Tweleve Years a Slave

While reading this novel, I often thought about what I learned about slavery in school and the many films I've seen on the subject, most notably, the television series Roots , which is probably most of our first visual representation of a slaves' life – but I thought, â€Å"Noooo, they got it wrong! Slavery was 50 times worst than any representation I've ever seen on a film. Solomon Northup, was a free born, African America man living in New York state in the early 1800s. He had a wife, three children, and was able to provide for his family working various jobs, depending on the season. Solomon is kidnapped and forced into slavery for 12 years, in the deep south. What makes this novel so compelling is his story telling.He goes into great detail explaining what is feels like to be a slave; the constant state of fear (scared of waking up late, scared of not working fast enough, scared of being in the wrong place at the wrong time if your master is in an angry mood), the whipp ings (which happened more often than I originally thought), the brutal labor, the little food (yet being forced to work at 100% at all times with little nourishment), and the depressing feeling of being separated from your family (being sold to another master was the worst nightmare of most slaves, more fearful than the whip).His prose paints a clear picture of what it feels like to be a slave. I highly recommend this non-fiction novel (did I mention, this is a TRUE story) to any and everyone interested in American or African American history. This novel is currently being made into a film by director Steve McQueen, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender.I have to admit, I am very eager to see this film (it's slated for release Sept. 6, 2013) because I'm curious to see if they will be true to the original work, and go hard and showcase slavery in its most brutal form, even if it will make audiences uncomfortable, because as time goes on, I t hink we forget how truly horrible an institution slavery was.

American Revolution and Social Change

The American Revolution in the latter half of the eighteenth century was a time of great social change (United States, 2007). As a matter of fact, this social change was global in nature, seeing as the international parties involved in the Revolution for some reason or the other, took the American Revolution as a model for social change in the future (American Revolution, 2007). During the period referred to as the American Revolution, the Thirteen Colonies that were to become the United States of America, managed to gain independence from the British Empire.The Colonies had to rebel against the British Empire in order to gain independence, of course. Thus, they entered into the American Revolutionary War, which is also called the American War of Independence. This war, like all other wars, led to massive social change to boot. Lives were lost, and the birthing of new ideas occurred with respect to how societies must conduct themselves. Happening between 1775 and 1783, the war culmin ated in the famed American Declaration of Independence in the year 1776. Victory for the Colonies was actually achieved on the battlefield in the year 1781 (American Revolution).France had played a vital role in helping the new nation of Americans with finances as well as munitions. France also helped the Colonies to organize a coalition against the British Empire. The Americans were rebelling against the royalty or upper crust at the time (American Revolution). Naturally, they were desirous of social change, enough to fight over it. Theirs was a struggle to achieve a kind of an equalizing democracy. The American revolutionaries tried to change through bloodshed their government. They did not appreciate the laws and regulations of the British Empire.Rather, society in their opinion had to conduct itself outside most of the laws.AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND SOCIAL CHANGEPage # 2 and regulations of the British.By eradicating monarchy and the establishment of republics in the end, the Ameri can revolutions had changed the society drastically. Hence, John Franklin Jameson (1968) has written: â€Å"The stream of revolution, once started, could not be contained within narrow banks, but spread abroad upon the land.†Also according to Jameson, the social change brought about via the American Revolution concerned many areas of American life, including business, slavery, the ownership of land, the intellectual as well as religious life, and the interactions between the members of different socioeconomic groups. In a way, the Revolution was Karl Marx’s dream come true, seeing as the lower socioeconomic groups were no longer able to tolerate the ruling class and had decided to overpower the ruling class for good.What is more, the society of the Americans after the Revolution had no longer to apply the principles of the British Empire in their lives. They had no longer to be influenced by the British religion, for example, nor by the political ideologies of the Brit ish. By changing the government of the land, the Americans had in fact changed the social order, including the norms and principles to live by. The idea of American democracy was brought out in the open for the first time.The republican ideology was introduced with its emphasis on liberty, equality, individual rights, and struggle against corruption. Not only did this ideology change the lives of the American people for good, but it also entered the European mind that had for centuries seen only imperialism in practice (American Revolution). The idea that a society could revolt against the monarchy was taken seriously, worldwide. Hence, the impact of the social change brought about by the Revolution became global. As a matter of fact, the eradication of the social control of the BritishAMERICAN REVOLUTION AND SOCIAL CHANGEPage # 3Was seen in various countries around the world after the American War of Independence. The British Empire that had established colonies in many parts of th e world was asked to leave, very often by force, thanks to the American Revolution that had done the same successfully by showing the world that it was possible for nations to achieve prosperity for themselves without the social control of the British.Moreover, it was possible for nations that had previously been ruled by the British to formulate their own laws, such as the social control of corruption, without the supervision of the British. Today, the word ‘democracy’ is heard day after day on international television. Moreover, every nation is required to include the democratic model of government into its political practices, even if it is difficult to include this model for some reason. Even the United Kingdom believes in democracy today, despite the survival of the British Empire.Regardless of whether democracy has a hold over a certain government’s practices or not, however, the American Revolution has shown the world – like other revolutions in his tory – that it is possible for common people to rebel against governments, when in fact, their voices have been totally ignored. ‘Enough is enough’ is the impetus to social change that a revolution implies. In other words, the common people are expected to be patient for only a limited amount of time before they get ready to impose social change on the entire society.Not everybody in the Colonies would have agreed with the idea of the American Revolution. There are always people in society that resist change, and particularly resist the kind of change that is brought on through violence. Countless people hate wars, even if certain wars are fought for human rights. Regardless of such people’s reactions to a revolution, however, the American.AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND SOCIAL CHANGEPage # 4 Revolution became a reality.Besides, the social change that it implied took into consideration all corners of society, including the people that had resisted change and war. Before the American Revolution, man was held as superior to another man. The British Empire was superior to the Colonies. The American Revolution changed that also by helping the slaves realize that they were equal to their masters in essence. After all, if the people of the Colonies could, as a whole, fight against the monarchy, the slaves too could eventually achieve their freedom. The idea of equality imposed through the Revolution was groundbreaking for the slaves.Eventually, they were able to become legally emancipated, when the United States abolished slavery for good. A vast number of slaves at the time of the American Revolution were Africans. Although they had achieved freedom in the United States, their children and grandchildren were to continue struggling against the racism that they felt was prevalent in society, long after the American Revolution. In point of fact, Africans experienced that the whites had a low opinion of them, and did not offer them the kinds of oppor tunities they deserved.Because of their ancestors’ experience through the American Revolution, however, the Africans were able to use the model of the American Revolution to continue struggling against the alleged superiority of man over another man. The struggle against racism has continued. Even today, Africans in America try to fight racism in one way or another. The Civil War has passed. And yet, the social change that the absolute end of racism would bring about is awaited. Already, it is a known fact in America thatAMERICAN REVOLUTION AND SOCIAL CHANGEPage # 5The African Americans are equal to the white Americans in essence, despite the fact that the latter had owned the Africans during another period of time. Yet another kind of social change brought about by the American Revolution was the change in the role of women. Before the American Revolution, women had contributed to the operation of agricultural farms and small businesses. However, they had seldom acquired ind ependent economic status.When the War of Independence started, the role of the women changed in that they were expected to take complete charge of businesses and farms in the absence of men. Furthermore, the republican ideas called for discussions on women’s rights, roles in society, as well as education. Eventually, women, too, were to achieve an equal role in society with men. Today, discrimination against women is against the law in America. This kind of social change is particularly helpful for society as a whole, given that women may now contribute equally with men to the economic growth of America.Some of the states of America, after the Revolution, changed their property and inheritance laws to allow women to inherit shares of estates and to exercise a certain level of control over property following marriage. Women no longer had to suffer after the deaths of the men in their lives. They could support themselves through inheritance. All the same, according to the Encyc lopedia Britannica, â€Å"the Revolution itself had only very gradual and diffused effects on women's ultimate status.Such changes as took place amounted to a fuller recognition of the importance of women as mothers of republican citizens rather than making them into independent citizens of equal political and civil status with men† (United States).AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND SOCIAL CHANGEPage # 6Once again, because the American Revolution introduced into the minds of all Americans the idea of equality between men, the issue of women’s rights erupted long after the American Revolution as well.Although the immediate effects on the status of women were seen to be little, the long term social change brought about by the American Revolution in terms of the role of women in society, is massive. Man could rise against a monarchy during the Revolution. In the case of the women of America, this idea meant that they no longer had to consider themselves subjected to men. As a matter of fact, the issue of women’s rights, like democracy, is discussed globally today. The American Revolution has, at least, some part to play in the social change that this issue implies for women around the world.Apparently, the people of America were satisfied with the social change brought about through the Revolution. If not, another revolution could have begun to introduce new norms and forms of social control. ‘Enough is enough’ remains the impetus to revolutions. But in the case of America, ‘so far so good’ appears to be the way the social changes have been perceived. In other words, the social changes brought about by the American Revolution have been seen as positive.AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND SOCIAL CHANGEPage # 7References1. â€Å"American Revolution. † (2007). Wikipedia. Retrieved from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/American_Revolution. (26 March 2007).2. Jameson, John Franklin. (1968). American Revolution Considered as a Social Moveme nt. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.3. â€Å"United States. † (2007). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www. britannica. com/eb/article-77713. (26 March 2007).

The Fight Against the Use of Animals for Laboratory Experiments Research Paper

The Fight Against the Use of Animals for Laboratory Experiments - Research Paper Example As of today, it is estimated that over 100 million animals are used every year worldwide for laboratory experiments. Several animal species are used such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, fish, birds, dogs, and primates (Animal Aid Youth Group 1), where 75% of these animals accounts for rodents and cold-blooded animals. Animal protection societies have two different views and approaches to vivisection. One is the abolitionist view which believes that animal experiments are ethically wrong. They are the people concerned of the welfare who try to improve the conditions and treatments of animals used in experiments. The two views may be deemed as different but looking closely to the ideals and visions of both will show that they are closely aligned with each other. Both groups support the three R's approach - Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. â€Å"Abolitionists would favor complete replacement, whereas welfarist would view reduction and refinement as steps along the way to co mplete replacement† (Yarri 194). ... This includes testing of animals on how memory works in the brain or on how to toxic substances affect the liver. Though some scientists believe that the fundamental research contributes indirectly to the advancement and development of active ingredients and therapies, anti-vivisectionist says that these finding are all overestimated (Animal Welfare Online). Next to fundamental research, the biomedical research accounts for the second largest area for animal research. The study specifically aims to study the prevention and treatment of diseases as well as the genetic and environmental factors related to disease and health. It is believed that human and veterinary medicine had relied on animal experimentation for its advancement at some degree. However, as the technology improved over the past decades an alternative in-vitro methods have been utilized such as using cell, tissues and organs culture have greatly reduced the need of biomedical research (ANZCCART Australia 11). Anti-vivis ectionists also believe that instead of focusing on the diagnosis and control of disease through biomedical research, scientists and researchers should focus more on preventative medicines and the promotion of healthier lifestyles – especially epidemiology, human clinical trials, and other alternatives (Animal Welfare Online). In addition, advancements in science had stimulated the increased growth in genetic engineering. This involves the modification of genes to produce transgenetic animals. The requirement for this research is highly extensive since one transgenetic individual would need around 150 to 200 animals of the same species in order to have a successful research. This method usually results to adverse effects in animals â€Å"such as development of

Traffic Gridlock in New York Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Traffic Gridlock in New York - Essay Example This letter will begin with the statement that as the traffic gridlock in New York continues to bring the city to a grinding halt every single day of the week, Mayor Bloomberg has done his best to try to solve the traffic situation. One of his traffic easement programs includes the building of more bicycle lanes in our city. There are currently 255 miles of additional bike lanes around the city. But it is little used because native New Yorkers are not aware of the bike lane program of the city. The researcher tells that he cannot help but feels saddened by the fact that New Yorkers continue to face daily gridlocks that adversely affect the local economy. The author feels even worse when he realizes that no amount of government programs will be able to help ease the situation because the government lacks the advertising and promotional skills to make sure that their bicycle programs get out the most number of New Yorkers. Although 66 percent of New Yorkers believe that the bicycle lan e is a good idea. It appears that not everyone in New York owns a bicycle. That is why the researcher was more than happy to learn about the Paris style Bike sharing network that the city is working towards implementing. Under the bike sharing network, even people who do not own a bicycle can participate by simply â€Å"renting† a bicycle at specific points within the city and then parking it at a similar terminal at their point of destination. With all of New York reeling under the rising costs of gasoline, the bike sharing idea does not sound like a bad thing.

Geographical Differentials Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Geographical Differentials - Research Paper Example Even a cursory overview of unemployment rates within the United States reveals the fact that unemployment is ultimately tied to a lack of infrastructure development, a lack of resources, and oftentimes a lack of educational achievement on the part of the individuals that live within a given region.   As such, the â€Å"why† and the â€Å"where† for unemployment within the United States can ultimately be answered through such an approach.  Ã‚   However, as was discussed within the introduction, the â€Å"what† of unemployment is perhaps the more effective question to answer. In seeking to answer the what of unemployment, the reader must focus upon the fact that unemployment in and of itself does not only mean a lack of opportunity, it also has a direct level of connotation with the lack of ability to engage in work. Through such an understanding, unemployment can also have the tangential definition of the physical and/or psychological unpreparedness of the ind ividual, or, in the worst case of all, a lack of motivation and/or laziness that prohibits them from engaging in useful work. Evidence of the way in which each of these factors can impact upon unemployment rates can be seen with regards to Elkhart, Indiana. Although it Elkhart, Indiana can oftentimes be understood as indicative of nearly any city within the United States, it is unique due to the fact that it has built its economy almost entirely upon the production of recreational vehicles; and industry that took one of the hardest and most definitive economic.

Location or existence of Atlantis Research Paper

Location or existence of Atlantis - Research Paper Example Whatever form these stories may take, they often invite debate, discussion, and controversy as scholars, historians, archaeologists, and academicians try to determine their merits. An example is the Epic of Gilgamesh that tells the story of the Great Flood, which is very eerily similar to the biblical stories of a similar deluge and the survival of a few people such as Noah and his Ark. This epic tells of the existence of a real king named Gilgamesh in the kingdom of Uruk in ancient Sumeria at around 2700 B.C.E. as proven by archaeologists. It so happened physical records of his ancient reign were found in ruins in today's modern Iraq. Another interesting epic is that of Saga of the Volsunga Clan which is partly based from the barbarian invasions during the so-called Great Migration Period (circa 400-800 A.D.) back in Central Europe when the Roman Empire was attacked by Goths, Vandals, Saxons, the Lombards, and Franks who were followed later on by the Vikings, Huns, Slavs, and Norman s. The Volsunga clan story may have been the basis of another more famous epic, which is the Epic of the Nibelungenlied of middle-high German period. This paper talks on a controversy that is not yet resolved satisfactorily, the existence and location of the lost world of Atlantis. Discussion (Section 2) The on-going controversy about Atlantis may never die down or eventually resolved because it is shrouded in mystery and obscurity. The absence of any physical evidence about its actual location or even its previous existence in history cannot be ascertained one hundred percent despite the best efforts of archaeologists and historians alike. However, Atlantis has an enduring attraction to some people who insist it had actually existed in human history while a few others also debunk this theory as far-fetched and a mere product of an active imagination. Whatever is the truth about Atlantis, various theories had been put forward by eminent people to advance their own beliefs about it a nd this paper examines five such theories. In particular, this brief essay discusses the merits of each theory while categorizing the theories into either belonging to the group which proves or disproves the very existence of a real Atlantis in the distant past. Before the probable location of Atlantis can be established, it is necessary to first determine whether Atlantis is real or not, which is decidedly a right way to discuss a topic as controversial as Atlantis. But before discussing its most likely location, it is extremely helpful to put things in context and perspective so a preliminary discussion is a necessity whether Atlantis is real or just a figment of imagination, a work of fiction, anything fantastical that was made up, invented, imagined, or fabricated by a brilliant mind. Atlantis comes from the Greek word meaning â€Å"an island of Atlas† as it was thought to be a gift given by the Greek gods to Poseidon. Atlas is one of titans in the Greek pantheon of mytho logy, the one usually seen carrying the Earth (depicted as a globe on his shoulders). Poseidon is one of the twelve gods on Mount Olympus whose domain was the oceans, and he is alternatively called as â€Å"God of the Sea† among ancient Greeks. The history or a story about Atlantis myth can be traced to Greek philosopher Plato who had used it in his stories. This is because Plato

The Nature of the Pharmaceutical Industry Assignment

The Nature of the Pharmaceutical Industry - Assignment Example I would ask them to give me the medications for now for the life of my loved one is in danger and will ask them to pay for it in installments. If they do not agree to this, I will have no other option besides breaking in and stealing the medicine, for the life of someone I love is in danger. At that particular time, I am not going to have any ethical consideration, because all that will be running in my mind would be saving the life of someone I love. I will be ready for the consequences of my actions because I am aware of the fact that what I would do is wrong and its result will not be in my favor but for the time being my initial goal will be nothing but saving someone’s life. I do not care if they will file a law suit against me for at that time my only priority will be saving the person I love. 2.  As the Chief Executive of a medicine supply business, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of my consumer. If the product has caused any sort of harm in the lives of the people who are purchasing our products, so it the responsibility of our firm to pay the damaged caused. In this case, it will be better to first fix the problem that exists in the product before it causes anymore damage to the customers. However it is also very important to give compensation to the customers for the deaths of their relatives or families. It seems that this action taken by the company will ruin its reputation and name in the eyes of its customers, which is not true at all of our firm to .