sense that Plato fears the dangerous of the arts, this is only because he admits the inherit nature of it. Aristotle however has quiet a different opinion of art. He realized that with the variety in art it provides awareness into the human condition. In his works on drama and poetry he demonstrates that impact that art has had throughout the culture and history of his own society. Also he argues for the natural tendency that mankind has to represent themselves with art expresses the innate nature of it â€Å"Human beings are born image-makers and image-enjoyers† (33). Though the idea behind art and its connect between human nature is not always the same, it has existed during the course of history. Like art, human nature itself has been questioned on wither it is truly natural or has evolved over time and cultures. With the evolution of man many of human instincts has developed over time. Natural selection over thousands of generations have helped hones many skills needed to survive throughout mankind’s existences. These effects over many generations can be considered part of what makes up human nature â€Å"pressure over thousands of generations can deeply engrave a physical and psychological traits into the minds of any species (42). However it can also be argued that much of natural instincts come from our social nature. There is always the inherent hunter-gather sense that all humans have, but on the other side are the social tendencies we all have in common Human beings, for example, are curious about their neighbors, like to gossip about them, pity their misfortunes and envy their successes. People everywhere tell lies, justify and rationalize their own behavior, exaggerate their altruism. Human beings like to expose and mock the false pretentions of others. They enjoy playing games, telling jokes, and using poetic language (45-46). This social nature can be seen as innate within all cultures. Both this and genetic predispositions of humans is what human nature is derived from. This is where Dutton true argument comes full circle. Human nature no matter its origins is what makes up humans and all that they create. With our natural instincts we developed many tendencies, and theories. Our history as humanity we have gone through many things such as survival, not only those from the environment, but from the social forces that surrounds us. All of this is what truly makes up human nature, and from all this is where we create art. This is what makes humans what they are, and with that what they feel inspired to create no matter the culture and its form of art. This is how he reasons that art is human nature â€Å" eventually produced the intensely social, robust, love-making, murderous †¦ knowledge- seeking, arguing, clubby, language-using, conspicuously wasteful, versatile species of primate we became. And along the way in developing all this, the arts were born (46). Since art is derived from all that is human nature how can itself not be human nature. Through its colorations with language, the history, and the effects that human genetics and social tendencies have had art can be considered to be a part of human nature. Art like human nature has transcended throughout all of mankind’s existence. Wither art will ever be considered a part of human nature, its impact on humans not only through history but culture cannot be denied. Dutton, Denis. The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, Human Evolution. Array New York: Bloomsbury Press, 2009.

The Bluest Eyes Essay -- essays research papers

A Search For A Self Finding a self-identity is often a sign of maturing and growing up. This becomes the main issue in Toni Morrison’s novel The Bluest Eyes. Pecola Breedlove, Cholly Breedlove, and Pauline Breedlove are such characters that search for their identity through others that has influenced them and by the lifestyles that they have. First, Pecola Breedlove struggles to get accepted into society due to the beauty factor that the norm has. Cholly Breedlove, her father, is a drunk who has problems that he takes out of Pecola sexually and Pauline physically. Pauline is Cholly’s wife that is never there for her daughters. Pacola is a little black girl has a hard time finding herself. Brought up as a poor unwanted girl, she desires the acceptance and love of society. The world has led her to believe that she is ugly and that the epitome of "beautiful" requires blue eyes. Every night before she goes to sleep, she prays that may she wake up with blue eyes. The image of "Shirley Temple beauty" surrounds her. In her mind, if she were to be beautiful, people would finally love and accept her. This idea of beauty has been imprinted on Pecola her whole entire life. Many people have inscribed this notion into her. Her classmates also have an effect on her. They seem to think that because she is not beautiful; she is not worth anything except as the focal point of their mockery. As if it were not bad enough being ridiculed by children her own age, adults also had to mock her. Mr. Yacowbski as a symbol for the rest of society's norm, treats her as if she were invisible. Geraldine, a colored w oman, who refused to tolerate "niggers", happened to walk in while Pecola was in her house. By having an adult point out to her that she really was a "nasty" little girl, it seems all the more true. At home she was put through the same thing, if not worse because her family members were the ones who were supposed to love her. It was obvious to Pecola that her mother preferred the little white girl of the family that she worked for over her. One day as Pecola was visiting her mother at the home where she is working, Pecola accidentally knocked over a blueberry pie. Obviously burned by the hot pastry, her mother completely ignored Pecola's feelings of pain and instead tended to the comforting of her white "daughter". For a ... ...es. The more time she spent with her own black family, the more time she realized how ugly, poor, and unworthy they were. In coming upon this realization, Pauline has a decision to make. She could have stuck with her biological family, continued to be unsatisfied but be accepted as an equal, or she could completely give up on her own family and devote all her time, energy, and love on her white charges. However she fails to realize that by committing herself to a servant's life that's all she will ever amount to be - a black servant in a white world. Pecola's search for identity was defined by her everlasting desire to be loved. Her purpose in life was to be beautiful and as a result of that to be loved. Her family and community made it impossible for her to ever be sanely content. Cholly's family (or lack thereof) and his community as a boy ultimately influenced the way he was as a man. Their effects on him molded his personality and as a result influenced his identity. Pauline’s confusion whether to love her family or the white family that she works for leads her to not caring that much at all. She realizes that whoever she ends up living with will not change who she really is.

Creon and Oedipus Essay

Oedipus the King, the tragic hero is most certainly Oedipus. Oedipus, first of all, is a good man. When he declares, â€Å"My spirit grieves for the city† (l 75-76), he shows a deep passion. His sympathy for his people and his desire to be their savior, he earns the respect and love of the people.The respect of the people is crucial in creating the tragic effect that comes with a tragic hero’s downfall, and Sophocles utilizes this by means of giving Oedipus human qualities and a tragic flaw. Passionate, yet stubborn. In this case of his tragic flaw, his lack of knowledge of his true identity is coupled with the peoples awareness of his fate. Then, when Oedipus finds himself in the dilemma after talking to Tiresias, the people feel his pain and are afraid for his life, knowing that nothing he does can prevent the tragedy from occurring. When Oedipus finally falls from the throne, he doesn’t kill himself, rather he gouges out his eyes. The symbolic blinding of Oedipus suggests that he has experienced renewal and sees the truth. Antigone, the first part of the Oedipus Trilogy, also depicts the theme of a tragic hero. Through the character of Creon, Sophocles greatly conveys the essential elements of a tragic hero. Creon is, first, king of Thebes, this illustrating his high state, but he more importantly shows characteristics of nobility and virtue. In mentioning the Chorus, he announces that, â€Å"These are my principles. Never at my hands will the traitor be honored above the patriot. But whoever proves his loyalty to the state I’ll prize that man in death as well as life† (l -5). Creon puts his country above all else, and for this, he shows characteristics of a tragic hero and nobility. His imperfection is later shown in his pride. After Tiresias warns him of his transgressions, Creon declares, â€Å"It’s a dreadful thing to yield†¦but resist now? Lay my pride bare to the blows of ruin? That’s dreadful too† (l 11-11). His unwillingness to let go of his pride for the gods shows his main tragic flaw, and with it brings his lonely downfall. Creon’s fall is not a total loss, and he finds a sense of awareness and self-knowledgment. He says, â€Å"Ohhh, so senseless, so insane†¦my crimes, my stubborn†¦Oh I’ve  learned through blood and tears!† (l 1-1404). Creon reaches a point, from which the people also learns. By expressing nobility, downfall through flaw, Creon undoubtedly serves as a perfect example of the tragic hero’s essence.

Exploring the Biological Perspective on Depression

Approximately 80% of people who experience depression are currently not receiving any treatment. This statistic Is sad because depression Is one of the most treatable Illnesses. If treated with the proper medication and or therapy, 80% to 90% will find relief. By the year 2020, depression will be the second most common health problem in the world (SYS). I believe depression to be a very Interesting topic because as common as depression is, there is still a stigma attached to â€Å"being depressed. † I currently suffer from depression and would like to know more about it and the different treatments that are available.In this study, I will explain, discuss, and elaborate upon the point of view, assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses of the biological perspective on depression. The biological perspective focuses on how the brain functions and the influence of genetics on behavior. Therefore, the biological perspective explains depression as it relates to the functions of the bra in. There are roughly ten million cells, called neurons, In your brain and each neuron connects to another neuron. When the connection is made, it is in the form of an electrical impulse which travels down the connections between neurons.The neurons that carry these electrical impulses contain small gaps called synapses. These are important because they allow electrical activity, and hence brain functioning, to take place. In order for an impulse (or message) to go from one neuron across the synapse to another neuron. A number of important enzymes, called neurotransmitters, have to come into play. In total there six different groups of neurotransmitters and each one is specific to a particular type of brain cell. From the point of view of depression, the main neurotransmitters are serotonin and noradrenalin, sometimes called morphogenesis Priest).When we are depressed, physical changes take place within our bodies. The most Important of these changes takes place within the brain. It Is on this basis that depression is considered a physical illness, rather than merely something psychological or something that exists only in the imagination or perception of the ‘OFF sufferer (Pretest). I nerve Is a null degree AT variation among people Walt depression In terms of symptoms, course of illness, and response to treatment, indicating that depression may have a number of complex and interacting causes.These varying actors pose a major challenge to researchers attempting to understand and treat the disorder (Psych Central). However, recent advances in research technology are bringing National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) scientists closer than ever before to characterizing the biology and physiology of depression in its different forms and to the possibility of identifying effective treatments for individuals based on symptom presentation.People who suffer from depression have low levels of these two neurotransmitters, and this is thought to lead to the main symptoms of low mood, owe-energy, depressed outlook on life, disturbed sleep and a low drive or arousal which relates back to the definition of depression. The strengths of the biological perspective that relate to depression are the fact that depression is mainly a result of low levels of certain neurotransmitters. Another reason could be an imbalance of hormones, which would explain why nearly twice as many women as men are affected by a depressive illness each year.The influence of hormones on depression in women has been an active area of NIMH research. One recent study was the first to demonstrate that the troublesome depressive mood wings and physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (MS), a disorder affecting 3% to 7% of menstruating women, results from an abnormal response to normal hormone changes during the menstrual cycle. The hormonal system that regulates the body response to stress is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HAP) axis. It is overactive in many patients wi th depression.The hypothalamus, the brain region responsible for managing hormone release from glands throughout the body, increases production of a substance called corporation releasing factor (CRY), when a threat to physical or psychological well-being is detected. Elevated levels and effects of CRY lead to increased hormone secretion by the pituitary and adrenal glands which prepares the body for defensive action. NIMH research suggests that persistent over activation of this hormonal system may lay the groundwork for depression.The elevated CRY levels detectable in depressed patients are reduced by treatment with antidepressant drugs or ACT, and this reduction corresponds to improvement in depressive symptoms [ (Psych Central) In the sixties, the biological perspective became dominant due to numerous breakthroughs in genetics, psychopathology, neurophysiology, and brain research. Genetic research has also been able to show support that biological elements play a strong role in depression.Close relatives of people who suffer from depression were found to be more susceptible to depression in comparison to people of the general population. There has been extensive research done on trying to identify the gene that causes depression. However, it has been hard to identify the gene and researchers feel that there are several genes that contribute to depression, meaning that each gene makes a small contribution. Psychopathology provides more evidence that the biological perspective is the primary Doctor In oppression. Ever ten past cache, targeted rug eagles NAS lea to significant advances in the pharmacological management of depression. In the sass the introduction of the selective serotonin eruptive inhibitors (Girls), into clinical medicine was heralded as the â€Å"first class† of antidepressants with a selective action on a key neurological target in depression, namely serotonin. The selective serotonin eruptive inhibitors (Girls) are the most widely used antidepressants cause they are easy to use, and their side effects are better tolerated than those of older antidepressants.The most frequently used Girls are Florentine (Approach), serialize (Zloty), parenting (Paxar), and Catalonian (Clean). A newer antidepressant is ventilating (Officer), which is closely related to the Girls. Antidepressant medications take several weeks to be clinically effective even though they begin to alter brain chemistry with the very first dose. Research now indicates that antidepressant effects result from slow-onset adaptive changes within the neurons.The fact that a depressed person can take an antidepressant and feel better proves that depression is mainly the result of the biological perspective [ (â€Å"Pharmacology and Depression† Pumped. Gob) Neurophysiology is a branch of clinical psychology that studies how the brain and nervous system affect how we function on a daily basis. Unlike the use of normalizing techniques such as MR., CT scans and Egg's where the focus is on nervous system structures, neurophysiology seeks to understand how the various components of the brain are able to do their Jobs.Clinical neurophysiology makes SE of various assessment methods to ascertain function and dysfunction and applies this knowledge to evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate individuals with suspected or demonstrated neurological or psychological problems [ (Rightful. Com) In the past decade, there have been significant advances in our ability to investigate brain function at multiple levels. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is collaborating with various scientific disciplines to effectively utilize the tools of molecular and cellular biology and genetics.Modern brain imaging technologies re revealing that in depression, neural circuits responsible for the regulation of moods, thinking, sleep, appetite, and behavior fail to function properly, and that critical neurotransmitters, chemicals used by nerve cells to c ommunicate, are perhaps out of balance [ (Psych Central) The weaknesses of the biological perspective are that it does not take into account your environment, society, and culture. The behavioral perspective explains mental illness as a learned response to stimuli. From a behavioral perspective, learning theorists assume that depression and the lack of reinforcement are related.Most researchers think that depression results from an interaction between the person's biological characteristics and psychological vulnerability and the occurrence of stressful events in his or her life [ (Huckleberry) The socio-cultural perspective describes depression as the result of social, economic, and cultural factors. Strong evidence of this is shown among people living in poverty. In addition, there are other factors, such as today's high rate of unemployment and victims of social disasters like war. In ten manliest perspective, a person's Taller to Tina meaning In Tie or to lawful their potential can be attributed to depression.Abraham Mascot was an American psychologist who was best known for his theory of human motivation, which led to a therapeutic technique known as self-actualization. Mascot proposed that an individual is motivated by a hierarchy of needs. A humans basic needs must be met before higher ones can be satisfied. Arranged in order from lowest to highest in a hierarchy, the needs are physiological (satisfaction of hunger and thirst), safety (security), belongingness and love (being loved, avoiding loneliness), esteem achievement, recognition, self-esteem), self-actualization (realization of one's full potential).Mascot also believed that the achievement of self-actualization is often marked by peak experiences, feelings of incredible peace and happiness in the course of life activities. When these, hierarchy of needs that Mascot talks about are not met like being lonely, having low self esteem, and not reaching ones full potential in correlation with the biol ogical factors, you have a recipe for depression. Carl Rogers, a clinical psychologist, used the theory of self-concept, which he defined as n organized pattern of perceived characteristics along with the values attached to those attributes.He also assumed that within each individual there is a biological drive toward growth of self-concept, which can ultimately lead to self-actualization. Rogers believed that while children's self-concept is developing, they may internalize conditions of worth, Judgments about the kinds of behaviors that will bring approval from others. He felt that to promote growth and development, parents and authority figures should give a child unconditional acceptance and love, which allows a child to evolve self-acceptance and to achieve self-actualization.To help his clients get back on the road to self-actualization, he developed a therapeutic approach called client- centered therapy, in which the therapist offers the client unconditional positive regard b y supporting the client regardless of what is said. The warm, sympathetic therapeutic environment allows the client to be freed of internalized conditions of worth and to resume the self-actualization process [ (Huckleberry) In conclusion, by exploring the different psychological perspectives, I had to take y blinders off in order gain a greater understanding of depression and how it relates to the perspectives.

Muslim bin al

Muslim bin al Hadith is a report of the maxims and acts of the prophet (Peace be upon him). Compilation of these reports began during the era of the prophet and continued after his death. Ahadith (plural of Hadith) are classified according to their authenticity, mode of transmission, and chain of narrators. Muslim bin-Hajjaj al-Nisaburi endeavored to collect Ahadith by establishing the authenticity of other reports (Siddiqui). He worked closely with other teachers of religion to develop an exceptional methodology of compiling AhadithAdvertising We will write a custom essay sample on Muslim bin al-Hajjaj al-Nisaburi and his Methodology of Compiling Hadith specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Imam Muslim was born in Nishpuri in the year 204 A.H and was brought up in a religiously minded family. That left an ineffaceable religious intuition on his mind. His parents prepared him to spend his life serving God and holding fast to righteousness. According to Siddiqui, the religious atmosphere at home helped Muslim to become a saint of high caliber. He says that Muslim acquired respect at a young age because he never indulged in backbiting, which is a common human weakness. In addition, Imam Muslim excelled because he had the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world. The main regions he visited are Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Iraq. He attended classes of some of the famous Tradition lecturers such as Harmalah b. Yahya, Ishaq b. Rahwaih, Ahmad b. Hanbal, among others, whenever he visited the regions. After finishing his studies, he travelled back to Nishapur and began teaching Traditions. Nevertheless, he maintained an interest in researching (Quran Sunnah : Saheeh Sitta†). While in Nishapur, Muslim met with Imam Bukhari and was amazed by his exceptional comprehension of Ahadith and Tradition that he attached himself to him until he passed on ( Muhammad an Sunnah.). Imam Muslim was also a disciple of another prominent Ah adith teacher Muhammad b. Yahya al. Dhuhali. Their relationship, however, did not last for long. When Imam Muhammad and UIma Bukhari differed in the belief on the subject of creation of the Holy Qur’an and the discrepancy generated into antagonism, Imam Muslim ditched Muhammad b. Yahya but remained a true supporter of Imam Bukhari (Quran Sunnah : Saheeh Sitta†). After the death of Imam Bukhari, Imam Muslim resorted to compiling his Ahadith. He incorporated new insights into his mentor’s work and produced an exceptional Hadith. Some religious commentators say Imam Muslim produced highly authentic reports on the subject than most imams, including his teacher Imam Bukhari. He worked hard, collected and examined 300, 000 traditions, out of which he retained only four thousand (Muhammad an Sunnah). He, therefore, used authentic collections to produce books and treaties on his Ahadith. People still benefit from some of these collections to date. For example, â€Å"Ja mi’† of his â€Å"Sahih† still offers outstanding insight on religion (Quran Sunnah : Saheeh Sitta†). The distinctive quality has attracted immense interest on his methodology of compiling Hadith.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Imam Muslim observed several principles of the science of Hadith that Imam Bukhari, his mentor, ignored. Muslim classified his collection into three different groups: authentic (sahih), good (hasan), and weak (da’eef) information, just as Imam Bukhari. Nevertheless, he was unique because he did not incorporate both weak and good information in his final work (Siddiqui). Muslim made use of traditions that he found to be both genuine and authentic. He considered that accurate traditions must have been passed on to him by unbroken sequence of trustworthy authorities. They must have been in ideal agreement with what had been narrated by other trustworthy individuals. In addition, they must have been unanimously acknowledged to be without imperfection (Siddiqui). Moreover, Imam Muslim kept away from causing confusion when describing the sequence of narrators. He did not mention the â€Å"kunya† and in many cases avoided giving names of narrators. He applied this rule especially when dealing with Syria narrators (ShiÃÅ'„hÃÅ' £aÃÅ' 15). He also took extraordinary care to record the most accurate accounts by according the exact words of the narrators. He achieved this by pointing out even the least significant disparities in the wording of the narrators’ reports. Imam Muslim took considerable steps to connect the chain of narrators. This was helpful in eliminating confusion and recording factual encounters. He only recorded Ahadith that at least two trustworthy narrators had heard from at least two trustworthy companions. Subsequent chain of narrators has observed this principle (Siddiqui). Another key methodology was using simple language. He put a difference between the two main modes of narration: â€Å"haddathana â€Å"and â€Å"akhbarana.† These terms mean he narrated to us, and he informed us, respectively. He required the first mode to be used when the teacher is narrating the Hadith while the student is listening and the second when the student is reading before the teacher (Quran Sunnah : Saheeh Sitta†). He constantly indicated the different modes he used to collect all the traditions. Muslim bin al-Hajjaj al-Nisaburi’s early lifestyle and encounter with Imam Bukhari inspired him to compile his Ahadith with proper care. He also produced one of the best Ahadith because he was hardworking, creative, and observant. These traits helped Imam Muslim to develop better research methodologies than those of his mentor Imam Bakhari. Quran Sunnah : Saheeh Sitta. IslamiCity.com Islam The Global Muslim eCommunity . N.p., n.d . Web.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Muslim bin al-Hajjaj al-Nisaburi and his Methodology of Compiling Hadith specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More ShiÃÅ'„hÃÅ' £aÃÅ'„, KhaliÃÅ'„l MaÊmuÃÅ'„n. SÃÅ' £ahÃÅ' £iÃÅ'„hÃÅ' £ Muslim. al-TÃÅ' £abÊ »ah 1. ed. BayruÃÅ'„t, LubnaÃÅ'„n: DaÃÅ'„r al-MaÊ »rifah, 1994. Print. Siddiqui, Abdul Hamid . Imam Muslim. History of Scholars. N.p., n.d. Web. Muhammad an Sunnah. www.maaref-foundation.com. N.p., n.d. Web.

1) Conceptualizing Social Class - Classes Society 2) Conceptualizing Essay

1) Conceptualizing Social Class - Classes Society 2) Conceptualizing Social Class - Understanding life Circumstances - Essay Example But if we give a keen thought, we come to the conclusion that our society is still divided into rich class and poor class. There are communities that are dominant over other communities. We face racism which strengthens the roots of the process of dividing the society into classes: tribal, nomadic, so on and so forth. If we talk about United States, the believers of the myth of the classless society stand for the idea that a large part of American population shares the same lifestyle, which means that America is a classless society. But by going into the details of this myth, we come to know that since some decades, the wages of Americans have been declining and to keep up with the expenditures, people had to increase the daily working hours and women started going out looking for jobs. Media has been playing big role in promoting this myth. The print media delivers news about business events but not about the related labor statistics which means that the citizens are only informed a bout the major economic activities and not about the conflicts arising as a result of class distribution. The circumstances that a person faces through his life leave a great impact upon his mental and physical health. People have always been facing unfortunate life circumstances like poverty, starvation, child abuse, obesity, mental torture, and so on. Poverty adversely affects a person because he faces lack of income, resources and assets, and encounters disadvantages in his daily routine. Poverty results in continuous generation of a social class that lacks access to proper food, clothing and shelter. The poor do not have the power to change their circumstances as they do not afford education too. They learn to live with poor relationships within family and with other members of the society, degraded sense of worth and spiritual ignorance. Poverty is mainly caused by overpopulation which is a situation

Seminar Paper for Autobiography of a Face Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Seminar Paper for Autobiography of a Face - Essay Example Lucy appears determined to fight the problems in her life. She appears bold and as she tells about the time she spend in the hospital she has no pity. Her response to the harassment of her schoolmates shows how much she resents the problems she is passing through. This seminar paper analyzes the behavior and reaction of Lucy in the face of the teasing and torment she received from her schoolmates. The reaction displayed by Lucy is a defense mechanism that she employs to shut out her peers.. Her disfigured face attracts a lot of ridicule, teasing and harassment from the boys in her school. Before getting to school Lucy knows nothing much about her appearance (Grealy 124). Her going to school makes her understand that she is not acceptable socially to her peers. Her reaction to the behavior of her school mates is an act of defense as she waits for her situation to change. She hates the treatment she is being given and the only thing she can do is to seek to defend herself from it. This is so because she later runs away from her schoolmates thinking that nobody will want to love her because of her situation (Grealy 125). If she was mature and of good reason she could not have been broken down by the teasing and social isolation. The paper has analyzed the reaction of Lucy to the torment of her peers. She acted as a defense mechanism to distance herself from what was happening in order to hide her hurt. This was so because she later withdraws from her peers because of social isolation and too much teasing probably because her strategy could no longer work for