Ragtime American Dream - 1476 Words

E.L. Doctorow’s novel Ragtime is a story involving certain characters, each trying to find his or her place in America. Doctorow focus’s on many themes throughout the novel, however, one theme that he gives to the reader from the very beginning of the novel is the American dream. Many characters throughout the novel individually take diverse journeys in order to fulfill what they might describe as â€Å"The American Dream.† Throughout Ragtime several characters venture upon momentous journeys whether they be sensible or unwise, in order to try and achieve their personal pursuit of the American dream. Tateh’s dream of survival and the basic pursuit of happiness is a worthwhile dream that ventures him through many long journeys with his†¦show more content†¦As Doctorow states, â€Å"He wandered through the house finding everywhere signs of his own exclusion. His son now had a desk, as befitted all young students. He thought he heard an Arctic wind but it was the housemaid Brigit pushing an electric suction cleaner across the rug in the parlor† (109). Father’s â€Å"treasures† brought home from his expedition, are not perceived as valuable or even desirable to his family: â€Å"He pulled Arctic treasures from his trunk†¦incredible treasures in the North, but here in the parlor the embarrassing possessions of a savage. The family stood around and watched him on his knees. There was nothing he had for them† (110). Father is embarrassed by his family’s response and lack of interest. Father is struggling to reconcile the dream he left behind and the dream he pursued but does not accomplish. As the book progresses, Father grows increasingly distant from his family. At one point in the novel Father realizes he is no longer attracted to mother in a lustful way, most likely symbolizing the increasing separation he is experiencing from his family. As the narrator details, â€Å"Once accustomed to life together after his return from the Arctic, they had slipped into an undemanding companionship in which he felt bypassed by life, like a spectator at an event† (216). Father’s quest for personal fame and historicalShow MoreRelatedRagtime by E.L. Doctorow.1213 Words   |  5 PagesOrigins In the early 1900 s, America was the great melting pot of the world. Immigrants from all over the world came to the United States in search of the American dream, but many never found it. Immigrants were greeted with a harsh welcome, being hated for the simple fact that they were not true-blooded citizens. In Ragtime, the family of Tateh embodies these citizens. Doctorow also follows Father, a character of middle class America with a family and passion for exploration. Both of theseRead MoreBrian Stokes Mitchell987 Words   |  4 Pagesmilitary bases overseas. As a teenager he lived in San Diego, California where he began acting in school musicals. He has been married to actress Allyson Tucker since 1994 and has a son named Ellington. Mitchell has been in many shows some of them were Ragtime, Kiss Me, Kate, Carnival! He has also had a number of television appearances. He was in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Frasier, The Prince of Egypt, and guest starred in Ugly Betty. He is also known for doing voice-overs in animation. On June 5, 2005Read MoreWhat It Means To Be An American Essay1233 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout the life span of the United States, from its infancy after the Revolution to the present, people have asked, â€Å"What is an American?† This question goes far beyond asking who is a citizen or who resides in this land. No, it asks what the identity of an American is? Through popular, art, film, and literature, the American image is defined as being based on embracing our individual identities. Movies are a perfect way to express the image of America. Movies are the mixture of art, music,Read MoreAnalysis Of The Structure Ives s Country Band March 1394 Words   |  6 Pagescommonly utilized in his music were quarter tones and polytonality. Quarter tones were an interval half the size of a half step, and with this, Charles Ives realized that the lack of harmony among musical notes were not exceptions, but the norm of American musical life. From this, it led to polytonality, polyharmony and polyrhythm. Polytonality is the musical use of more than one key at the same time. Polyharmony is a structure that characteristically presents two or more simultaneous musical harmoniesRead MoreJazz And Its Influence On African American Communities1141 Words   |  5 Pages20th century, the genre has continued to develop and influence other aspects of music. With its beginnings in African American communities, jazz features several distinguishing components and defining qualities. Along with jazz’s many influences and unique features, the genre also includes a variety of leading musicians. The roots of jazz are often pinned to the African American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana. Because New Orleans was at the center of trade through its major sea and riverRead MoreAutobiography Of An Ex Colored Man Essay1449 Words   |  6 PagesAmerica† (375). She also indicates how when contrasted with previous passers, â€Å"the Ex-Colored Man’s oft-noted cowardice, self-commiseration, and superficial comments call attention to his lifelong estrangement from African American culture† (375). This estrangement from African American culture and society leads to negative consequences not only to himself but to the black race as well. 1. Exploitation One consequence of this â€Å"estrangement† from the black community is his blindness and lack of awarenessRead MoreAnalysis Of The Of Ragtime 1734 Words   |  7 PagesSocialism in America E3 Argumentative essay Sonia Rani 3/17/2017 Ragtime is an interesting depiction of cultural and political change. It can be argued that the story is not just a reflection of the events in the 20th Century but the novel reflects the events that continue to happen until today in socialism. For instance, the novel gives a glimpse of the kind of life experienced by many African Americans. They were victimized by the society and the persons in authority refuse to help them. EvenRead MoreMusic : A Style Of Music868 Words   |  4 Pageslearnt various styles of jazz on the class, such us ragtime, New Orleans, swing, bebop and so on. Ragtime is a kind of style music that enjoyed its peak from 1895 to 1918. By using Syncopation to recurrence the subject and then it becoming the early jazz, which has thirty-two bands and the form is AABA. Besides, New Orleans is a traditional jazz that originated in New Orleans and becoming famous in Chicago. Besides, swing is a form of American music, which developed in 1930 became a distinctive styl eRead MoreThe American Dream727 Words   |  3 PagesThe American dream for minorities is a difficult to obtain goal because for minorities, everyday obstacles prevent them from obtaining this dream that was never meant for them. Despite the difficulties, there exists many instances throughout history of people from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds have fought for the simple right to be able to have the chance to reach that goal. Ironically, during one of the most devastating times in our nation’s history, historian James Truslow Adams coinedRead MoreEssay on The Harlem Renaissance1184 Words   |  5 Pagesand spirit, of race consciousness, and artistic advancement emerged within the African American community in New York City. This emergence has brought about the greatest artistic movement in African American history. After the failure of the Reconstruction period the Negro was not considered either a person or an America. The idea that a Negro was an American was totally unacceptable to the white ruling class. The acceptance of lynching and denied

Symbolism In Animal Farm, By George Orwell - 993 Words

The book Animal Farm by George Orwell is all about symbolism. In this book it symbolizes the Russian Revolution and Joseph Stalin, an older dictator of Russia. This book symbolises so many different things that some people can call bad. The main character, a pig named Napoleon symbolises a dictator or leader, and no one wants a leader to be a dictator. A leader is supposed to lead and follow the same directions hes giving but in this case, instead of following his direction, he is sitting around doing nothing and watching everyone else do his job. By making everyone else do his stuff, can symbolise someone hungry for power, or someone who thinks theyre entitled to certain things. The author uses something called syntax in this book.†¦show more content†¦An example of how the author uses these literary devices is when Minimus wrote Napoleon a poem. This poem read â€Å"Friend of Fatherless!.. Lord of the swill-bucket! Calm and commanding eye, like the sun in the sky, Comrade Napoleon† (Orwell 65). This is comparing him to something he’s not, Napoleon is not a Lord, he is a pig. This book also uses this in the whole entire book. Animals do not talk, they can not read and write and they can’t build things. A reason the author did this was to tell the story because its easier by using animals rather than humans. This is because humans dont think that animals have feelings, so by giving animals a few feelings it makes it easier to write and tell the story. It also is a way for people to learn about the dictatorships, a different way than flat out saying Hitler was bad. This book uses symbolism to symbolise Napoleon as a dictator, but it also symbolises a system of government. A way this book shows a system of government is by the use of the seven commandments. These commandments can symbolise equal rights, and rules. In the American Constitution, it reads â€Å"All persons born and naturalized in the U.S†¦ are citizens of the U.Sà ¢â‚¬ ¦ nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property† (14th Amendment). This is the fourteenth amendment which symbolises equal protection in a government system, that everyone is aShow MoreRelatedAnimal Farm By George Orwell944 Words   |  4 Pageslegs(Orwell 132). He carried a whip in his trotter(Orwell 133). In the novel Animal Farm by George Orwell, animals have the ability to talk and form their own ethos, Animalism. Animal Farm is an intriguing allegory by George Orwell, who is also the author of 1984, includes many enjoyable elements. More knowledge of the author, his use of allegorical elements, themes, symbols, and the significance in the real world, allows the reader to get more out of this glance into the future. George OrwellRead MoreAnimal Farm, By George Orwell1212 Words   |  5 PagesShe stood there over the dead animals thinking to herself what have we come to? We try to become free but we just enslave ourselves to a so called superior kind. Napoleon killed the animals in front of the whole farm and said that this was to be the punishment for the traitors. Snowball was known as a traitor now and anyone conspiring with him would be killed. Snowball and Napoleon both represent historical characters during the Russian revolution in 1917.Snowball who was one of the smartest pigsRead MoreAnimal Farm is an allegory that was written by George Orwell that tells the story of the Russian800 Words   |  4 PagesAnimal Farm is an allegory that was written by George Orwell that tells the story of the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union by using a great deal of symbolism. Three things that Orwell represented in his allegory were the leaders of the Russian Revolution/Soviet Union, the governmen t, and even objects that were important to the Revolution. In Animal Farm George Orwell used his characters to represent the leaders of the Soviet Union and the people of Russia. Mr. Jones, the farmer whom the animalsRead MoreSymbolism and Allegory in Animal Farm1657 Words   |  7 PagesSymbolism and allegory in three aspects of Animal Farm : Old major, The Windmill and The Seven Commandments George Orwell uses symbols throughout the novel Animal Farm to show how the upper class groups use manipulation to their advantage. Animal Farm in simple terms is the allegory of a revolution gone sour. Animalism, Communism, and Fascism are all the symbols which are used by the pigs as a means of satisfying their greed and lust for power. As Lord Acton wrote: Power tends to corrupt; absoluteRead MoreGeorge Orwell s Animal Farm942 Words   |  4 PagesGeorge Orwells Animal Farm (1945) is an illustrious political novella which delineates the fact that the Utopian Ideology of communism is not perfect. Orwells eagerness to express his view on the Russia n Republic led him to produce his satirical and metaphoric masterpiece; Animal Farm. The fictitious text based on the events manifest in the Russian Revolution show how communism fails as power corrupts minds, displayed in the novella with Animalism. Napoleon, the main protagonist portrays theRead MoreAnimal Farm Literary Analysis710 Words   |  3 PagesGeorge Orwell, a writer of many novels and other literature, one of his most known is Animal Farm.This book is where Orwell’s political style as well as other techniques he used in his writing were used most. Animal Farm is about farm animals who are being neglected by their owner, and they decides to overthrow him and take control of their farm. However, that is only the the outer layer of the story, looking under the surface, this is an allegory detailing the Russian Revolution. The author wroteRead MoreSymbolism, And Imagery In George Orwells Animal Farm1165 Words   |  5 PagesAs a boy, George Orwell felt as if he was alone. He described his school as split into distinct classes. â€Å"There are minority with an aristocratic or millionaire background, there were children of the ordinary suburban rich, who made up the bulk of the school, and there were a few underlings like myself†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (pg. 43 Orwell). Later on, he fought in the Civil War, and then went to become a radio announcer for World War 2. His life experiences inspired â€Å"The Animal Farm†. George Orwell integrated imageryRead MoreAnimal Farm By George Orwell1397 Words   |  6 PagesAn important quote by the influential author of Animal Farm, George Orwell, is, â€Å"Every line of serious work that I have written since 1936 has been written, directly or indirectly, against totalitarianism.† George Orwell, a Democratic Socialist, wrote the book Animal Farm as an attack on the Communist country of Russia (â€Å"The Political Ideas of George Orwell,† worldsocialism.org). He had a very strong disliking of Communism and the Socialist party of Russia. However, he insisted on finding the truthRead MoreAnimal Farm by George Orwell Essay876 Words   |  4 Pages George Orwell was a great writer; he created a book with many different qualities. Animal Farm is an allegory, fable, and a satire. He made the characters in the novel relate to real people and events in history. Examples such allegory would be Animalism compared with Communism, Snowball compared with Leon Trotsky, and Napoleon compared to Joseph Stalin. Animalism in many ways does symbolize Communism. Animalism for the animals would be a perfect land, no rich, no poor, and everyone is equal.Read MoreAnimal Farm, 1984 and John F. Kennedy503 Words   |  2 Pageswant, therefore you impede your own growth. Throughout Animal Farm and 1984 both by George Orwell, this is seen by the use of motifs, characterization and symbolism. In Animal Farm, George Orwell uses motifs and characterization to demonstrate how conformity can take ones freedom away and stop them from expressing their own ideas. The â€Å"Beasts of England† song is a great example of a motif that’s supports John F. Kennedy’s quote. In Animal Farm, this song and many other songs/slogans act as propaganda

Infomercial Analyis Free Essays

Insanity Infomercial The Beach Body Insanity program boasts as being the hardest workout on DVD. This comes across different than most programs offering to assist with weight loss and exercise. Most info commercials, today try to lure the consumers in by how easy the program is to follow and how effortless the workout is; and some even claim that a lifestyle change is not necessary. We will write a custom essay sample on Infomercial Analyis or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Insanity program has people saying how hard this program is, that the program requires dedication and a decision to change your lifestyle. Incorporating the Insanity program into an individual’s lifestyle will take a commitment to make 45 minutes a day for the workout and to plan to eat healthy. Most people can make time for this workout; especially since it does not require any special equipment; you use your body as resistance, stretching and is a very high cardiovascular exercises. Whether you are in shape or a coach potato, this comes across as not for the faint at heart; not many programs trying to sell it to someone trying to get in shape that people have thrown up on the first day. One of the benefits about Insanity is that there are DVDs, while there is a preplanned work out on a printed calendar to follow, can be customized to fit any fitness program by pausing the program or taking the necessary breaks one needs and to start back. Most people can stick to a program for 30 days, with this program it indicates that you will see results in that time frame; as well as seeing a body that would take most people a year to achieve in 60 days. This program seems to be expensive, with shipping and handling it cost $145. 0; if you take into account that a gym membership is $20. 00 a month, then the membership alone would $240. 00 for a year. To be able to achieve the results that the commercial states a physical trainer would need to set a workout program for most people at an additional cost. Taking the cost of a year’s membership at a local gym and a program that states you can see the same results in 60 days, the amount of time that would be saved this progra m is comparable and cheaper than other fitness programs. I believe that the Insanity program has truthfully presented the potential benefits of the program because it is not promising an easy fix. It clearly states that dedication and a commitment is necessary. It also comes across as not easy by offering a reward for completing the 60 day program. It also, discusses that a nutritional change is required. An alternative to Insanity would be a workout totaling 45 minute workout. I would recommend doing the following: * 1500-caloric intake diet high in protein and fiber; low in fat and sugar. * Exercising 6 days a week * High intensity exercises with less rest time 4 days. * Yoga the other 2 day. Making lifestyle changes and adding an exercise program is going to be hard and take dedication. Whether you decide to purchase a program from an infomercial, walk in your neighborhood or join a gym; it is important to just commit and allow room for error but make the necessary changes to have a healthier lifestyle. How to cite Infomercial Analyis, Papers

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living Without Gravity free essay sample

Imagine what life would be like without gravity. Would it be fun or maybe the most horrible experience ever? Astronauts are forced to deal with these types of issues everyday. In the story Life Without Gravity, astronauts are challenged to find solutions for problems faced in space. Despite all the problems, there are also positive outcomes of experiencing zero gravity. Weightlessness has advantages such as being fun and useful. There are also disadvantages such as changes in the body and nausea. Weightlessness has its own characteristics and effects. Weightlessness is being without gravity. When experiencing weightlessness, there is no acceleration. Being weightlessness is like riding a rollercoaster when you are falling downward. Weightlessness usually occurs when there is no force of support on your body. When your body is effectively in free fall, you are not being supported. Weightlessness usually happens in space. An effect of weightlessness is it makes everything around, below, above, and on the sides of you float. We will write a custom essay sample on Advantages and Disadvantages of Living Without Gravity or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page With its characteristics and effects, weightlessness has some advantages. Weightlessness has advantages such as being fun and useful. Weightlessness can actually be very fun. You are able to fly like a bird. You can bounce wall to wall, and you can even do acrobatics. Moving would be very easy. All you would have to do is just use your head to steer where you want to go. Pretty cool, aye. Another advantage of weightlessness is its useful. You have the useful area to yourself. You can also space yourself for your own personal space. With weightlessness, you can move around freely with absolutely no worries. Even though weightlessness has advantages, it has disadvantages as well. There are also disadvantages with weightlessness or zero gravity such as your body changes and nausea. If your body does not adapt, then it changes. Your muscles start to get weaker because they are not put to use. When your muscles are not working out, they start to get weaker and thinner. To keep these astronauts muscles big and strong, they have to exercise everyday. Working out in space can be very difficult, but theyll do anything to keep them well so they are not weak when they return to Earth. When your body doesnt adapt to the changes in space, your bones get thinner and thinner by the day because, just like your muscles, they are just relaxing. Relaxing is wonderful, but when your bones are relaxing, thats not good at all! When your bones just stay there, they start to get too comfortable and get thinner and thinner. Then when you arrive back in Earth, you will be sore! That is why exercising, especially in space, is very, very important. Everyday the astronauts get on a treadmill or a bike and get their bones and muscles working. Another disadvantage to weightlessness is that your back begins to hurt. In space, you are required to just float around all day, causing your back to hurt because your back is just floating, with the rest of your body. While weightlessness, occurs you get nausea. You throw up and you lose your appetite because all those back flips and turns youve done, now make you dizzy and you dont even want to eat. Even when you start gaining your appetite again, food in space just taste blander. Yuck! While experiencing nausea, your blood routes to your head, causing your head to swell up. It causes your central nervous system and the receptors of many other analyzer systems to react unusually. Your head swells up because you are use to having your blood route from your head to your feet on Earth. Blood routing from your head to your feet is natural because we stand, but when you are in space, you often are upside down, which causes your blood to route to your head. Then when the blood reaches your head, your head starts to turn all red, just like a cherry, then you start experiencing major headaches. Therefore, weightlessness does have disadvantages such as the body changing and people becoming nausea. This concludes that weightlessness has advantages and disadvantages. Although the astronauts experienced many physical changes, they learned to deal with them. Soon, they adapted to the environment and enjoyed being weightlessness. Like retired astronaut, Robert Crippen said, The real pleasure was having the chance to enjoy being weightless, and the other was to spend some time looking out this beautiful Earth, that we are all lucky to inhabit.

Why Are Police Officers More Dangerous Than Airpla Essays

Why Are Police Officers More Dangerous Than Airplanes? [pic] Pagan Kennedy AUG. 11, 2017 382 Photo [pic] CreditAngie Wang "It's 2:30 in the morning and my phone rings. My daughter says, 'Daddy, you need to come to the hospital,' " Michael Bell told me, of the moment in 2004 when he learned that his son had been shot by a police officer in their hometown, Kenosha, Wis. Twenty-one-year-old Michael Bell Jr. died that night from a bullet wound to the head. In the nightmarish hours that followed, his father expected independent investigators to arrive on the scene and find out what had gone wrong. A former Air Force pilot, he knew that when an accident happened in the military, a forensic team performed an exhaustive review. Above all, he wanted to make sure that if a mistake had contributed to his son's death, it would be identified and fixed, so that nothing like it would happen again. This investigative method is standard in aviation. When a plane crashes, experts pick through the wreckage to determine the cause and make recommendations to prevent the next accident. The process is so effective that for the last several years, the death rate from crashes of American commercial planes has been zero. But no comparable system exists in policing - and that may help explain why you are far more likely to die at the hands of a cop than to perish in an plane crash. Police officers in the United States now kill about 1,000 people and wound more than 50,000every year. Of course, no independent team arrived to perform a forensic analysis of the younger Mr. Bell's death. Instead, the Kenosha police department spent two days investigating its own officers before ruling that the shooting was justified. The police officers claimed that Michael had "failed to make a complete stop" (and tests later showed Michael had been drinking), so they followed him to his house and parked behind him. According to the police, the young man had lunged at them and tried to pull a gun out of an officer's holster. Photo [pic] The family of Michael Bell (in picture), a young man who died in police custody, recount the story of how their son died at a Citizen's Tribunal in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. CreditNarayan Mahon for The New York Times Mr. Bell hired his own investigators. They contend that it all began with faulty equipment: Officer Erich Strausbaugh's holster caught on a cable dangling from one of the cars' side-view mirrors, so that when he tackled Michael, he felt a powerful tug on his belt. Assuming that the young man had grabbed for his weapon, he called out to his partners, "He's got my gun." Michael's mother and sister, who were watching nearby, yelled that Michael did not have the gun. But it was too late. Continue reading the main story "My blond-haired boy was killed," Mr. Bell said, "and then blamed." He continued, "If that was how it was for my family, then I knew that the families of African-American, Hispanic or Asian boys didn't stand a chance. That was one of reasons I started raising a ruckus." Police violence is tangled up with racism and systemic injustice. We desperately need to do more to address that, foremost by shoring up the criminal-justice system so that it holds police officers accountable when they kill. But it's also true that deadly mistakes are going to happen when police officers engage in millions of potentially dangerous procedures a year. What aviation teaches us is that it should be possible to "accident proof" police work, if only we are willing to admit when mistakes are made. Mr. Bell, in fact, does not blame Officer Strausbaugh, who committed suicide several years later. "The officer made an honest mistake," he said; the problem is that "the police department covered it up." In 2010, the family received some vindication when the City of Kenosha agreed to pay $1.75 million to settle a wrongful-death lawsuit. Afterward, Mr. Bell paid to erect billboards asking: "When police kill, should they judge themselves?" In 2014, Wisconsin passed a law requiring independent investigations of police actions that result in a civilian death. Mr. Bell is still pushing for reform, touring Wisconsin with graphs and charts

Fire Management Practices

Fire Management Practices Introduction Fire is one of the biggest factors that determine management and development taking place in forests around the world. Evolution of certain forest ecosystems has been associated with frequent fires resulting from either human or natural causes while other ecosystems are impacted negatively by forest fires.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Fire Management Practices specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Cases of massive destruction of forests from fire are recorded every year leading to huge economic losses. The losses occur owing to the fact that livelihoods, timber, housing, environmental and other recreational facilities are destroyed . Most of the wildfires occurring in forests nowadays are caused by the wrong use of fire in transforming forests into useful agricultural land, sustaining grazing activities, hunting, preparing land for mineral extraction and establishment of industries among other use s. Land conflicts and negligence such as dropping cigarettes may also be another source of forest fires. Forest fires have been deemed as the single most channel through which great destruction of forests occur but it also serves as an important method of checking the health composition of certain ecosystems. The conventional perspective that fire is destructive and should be fought immediately leads to the view that it is in fact possible for fire to be used as a management tool in some acceptable ecological conditions. Background of Kuwait Oil Wells In February 1938, discoveries were made that the Burgan field in Kuwait was rich in oil. The desert part of Kuwait had been observing unusual black patches but it was not until investigations were done that it was discovered that great wealth lay underground. In 1921, the country was under the leadership of a visionary and resourceful leader in the name of Sheikh Ahmad who was to take the country through the difficult moments (KPC, 200 9). As the 1930s approached, there was a decline in trade and the new ruler together with the people of Kuwait were aware of the prospects of oil mining in other neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia. In 1932, the discovery of oil in Bahrain made Kuwait pregnant with expectations that the surface deposits indicated that there was underground supply of a commodity capable of boosting the economy of the country. In 1934, the ruler of Kuwait signed the Kuwait Oil Concession Agreement intended at increasing the wealth of Kuwait (KPC, 2009).Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Initial drilling of oil started in Bahrain but later recommendations were made to take the process to Burgan. Studies were conducted and drilling in this area was carried out in 1937 and 1938 which led to the discovery of oil. The quantity of oil in this region was high that it gushed out in such a manner that it could not be controlled. There was no adequate mud to block the hole that had been drilled and this necessitated the use of alternative methods to control the situation. In 1946, Sheikh Ahmad steered plans to start exporting oil to other countries. This elevated Kuwait and was ranked among the world famous oil producers. The same year saw the first shipment of oil from Kuwait, something that was highly celebrated. The year 1976 marked the onset of a new era when the oil industry in Kuwait was nationalized. Just as the rest of Arab countries that were producing oil, Kuwait started deliberating with its counterparts in a bid to gain full control over its oil resources. The state continued increasing its share in the biggest oil company in the country until it eventually gained full control. Kuwait signed an agreement with Gulf and British Petroleum according the country complete control over its oil resources (KPC, 2009) Classes of Fires With regard to the pr ocesses involved in putting off fires, they are normally classified into various classes. The different classes of fires are on the basis of the fuel that ignites the fire, a factor that further gives the criteria for choosing the most suitable agent to be used in extinguishing the fire. On the basis of the type of fuel that causes fire, there are four different types of fires. Fires Resulting from Ordinary Combustibles This class of fires is the most prevalent type occurring as a result of heating, ignition and subsequent combustion of organic materials, rubber, plastics and cloth. The fire goes on burning on condition that heat, oxygen, fuel and chemical reactions exist to sustain the process. This class of fire is considered un-harmful as long as it is used in uncontrolled circumstances. For example, a cap fire where the source of heat is a different fire or natural availability of oxygen and a link of the three chemical reactions. Since the fire is only limited to wood and there are no other flammable substances, it is not dangerous.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Fire Management Practices specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, if a fire of this type is left to burn in an unrestricted environment, it can be dangerous since it can spread to other flammable substances causing it to be difficult to control. When its control becomes a problem then techniques of firefighting are essential. Containing and putting off fire in this class is relatively easy since it can be extinguished by simply cutting the supply of oxygen, heat, fuel or better still disrupting the chemical reaction that facilitates the process. The most elementary way of eliminating the heat is by spraying water to the burning substances. Oxygen supply to the fire can be removed using a fire extinguisher. Since this type of fire is the most common, it is important for firefighting departments to have equipment for fi ghting it in order to prevent damages (Melbourne University, 2004). Fires Resulting from Gases and Flammable Liquids This class of fires is caused by gases and liquids that are flammable and capable of undergoing combustion. Just like it has been mentioned in the case of class A fires, this class of fires require fuel, oxygen, heat and chemical reactions for burning to take place. The difference in the fuels that cause fires is that fires from this class are caused by liquids that are highly flammable such as gasoline and natural gas. Water should not be used to extinguish this type of fires since this has the impact of scattering the fire and making it possible to spread to other places. The fires in this category are extinguished by use of halon and dry chemical extinguishing agents. These agents make it difficult for the chemical reactions to go on hence depleting the fire (Hassam, 2011). Fires Resulting from Electrical Equipments This class of fires is of electrical natures whic h involve electrical equipment which have the potential of being energized. They occur in the event of short circuiting or when electrical cables become overloaded. These types of fires are very dangerous and cannot be extinguished by use of water since water itself is a good conductor of electricity hence has the potential of making the fire spread fast. These types of fires are extinguished by using extinguishing agents like Carbon dioxide, FM-200 and extinguishers that use dry powder of a chemical nature.Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Fires Caused By Metals This class of fires is caused by ignition of flammable metals such as lithium, sodium and potassium among others. The above mentioned metals ignite at once after their exposure in the air following a reaction with atmospheric oxygen. Among the metals, sodium is the most flammable and its exposure in the air produces sparks hence the safest way of storing it is dipping it in kerosene. Fire resulting from metals can be dangerous unless measures of control are taken immediately. Just like the electrical fires, using water to extinguish them can worsen the fire hence they require their unique extinguishing agents to put them off (Hassam, 2011). Traditional Methods of Extinguishing Oil Well Fires The first traditional method of fighting fire in oil wells is by spraying water on the fire. This method has one benefit in that it initiates a cooling effect on the burning oil. However, the method is not very effective when it comes to fighting oil well fires. Water and oil are immiscible and this ensures that the oil does not get wet hence the oil being heated is not adequately cooled. The second traditional method used in extinguishing oil well fires is the use of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide does not burn and its density is higher than that of air while it is in the gaseous form so it blankets the fire when sprayed. However, the methods used to deliver the carbon dioxide in oil wells are usually not effective. This is because the fire is in an oil well where pressurized combustible fluid normally facilitates the fire. The best way to extinguish this fire is to initiate a cooling effect in the surroundings and cutting the supply of oxygen till the fire is extinguished (CIAF, 2011). The third traditional method used in extinguishing oil well fires is the use of cold fire. This is a chemical associated with plants and once there is presence of heat, it undergoes endothermic reactions. It also surrounds the source of the fuel to ensure that there is no additional burning. Since oxygen, fuel and heat are the key components that cause fire, cold fire takes care of these three components. The traditional products used extinguish the fire by eliminating oxygen through smothering it in different ways. Some of the traditional methods are messy and usually cause blisters to the skin. For example, the halon extinguisher eliminates oxygen not only for the fire but also in the surroundings posing a danger to human life. The fourth traditional method used in extinguishing oil well fires is digging diverting wells and completely destroying the main well. This is a dangerous procedure since it puts the operators at grave danger and risks losing the well completely. This deprives the country of a gainful natural resource. It is also a risky method since poisonous gases and radiation pose a risk to the people putting off the fire (CIAF, 2011). Modern Methods of Extinguishing Oil Well Fires As a result of the recurrent fires in Kuwait oil w ells, it was discovered that the traditional methods that were being used to fight the fires were not sufficient. This crisis necessitated the adoption of new methods of extinguishing fires. Exploding the wells with Dynamite This method involves the use of a large pipe through a boom erected on a bulldozer to exactly locate where the well is in order to conduct accurate inspection. After doing this, a drum containing dynamite is suspended at the end of the boom to a bulldozer sprayed with water and then positioned well. The burning well is then sprayed with water with the intention of reducing the temperature. The bulldozer which is fitted with a galvanized iron shed and a tiny hole for the driver to peep through is then moved towards the source. Dynamite earlier deposited at the source is exploded followed by detonation of the charge. Explosion of dynamite consumes all the available oxygen hence putting off the fires. This method of extinguishing oil well fires is similar to the tr aditional method of cold fire which also eliminates oxygen hence putting off the fire (Husain, 1995). Raising the Plume Raising the plume is another modern method used to extinguish fire in oil wells in Kuwait. This method involves using a metal casing of between 30 and 40 feet high which is erected above the blown head making the flame to rise above the ground. This is followed by a constant pumping of water or liquid nitrogen in the casing hence depleting the fire of oxygen supply. The result of this process is the putting off the fire completely. In some cases, wet jet was used to replace the liquid nitrogen. Directing Water Jets on Water Heads This is another modern method used to extinguish oil well fires by directing water stream jet towards the source from a safe distance. Various methods are used prominently among them being the big wind method used in Hungary which extinguished the fire within 30-40 seconds. The other conventional methods took a bit longer in jetting the wa ter to extinguish the fire with temperatures ranging 300 to 400 degrees piling up in the area around the wells. Accomplishing New Oil Well Extinguishing Methods and their Impact The new methods of extinguishing oil well fires were accomplished through various ways. For instance, use of dynamite was accomplished by heaping dynamite at the source of the wells then blowing it off. This had the impact of depleting all the available oxygen hence extinguishing the fire. Raising the plume had the effect of elevating the flames high above the ground such that the flames could not destroy the wells. In accomplishing these new methods, specialists and people with expertise in the fields were used to ensure to ensure the effectiveness of the methods. Finances were also mobilized to meet the high costs involved in the shift from traditional methods into these modern methods (Husain, 1995). The new methods had a great impact on traditional methods of fire management. Some of the traditional meth ods that were in place had been described as being ineffective in extinguishing oil well fires. This problem was solved by the new methods. The new methods also eliminated the risks such as contact with poisonous materials associated with traditional fire fighting methods. Environmental Influence of Gulf War and Oil Fire The gulf war and oil fire led to numerous environmental influences in the affected areas. There was no clean up in the entire area affected by the oil fires hence sediments of oil remained long after the oil fires had been stopped. Another influence on the environment is that the salt marshes are still present in areas that were affected by the oil fires. The mangroves and the rocky shores are the only features that have recovered from the aftermath of the oil fires (CIAF, 2011). One of the human influences of the gulf war and the oil fires is the air pollution caused. The black smoke from burning oil fuels obscured the sun causing people not to see well. This smoke carries with itself dangerous air pollutants that are harmful to human beings. The gulf war and oil fires also had a human influence of making difficult the living conditions of many people. This is because oil is an important economic commodity for Kuwait and its destruction had significant economic implications. The war also led to deterioration of the countries’ economy making the lives of the people difficult. Conclusion Fires can be detrimental in that they cause great losses both to individuals and countries. Whether they are oil well fires or other forms of fires, it is crucial to come up with and implement excellent ways of fire management to avert the losses caused. Quick responses in cases of fire outbreaks should be implemented to ensure that whenever fires break they do not spread so easily to other places. Oil wells should also be designed in such a way that it is not easy for them to catch fire. The design should also be in such a way that the wells can be acce ssed easily once there are fire outbreaks. Governments should also come up with policies that restrict some of the practices that may lead to fires. Implementing these strategies will ensure that fires that often have negative implications are reduced. Reference List CIAF. (2011). Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills. New York: Jones Bartlett Publishers. Hassam. (2011). Classes Of Fire. Web. Husain, T. (1995). Kuwaiti oil fires: regional environmental perspectives. London: Elisivier. KPC. (2009). Kuwait Oil History. Web. MelbourneUniversity. (2004). Classes of Fires. Web. NHM. (2011). Forest Fires. Web.

Uniquely Feminine Action Scenes Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Uniquely Feminine Action Scenes - Research Paper Example When she was attacked, she held her leg up to the throat of her opponent while the camera was positioned on the floor looking up. Her crotch was right on the center and it made her legs look even longer. Barb Wire and Sucker Punch follow the model of Charlie’s Angels. These movies emphasize the curves instead of the muscles. In Sucker Punch, one of the most popular fight scene is the Samurai Battle. Babydoll (Browning) was dressed as a female sailor with a hemline that barely covers her butt. In more than one occasion, she slid through the air. Her body was parallel to the floor and the camera was just several inches away from body, locked in one position. It created an illusion that her body was sliding through the camera which put the audience in the closest possible proximity with her breasts, abs, crotch and legs. There are those who criticize Snyder for this, calling it a failed interpretation of feminism (Mencimer 4). Her argument is that the critics on the feminist fron t are correct. There are still specified parameters wherein violence for women is allowed and these parameters are generally set according to what men are able to put up with. Gina Arnold’s (3) view is very different and subscribes to the idea that the evolving female character is an inspiration and is a positive influence on women. According to Arnold, if we look at the elated reception received by Charlie’s Angels in shopping centres all over America, we can rightly assume that the viewing public are overjoyed to see women attaining a physically superior position when it comes to men. Also according to Arnold, a number of these movies present a more elegant approach when it comes to violence. She also writes that, without the... You will find that the way that Ripley in Alien has been portrayed affected how women are portrayed in general in action movies. Ever since the release of the first movie in 1979, there have been a strong wave of strong female heroines – â€Å"Terminator 1’s† – Linda Hamilton; â€Å"China O’Brien’s, Lady Dragon’s† Cynthia Rothrock; â€Å"Resident Evil’s† MillaJovovich; â€Å"Kill Bill’s Uma Thurman† are just a sampling of some of these. Unfortunately, Weaver’s talent is often eclipsed by her onscreen image. A number of websites take more notice of what she looks like than how she acts. It is not surprising for producers to use the beauty of women to in action movies. In Charlie’s Angels, there is the undeniable concentration to shoot from a lower angle, possibly to show that the women are superior to the scene and audience but, and this is more likely, to put emphasis on their breasts. There are a number of gratuitous shots of the women’s body and tight shots on their abs, legs, and lips. The fight scene has a high sexual element to it. They roll across the floor with open legs a number of times. In another shot, they are on their back struggling with their legs open. You could compare this shot to a rape scene. Even their exaggerated grunts, screams and moans are louder than any non-diagetic music in the scene.