The Healing Wound :: Vietnam Veterans War Memorial Essays

The Healing Wound It’s a beautiful morning at our nation’s capital. Constitution Gardens is blooming with life. Flowers of red, yellow, and pink bob their heads in the gentle summer breeze. Wise old trees proudly oversee the grassy lawns, while twittering birds scamper about on their strong, sturdy limbs. People talk animatedly as they stroll in small groups along the brown, dusty paths. Children run and jump, stopping occasionally to make quick poses for parents’ snapping cameras. As we walk ahead, we notice a shape taking form on the horizon. It looks like a large gray splinter embedded into the green landscape. As we come closer, we realize how truly large this object is, yet it does not rise up from the earth like other structures in the park. Rather, it sinks down into the lawn, as if its very size were a giant weight upon the land. Now that we are upon it, it looks far more like a gaping black wound than a silver sliver. Its opening begins narrowly and then widens in the middle, tapering off again at the other end. It is very dark, and now that we are close enough to touch it, we see that it is solid and black and hard and dense. The park breezes die here. Adults cease their prattle. Children stop their play. Eerily, even the chatter of birds doesn’t reach this solemn place. All senses tell us that we have entered a sacred site--a place meant for reflection and contemplation. We are at the Vietnam War Memorial. The tip of the gash points to President Lincoln sitting high above and looking out upon us all. In contrast to the giant statue of pristine white, the wall that rises by my foot is so dark that it reflects the ground in which it is burrowed. There are letters inscribed on the wall. They form names. I read: FLOYD LEE WILLIAMS JR. I wonder about Floyd. To most people who come here, his is merely one out of a myriad of names scratched into this cool granite wall. Does anyone know that Floyd was from Northglenn, Colorado, or that he was only 20 years old when he died? How can the thousands of people who see his name here know that he was in Vietnam for only 12 short days? His helicopter was shot down. His life was important, yet his death is only the tip of a great iceberg that chills the hearts of Americans everywhere. There are over 58,000 more names like his listed on these cold slabs. The sleek and stark feel of the memorial is enhanced by the The Healing Wound :: Vietnam Veterans War Memorial Essays The Healing Wound It’s a beautiful morning at our nation’s capital. Constitution Gardens is blooming with life. Flowers of red, yellow, and pink bob their heads in the gentle summer breeze. Wise old trees proudly oversee the grassy lawns, while twittering birds scamper about on their strong, sturdy limbs. People talk animatedly as they stroll in small groups along the brown, dusty paths. Children run and jump, stopping occasionally to make quick poses for parents’ snapping cameras. As we walk ahead, we notice a shape taking form on the horizon. It looks like a large gray splinter embedded into the green landscape. As we come closer, we realize how truly large this object is, yet it does not rise up from the earth like other structures in the park. Rather, it sinks down into the lawn, as if its very size were a giant weight upon the land. Now that we are upon it, it looks far more like a gaping black wound than a silver sliver. Its opening begins narrowly and then widens in the middle, tapering off again at the other end. It is very dark, and now that we are close enough to touch it, we see that it is solid and black and hard and dense. The park breezes die here. Adults cease their prattle. Children stop their play. Eerily, even the chatter of birds doesn’t reach this solemn place. All senses tell us that we have entered a sacred site--a place meant for reflection and contemplation. We are at the Vietnam War Memorial. The tip of the gash points to President Lincoln sitting high above and looking out upon us all. In contrast to the giant statue of pristine white, the wall that rises by my foot is so dark that it reflects the ground in which it is burrowed. There are letters inscribed on the wall. They form names. I read: FLOYD LEE WILLIAMS JR. I wonder about Floyd. To most people who come here, his is merely one out of a myriad of names scratched into this cool granite wall. Does anyone know that Floyd was from Northglenn, Colorado, or that he was only 20 years old when he died? How can the thousands of people who see his name here know that he was in Vietnam for only 12 short days? His helicopter was shot down. His life was important, yet his death is only the tip of a great iceberg that chills the hearts of Americans everywhere. There are over 58,000 more names like his listed on these cold slabs. The sleek and stark feel of the memorial is enhanced by the

A Civil Action Movie Notes Essay

Dead child worth least of all Schlichtmann received a call from Anne Anderson because her son died 12 deaths from leukemia >> 8 are children Water from two city wells are contaminated by TCE Case was kicked from firm to firm It’s a hard case because it is most likely unproven Apology from â€Å"who?† >> the defendant is sure to have some professionals >> case might not be winnable Beatrice and WR Grace are the perpetrators Lawsuits begin with the complaint Will Cheeseman: lawyer for WR Grace Jerome Facher: lawyer for Beatrice Charges in the complaint: negligence, conscious pain and suffering, wrongful death Rule 11: civil law suits Facher: knock a guy down, knock him in a way that he can’t get up again â€Å"it’s about this†¦-showing pictures of little kids- Walter J. Skinner: judge MOTION: cheesman (motion to dismiss): schmn. Had no evidence >> no real investigation >> no research RULE 11 is a nonissue because it’s so old Team of geologist and engineers are needed to show if the wells are actually contaminated 6 barrels were found in the back, in a pit Solvent†¦in barrels They get dumped out back, in the ground (witness) Immune system of kids: tore down to nothing He was doing well, and he looked fine†¦it was abrupt Facher: â€Å"these people can never testify† Silicon and TCE are used to waterproof leather Silicon is poured on†¦so some of the spill will fall off of the ground 50 more barrels that city inspector didn’t find â€Å"dump it out there in the gulley† Or dump it in a ditch Pour it into a pit Dump it into the swimming pool Lawsuit: compel the others to settle Schmann wants 25 mil cash†¦and another 25 mil to establish a research foundation to establish link between chemicals and illness†¦1.5 mil annually for families for 30 years Facher claims that Schmnn wants money Geological evidence has to come first; there needs to be proof that the chemicals reach the wells first before the parents of victims can testify The questions were confusing Facher offer a 20 mil settlement for Beatrice WR Grace: Yes on Q1 Beatrice: No on all questions >> case has ended for them Grace offer 8 million >> Schmnn said that he owed the families more than that 375 K per family The companies aren’t going to clean up the place Anne was not interested in money >> she still wanted the apology >> she said that he said that they apologized with their checkbooks >> Schmnn said sorry, but Anne said it was not meaningful The families even lost more that the lawyers Dump trucks full of scraps >> kids playing with fire†¦the water went up in flames Riley told the worker to keep his mouth shut with Celtic tickets APPEAL Judge Skinner found that John Riley deliberately concealed evidence at the trial. His tanner was torn down in 1990. WR Grace was indicted by the Grand Jury for making false statements to the EPA regarding its use of TCE, acetone, and toluene. The company pleaded no contest to the acetone charge. Its Woburn plant was closed in 1990 Two companies paid 69.4 mil to clean up

Gattaca And The Short Story - 1713 Words

The film GATTACA and the short story, â€Å"Nine Lives,† exemplifies the ethics of altering human life at the genetic level, through techniques of genetic engineering. Throughout GATTACA, the ability to create improved, even superior forms of human life as a positive development through eugenics is shown as well as arousing questions about the moral implications of such engineering. The main protagonist in GATTACA, Vincent Freeman, battles with the discrimination of being an â€Å"invalid† in a world of â€Å"valids† and comes to realize that he is not an inferior being in the midst of an altered humanity. In â€Å"Nine Lives,† a lone survivor of the ten genetically engineered clones of John Chow struggle come to understand itself in relation to unaltered humanity and its individuality for the first time in its life. A dystopian society is produced when unaltered humans and genetically engineered beings coexist and interact with one another due to nefario us social practices such filtering menial jobs only to â€Å"invalids† in GATTACA and the emphasis in the value of clones and their worth to society as collective work group rather than focusing on each individual’s contribution to society. The film GATTACA exhibits the adverse nature of eugenics while â€Å"Nine Lives† stresses the importance of individualism instead of collectivism and fend off the need to be reliant on others to feel welcomed in society. GATTACA is well known for its use of eugenics in the film. The film is set in a â€Å"not tooShow MoreRelatedEssay about Future Concerns - Gattaca and Fahrenheit 4511562 Words   |  7 Pagesfrom them. Texts such as the film ‘Gattaca’, directed by Andrew Niccol and novel ‘Fahrenheit 451’ by Ray Bradbury explore futuristic societies and the implications that become of their innovation. Although entertaining, texts such as these are didactic and must be taken seriously, as they co mmunicate messages to audiences regarding prevalent concerns and possible futures based on society’s choices. ‘Gattaca’ (1995) directed by Andrew Niccol, follows the story of the underdog Vincent, who is challengedRead MoreComparison Of Frank Herbert s Seed Stock And Andrew Niccol s Gattaca1193 Words   |  5 PagesThe societies in both Frank Herbert’s â€Å"Seed Stock† and Andrew Niccol’s Gattaca are much different than society in the real world today. In â€Å"Seed Stock,† the sole purpose of the people that were sent to this alien planet was to survive and make the planet like Earth. In Gattaca, a person’s life revolves around their capabilities and potential due to genetics. In spite of this, survival is not the only thing that governs their life. Both Niccol and Herbert presented the idea that although survivalRead MoreDiscussion of Whether Gattaca Portrays A Realistic View Of The Future And Gene Manipulation1532 Words   |  7 PagesDiscussion of Whether Gattaca Portrays A Realistic View Of The Future And Gene Manipulation Media. It controls a lot of what we think, what we believe and so changes our attitude and behaviour towards certain things. It has changed our thinking so much so that we believe almost anything and everything the media say and do. Without the media, life would not be as it is. Newspapers, magazines, television, internet, radio, the lot have very much altered our thinking. Read MoreDystopian Comparisons Essay1431 Words   |  6 PagesIn the Book A Clockwork Orange, the short stories Harrison Burgeron, The Lottery and the movies Gattaca and the Truman Show by Anthony Burgess, Kurt Vonnegut, Shirly Jackson, Andrew Niccol and Peter Wier respectively. These pieces of literature(and cinematography) all have a society that controls and manipulates the individual or Protaganist. The society does this because it wants total control over both the individual and the society as a whole. A Clockwork Orange is futuristic look at EnglandRead MoreSymbolism on Gattaca Essay4547 Words   |  19 PagesHollywood-esque Gattaca is a prophetic distopia concerning genetic discrimination in the early 21st Century. A true hero is one who is willing to commit body and soul to achieve a dream, discuss. Gattaca is a provocative science-fiction interpretation of the future of genomics. Andrew Niccols presents us with insight to a pessimistic view of genetic enhancement set in the not to distant future. The film takes us through the journey of Vincent Freeman, and Jerome Morrow who with the valueRead MoreGattaca2632 Words   |  11 PagesGattaca Questions Part I   (Short Answer) 1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Compare the genetic traits of Vincent and Anton. How are they similar? How are they different? They are tall, brunette and men. They are different because Jerome does not have a heart condition, where Vincent does. Also, I noticed that Jerome is right handed, and Vincent is left handed; this provides symmetry. 2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What does the character â€Å"German† do for a living? German’s character helps invalids do what they are told they cannot by findingRead MoreStephen Jay Gould And Friedrich Nietzsche1443 Words   |  6 Pageslife.† (Nietzsche 718) The same goes for hostility, it is in one’s nature and religion is stripping us of our instincts. Another triumph is our spiritualization of hostility. It consists in a profound appreciation of the value of having enemies: in short, it means acting and thinking in the opposite way from that which has been the rule. The church always wanted the destruction of its enemies; we, we immoralists and Antichristian, find our advantage in this, that the church exists.† The only onesRead MoreDNA as Destiny4239 Words   |  17 Pagesdarkly, to deny someone jobs, dates, and meds because their nucleotides dont measure up. Its a scenario Andrew Niccol imagined in his 1997 film, Gattaca, where embryos in a not-too-distant future are bioengineered for perfection, and where genism — discrimination based on ones DNA — condemns the lesser-gened to scrubbing toilets. The Gattaca-like engineering of defect-free embryos is at least 20 or 30 years away, but Sequenom and others plan to take DNA testing to the masses in just a yearRead MoreThe Process Of Pgd ( Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis )2501 Words   |  11 Pageswill never marry and start a family due to a simple lack of women. This idea and the increased competition between men for partners can be very distressing and fearful. Additionally, it places women in a unique position of pressure. We can take this story as a potential example of what social and demographic changes could occur if people had more control over the traits of their offspring and cultural pressures were allowed to have a bearing on the greater scale of human genetics. If PGD were freelyRead MoreMedia Magic Making Class Invisible2198 Words   |  9 Pagesgives examples as to how the media portrays the poor in a demeaning way. For example, Mantsios says: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The media routinely centers on the black urban population and focus on perceived personality or cultural traits that doom the poor. Women in these stories exhibit and attitude that leads to the trouble or a promiscuity which then leads to single motherhood, the men possess a need for immediate gratification that leads to drug abuse or and unquenchable greed that leads to the pursuit of fast moneyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ (Media

Airjet Best Parts, Inc. Part 1 - 1125 Words

Finance | | | | | | | | | | Course Project - Part 1 - Task 1: Assessing loan options for AirJet Best Parts, Inc. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Question 1: | APR (given) | EAR (calc) | | 2nd ICONV | | | | | | National First | 3.25 + 6.75 = 10% | 10.25 | | NOM = 10% | | | | | | | | | | C/Y = 2 (semiannual) | | | | | | | | | | EFF = 10.2500 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Regions Best | 13.17 | 13.99 | | 2nd ICONV | | | | | | | | | | NOM = 13.17% | | | | | | | | | | C/Y = 12 (monthly) | | | | | | | | | | EFF = 13.9948 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |†¦show more content†¦should be approximately $21.64 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Question 3: | | | | | | | | | | I would think that the par value or stated value of preferred stock would be higher in price because | | | | | it pays a fixed divide nd with a set percentage of the par or face value each period. For example, when | | | | | stock prices increase, the value and dividends increase for common stock. However, the dividend | | | | | does not increase for preferred stock because with this type of stock, dividends are a fixed | | | | | | percentage of par or face value. The payout of common stock dividends will change with increases | | | | | and decreases in the stock market. If a company liquidates, common stock holders will likely | | | | | | get nothing because preferred stock holders and creditors will receivetheir share first. Common | | | | | stock holders will receive anything that is left to claim, which is usually nothing. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Question 4: | | | | | | | | | | If AirJest Best Parts, Inc. annouces that their dividends will increase at the end of the year, | | | | | | the stock price computed above would increase. An increase i n dividends generates a higher | | | | | | stock price, which in turns spurs future production and investment in that company. If the | | | | | | required rate ofShow MoreRelatedAirjet Best Parts Inc Part 1990 Words   |  4 PagesKim Witten Course Project Part I Task 1 1. National First (Prime rate is 3.25%) +6.75% = 10% Semiannually EAR = (1+.10/2) ^2 – 1 which is 10.25 Regions Best Rate is 13.17% Monthly EAR = (1+.1317/12) ^12 – 1 which is 13.99 2. I think that between National First and Regions Best that National first offers the lower rate after computing the EAR. National first is also only compounded semiannually making it lower then Regions Best. The only thing I worry about it the prime rate changingRead MoreBusn 379 Course Project1155 Words   |  5 PagesProject – Part 1 Task 1: Assessing loan options for AirJet Best Parts, Inc. 1. Assuming that AirJet Parts, Inc. is considering loans from National First and Regions Best, what are the EARs for these two banks? Hint for National Bank: Go to the St. Louis Federal Reserve Board’s website (http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/). Select â€Å"Interest Rates† and then â€Å"Prime Bank Loan Rate†. Use the latest MPRIME. Show your calculations. Answer: National First Bank (Prime Rate 7,75% ) EAR = [(1+ ((7.75%)/2))^2Read MoreCourse Project 11131 Words   |  5 PagesCourse Project-Part 1 Hannah Satterthwaite Professor Gatto DeVry University Finding the Best Loan Options 1. Assuming that AirJet Parts, Inc. is considering loans from National First and Regions Best, what are the EARs for these two banks? National First- (1+.0675/2) ²-1 = .078890625 Regions Best- (1+.1317/12) ¹Ã‚ ²-1= .1399478787 Using the Estimated Annual Rate formula, I found that National First estimated annual rate was 7.9% and Regions Best was 13.995% 2. Based on your calculationsRead MoreCompare and Contrast1513 Words   |  7 PagesCourse Project – Part I AirJet Best Parts, Inc Student: Goldie Scarbrough Course: Finance Instructor: Professor  Mike  Woodard Date: 03/23/2013 Task 1: Assessing loan options for AirNet Best Parts, Inc The Company needs to finance $8,000,000 for a new factory in Mexico. The funds will be obtained through a commercial loan and by issuing corporate bonds. Here is some of the information regarding the APRs offered by two well-known commercial banks. Bank | APR | Number of TimesRead MoreFinance Week 61558 Words   |  7 PagesCourse Project Part II Introduction You will assume that you still work as a financial analyst for AirJet Best Parts, Inc. The company is considering a capital investment in a new machine and you are in charge of making a recommendation on the purchase based on (1) a given rate of return of 15% (Task 4) and (2) the firm’s cost of capital (Task 5). Task 4. Capital Budgeting for a New Machine A few months have now passed and AirJet Best Parts, Inc. is considering the purchase on a new machineRead MoreFinance Course Project1960 Words   |  8 PagesCourse Project Part II Introduction You will assume that you still work as a financial analyst for AirJet Best Parts, Inc. The company is considering a capital investment in a new machine and you are in charge of making a recommendation on the purchase based on (1) a given rate of return of 15% (Task 4) and (2) the firm’s cost of capital (Task 5). Task 4. Capital Budgeting for a New Machine A few months have now passed and AirJet Best Parts, Inc. is considering the purchase on a new machineRead MoreBusn379 Week 6 Course Project Part 2 Essay1346 Words   |  6 PagesTask 4. Capital Budgeting for a New Machine A few months have now passed and AirJet Best Parts, Inc. is considering the purchase on a new machine that will increase the production of a special component significantly. The anticipated cash flows for the project are as follows: Year 1 $1,100,000 Year 2 $1,450,000 Year 3 $1,300,000 Year 4 $950,000 You have now been tasked with providing a recommendation for the project based on the results of a Net Present Value Analysis. Assuming thatRead MoreBusn Essay1786 Words   |  8 PagesCourse Project Part II Introduction You will assume that you still work as a financial analyst for AirJet Best Parts, Inc. The company is considering a capital investment in a new machine and you are in charge of making a recommendation on the purchase based on (1) a given rate of return of 15% (Task 4) and (2) the firm’s cost of capital (Task 5). Task 4. Capital Budgeting for a New Machine A few months have now passed and AirJet Best Parts, Inc. is considering the purchase on a new machine

The War Between France And Great Britain - 998 Words

Part One: 1: 1607; British colonists founded the Jamestown Settlement on May 17, 1697. The colony was named after King James I of England. Settlement established by men in search of gold for profit. No profit came of the search, instead diseases and famine were major problems faced by colonists. 2: 1754; The French and Indian War took place between 1754 and 1763. The war between France and Great Britain started after a dispute about land that the British wanted from the French. It angered them and some native Indian tribes. 3: 1773; British colonists began to become upset with all the new taxes imposed on them by Great Britain to pay for the debt of the French and Indian war. A group of British people later threw three shiploads of tea into the Boston Harbor, later known as the Boston Tea Party. It became a major event that lead to the Revolutionary War. 4: 1775; The American Revolution began. It started in response to the Stamp Act of 1765. Colonists felt the stamp act was unconstitutional, British government claimed it had the right to tax colonists. 13 American colonies would fight for independence to later become the United States. 5: 1776; The Founding Fathers draft the Declaration of Independence. The 13 American colonies announce it is time for separation from Britain monarchy and become independent. The declaration was also used by the founding fathers to gain foreign recognition. 6: 1787; The Constitution is written. It was written to establish and address theShow MoreRelatedThe War Of 1812 And The United States Essay1328 Words   |  6 PagesThe War of 1812 was the result of an ongoing feud between France, Great Britain, and the United States. The causes of the war included Britain attempt to restrict trade between France and the United States, Britain’s navy intimidating American seamen and the U.S. attempt to expand their territory. Before going into the war, the United States was fully aware that Britain had the greatest naval power in the world so this would be the costliest war financially and physically. The United States knewRead MoreThe American Colonies Military Struggles with European Nations687 Words   |  3 Pagesoutcomes of the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812 are all significant links in the chronological chain of history that has led us to the creation of the United States of America. If any of thes e linked events were not to have occurred or had a different outcome, the United States very well would not exist or would still be a group of European colonies. Lasting from 1756 until 1763, The French and Indian War was mainly a proxy war fought between the American Colonies actingRead MoreThe French And Indian War1195 Words   |  5 Pageshistory, wars have been fought to gain territories, independence, or to fight against those who take away one’s rights. The French and Indian War was fought in North America over the Ohio Valley, however, it is much more than just a war to gain territory. This war opened doors to the colonists who decided that fighting for independence was something they were in need of doing. The French and Indian War was the portion of the Seven Year’s War that was fought in North America between Great Britain and FranceRead MoreThe Causes of World War I1090 Words   |  5 Pagesmost terrifying wars in history broke out. One by one, starting with Germany, the nations of Europe picked up their weapons and entered a four-year period of annihilation and destruction. Germany was by all means responsible for the conditions that led to the outbreak of World War I due to their hunger for sovereignty which crippled the balance of power in Europe, their unconditional support for Austria, and the German war plan which transformed what should have been a local war into a horrendousRead MoreThe Fischer Controversy. The Publication In 1961 Of Fritz1483 Words   |  6 Pagesthe First World War, caused a wave of reactions from other historians and the general public. His claim angered German historians because it stated that Germany was solely responsible for the outbreak of World War I because they had â€Å"aggressive war aims in 1914.† According to Fischer, World War I was the excuse Germany needed to advance these aims. Although Fischer’s claim focused only on Germany the impact he made was felt among other nations who had also taken part in World War I. In turn eachRead MoreA Brief Note On The American Civil War1375 Words   |  6 Pages European Involvement in the Civil War Jillisa Halverson History 151 Instructor: Dan Anderson December 5, 2015 The American Civil War represents a significant period in United States history. In this essay we will explore foreign involvement in the Civil War. We will specifically look at the roles of France and Great Britain played and how they used military positioning in Canada and off the US coast to affect the war. Finally, we will look at which foreign entitiesRead MoreThe Treaty Of Paris ( 1763 )952 Words   |  4 Pagesthe Seven Years War (1754-1763), or French and Indian War as it was known in North America between the British and French Empires. Agreement is different, from the Treaty of Paris signed in 1783 which concluded the American Revolution (1775-1783) and provided for the independence of the United States of America from Great Britain. It is also distinct from Treaty of Paris (1815) which solidified Napoleon s defeat in Europe, and the Treaty of 1856 which concluded the Crimean War (1853-1856). ByRead MoreThe Clash Of The Titans1602 Words   |  7 PagesTITANS The War of 1812 The War of 1812 began as a result of a long fought war between Great Britain and French forces led by Napoleon Bonaparte, that eventually infringed upon many of America s rights. France and Great Britain had been fighting since 1793. Napoleon was a very powerful and determined emperor who conquered much of Europe during the 19th century. The Royal Navy was very skilled at naval combat and France had a strong and capable leader that was very skilled in war tactics. TheRead MoreThe System Of Alliances : The Alliance System1273 Words   |  6 PagesEntente of Britain, Russia and France (1907) Although these alliances were defensive in nature, they meant that any conflict between one country from each alliance was bound to involve the other countries. The fact that Germany faced a war on two fronts greatly influenced her actions during the July Crisis. By 1914 Italy was only a nominal member of the Triple Alliance. She had concluded a secret treaty with France by which she promised to stay neutral if Germany attacked France and when war broke outRead MoreThe Main Causes of World War 1 Essay1295 Words   |  6 PagesGreat War, also known as The First World War, lasted for four year (1914 to 1918). It brought a huge development of war technics and weapons. More number of countries had been involved in the Great War than any previous war. It involved the mobilization of the whole nations, not just an enormous army that turned the war into a â€Å"total war†. (Clare 6) However, historians are still arguing about the major cause of the World War I. The major cause will be one of the four long-term causes of WWI, which

To Ban or Not to Ban Free Essays

Mariah Smyth English II Honors Holzberger 11 May 2012 To Ban or Not to Ban? Give me literature or give me death. Why stand we here idle? What is that gentlemen wish? What would they want? Is it text so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of the chains of censorship? Forbid it, almighty god! I know not what course others might take; but ask me give me literature, or give me death! (Parody of â€Å"Speech to the Virginia Convention†). For centuries people have been reading books to gain knowledge and to be entertained (Introductory Assignment Sheet). We will write a custom essay sample on To Ban or Not to Ban? or any similar topic only for you Order Now Kurt Vonnegut did a magnificent job writing a piece threaded with compassion of a tragic historical event leaving behind a conspicuous moral statement. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut should not be removed from shelves, because the book is eye-opening especially for young adults who are soon to enter the real world and become our future. Certain groups decided to challenge harsh reality of the truth written into an educational and humorous read. A school’s board article stated, â€Å"We’re not making a judgment call on if the book is good or bad, we just want to make sure it’s age appropriate† (School board removes 2 books from school). This is NOT an arguable reason considering Billy Pilgrim, the main character in Slaughterhouse-Five, went into war at the age of sixteen. The book states the facts. Vonnegut argues that war is inhumane. This IS arguable and negotiable; war is deceitful and tears apart homes. Educational supervisors are trying to ban a book that is making children aware of the gruesome effects of war, and warnings to create a more diplomatic world. Vonnegut served in World War II first handedly and wanted to stress the anxiety war puts upon people. While being a veteran, â€Å"Vonnegut once knew the comfort of such a community and home life, and knew also the feeling of having them wrenched away† (Twentieth-Century Writers 1950-1990). His goal in Slaughterhouse-Five was to create a third world era where â€Å"Tralfamadorians,† or aliens, known as the enemy took over and demonstrated manifestations of the immaturity of human species for creating war. Vonnegut’s Dresden bombing in literature explained that, â€Å"In the aftermath they were assigned the task of carrying out dead bodies from the ruins. The descriptions of the removal of the bodies are particularly gruesome reminders of the insanity† (Dresden bombing in literature). Vonnegut wanted a moral vision of war cutting social community. After being kidnapped by the extraterrestrial Tralfamadorians he attempted to find peace and learned that the only secret of life is to live only in the happy moments. His embellished comparison to overcoming a tragedy was an honorable mention for young readers. It helps them realize war is unacceptable along with everything that comes with it. In addition, Vonnegut wanted someone to, â€Å"tell him the secret so he can take it back to Earth and save us all: How can a planet live at peace? † (Kurt Vonnegut). Vonnegut stated this in Slaughterhouse-Five meaning war should not be believed to take place on Earth. When coming back from his third world era, â€Å"war,† he thought it would be different, but everything came back with him. Therefore, when young adults read Slaughterhouse-Five they will fathom the idea wars resolve nothing and to create world peace for our future. Also respect everyone who has and is serving in war learning the truth and unpleasant effects. However, you may argue war is still an issue today and the book is not age appropriate considering it is anti-war and putting horrid images in young reader’s mind. Overall, the book is reality and history. You cannot feed your children lies and candy coat everything. If Billy Pilgrim was capable of entering war at the age of sixteen, young adults are capable of facing the truth and forming opinions for themselves. Vonnegut wanted to leave behind a message, â€Å"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change courage to change the things I can and wisdom to always tell me the difference† (Kurt Vonnegut). We cannot change what has already happened, but we can prevent it from happening again. Slaughterhouse-Five sets a good example and should not be banned. Works Cited Quinn, Edward. â€Å"Dresden bombing in literature. † History in Literature: A Reader’s Guide to 20th Century History and the Literature it Inspired. New York: Facts On File, Inc. , 2008. Modern World History Online. Facts On File, Inc. ttp://www. fofweb. com/activelink2. asp? ItemID=WE53;iPin=HIL056;SingleRecord=True  (accessed April  30,  2012). Verde, Tom. â€Å"Vonnegut, Kurt. † Twentieth-Century Writers 1950–1990, American Profiles. New York: Facts On File, Inc. , 1996. (Updated 2007. ) American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www. fofweb. com/activelink2. asp ? ItemID=WE52;iPin=ffap20w20005;SingleRecord=True  (accessed April  30,  2012). Oakes, Elizabeth H. â€Å"Vonnegut, Kurt. † American Writers, American Biographies. New York: Facts On File, Inc. , 2004. (Updated 2007. ) American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www. fofweb. com/activelink2. asp? ItemID=WE52;iPin=AW237;SingleRecord=True  (accessed April  30,  2012). â€Å"School board removes 2 books from school†. Copyright 2011 United Press International, Inc. (UPI). U. S. Government Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www. fofweb. com/activelink2. asp? p=details. aspx;ItemID=WE36;iPin=UPI-1-20110726-160202-bc-us-bookban-crn;SingleRecord=True  (accessed April  30,  2012). â€Å"Freedom Readers Assignment Sheet. † 4 May 2010. Vonnegut, Kurt. Slaughterhouse-Five. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 19991. Print. |   | How to cite To Ban or Not to Ban?, Papers

A Christmas Carol as an Allegory free essay sample

A Christmas Carol as an allegory is a simple concept to grasp knowing the definition of allegory. An allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. The way Dickens was able to slip subtle messages into various characters persona is amazing. Using the mankinds children Ignorance and Want, the cheerful Fred, the infamous Scrooge, and many other characters, Dickens is able to create an allegorical masterpiece that delivers his message in a holiday-based setting† the perfect time to influence the masses. Ignorance and Want are, as referenced above, the metaphorical children of mankind. Dickens brings two traits that man will inherit to life; the affluents incognizance and the poors want. They are what has filtered down through generations, unchanged due to the negligence of the wealthy. The childrens condition shocks Scrooge, he actually asks the Ghost of Christmas Present if the children happen to be his to which the spirit replies, They are Mans, And they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. We will write a custom essay sample on A Christmas Carol as an Allegory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their egree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased. Deny it! Slander those who tell it ye! Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse! And bide the end! This quote is an obvious depiction of a simplistic yet meanful message, the wealthy must change their ways for societies betterment. Not an upperclassmen, Fred is a representation of the middle class man who is not ignorant to the troubles of the poor and embraces the Christmas spirit. He is very similar to another barely mentioned character, Scrooges old boss Fezziwig. The bring Joy to their employees with a simple gesture, an invitation to a Christmas party. This shows that despite Fred is not a rich man he is still able to bring Joy to his workers, dashing the concept that money brings happiness. Dickens uses Fred as a foil to Scrooge to display differences through both attitude and action. Freds presence lightens the atmospere during the arguement between them and the fact that the Man of Christmas Cheer tops Scrooge in the squabble furthers his point. Through a well written novella Dickens delivers his message, that the wealthy must hange, time and time again. Moving on to Mr. Ba-humbug himself, Scrooge is pictured as a parsimonious man even after hes changed. Scrooge symbolizes the wealthy, aristocratic society members who are ignorant to the poors suffering. Dickens goes far as humanly possibly to show how unforgiving Scrooge is towards the lower class, one quote says that Scrooge is so cold that, No warmth could warm his soul. Through a wordy tongue-lashing he gave to the men who asked for a donation for the poor Scrooge further shows his uncaring attitude. Through his tirade he shows how truly ignorant nd neglectful he, and the class he represents, is towards the poverty-stricken. Using such a detestable character gives Dickens the ability to call for a change of moral in the wealthy, thus putting a cherry on top ot the allegorical sundae. Allegories have been written, read, forgotten, and remembered throughout the course of history but none such like A Christmas Carol. A strong moral message, simplistic with a deep impact, this novella embodies the meaning of allegory. By using well constructed characters and inlaid messages Dickens has thoroughly, and effectively, delivered a message to the masses.