Revisiting American Indian Educational Experiences Essay

Revisiting American Indian Educational Experiences - Essay Example government and Christian missionary societies cooperated to "civilize," Christianize, and assimilate Indians. The books showed that despite the school’s attempt to â€Å"civilize† its students, it still failed to destroy the native children’s tribal identities. Yet it also managed to win many pupils to appreciate the English language and other academic skills. It was a â€Å"successful failure† as Traftzer et al put it because the children managed to keep their identities as native Indians despite the school’s oppressive policy to assimilate them yet they also learned the academics taught without â€Å"losing themselves (29). The book illustrated how culturally destructive boarding schools are to the natives and how it fosters elitism among them but it also highlighted the effort of the student’s to retain their sense of Indian identity that includes their native language that often necessitate resisting the discipline of which boarding schools impose. It showed the resolve of the students at boarding school to retain an identity that was purposely eroded through a policy of

Lord of the Flies by William Golding Essay Example for Free

Lord of the Flies by William Golding Essay Compare and Contrast the characters of Ralph and Jack and comment on their roles in the novel? Lord of the Flies is an allegory, a simple adventure story that also has deeper meaning. Golding uses the characters of Ralph and Jack to illustrate the battle between right and wrong within society. Both have dominant characters but use methods that contrast in many ways. They have different expectations of others and of the island itself, and have opposing priorities and objectives. It is necessary to examine their different character traits in detail, in order to understand how these influence the development of life on the island. At Jacks first appearance in the novel, we recognise him as a natural leader. Jack is the head of the choir and a strict disciplinarian. Choir! Stand still! However, throughout this encounter, he maintains control and dignity. Jack has complete confidence in his decisions. He cannot be accused of worrying people by being indecisive as he always has clear and definite opinions. I ought to be chief I can sing C sharp. However, his black cloak and red hair are hints of a dark and fiery side to his character. These were the main colours of the Nazi Party flag. Gradually we see Jack changing from an authoritarian leader into something much more ruthless, casting him as a type of Hitler. In contrast, Ralph first appears fun-loving and carefree, sounding like a typical public school boy, wacco wizard golly. He is excited at the prospect of an adventure at the beginning, not considering the implications of being alone and coping on the island, standing on his head when he does not know what to do. Forced at last to believe in the reality of the island, laughed delightedly again and stood on his head. Ralph is an instinctive person who has a tendency to rush into things before considering the consequences. This shows his immaturity. Ralph is therefore quite childish and naà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ve at times. Later in the novel Ralph looks back with regret at that first enthusiastic exploration as though it were part of a brighter childhood. Despite this, Ralph shows himself to be a strong character who often displays clear authority during the novel. He desires order, calling assemblies and using the conch, the symbol of democracy and civilisation, Ralph felt a kind of reverence for the conch. This shows Ralphs belief in democracy. He tries to treat people as equals, including characters like Piggy. He cares for others and is compassionate, especially to the littluns. Ralph also shows his assertiveness when dealing with Piggy, Better Piggy than Fatty, he said at last, with the directness of genuine leadership. He is also courageous confronting the tribe when they steal Piggys glasses calling Jack a beast and a swine and a bloody, bloody thief. Ralphs physical appearance also favours him. He is tall, agile, a good swimmer with a mildness about his mouth and eyes that proclaim no devil. This is a clear indication of Ralphs character. However, he does not convey as much confidence as Jack. Ralph can appear the weaker of the two by depending on Piggy for advice. This is probably because he has had no experience of leadership and therefore lacks confidence. Simon suggests Ralph needs to be firmer youre chief, you tell em off However Ralph could also be seen as open-minded. He is always prepared to listen to both sides of an argument without forcing his own opinions. Ralph has an optimistic character, never questioning that rescue will come. Ralph earns the respect of the boys and gains their trust. Jack rules through fear. It is a sign of Ralphs good judgement that he delegates responsibility and trusts Piggy, having respect for his advice. Although like everyone else he becomes more savage in order to survive, unlike Jack he does not take this to extremes. Ralph becomes aware of his filthy appearance with a little fall of his heart. After Simons death he says, Im frightened of us. In contrast, Jack becomes a good keen hunter and relishes this role. Increasingly he begins to adopt animal-like methods down like a sprinter as if he is ready to sniff out the scent. Jack can be very determined, and will persevere. At first, Jack is unable to kill the pig, but he shows promise of completing the task in hand I shall! Next time! Soon his obsession with killing the pig takes over and he can no longer keep his basic instincts under control. There are hints that Jack finds it harder to keep a clear head. Jack frowned in an effort to attain clarity, showing that he was beginning to lose concentration and control. Jack forgets about home and has no wish to get off the island. Soon, he has no priorities, other than to hunt and kill. Jack becomes increasingly tyrannical towards everyone. The longer the boys are on the island the worse he becomes. At first Jack targets most of his aggression at Piggy. This seems to be a coping mechanism when things are going wrong. Jack uses Piggy to vent his frustration physically. He seems to feel his only way of control is through violence. Jack shows himself to be a bully, and respect is not given to Jack voluntarily, he demands it. The reason why people obey him is through terror. His followers become known as the Tribe symbolising their loss of individual identity. As Jacks dictatorial style develops he shows himself to be very narrow-minded and expects people never to question him. He will not listen to anyones opinion. Bollocks to the rules! the phrase Jack uses to dismiss democracy. From the beginning, Jack is consistently rude to Piggy. He is a very judgmental person, and he takes Piggy at face value. Jack does not look for the best or show any sign of accepting people for who they are. He has no consideration for peoples feelings. Eventually any suggestions given to Jack are taken as a threat. Jack shows no remorse. A good example of this is the incident concerning the fire. The fire is the symbol of safety and of destruction of power and of hope. The Hunters whom Jack leads can be viewed in the same way. A symbol of safety when obtaining food, but of destruction when blindly killing. By neglecting the fire, Jack shows himself to be unreliable, forsaking the group in favour of his own interests and priorities. He does not admit to being at fault or apologise, but retaliates with aggression. It is easy to understand why Jack is viewed as the obvious leader. He came to the island with experience of holding a responsible position. Ralph, however, has a more spontaneous approach. He is less rigid and seems able to adapt to the changing circumstances. Throughout their time on the island we see Jack and Ralph changing due to their environment and the pressures which they face. Often Ralph rises to the challenge with fairness and clear thinking, but the weight of responsibility causes extreme stress. A strange thing happened in his head. Something flittered there in front of his mind like a bats wing, obscuring his idea. Jack however becomes increasingly violent and degenerates into an overpowering dictator. Lord of the Flies was written by Golding to highlight some of the relevant issues of the day. Published in 1954, there was a strong worldwide movement against dictators and fascism following the Second World War. The division between Ralph and Jack highlights the gulf between good and evil, two continents of experience and feeling, unable to communicate. Jacks role symbolises fallen mankind, degenerating as the novel progresses into ultimate sin and savagery. Ralph also becomes aware of the darkness of mans heart. Ralphs failure to maintain democracy symbolises mankinds failure to deal with our own sinful natures. Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of mans heart and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.

Essay --

Drew Foster Foster 1 Mrs. Bueno Honors English 14 December 2013 Darrin M. Mcmahon the author of the article, â€Å"In Pursuit of Unhappiness†, was born in 1963. Darrin broke out of the order of saying â€Å"Happy New Year!† and realized they are only expected words that are said without any meaning behind them. Even around the holidays where people are expected to be happy, they think the words â€Å"Happy New Year!† are just words that are supposed to be said. If you think about the words â€Å"Happy New Year†, year does not only mean one day, so the words are meant to wish a whole year of happiness. But instead, people just reserve their happiness only for the holidays. John Stuart Mill, Carlyle's long-time rival who are both philosophers makes a valid statement about those who have their focus set on something other than happiness are only happy. For example, setting your goal on being happy is risking being happy, because when you don't achieve it you lose even more happiness. Thomas Carlyle and John Stuart Mill both have similar concepts on happiness. Carlyle, who is a Scottish Philosopher, notices the wrong idea of religion before 17th century. Many disregarded the ideas of religion that put misery into their lives, but some people recognized God's care very satisfying. Earthly satisfaction, McMahon states, was an attempt to bring heavenly felicity down to the earth. This religious change was to replace the feeling of misery with happiness. John Stuart Mill, who is an English philosopher, explains another way of achieving happiness based off of his personal experience. After suffering from a d... ...for such books is a strong indication that they aren’t working.† Setting your goal and being determined or even being desperate to find happiness is dangerous and is risking your happiness. If and when you do not achieve happiness, you lose all of it and even become unhappy. Focus your mind on something other than your own happiness and you will achieve true happiness. Darrin M. McMahon says to â€Å"...Have dinner with your family or walk in the park with friends...put in some good hours t the office or at your favorite charity, temple or church. Work on your jump shot or your child’s model trains. With luck, you’ll find happiness by the by.† So instead of saying â€Å"Happy New Year†, Darrin M. McMahon says â€Å"‘Don’t have a happy new year!’†, because â€Å"Those only are happy who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness† says John Stuart Mill.

Examine the different ways in which ‘good’ is used in meta-ethics Essay

a) â€Å"Examine the different ways in which ‘good’ is used in meta-ethics.† Meta-ethics is the study of the meaning of moral language. It describes presuppositions and language of morality. There are a number of different ethical theories for the meaning of good used in meta-ethics. The four main headings under which most acceptable theories can fit under in some shape or form. These are Ethical Naturalism (or Definism), Intuitionism, Emotivism and Presciptivism. Definism theory states that all ethical statements are similar to non-ethical statements and can, therefore, be approached in the same way. In the same way that we can verify a scientific fact, ethical naturalism theory states that we can verify an ethical statement. They are both prepositional. Definism states that ethical statements are just a type of short hand for more complex propositions. So therefore, in terms of Ethical Naturalism, if I were to use the term ‘good’ in a number of examples, it would just be a ‘summary’ word to sum up all the other words I wish to have incorporated into my sentence. For example, in the sentence: â€Å"I am good at football,† the word good is used to mean ‘skilled’ or ‘talented.’ This does not mean that ‘good’ means ‘skilled’ or ‘talented’, but simply that both of these words are incorporated in the single use of ‘good.’ In another sentence, ‘good’ could be used as a short hand for a completely different set of words. In the sentence, â€Å"It is good to see you,† ‘good’ is used to mean ‘pleasant’, ‘nice’ or ‘heart warming.’ Again this does not mean that ‘good’ means ‘pleasant’ or ‘nice’, but simply that both these words are incorporated in the single use of ‘good.’ A contradictory theory to Definism is Intuitionism. Intuitionism states that ‘good’ is indefinable. Intuitionism also holds that basic moral truths are objective and stand independently of what people my fell or think. Intuitionism holds that we should pick out our moral principles through what we think or feel. There is no definition of good that can always hold true. For example, if someone were to define good as ‘pleasing’, an Intuitionist would respond by pointing out that not all pleasing things are good. A similar theory to Intuitionism is Emotivism. An Emotivist believes that moral judgements simply express our feelings on a subject. If someone were to claim something was ‘good’, an Emotivist would see this as an emotional exclamation, not a truth claim, and would take it to mean that the person approves of the thing/action/person etc. Another fairly similar theory is Prescriptivism. Prescriptivists believe that in using moral language such as ‘good/bad’ or ‘right/wrong,’ we are simply prescribing our opinions. In other words were are saying, ‘do this, and let everyone do the same in the same situation.’ Therefore, if someone were to say ‘giving to charity is good,’ what he or she is really saying is ‘you ought to give to charity.’ This again, means that ‘good’ not used as a universal truth, but in this case it is used as a universal prescription. In summary: in Definism, the term ‘good’ is simply a ‘short hand’ for more complex propositions that apply to that particular example. In Intuitionism holds that good in indefinable and therefore has no universal meaning. Emotivists believe when we use the term ‘good or make other moral judgements, we are simply expressing our feelings. So, therefore, if I say something is ‘good,’ this is simply an exclamation and therefore cannot be true or false and cannot be reasoned upon. Lastly, Prescriptivism holds that when we say something is ‘good’ we are prescribing a particular opinion and making it known to other that we feel they should do the same. b) â€Å"Anything people approve of must be good. Discuss†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The response to this question depends on how we define the term ‘good.’ Can we loosely define ‘good’ as moralistic? There is a common theory that believes that our morals our simply a product of our culture and background. Therefore, there will be different moral codes in different societies. If each individual society has equal validity, it must be agreed that there can be no universal moral code. This theory is called Cultural Relativism. Cultural Relativism therefore holds that ‘good’ means ‘socially approved.’ Therefore if we rearrange the above statement, replacing the word ‘good’ with the Cultural Relativist’s definition, we find ourselves looking at a slightly odd sentence which looks as follows: â€Å"Anything that people approve of must be socially approved†. Now there are two ways to interpret this sentence. The first would be to question the number of people included in the generalization of the word ‘people.’ If the sentence is intended to mean, â€Å"if anybody approves of something, it must be socially approved†, then the statement is not true. However, we can also take the sentence to mean, â€Å"If the majority of people within a society approve of something, then it is said to be socially approved.† If we swap ‘good’ back into the sentence we end up with a statement that looks like this: † if the majority of people within a society approve of something then it is good.† Thus we have formed the central principle of Cultural relativism. In terms of the other theories that define ‘good’, only one can be applied. Definism would argue that the statement is simply a short hand for more complex propositions. So in this case, ‘good’ is used to mean ‘beneficial’ or ‘correct.’ Since this is possibly true, Ethical naturalists would have a fairly strong argument here. Emotivism, Intuitionism or Prescriptivism cannot really apply here as they are all subjective and based on opinion and in this case good cannot be used an exclamation of opinion.

Judaism and Collaboration Assessment Guide

Collaboration Assessment Guide Please complete this guide and submit it with your evidence to the collaboration assessment. Part One: Team Evaluation Rate your team according to each of the performance criteria below. Consider the work of all members, including you. Use the comment area to explain your rating. 3=Always Rating for You: 2=Usually 1 -?Sometimes 0=Never Criteria: Rating for the Team: Comments: Listened to others 3 They listened to what everyone had to say Showed respect for others' opinionsEven if one of us did not like an opinion, we still respected it Completed assigned duties We all completed the assigned parts Participated in discussions We had great discussions Attended meetings on time We were all on time Stayed on task We didn't get off task Completed high-quality work 2 I did research Completed work on time We completed it on the date we agreed on Part Two: Reflection Respond to the following questions with two to three sentences each. What collaboration task did your group complete? The collaboration task that my group completed was the â€Å"stolen girls† and the Jews in concentration camps.They have a few similarities such as, racism and they are both being prejudice. Describe your specific contribution to the group's final product. The specific contribution to our final product was comparing the stolen girl and Jews in concentration camps. We finished it within a reasonable amount of time. What did you enjoy most about working with others on this lesson/task? Explain. What I enjoyed most about working with others on this task was the team work we put into the project. Also, how we all got along and it all worked out smoothly. How did your team deal with conflict?Explain. We did not have any conflicts while we worked on our project. We had a god time working together. Do you feel others were happy with your participation in the lesson/task? Explain. I do indeed feel like others were happy with my participation on the project. In m y opinion, I did all I had to do to be a great worker. What will you do differently, if anything, in your next online collaboration opportunity?

An Analysis of Dranove’s The Economic Evolution of American Healthcare Essay Example

An Analysis of Dranove’s The Economic Evolution of American Healthcare Essay Example An Analysis of Dranove’s The Economic Evolution of American Healthcare Paper An Analysis of Dranove’s The Economic Evolution of American Healthcare Paper The Economic Evolution of American Health Care: from Marcus Welby to managed care was written by David Dranove. The book, published in 2002, was written to explore the history of health care in America and outline the changes that occurred beginning from the traditional health care practice that Dranove called as â€Å"Marcus Welby medicine† to the more modern managed care, all from the economic perspective. The paper covers a brief summary of the chapters and points made by Dranove and critical analysis with close attention to highlighting the main arguments of Dranove. Among the various points emphasized by Dranove in the book, the paper will discuss three ideas: the importance of trust in the patient-physician relationship, the valuable role of managed care in increasing access to health care services, and the means to ensure that managed care organizations deliver quality health care services and do not take advantage of Brief Summary The first chapter, The Rise of Managed Care, discussed traditional health care as portrayed in a television show Marcus Welby, M.D. The television show became popular in the 1960s and was about Marcus Welby, a primary care physician or PCP. The Marcus Welby medicine placed the physician as â€Å"the center of a medical care system† (p. 7). The physician manages an independent medical clinic, does house calls, make referrals, and make important decisions in the hospital setting. In traditional health care, the physician was instilled the right to make autonomous decisions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After several decades, however, managed care was introduced and the physician was displaced as the policy and decision-maker. Dranove called managed care as â€Å"dispassionate and depersonalized†. The close and personal relationship between the physician and the patient was less prioritized and managed care organizations or MCOs became key policy and decision-makers. At this point, Dranove highlighted the shopping problem. The shopping problem caused a dilemma on the part of individuals who are unsure from where to seek medical care. In traditional health care, patients rely entirely on the decisions, advises, and referrals of the physician,   until managed care stepped in and   the commercialization of health products and services made health care a shopping culture that creates problems for patients, also considered as consumers. In the second and third chapters, The Origins of Managed Care and The Government Steps In respectively, Dranove discussed how managed care began especially the various factors that transformed the traditional health care system to a modern and economic-centered one. Managed care began as an outcome of traditional health care. Managed care organizations or MCOs became the middlemen between physicians and patients, consequently solving the shopping problem and issues concerning costly health care services. MCOs identified the needs of patients and fulfilled the responsibility of selecting health care services for them while promising cut rates to lower cost. The second part of the book talks about the modern health economy, primarily in the 20th century. The 5th, 6th, and 7th chapters of part two introduced very important details that stressed the advantages but most importantly the disadvantages of MCOs and why there is a need to address them. The modern health economy, according to Dranove, may have offered the American people accessible health care services primarily from health insurances, but the problem with managed care is the quality of services being provided by MCOs, the cost that individuals are paying for these services, and the depersonalization of business. The American people have already lost their trust on MCOs. In the remaining chapters of the book, Dranove (2002) discussed some important points about managed care and introduced several ways in order to address the problems and disadvantages of managed care. The Patient-Physician Relationship One of the most important issues that Dranove pointed out was the importance of developing a desirable patient-physician relationship. More than once, Dranove mentioned that the transition from traditional health care to managed care has led to the depersonalization of health care services. Furthermore, the negative side of managed care has caused the American people to lose their trust on the health care system. Most individuals believe that the health of the American people is not the first priority of MCOs. In fact, MCOs have created a new health care system where individuals needed to rely on the decisions of MCOs and simply choose from the goods and services that MCOs have to offer. The argument of Dranove is agreeable but the current health care system, and even the traditional health care system, cannot address trust issues. The Marcus Webley medicine did gained the trust of people. The relationship between the physician and the patient was ideal. The patient goes to a trusted physician and relied on him for advice, referrals, and recommendations. The physician, on the other hand, was hands-on and attentive to the needs of patients. As Dranove described it, the physician was the center of the health care system. The physician is also the center of the patient’s health. Dranove described the relationship between the physician and the patient as something that should be built on trust. Dranove quoted James Coleman, â€Å"in which the risk one takes depends on the performance of another actor† (p. 14). Patient trust also comes in different forms: 1. Trust that providers will act unselfishly, putting patients’ interests above their own; 2. Trust that providers have the technical competence necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment; and 3. Trust that providers can control and coordinate the resources necessary to deliver quality care. Patients entrust their lives to the hands of physicians and the latter should respond to the patients’ trust by providing them the best quality care. According to Dranove, the best advantage of the Marcus Welby medicine is that physicians value the trust that patients give them and provide the best possible quality of health care to them. â€Å"But the great advantage of the traditional health economy was that economics never stood in the way of quality† (p. 84) The problem, however, is the cost of health care services then. Being independent physicians who were in charge of almost everything, the cost of services asked of patients was too high. According to Dranove, from the 1960s until the early 1990s, health care was what Dranove the economy of the United States. The high cost of health care services became the primary source of revenue in the country, but on the contrary, limited access to these services. Health care services should be for all, as is the goal of the US government when it comes to health policies. Expensive health care services mean that not everyone will be able to afford health care. Readings of other books support this idea. The discussion by Brannon Feist (2009) on health care covered the ideas that Dranove discussed and I agree with, that expensive health care means limited access to it. â€Å"The cost of health care prevents many people from receiving proper treatment and care† (p. 59).

Creative Writing on Inception and the Bechdel Test

Creative Writing on Inception and the Bechdel Test Creative Writing on Inception and the Bechdel Test: The film industry has been accused of being gender biased, with most of the movies produced being dubbed as being distinctively misogynistic. Accordingly, critics such as Allison Bechdel, have identified a need for the creation of films whereby the female characters are not limited to the role of supporters for their male counterparts. Evidently, most movies, both past and present have failed in the achievement of this. More movies, even the award-winning films, continue to be produced without a gender consideration, with most putting the male characters on a pedestal and the women at the bottom. However, some films such as Wanted and Salt, have a female as the lead character illustrating the lengths to which Hollywood producers are willing to change the trends in film production. In her argument regarding gender bias, Allison Bechdel argues that reduction of gender bias in films goes beyond giving women lead roles. She explains that the number of women, their relationship with each other, as well as, their conversations have play a major role in determining whether a film is gender biased or not. Fundamentally, Bechdel introduces the idea of the Bechdel test to determine the level of gender bias in a particular film or movie (bechdeltest.com 1a). This test consists of three main components including the need for having two or more female characters in the film, having these females engage in a conversation, and the exclusion of men in the conversation. Put simply, the Bechdel test demands that a film have two or more female characters who talk to each other about issues other than men. Interestingly, many movies have failed this test at one point or the other (bechdeltest.com 1a). Movies may have many female characters but they do not engage in any conversation with each other, and when they do, the conversation revolves around a man. One such movie that has failed the Bechdel test is Inception by Christopher Nolan. As critics would argue, this movie has passed the first two requirements of the Bechdel test, failing to attain the third requirement (bechdeltest.com 1b). The movie has two female characters namely Ariadne, graduate student and Mallorie, Cobb’s deceased wife. Though these two characters meet with each other about three times throughout the movie, they engage in only one conversation. The conversation, which is the basis of the third requirement of the Bechdel test, is about love, which, when considered from a relative interpretation of the film, the conversation was about Cobbs (bechdeltest.com 1b). The above is the most basic and accepted analysis of the movie based on the Bechdel test. However, if one was to look examine the movie from a different dimension, it is evident that the movie may have failed the Bechdel test in other ways. For example, between the two female characters, only one is a real person, the other is just a figment of imagination. Based on the theme and the context of the movie, we cannot be sure whether, Mallorie, who is the imagined character, is in reality a female. Secondly, because Mallorie was a figment of Cobbs imagination, then it would be justified to assume that the conversation between Ariadne and Mallorie was actually a conversation between Cobbs and Ariadne. The complexity of the movie makes it even harder to decipher in terms of the Bechdel test, but one thing is certain, Inception, fails the Bechdel test of gender bias. Having established that the movie, Inception, fails the Bechdel test, this paper explains how the relative absence of multi-dimensional female characters influences the film’s understanding of men and women. Effects of the Absence of Multi-Dimensional Female Characters As observed in the film, there are only two main female characters, who, upon a closer examination, may have been used symbolically to bring out a message concerning the relationship between men and women (wordpress.com 1). At the outset, the two female characters embrace names that are symbolic to society. Ariadne, for example, is the name of the Greek princess who assisted the hero Theseus in navigating the labyrinth, the prison of the Minotaur. Ariadne embraces a similar role in the movie, as she is chosen to help cobs create the mazes, which he intends to use in infiltrating people’s dreams. Here, the female is seen as a male aide, for the achievement of his goals and desires. Her recruitment into the team shows that she is needed for the task to be completed, but expectedly, she does not play a minor role in this. Observably, her role as the architect is considered the main role in the movie, for it is only after she constructs the mazes that the team can be able to infil trate the dreams. From this, one can conclude that the women play the role of helper in male-female relationships. Additionally, Ariadne also reveals her manipulative side by making Cobbs open up to her, and then using the information gathered to influence his actions into what she wants (wordpress.com 1). With this, the audience is exposed to the manipulative character of women in their relationships with men, and how they use men’s personal issues to achieve this. Mallorie’s role in the movie, on the other hand, is the total opposite of that of Ariadne. This is because her role has a feel of sabotage, and she is the only character whose role was to stop Cobbs from achieving his mission. Her role as a woman is quite complex as she is brought out as both a positive character and influence on Cobbs, as well as, a negative character. In relation to her positive attributes, Mallorie’s activities can be translated as protecting Cobbs, as well as, his victims form himself. She is well aware of the destructive nature of dream infiltration, and for that reason, she is committed to preventing Coobs and his victims from the effects of this (wordpress.com 1). Here the role of the woman in male-female relationships is one of a protector, as well as, that of a passive guide. Both women try to directly and indirectly guide Cobbs throughout the mission. While Ariadne might have been guiding him towards the completion of the mission, Mallorie gui des Cobbs towards the realization of his vices. Because Mallorie is out to sabotage Cobbs activities, it is evident that she embraces a negative role as a woman. She will do anything to prevent Cobbs from completing his mission, even if it means killing his victims during the dream so that they fall back into reality (Fisher 37). Obliquely, we see how women may or may not prevent a man from achieving his goals and ambitions. Women are depicted as a distraction, to the achievement of both personal and professional goals, something that men may agree to undoubtedly. Just as Ariadne and Mallorie are used to bring out the role of women in relationships, Cobbs is also used to bring out the role of the man. For example, the fact that Mallorie is a figment of his imagination, and he managed to infiltrate her thought to the point where she committed suicide, it is evident that men are a tad bit controlling. Evidently, Cobbs loves controlling others, in fact he enjoys controlling other so much that he has made it his career (Fisher 39). The women are not receptive to the idea of being controlled, with one woman committing suicide nd killing others as a way of refusing control, whereas the other tries to attain that control and instead control the male. This inherently exposes the nature of male-female relationships, which is characterized by the need for control. Both men and women wish to have control over each other, and they will do almost anything to attain this. Conclusively, in addition to illustrating the relationship between men and women, the absence of multi-dimensional female characters is also used to bring out the male-male impassive relationships. The relationship between the males in the film is that of business and nothing more. Apart from the relationship between father and son, which appears to be slightly emotional, the rest of the male-male relationships are purely work related. They all have a mission that they intend to take on to the end, and each male has a specific input in the movie that is of minimal emotional nature. The absence of multi-dimensional female characters in the film reveals plenty of things regarding the relationship between men and women. However, one thing can be learned from this film, a woman is a man’s helper and guide.

The Philosophy of Avenue Q Lyrics - An Analysis

The Philosophy of Avenue Q Lyrics - An Analysis Avenue Q Lyrics - The Philosophy of Avenue Q Lyrics During a recent visit to London, I wandered through Covent Garden on my way to watch a West End production of Avenue Q. While passing various shops and street performers I spotted a large plaque placed on the walls outside of St. Pauls church. It was here, said the sign, that the famous Punch and Judy Shows were performed during the 1600s. Thats right, Shakespeares plays had to compete with puppet shows. In traditional Punch and Judy shows, the anti-hero Punch insults, pesters, and beats his fellow characters, much to the delight of the audience. The Punch and Judy shows were a glorious display of political incorrectness. Today, the tradition of puppets delivering obnoxiousness and social commentary continues with Avenue Q. The Origin of Avenue Q Avenue Qs music and lyrics were created by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. The two young composers met in the late 90s while involved in the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop. Together they have written songs for Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel. However, they wanted to create a puppet-friendly show that was strictly for adults. With the help of playwright Jeff Whitty and director Jason Moore, Avenue Q was born - and has been a hit Broadway show since 2003. Sesame Street for Grown Ups Avenue Q could not exist without Sesame Street, the long running childrens show that teaches kids letters, numbers, and practical life-lessons. The premise of Avenue Q is that adolescents grow up without learning the truth of adult life. Like the puppet protagonist Princeton, many new grown-ups experience anxiety and confusion when entering the Real World. Here are some of the lessons offered by Avenue Q: School / College Does Not Prepare You for Real Life With songs like What Do You Do with a B. A. in English? and I Wish I Could Go Back to College, Avenue Q lyrics portray higher education as an extended stay in the carefree Land of Adolescence. Princetons main conflict is that he is drifting through life, trying to discover his true purpose. One would hope that college would establish this sense of purpose (or at least a sense of self-sufficiency), but the puppet croons to the contrary: I cant pay the bills yet / Cause I have no skills yet. / The world is a big scary place. The ensemble of characters, both human and monster, wistfully recall the days when they lived in a dormitory with a meal plan, a time when if things got too difficult they could just drop a class or seek an academic advisors guidance. This criticism of the education system is nothing new. Philosopher John Dewey believed that public education should proactively prepare students with useful critical thinking skills rather than just facts from books. Modern day critics such as John Taylor Gatto further explore the failures of compulsory learning; his book Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling explains why many people feel the same social / intellectual impotence expressed within Avenue Qs lyrics. The Freedom to Find Our Own Purpose Princeton decides that he should seek his purpose in life. At first his quest for meaning is guided by superstition. He finds a penny from the year he was born and considers it a supernatural sign. However, after a couple a false-start relationships and a dead-end job or two, he realizes that discovering ones purpose and identity is a difficult, never-ending process (but an invigorating process if one chooses to make it so). Steering away from lucky pennies and mystical signs, he becomes more self-reliant by the musicals conclusion. Princetons resolution to find his own path would be smiled upon by existential philosophers. The main component of existentialism is the assumption that humans are free to determine their own sense of personal fulfillment. They are not bound by Gods, destiny, or biology. When Princeton laments, I dont even know why Im alive, his girlfriend Kate Monster replies, Who does, really? A rather existential response. There Are No Selfless Deeds Perhaps there are good deeds, according to Avenue Q, but there seem to be no purely selfless deeds. When Princeton decides to generate money for Kates School for Monsters, he does so because it feels good to help others†¦ and he also hopes to win her back, thereby rewarding himself. The lyrics from Avenue Qs Money Song explain, Every time you do good deeds / Youre also serving your own needs. / When you help others / You cant help helping yourself. This bit of wisdom would please Ayn Rand, author of controversial classics such as Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. Rands concept of objectivism which specifies that ones purpose should be the pursuit of happiness and self-interest. Therefore, Princeton and the other characters are morally justified in performing good deeds, so long as they do so for their own benefit. Schadenfreude: Happiness at the Misfortune of Others If youve ever felt better about your life after watching the miserable guests on a Jerry Springer re-run, then youve probably experienced schadenfreude. One of the Avenue Q characters is Gary Coleman, a real-life child star whose millions were squandered by his irresponsible family. In the show, Coleman explains that his personal tragedies make others feel good. Ironically, it becomes a virtue (or at least a public service) to be a wretched failure or a victim of calamity. (This by the way would would be frowned upon by Ayn Rand). Characters such as Coleman and the recently homeless puppet, Nicky, improve the self-esteem of the mediocre masses. Basically, these lyrics make you feel better about being a loser! Tolerance and Racism Avenue Q Heterosexual puppet Nicky tries to help the sexually repressed puppet Rod come out of the closet. He sings, â€Å"If you were queer / I’d still be here / Year after year / Because You’re Dear To Me.† A bit more devious (in a good way) is the song â€Å"Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist.† During this number, the characters proclaim that â€Å"everyone makes judgments based on race,† and that if we accepted this â€Å"sad but true† premise society could â€Å"live in harmony.† The song’s argument might be specious, but the audience’s self-deprecating laughter throughout the musical number is very telling. Everything in Life Is Only For Now Recently, â€Å"spiritual† books such as Eckhart Tolle’s have been asking readers to focus on the present, to embrace â€Å"The Power of Now.† (I wonder†¦ Does this message anger historians?) In any case, this currently popular concept stems from ancient times. Buddhists have long since explained the impermanence of existence. Avenue Q follows the Buddhist path in its final song, â€Å"For Now.† These cheerful Avenue Q lyrics remind the audience that all things must pass: â€Å"Each time you smile / It’ll only last a while.† â€Å"Life may be scary / But it’s only temporary.† In the end, despite its zaniness and crude jokes, Avenue Q delivers a sincere philosophy: We must appreciate the joys and endure the sadness we currently experience, and acknowledge that all is fleeting, a lesson that makes life seem all the more precious. Why Puppets? Why use puppets to deliver the message? Robert Lopez explained in a New York Times interview, â€Å"Theres something about our generation that resists actors bursting into song on the stage. But when puppets do it, we believe it.† Whether it’s Punch and Judy, Kermit the Frog, the cast of Avenue Q, puppets make us laugh. And while we are laughing, we usually wind up learning at the same time. If a regular human were on stage singing a preachy song, many folks would probably ignore the message. But when a muppet talks, people listen. The creators of Mystery Science Theater 3000 once explained that, â€Å"You can say things as a puppet that you can’t get away with as a human.† That was true for MST3K. It was true for the Muppets. It was true for the bombastically cruel Punch, and it is eloquently true for the ever-insightful show Avenue Q.

TUI Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

TUI Case Study - Essay Example Transforming the business from this area to a radically-different model, tourism, requires significant changes at the strategic level. This project describes the transformation from Preussag to TUI and suggests different styles available to manage this large-scale business model change. Employees who worked under Preussag were likely used to functioning in a business environment which was product-focused rather than customer- or marketing-focused primarily. Industrial business segments, such as mining and plant construction, require workers and managers to deal with issues of process improvements and working with foreign legislators to conduct international business. The tourism industry, on the other hand, is a very customer-focused organisation requiring a business to take a strong customer service and marketing focus in order to differentiate service variety from that of competition. Taking a culture built on efficiency and product-focus and expecting excellence in customer service (where little previously existed on the consumer level) requires a readjustment of internal corporate culture. At the senior executive level, the key to changing values in the business is constructing a new mission statement for the newly-transformed business which clearly and explicitly states the new customer focus expectations. The mission statement provides a sense of purpose among the entire organisational staff and, through senior-level expression and modeling of these behaviours, a business can begin the strategic transformation from product- to customer-oriented business activities. TUI accomplished this with a mission of â€Å"Putting a smile on people’s faces† (Interbrand, 2006). Though the mission statement, to its credit, can establish the foundation of what drives the business forward and its long-term goals for customer satisfaction, it does little in terms of enforcing compliance and ensuring that all

The Legalization Of Genetically Choosing The Feature of Child Research Paper

The Legalization Of Genetically Choosing The Feature of Child - Research Paper Example It is therefore not a new striking issue to finally end up with concern about the legalization of genetically choosing the feature of one’s own child. This is due to the fact that humans aim at improving ways in order to eliminate various negative health concerns of the humanity. One substantial proof is the ongoing studies or research and implementation of stem cells technology which at some point is aimed at trying to combat various hereditary defects and even future diseases in humans. Genetically choosing the feature of a child would make sense after all. These studies in addressing human health concerns are essentials for the human survival, but the actual implementation of their results may probably pose significant challenges and disadvantages that at some point may only be beneficial for the powerful few. At this point, I will state the promises or advantages of genetically choosing the feature of a child based on the results of genetic modifications in various animals , plants, and organisms (Reuter et al. 989; Kim et al. 534; Jang et al. 2011; Kilic and Akay 1164). The study of Reuter et al is about identifying the importance of herbicide resistant plant which the bottom line has a significant implication on protecting the environment in a wide scale. Kim et al’s research aims at understanding the therapeutic effects of genetically modified neural stem cells which found remarkable evidence of future advantage. The investigation of Jang et al has positive implications on the advantages of genetic modification on mass production of agricultural products. Finally, Kilic and Akay investigated the potential effect of transgenic crop (Bt corn) on health, but found no substantial evidence on rats. Based on the above evidences and results of different mentioned studies, there is a remarkable reason to believe that genetic modification of child’s character would also lead to success and substantial benefits especially in eradicating those h armful features causing negative impacts on human health and survival in general. I plan to point out that although there are remarkable advantages in genetic modification, its main application should only be confined and limited to plants, animals and organisms but not on humans. SUBCLAIMS: The issue about genetic modification is so complex that it is not only confined in purely scientific concerns but it involves the whole aspects of humanity. Thus, among the most important issues that are integrated in genetic modifications are social, political and economic. 1. Choosing a feature of a child via genetic modification is a great social concern. a. In here, I would include studies claiming that genetic modifications have significant benefits for the humanity which leads to positive acceptance of it. b. Particularly, I would employ the study of Guehlstorf and Hallstrom on â€Å"The role of culture in risk regulations: a comparative case study of genetically modified corn in the Unit ed States of America and European Union.†. This specifically points out the different stand of the US and European nations on genetic modification. For example, the stand of Germany on genetic modification (Christoph, Bruhn and Roosen, â€Å"Knowledge, attitudes towards and acceptability of genetic modification in Germany.†). c. I would specifically point out that the varying stand on genetic modification is a bottom line issue in line with social concern. In here, I would emphasize that due to different perspectives in looking at genetic

Seneca, On the Shortness of Time Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Seneca, On the Shortness of Time - Essay Example We understand the value of life through living. Those who delay and linger will always waste their time thinking about the future and not the present. In life, many people start living when their end is near. Long life is not guaranteed by chronological age. This only reminds us that one exists for a very long time. This is compared to the man whose ship has failed to sink but hit in a storm and later tossed by waves in circles. Such kind of a man usually thinks that he has traveled for a long way while in the real sense he has just been going in waves. These kinds of people realize how time passes quickly during their mortal danger. During this dangerous moment, they try their level best to use money to lengthen their lives. In other situations such kind of people uses their time as if it is a commodity which can be easily replaced any moment. Due to the fast movement of time, many people have been mistaken by thinking that it is very easy to postpone the preparations for the coming old age. This is why most people arrive as children at old age. According to the Seneca, life comprises three parts: â€Å"what will be, what is now and what has been†. The past is the only secure part as it is outside control of fate and it cannot be easily hurt. Furthermore, Seneca implies that, ‘what is’ means that the present is short and passing. Thus, if a man occupies himself he will actually have no extra time for mental tranquility. Life is desperate for those who kept piling more riches, power and earthly pleasures and those who wasted time on superfluous matters. These people cheat time through lies and harmful behaviors and always cling towards illusionary youthful images. Thereafter, they wail because they claim their unaccomplished life as they lacked time to enjoy the fruits from their efforts and enjoy their dreams. In contrary, the wise time users are ever willing to march towards the end of their life. They live more years in religious creation,

Great Depression Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Great Depression - Thesis Example It led to lower production of staple and cash crop food like wheat, which led to low income2. Misuse of land by farmers caused soil erosion by wind storms; plagues of grasshoppers invaded their wheat and caused massive losses. It caused migration of civilians in other parts of the country, which had not been hit hard (Atlantic and southern parts). Production industries and companies: they had to reduce production, especially farm inputs, this led to dropping off of employees hence rising unemployment, few people considered luxury items therefore affecting industries producing such appliances for example cars3. Other parts of Ontario and Quebec went through unemployment since mining and forest tourists had dropped. For British Columbia province, which majors in horticulture encountered an economic downfall due to low demand hence workers were laid off. The Newfoundland province had to ask for government help for the crisis (Wiegand, 254). Very few wealthy citizens benefited from the depression since they acquired property due to the low value and cheap prices and later sold it at higher rates. In addition, few big industries capitalized on the chance of depression since they didn’t have to pay wages as many workers were dismissed. Political instability: A lot of pressure from the economy and citizens, the whole country faced to politics to try to save the situation, they overthrew the past political parties and brought in liberals lawyer Richard Bennett hoping to bring a

Social Life in Popular Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Social Life in Popular Music - Essay Example Actually, certain rock and blues songs gained popularity in certain epochs. So, being popular is not just being meaningless or pop. In fact, in a given period of time and in certain circumstances popularity is gained by representatives of different musical genres. Consequently, it can be noticed that popular music is determined by consumerism and dynamic and cannot be limited by the genre of pop. Furthermore, several examples of political nature of popular music are analyzed. Firstly, the question of identity and music is risen. In terms of creation certain subcultures such a music power is clearly noticed. In fact, it is a special environment which surrounds a certain genre of music and unites a certain self-identification with the society. In particular, it can be seen in the way popular music creates ideals for them and encourages to change the world. Moreover, it is evident that for some people being a music fan is more important than their ethnicity or gender. Thus, the nature of popular music is deeply political. Then, the very ability to transform one’s self-identification in the society is transcended on the global level. Here, world music charts are surely supporting contemporary cultural imperialism which is evident in the political context. Actually, the very ability of music to cross the borders enables this role for it. For instance, cases of Cuban and Turkish music reveal a significant influence of Western trends and international music companies on them. Moreover, in Cuba this impact is even more powerful than local cultural effects. And so, it is evident that popular music is reflecting all the main political trends in the world on the global level. Finally, the real cases of causal linkage between popular music and political actions should be discussed.

Business Proposal for a Partnership Firm Assignment

Business Proposal for a Partnership Firm - Assignment Example The assignment "Business Proposal for a Partnership Firm" discusses the organizational structure and the management team of Millimeters which is supposed to be a partnership firm with three partners involved in it. They would hold the managerial positions in three separate departments and would work as full-time employees of the company. Luz having experience in the field of procurement and budgeting would be responsible for the same. Christopher having experience in the field of operations management would be responsible for the daily operations and management of the company. The daily scheduling activities related to the store and the future requirements for the store, all would be managed by Johnathan. Apart from these three, other staffs would assist them in their job. The company would also hire specialists in each field of services that are supposed to be offered by the company. There are no significant weaknesses of the company regarding the technical knowledge and relevant business activities that are required to be performed to run the company successfully. However, the three owners of the company being new in this field of running a home improvement store business can prove to be disadvantageous for the company in managing its resources effectively and efficiently. In due course of time, this deficiency could be overcome easily through increased knowledge of running the business. A well-constructed personnel plan has been developed for the company to help in running the business efficiently.... Personnel Plan A well-constructed personnel plan has been developed for the company to help in running the business efficiently. The three owners of the company, apart from getting a share in the profits of the company will also receive remuneration for their respective managerial functions being conducted in the company. The personnel plan has been as such that it would include the three managers in the form of its owners, on cashier would be handling all business matters concerned with cash inflows and outflows of the company. Initially there would be four specialists meant for four different services to be offered by the company initially and they would be on-duty at all times during the business hours. The supporting staffs and workers would total around 8 to 10, working on an average every day. The personnel plan constructed for the company has been summarized in the table give below (Table - 1). It includes the first five years’ forecasted figures regarding the salaries and wages of the employees of the company. Table – 1 (Personnel Plan) Â   Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Luz Angela Lopez 50,000 55,000 60,000 65,000 65,000 Christopher Mong 45,000 50,000 55,000 60,000 60,000 Johnathan Douglass 40,000 45,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 Specialists 100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000 200,000 Cashier 20,000 22,000 24,200 26,620 29,282 Others 10,000 11,000 12,100 13,310 14,641 Total Payroll 265,000 297,000 339,200 376,620 404,282 Total Personnel 15 18 20 22 22 Financial Analysis Seating up of the About Millimeters business concern would require a significant amount of investment initially. The major portion of this initial funding would be borne by the three owners of the company.

Social Life in Popular Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Social Life in Popular Music - Essay Example Actually, certain rock and blues songs gained popularity in certain epochs. So, being popular is not just being meaningless or pop. In fact, in a given period of time and in certain circumstances popularity is gained by representatives of different musical genres. Consequently, it can be noticed that popular music is determined by consumerism and dynamic and cannot be limited by the genre of pop. Furthermore, several examples of political nature of popular music are analyzed. Firstly, the question of identity and music is risen. In terms of creation certain subcultures such a music power is clearly noticed. In fact, it is a special environment which surrounds a certain genre of music and unites a certain self-identification with the society. In particular, it can be seen in the way popular music creates ideals for them and encourages to change the world. Moreover, it is evident that for some people being a music fan is more important than their ethnicity or gender. Thus, the nature of popular music is deeply political. Then, the very ability to transform one’s self-identification in the society is transcended on the global level. Here, world music charts are surely supporting contemporary cultural imperialism which is evident in the political context. Actually, the very ability of music to cross the borders enables this role for it. For instance, cases of Cuban and Turkish music reveal a significant influence of Western trends and international music companies on them. Moreover, in Cuba this impact is even more powerful than local cultural effects. And so, it is evident that popular music is reflecting all the main political trends in the world on the global level. Finally, the real cases of causal linkage between popular music and political actions should be discussed.

Discussion Dynamic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion Dynamic - Essay Example The management ha s three elements thus, strategic analysis, strategic choice stage and the strategic implementation stage. Strategic management focuses on the efficiency of the organization with provisions of consistency, rationality, and flexibility (Spector, 2013). Motivation is influenced primarily by the disincentives and perceived incentives. This contributes to desirability to implement an intervention. Motivation may be both organizational or individual based and narrows down to the implemented intervention. It includes anticipated outcome, collective expectations, and the pressure for change (Pathak, 2010). Capacity of an organization is attributed to maintaining an organization’s functions such as effective leadership and sufficient staffing and connecting with the community. This includes current infrastructure, processes of the organization and culture of the organization. The capacity is linked to whether the organization is able to implement the interventions (Øystein, 2009). The capacities needed to facilitate intervention include technical, fiscal conditions and the human. These are necessary for successful implementation of an intervention that has quality and future. Every new policy and practice has its skills and the required knowledge needed for quality implementation. Similarly, the organization’s readiness for implementation of any program is expressed as R=MC2 (Lewis, 2011). The implication of this is that when one component nears zero, then it is a multiplicative relationship and it is assumed that the organization is not ready for the implementation of the

Binge eating disorder Essay Example for Free

Binge eating disorder Essay Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating not accompanied by inappropriate compensatory behaviors. Although it is not yet officially recognized, it was included in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as a disorder to be studied, with research criteria included. It is also slated to be included in the next DSM as one of the officially recognized eating disorders. There have been several treatment modalities employed in its treatment: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and a combination of the two. Being a â€Å"young† disorder, BED still needs future research to show which modality treats it best in the long run. Approaches to Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder What Is BED? How Is It Different From Bulimia Nervosa? Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating not accompanied by inappropriate compensatory behaviors (Sadock Sadock, 2003). Although binge eating, by itself, is more commonly associated with bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder is recognized as a separate entity. Unlike BED, bulimia nervosa involves excessive concern with body shape and weight, and bulimics often have a â€Å"self-perception of being too fat, with an intrusive dread of fatness† (World Health Organization [WHO], 1993). Moreover, the absence of compensatory behaviors further distinguishes BED from the non-purging type of bulimia nervosa, which is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-IV, as when the individual â€Å"has used other inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise, but has not regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas† (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000). Diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder Although binge eating disorder still has to gain official recognition, the Text Revision of DSM-IV (APA, 2000) lays down the following â€Å"research criteria† for diagnosing the disorder: A. Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following: (1) eating, in a discrete period of time (e. g. , within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances (2) the sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e. g. , a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating) B. Binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following: (1) eating much more rapidly than normal (2) eating until feeling uncomfortably full (3) eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry (4) eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating (5) feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after overeating C. Marked distress regarding binge eating is present. D. The binge eating occurs, on average, at least 2 days a week for 6 months. E. The binge eating is not associated with the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors (e. g. , purging, fasting, excessive exercise, etc. ) and does not occur exclusively during the course of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Several issues have been raised regarding the criteria mentioned above. For example, one question raised by some experts in the field is that there is no definite way to assess just how much food constitutes â€Å"an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances. † Fulfilling these criteria would at best be a subjective process. While the DSM-IV criteria for BED is usually applied to adults, Marcus and Kalarchian (2003) have proposed a separate set of provisional research criteria for diagnosing BED in children. These are: A. Recurrent episodes of being eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following: (1) food seeking in absence of hunger (e. g. after a full meal) (2) a sense of lack of control over eating (e. g. , endorse that ‘‘When I start to eat, I just can’t stop’’) B. Binge episodes are associated with one or more of the following: (1) food seeking in response to negative affect (e. g. , sadness, boredom, restlessness) (2) food seeking as a reward (3) sneaking or hiding food C. Symptoms persist over a period of 3 months. D. Eating is not associated with the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors (e. g. , purging, fasting, excessive exercise) and does not occur exclusively during the course of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Some of the questionnaires used to diagnose binge eating disorder are: the Binge Eating Scale (BES), the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, the Body Shape Questionnaire, the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnosis of DSM Disorders (SCID), and the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE). The Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder Overview In the management of BED, the primary goal is to achieve abstinence from binge eating (Bulik, Brownley Shapiro, 2007). However, studies have shown that BED has comorbid conditions that require as much attention, such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks and even attempts at suicide (Grucza, Przybeck Cloninger, 2007). Furthermore, since patients diagnosed with BED do not usually engage in inappropriate compensatory behaviors, they are usually obese as well, a condition that sometimes causes more concern in professionals caring for BED patients because of its health implications. Because of the different aspects of this disorder, different treatment modalities are being used, with some experts favoring one and others favoring another. Pharmacotherapy Medications used to treat binge eating disorder include appetite suppressants, anticonvulsants, selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants. These have been studied in double-blind placebo-controlled trials, and the results, though modest, have been promising (Appolinario McElroy, 2004). Appetite suppressants. According to Appolinario, Bacaltchuk, Sichieri, Claudino, Godoy-Matos, Morgan, Zanella Coutinho (2003), fenfluramine hydrochloride was the first antiobesity agent shown to be effective in treating binge eating disorder. However, this drug has been withdrawn from the market because of intolerable side effects. Currently, the anti-obesity agent that seems to be the most studied in the treatment of BED is sibutramine. Sibutramine is a drug that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and, to some extent, dopamine. A study by Appolinario et al. (2003) showed that patients taking sibutramine, as opposed to those given a placebo pill, experienced a significant reduction in the number of days with binge episodes. Whereas those in the placebo group actually gained some weight, the patients given sibutramine lost an average of 7. 4 kg. The study participants were asked to fill out the Binge Eating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory before and after their treatment program, and the sibutramine group had significantly lower scores after treatment. The study cites dry mouth and constipation as the adverse reactions commonly encountered by those taking sibutramine. The authors concluded that sibutramine is effective and well tolerated for treating obese BED patients. Another study supporting the use of sibutramine in BED was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in January 2008. Wilfley, Crow, Hudson, Mitchell, Berkowitz, Blakesley, Walsh, and the Sibutramine Binge Eating Disorder Research Group (2008) found that patients taking sibutramine (15 mg daily for 24 weeks) were able to significantly reduce the following measures: weekly binge frequency, weight (mean of 4. 3 kg), frequency of binge days, body mass index, and eating pathology, such as cognitive restraint, disinhibition and hunger. Moreover, these patients also experienced global improvement and had a greater percentage of abstinence from binge eating (58. 7%, compared with the 42. 8% of the placebo group). Anticonvulsants. In the February 2003 edition of the American Journal of Psychiatry, McElroy, Arnold, Shapira, Keck, Rosenthal, Karim, Kamin Hudson (2003) reported that 30 patients with binge eating disorder randomly assigned to receive a flexible dose (25 to 600 mg per day) of the anticonvulsant drug topiramate had a significantly greater rate of reduction in binge frequency, binge day frequency, weight (mean loss of 5. 9 kg), and body mass index. They also had lower scores on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, which was modified for binge eating, and on the Clinical Global Impression severity scale. However, six patients receiving topiramate were unable to continue participating in the study because of adverse events, mostly headaches and paresthesias. The researchers concluded that topiramate was useful for the short-term treatment of BED. The journal Biological Psychiatry also published a study by McElroy, Hudson, Capece, Beyers, Fisher, Rosenthal, and the Topiramate Binge Eating Disorder Research Group (2007), which showed that 195 patients taking topiramate were able to reduce binge eating days per week, binge episodes per week, weight (mean loss of 4. 5 kg), and body mass index compared with those assigned to take placebo. Thirty percent of those taking topiramate left the study, mostly due to adverse effects such as paresthesia, upper respiratory tract infection, somnolence and nausea. However, thirty percent of those taking the placebo pill also were not able to continue with the program. Despite the adverse events reported, the authors concluded that topiramate is well tolerated and was efficacious in treating BED and its features, particularly obesity. Another antiepileptic drug that was evaluated for efficacy in the treatment of binge eating disorder is zonisamide. McElroy, Kotwal, Guerdjikova, Welge, Nelson, Lake, D’Alessio, Keck Hudson (2006) reported in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry that thirty patients given zonisamide (100 to 600 mg per day for 16 weeks) had a reduction in the frequency of their binge eating episodes, body weight, body mass index, and scores on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Binge Eating and the Clinical Global Impressions Severity Scale. Eight of the patients receiving zonisamide discontinued treatment because of accidental injury with bone fracture, psychological complaints and cognitive complaints. In conclusion, the researchers noted that zonisamide was efficacious in treatment of BED with obesity but that it was not well tolerated. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Several selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been shown to have beneficial effects in the management of binge eating disorder. Among the earliest SSRI’s shown to be useful in BED treatment was fluvoxamine. Hudson, McElroy, Raymond, Crow, Keck, Carter, Mitchell, Strakowski, Pope, Coleman Jonas (1998) reported that forty-two patients who received a flexible dose of fluvoxamine (50 to 300 mg) for 9 weeks had a significantly greater decrease in the frequency of binges and in body mass index. Furthermore, these patients given fluvoxamine achieved a greater reduction in Clinical Global Impression severity score and a greater rate of increase in Clinical Global Impression improvement scores. However, fluvoxamine did not have a significant effect on the participants’ Hamilton depression scale scores, and the proportion of patients who dropped out of the study because of adverse effects came from the fluvoxamine group. Furthermore, another study done 5 years later on a different, smaller set of patients showed that there was a reduction in binge frequency, eating concern, shape concern and weight concern in both the group receiving fluvoxamine and the group receiving placebo (Pearlstein, Spurell, Hohlstein, Gurney, Read, Fuchs Keller, 2003). The authors say this is just an example of the â€Å"inconsistent results of antidepressant studies in binge eating disorder† (Pearlstein et al. , 2003). Another SSRI shows greater promise. McElroy, Hudson, Malhotra, Welge, Nelson Keck (2003) conducted a 6-week, double-blind, flexible-dose (20 to 60 mg per day) study on the efficacy of citalopram in reducing the frequency of binge eating episodes. They reported that the 19 patients receiving citalopram, compared with those receiving placebo, had a significantly greater rate of reduction in the frequency of binge eating episodes, frequency of binge days, weight, body mass index and severity of illness. In addition, citalopram was said to be well tolerated by the participants of the study. A head-to-head comparison of two SSRI’s – sertraline and fluoxetine – was conducted by Leombruni, Piero, Lavagnino, Brustolin, Campisi Fassino (2008) and published in the journal Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. Twenty-two participants were given 100 to 200 mg of sertraline daily, while twenty were given 40 to 80 mg of fluoxetine per day. After 8 weeks, participants from both groups had significant weight loss and their scores in the Binge Eating Scale improved. There was no significant difference found between the two drugs, and the researchers concluded that both SSRI’s are effective options in treating patients with BED. A drug that inhibits both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake was studied by Noma, Uwatoko, Yamamoto Hayashi (2008). Although the trial did not focus exclusively on individuals with binge eating disorder but consisted of 25 binge eaters, some of whom were diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia nervosa. These patients received the drug milnacipran for 8 weeks and were found to have improved scores in relation to their drive for binge eating and regret for the same. Milnacipran was noted to be more effective in patients without purging. Venlafaxine, another medication that inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, was mentioned by Appolinario et al. (2003) as effective in BED therapy. McElroy, Guerdjikova, Kotwal, Welge, Nelson, Lake, Keck Hudson (2007) examined the effects of atomoxetine, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, on BED. Twenty patients who received the drug had a significant decrease in binge-eating episode frequency, binge day frequency, weight, and body mass index. Their scores on the Clinical Global Impressions Severity of Illness scale, the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Binge Eating obsession subscale, and the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire hunger subscale improved as well. However, three of the patients receiving atomoxetine asked to discontinue their treatment because of increased depressive symptoms, constipation or nervousness. Tricyclic antidepressants. Bulik, Brownley Shapiro (2007), in a review of the diagnosis and management of binge eating disorder, also mentions imipramine as one of the drugs that were shown in trials to be effective in the treatment of BED. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used mainly for the treatment of depression and enuresis. A drug from the same family, desipramine, was also mentioned as having beneficial effects in BED. There have indeed been many drugs explored by research for the treatment of binge eating disorder. However, while a lot of studies show that they do have a beneficial effect on patients with BED, particularly with regards to a reduction in binge frequency and weight, the results are somewhat modest. In addition, there have been no long-term studies tracking the efficacy of these drugs as yet. And then, of course, there is the concern that many of those individuals taking these drugs might give them up due to the adverse effects they cause. More importantly, the drugs do not address the underlying cause of binge eating, the psychopathology in individuals that lead them to take in large amounts of food despite the knowledge that doing so could harm them physically and socially. Thus, while many experts in the field would agree that medications help to curb the comorbidities of BED, they still encourage the use of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy Cognitive behavioral therapy. The behavioral therapeutic approach to binge eating disorder that is probably the most tested is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT (Bulik, Brownley Shapiro, 2007). As the name implies, the theory behind this practice is the cognitive behavioral model of binge eating, which â€Å"postulates that binge eating develops in response to restrictive food intake and occurs in the context of ongoing dietary restraint and the experience of negative emotions† (Levine Marcus, 2003). In short, inaccurate thoughts and beliefs – for example, those about body shape and weight – lead to inappropriate eating behavior. CBT helps patients identify these binge-triggering thoughts and modify them so as to accomplish binge abstinence. According to Bulik, Brownley Shapiro (2007), cognitive behavioral therapy has been reported by several studies to be effective in reducing â€Å"binge frequency, related psychological aspects of binge eating (restraint, disinhibition, and hunger), depressed mood, and ratings of illness severity in individuals with BED. † Levine Marcus (2003) note that, while cognitive behavioral therapy has been traditionally used in the management of individuals with bulimia nervosa, the technique has been modified to accommodate the differences between bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. For example, unlike people with bulimia nervosa, those with binge eating disorder tend to be obese, so CBT can directly target cognitions about having a large body size. They explain, â€Å"Overweight individuals with BED may be helped to accept their body size and to restructure maladaptive thoughts about the amount of weight loss they are likely to achieve. That is, although modest weight loss may relate to improvements in binge eating, for most BED patients this decrease may not correspond with their desired weight loss. It is therefore important that cognitions about acceptable body sizes be targeted during treatment. † Interpersonal psychotherapy. Another type of therapy that has found success in patients with bulimia nervosa and has since been also applied to people with binge eating disorder is interpersonal psychotherapy, or IPT. While CBT focuses on the thoughts that trigger eating binges, interpersonal psychotherapy operates on the theory that binge eating stems from the internal milieu created by specific social and interpersonal problems. Thus, it â€Å"focuses on identifying and addressing specific, problematic interpersonal patterns, in an effort to ameliorate dysfunctional eating behaviors† (Levine Marcus, 2003). As with CBT, IPT is focused, structured and time-limited. However, it does not address the patient’s beliefs about eating, weight and shape and, unlike CBT, does not directly target eating behaviors. In the Archives of General Psychiatry, Wilfley, Welch, Stein, Spurrell, Cohen, Saelens, Dounchis, Frank, Wiseman Matt (2002) report on a comparative study that they conducted between CBT and IPT. Both were done in a group setting, and the participants in each group went through 20 weekly sessions of therapy. Results showed that â€Å"binge-eating recovery rates† were similar for both CBT and IPT immediately after treatment. They further conducted follow-up on each participant and noted that, while, there was a slight increase in binge eating when the treatment ended, the frequency of such binges remained significantly lower than the frequency prior to initiation of either CBT or IPT. In addition, the researchers reported significant reductions in psychiatric symptoms, and these were maintained through follow-up. They noted that, while dietary restraint decreased more quickly in patients who underwent CBT, a similar level of dietary restraint was accomplished by those who underwent IPT by the time of follow-up. The participants’ weight decreased only slightly, but significantly, and the authors then concluded that group IPT is a reasonable alternative to group CBT for dealing with overweight BED patients. Dialectical behavior therapy. Another type of therapy used for the treatment of BED is dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT. This is described by Levine Marcus (2003) as â€Å"a comprehensive treatment program based on cognitive and behavioral principles and complemented by the use of acceptance-based strategies derived primarily from Zen Buddhism. † Patients undergo a weekly individual outpatient therapy and, at the same time, a weekly group skills therapy that has the goal of increasing behavioral skills that can help them deal with binge eating. According to Bulik, Brownley Shapiro (2007), dialectical behavior therapy â€Å"fosters the development of skills in the domains of mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. † Although it is still considered an â€Å"alternative† form of behavior therapy, there have been studies showing that DBT has led to a greater reduction in binge days, binge episodes, and concerns with weight, shape and eating. Other behavioral therapies. Aside from cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and dialectical behavior therapy, Bulik, Brownley Shapiro (2007) mention self-help, exercise and virtual reality therapy as treatment modalities that have been tried in patients with BED. Self-help interventions are delivered in various formats, and may be done with or without structure, and with out without the aid of a facilitator or a therapist. It has been shown by some studies to result in greater reductions in the mean number of binge days and in the clinical severity of BED. Abstinence and cessation rates were also reported to be improved with self-help, but weight loss was not significantly achieved. Medications and Psychotherapy: Combined and Compared Several studies have explored the option of combining pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy. Bulik, Brownley Shapiro (2007) discuss the results of these studies. For example, a trial compared fluoxetine alone with CBT alone and fluoxetine plus CBT. The authors of that trial reported that CBT plus fluoxetine, and CBT alone, were more effective than fluoxetine alone in reducing the frequency of binges, concerns with eating and body shape, disinhibition and depression. Another comparison discussed in the same paper compared desipramine alone, weight loss therapy, and CBT. Bulik, Brownley Shapiro (2007) relate: â€Å"Binge eating was significantly reduced after 12 weeks in both groups receiving CBT; however, this effect did not persist at 36 weeks of treatment. Average weight loss was greatest in the weight loss therapy group in the early stages of treatment, but over time (i. e. , at 3-month follow-up) the group receiving desipramine lost the most weight. Desipramine showed no clear advantage in reducing symptoms of depression. † Claudino, de Oliveira, Appolinario, Cordas, Duchesne, Sichieri Bacaltchuk (2007) compared topiramate alone with CBT plus topiramate and concluded that â€Å"topiramate added to CBT improved the efficacy of the later, increasing binge remission and weight loss in the short run. Topiramate was well tolerated, as shown by few adverse events during treatment. † Finally, Molinari, Baruffi, Croci, Marchi Petroni (2005) conducted a comparison of CBT alone, fluoxetine alone, and CBT plus fluoxetine. Results showed that â€Å"the two groups which underwent psychotherapy resulted in a better outcome in terms of number of bingeing episodes, maintenance of weight loss reduction from baseline and psychological well being than the group treated with pharmacological therapy alone. † The authors concluded that the results of their study highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to binge eating disorder. However, as with pharmacotherapy alone and with psychotherapy alone, the long-term efficacy of a combined drugs-and-talk approach to binge eating disorder still has to be proven by future studies. Practical Advice To Tell Patients Empowering patients to take control of their disorder is also important. Smith, Barston, Segal Segal (2008) offer the following tips that concerned eating disorder professionals can give their patients: †¢ Eat breakfast. Skipping breakfast often leads to overeating later in the day, so start your day right with a healthy meal. Eating breakfast also jump starts your metabolism in the morning. Studies show that people who eat breakfast are thinner than those who don’t. †¢ Avoid temptation. You’re much more likely to overeat if you have junk food, desserts, and unhealthy snacks in the house. Remove the temptation by clearing your fridge and cupboards of your favorite binge foods. †¢ Stop dieting. The deprivation and hunger of strict dieting can trigger food cravings and the urge to overeat. Instead of dieting, focus on eating in moderation. Find nutritious foods that you enjoy and avoid labeling foods as â€Å"good† or â€Å"bad. † †¢ Exercise. Not only will exercise help you lost weight in a healthy way, but it also lifts depression, improves overall health, and reduces stress. The natural mood-boosting effects of exercise can help put a stop to emotional eating. †¢ Destress. Learn how to cope with stress in healthy ways that don’t involve food. Conclusion Binge eating disorder is still relatively â€Å"young. † With its anticipated inclusion in the next edition of the DSM, a lot of studies have turned their attention to this eating disorder that has only been recognized as an entity separate from the other eating disorder in the last decade. Hopefully, these studies, and the ones still to be conducted, will provide a sound basis for how best to approach binge eating disorder. More importantly, only future research can tell which treatment modalities really work best in the long term. In the meantime, patients with binge eating disorder need help in the here and now. References American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. Text rev. ) Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Sadock, B. J. , Sadock, V. A. (2003). Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences / Clinical Psychiatry (9th ed. ). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams Wilkins. World Health Organization. (1993). The ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders: Diagnostic Criteria for Research. Geneva: World Health Organization. Marcus, M. D. Kalarchian, M. A. (2003). Binge eating in children and adolescents. Int J Eat Disord, 34(Suppl), S47–S57. Retrieved from PubMed database. Bulik, C. M. , Brownley, K. A. , Shapiro, J. R. (2007). Diagnosis and management of binge eating disorder. World Psychiatry, 6(3), 142-148. Grucza, R. A. , Przybeck, T. R. Cloninger, C. R. (2007). Prevalence and correlates of binge eating disorder in a community sample. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 48(2), 124-131. Appolinario, J. C. McElroy, S. L. (2004). Pharmacological approaches in the treatment of binge eating disorder. Current Drug Targets, 5(3), 301-307. Appolinario, J. C. , Bacaltchuk, J. , Sichieri, R. , Claudino, A. M. , Godoy-Matos, A. , Morgan, C. , Zanella, M. T. Coutinho, W. (2003). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of sibutramine in the treatment of binge-eating disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 60, 1109-1116. Wilfley, D. E. , Crow, S. J. , Hudson, J. I. , Mitchell, J. E. , Berkowitz, R. I. , Blakesley, V. , Walsh, B. T. , the Sibutramine Binge Eating Disorder Research Group. (2008). Efficacy of sibutramine for the treatment of binge eating disorder: a randomized multicenter placebo- controlled double-blind study. American Journal of Psychiatry, 165(1), 51-58. McElroy, S. L. , Arnold, L. M. , Shapira, N. A. , Keck, P. E. Jr. , Rosenthal, N. R. , Karim, M. R. , Kamin, M. Hudson, J. I. (2003). Topiramate in the treatment of binge eating disorder associated with obesity: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. American Journal of Psychiatry, 160(2), 255-261. McElroy, S. L. , Hudson, J. I. , Capece, J. A. , Beyers, K. , Fisher, A. C. , Rosenthal, N. R. the Topiramate Binge Eating Disorder Research Group. (2007). Topiramate for the treatment of binge eating disorder associated with obesity: a placebo-controlled study. Biological Psychiatry, 61(9), 1039-1048. McElroy, S. L. , Kotwal, R. , Guerdjikova, A. I. , Welge, J. A. , Nelson, E. B. , Lake, K. A. , D’Alessio, D. A. , Keck, P. E. , Hudson, J. I. (2006). Zonisamide in the treatment of binge eating disorder with obesity: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 67(12), 1897-1906. Hudson, J. I. , McElroy, S. L. , Raymond, N. C. , Crow, S. , Keck, P. E. Jr. , Carter, W. P. , Mitchell, J. E. , Strakowski, S. M. , Pope, H. G. Jr. , Coleman, B. S. Jonas, J. M. (1998). Fluvoxamine in the treatment of binge-eating disorder: a multicenter placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(12), 1756-1762. Pearlstein, T. , Spurell, E. , Hohlstein, L. A. , Gurney, V. , Read, J. , Fuchs, C. Keller, M. B. (2003). A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of fluvoxamine in binge eating disorder: a high placebo response. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 6(2), 147-151. McElroy, S. L. , Hudson, J. I. , Malhotra, S. , Welge, J. A. , Nelson, E. B. Keck, P. E. Jr. (2003). Citalopram in the treatment of binge-eating disorder: a placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 64(7), 807-813. Leombruni, P. , Piero, A. , Lavagnino, L. , Brustolin, A. , Campisi, S. Fassino, S. (2008). A randomized, double-blind trial comparing sertraline and fluoxetine 6-month treatment in obese patients with binge eating disorder. Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 32(6), 1599-1605. Noma, S. , Uwatoko, T. , Yamamoto, H. Hayashi, T. (2008). Effects of milnacipran on binge eating – a pilot study. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment (4)1, 295-300. McElroy, S. L. , Guerdjikova, A. , Kotwal, R. , Welge, J. A. , Nelson, E. B. , Lake, K. A. , Keck, P. E. Jr. Hudson, J. I. (2007). Atomoxetine in the treatment of binge-eating disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(3), 390-398. Levine, M. D. Marcus, M. D. (2003). Psychosocial treatment of binge eating disorder: An update. Eating Disorders Review, 14(4). Retrieved from http://www. gurze. net/site12_5_00/newsletter16. htm. Wilfley, D. E. , Welch, R. R. , Stein, R. I. , Spurrell, E. B. , Cohen, L. R. , Saelens, B. E. , Dounchis, J. Z. , Frank, M. A. , Wiseman, C. V. Matt, G. E. (2002). A randomized comparison of group cognitive-behavioral therapy and group interpersonal psychotherapy for the treatment of overweight individuals with binge-eating disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 59, 713-721. Claudino, A. M. , de Oliveira, I. R. , Appolinario, J. C. , Cordas, T. A. , Duchesne, M. , Sichieri, R. Bacaltchuk, J. (2007). Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of topiramate plus cgnitive-behavior therapy in binge-eating disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(9), 1324-1332. Molinari, E. , Bariffu, M. , Croci, M. , Marchi, S. Petroni, M. L (2005). Bingea eating disorder in obesity: comparison of different therapeutic strategies. Eating and Weight Disorders, 10(3), 154-161. Smith, M. , Barston, S. , Segal, R. Segal, J. (2008). Binge eating disorder: Symptoms, causes, treatment, and help. Retrieved from http://www. helpguide. org/mental/binge_eating_disorder. htm.

Chapter-V Discussion, conclusion and Recommendations

Chapter-V Discussion, conclusion and Recommendations It is relatively easy to appreciate that one of the major issues in regard of the over all health scenario concerned their value to the prisons correctional system. The present research has uncovered the fact that there may included be several problem involved with the administrative, organizational and facilities regarding prison sports as well as establishing respectable physical activities program in a variety of institution including prisons. The long term inmates have suffered dispersal policy. This policy hold that prisons must be concerned with security first and for most, with other issues being unimportant. In the process sum of the program which have suffered include education and recreation. This is problematic because such programs help to lower tension in prisons and build better relationship between staff and inmates. The researcher found that most conventional social activities in prison are sedentary, non-physically active, and similar types of pursuits. One of the major problems in prison recreation and sports is that it primarily serve the purpose of alleviating boredom and passing the time more quickly. Various prisoners made demand to the researcher that there must be a provision to reduce the amount of time spent in there barracks and increase the amount of time for sports activities. They also insisted that better sports facilities must be provided. Model Prison Manual, (2003) of India, states the presence of physical educator in every jail. Despite the injunction by the model prison the researcher found no physical educator in any of the jails undertaken in the study and the allotted time for sports activities was inadequate and the necessary facilities regarding any type of physical activities had not been provided. The lack of government funds, detrimental social attitude and legislation, limited staff, over crowding, inadequate facilities, spars equipments and old fashioned recreational philosophy reduce the chances of inmate to get engage in systematic sports and physical activities. Many inmates recognize that very limited sports facilities (31.91%) are available to them whereas large number of inmates (82.82 %) are interested in sports activities which are not offered often, the stated sports facility needs of inmates are not even considered when developing any program for the jail upliftment. Another problem with prison sports programs involves factors associated with motivation. Inmates often participated in activities for the rewards such as escape from work, trophies and better diet etc. All these extrinsic motivational factor are likely to produce lesser chances of enhancing self image, confidence are likely to shallow. According Card (1983) inmates who take part in recreational activity because of there own personnel interest will likely reap greater benefits than those who become involve primarily through the persuasion. The Government of India ranked the use of sports and other physical activities, high alongwith higher education, establishing the family health and welfare, defense of the country and work for modern India to lead the country at the global plane. Recreation and other sports activities have been the means of obtaining many individual and social benefits. Constructive use of physical activities gives human beings and outlet for creativity and self expression. According to Nash (1971), this drive may be expressed high on a scale in terms of be expressed high on a scale in terms of be explorer, inventor, discoverer, or in the limitless typed of hobbies. Recreation has not only played an important part in the treatment program of the mentally ill, but it has kept patient well. In the light of the preceding discussion, sports may be potentially valuable rehabilitative tools in correction of moral behavior of prisoners. By having the discussion of the researcher with the prisoners in various jails, it had been concluded that physical activities sports and their related facilities would give more balanced life to prisoners and those who are not able are willing the participate in physically active sports should have other options available to them. McDermott. King (1989), found that prisoners are very much involve with physical education for two basic purposes. First it helps to defend against a prisoners physical mental decline. Second it help a better relationship between the prisoners and the prison staff. Following the analysis of data generated during the study following were the main findings: sports facilities and their administration were inadequate and poorly administered, the programs in relation to sports lacked specific goals, the programs help pass the time but served no rehabilitative purpose, there was very little carry-over value of prison activities because many of the sports facilities were inadequate, and attitudes towards recreational activities were mostly before ones incarceration and would rarely be changed by sparse existing rehabilitation and physical activities programs in Uttar Pradesh Mandal Jails. Flynn (1974), Observed reason for limited recreational activities is due to the staff concerned for the security. The greater amount of security that is required, the greater amount it well coast. There is usually a shortage of staff at institution which creates problems with general security procedures. If security is a problem with a general prison population, physical activities programs may provide greater burden on security. A good prison sports program must be well planned to suit the needs of inmates. Forced participation would defeat the purpose of corrections. With careful planning and developing large number of facilities and activities can be provided for the prisoners in any prison. The introduction of community based sports programs with the quality of recreation opportunity as well as the creative reintegration of an offender with his or her family and within greater social system. Security, however, must still be considered apriority for the community. Muth (1974) opined that having the capability of participating in recreational activities with ones partner and/or children gives the offender a much better opportunity to keep his/her family intact. According to World Health Organization (2003) the prisoner must be treated as complete whole person. The recreation aspect of life is stressed to help the offender in this way. During incarceration, inmates suffer the loss of many things: freedom, a sense of reality, sensory experiences, and the reality of who they are. Through participation in sports and other activities, inmates can experience some limited control over these areas for short period of time. The participation will also help on offender in the re-socialization process. Who believes that an inmates need to be seen as a total person for them to become better citizens and recreation through basic sports facilities within the prisons walls is a part of this concept. Though Model Prison Manual, 2003 of India did mention about the Physical Training Instructor under the Educational Personnel of administrative frame-work of jail personnel, but forget to mention the duties of Physical Training Instructor under the heading Duties of Educational Personnel. This itself shows the lack of awareness, among the jail policy-makers, about the importance of games and sports for the rehabilitation of incarcerated persons. Special discussion is required for the Kanpur Mandal Jail due to the fact that the Senior Superintendent of Jail denied the permission the carryout the proposed research work though the researcher produced all the relevant documents of permission and orders to collect the data from the highest authority of Uttar Pradesh Jails, i.e. the Director General of Jail, Jail Administration Reform Services, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. The administrator of the Kanpur District Jail did not comply with the orders and repudiate the researcher to access into the jail premise to collect the relevant data for the present study. The similar administrator told the researcher to go away from his office immediately and escorted the researcher up to the main gate of the jail to ensure the exit of the researcher from the jail premise. Hence the researcher could not collect data from the Kanpur Mandal Jail due to the preceding mishappening. Discussion On Hypothesis: The first hypothesis in the chapter-I was mentioned as Jails do not have an effective organizational set-up for sports. As it has been found during the survey of all the Mandal Jails of Uttar Pradesh that the organizational set-up is not up to the mark for sports as has been depicted in the following Figure: Figure-18 Column Diagram of Organizational Set-up of Uttar Pradesh Jails Hence, the first hypothesis of the study has been achieved. The second hypothesis in the chapter-I was mentioned as Jails do not have an effective sports administrative setup to ensure proper growth and development of jail inmates. As it has been found during the survey of all the Mandal Jails of Uttar Pradesh that the administrative set-up is not up to the mark for sports as has been depicted in the following Figure: Figure-19 Column Diagram of Administrative Set-up of Uttar Pradesh Jails Hence, the second hypothesis of the study has been achieved. The third hypothesis in the chapter-I was mentioned as Jails do not have proper infrastructural facilities in term of play fields, equipments, coaching facilities etc. As it has been found during the survey of all the Mandal Jails of Uttar Pradesh that the infrastructural facilities is not up to the mark for sports as has been depicted in the following Figure: Figure-20 Column Diagram of Infrastructural Facilities of Uttar Pradesh Jails Hence, the third hypothesis of the study has been achieved. 4. The fourth hypothesis in the chapter-I was mentioned as Jails (of All Mandals in Uttar Pradesh) do not have an ideal set-up for sports. The researcher has taken the Model Prison Manual, 2003 of India as the criterion for ideal set-up. The preceding manual states that every jail should have one physical training instructor (page no.44, chapter- 4.03.4-b) under the Educational Personnel but the researcher did not find any physical training instructor in any of the jails of Uttar Pradesh Mandal. Hence, the fourth hypothesis of the study has also been achieved. Conclusion Prisoners often appear to have high rates of recidivism partly as a result of feeling of certainty about their ability to succeed on the outside world. This study does not suggest any co-relation between the availability and use of existing facilities for use of sports and the correction in offenders behaviors. It only suggests, by review of literature and discussion with prisoners that it is possible that participating in sports can have long term effects if there continued after release from prison. Here the researcher opines that if the prisoners keep themselves physically active and goal oriented in prison, they may accomplish the same purpose outside of prison. The study suggests the inadequate facilities for sports and non-availability of physical training instructor in the prisons, often hamper the proper planned physical activities for prisoners. The respondents of the study were prisoners and various jails administrators. Almost all the respondents argued that sports acted a s a release for aggressive energy rather than contributing to further aggression. Given the results of the study in chapter four the government of India, with the prisons, should strive for two main objectives: (i) social control and (ii) rehabilitation. Recreation with the help of sports and other physical activities should be implemented for the former, while education should be implemented for the latter. Recommendations There should be a post of Physical Training Instructor to conduct program of demanding physical activities for jail inmates. Along with the unemployment and poverty, sports and recreation programs should be viewed as the establishment of a general strategy to improve the opportunity of improvement in jail inmates. Recommendations are made for the development of sports or recreation programs as a preventative role for youth-at-risk; and the development of sporting and recreation facilities and opportunities for inmates including financial assistance for sports facilities and development of any existing facilities. It is suggested that for any long term change to occur the programs need to offer follow-up program. The same is true for physical activities programs which should be considered as only a partial solution for the crime rate in India. More qualitative empirical data should be gathered for the sports programs and its inclusion in jail programs. Further researches are needed to provide holistic view of the relationship between various physical activities and crime records. It is suggested to consider a requirement to monitor program to a consistent, minimum standard for the introduction and development of sports facilities for jai inmates. Various sports federations should be encouraged to participate and promote sports activities in jails for correctional recreational. It is also suggested that a clear setup post-program opportunities for participation in various physical activities, particularly in programs with objective of developing the offenders participation to being and independent activity. Clear and systematic communication between any external organization running a physical activity program and the jail official responsible for over-seeing the program. Explicit acknowledgement of achievement by inmates participations in various games and sports, if appropriate by formal awards. A high quality of staff delivering the physical activity programs should be posted at every jail, not simply to deliver the activity but more importantly to achieve the difficult mix of being able to develop personal social skills, engender mutual respect and maintain a clear behavioral code and discipline. Consensus statement on physical activity programs promotion in prisons should be drafted by all the research agencies and universities running physical education courses in order to facilitate to raise standards in health promotion of prisoners by engaging in different forms of physical activities. It is recommended that whenever imprisonment in imposed, however, loss of freedom constitutes the punishment; health and wellbeing must not be compromise. Sports in prison communities requires immediate financial boost in this blessed land of forth-coming xix Common Wealth Games, New Delhi- 3 14 October, 2010. Government of India should establish special programs, through existing tertiary institutions and distance courses, to train jail administrators for physical activities and sports. Directorate General of Jail and other similar agency issue or verify the identity card of the researcher on their letterpad in order to smooth conductance of the research work. The use of community sports and recreational resources must be emphasized. The purpose and content of sports and other recreational programs in all the jail settings must be redefined. Physical activities, leisure services and various sports programs must become an integral component of the inmates treatment process. Recreational rehabilitative programs should be based on more extensive and reliable analysis in order to ensure high quality programs. Newer study may be taken to analyze the number of sports persons and their participation in jails. Government should allocate separate budget for intensive sports programs aiming for the rehabilitation and to promote wellness, a healthy life style and decrease medical treatment as envisaged by the World Health Organization (2003).