Monday, January 27, 2020

Authenticity of Installation Art

Authenticity of Installation Art Artistic value is achieved only when an artwork expresses the authentic values of its maker, especially when those values are shared by the artists immediate community (Tolstoy). In early December 2010 I went to an exhibition of French artist Louise Bourgeois in Hauser Wirth gallery in London. What fascinated me immensely in that exhibition was the way in which the installation was set up. I knew for a fact that Louise Bourgeois passed away earlier in the year. I wondered, regarding the installations in particular, how it had been possible for the curator and gallery staff to recreate the pieces in such a way that would speak truthfully to the original intention of the artist. It is not an easy task for a curator to bring out in a show authenticity to the audience, however regarding installation art without the artists physical presence or mediation, I had to ask myself the question how much can a curator intervene without the art work losing its authenticity? Since the very nature of installation demands dismounting and recreating, does the art work become a duplicate or a replica of the artists work, or does it become the curators art? Is the work still authentic when copied from its original site into the exhibition space of a museum? Inevitably, Installation art, being so different in appearance and relation to its audience than traditional art, has to challenge old concepts of conservation and authenticity. In this essay, I will investigate whether installation art, without the artists presence or intervention, is authentic according to the definition of authenticity. Furthermore, this will address whether the notion of authenticity needs to be rethought in order to fit in with more recent methods in contemporary art, such as installation. A curator encompasses many areas being the interphase between artists, institutions and the public. Whereas, an artist works hard to express and experiment with feelings, emotions and viewpoints through various medium that can influence and enlighten people. Together, both need to work in close proximity when coordinating an art project, event or an exhibition to remain as authentic and truthful as possible to the work of the artist. The task of the curator is challenging being the intermediate between the artist and the viewer, therefore it is important that the exhibition brings out the artists originality, intention and authenticity to the viewer. how much can he/she intervene without the art works losing its authenticity? The problem of defining authenticity in the arts has been a controversial topic amongst art critics and experts for decades, especially regarding representation and preservation in art works. The task of a curator can be challenging being the interphase between artists, institutions and the public. He needs to work in close proximity to the artist who works hard to express and experiment with feelings, emotions and viewpoints through various medium that can influence and enlighten people. When coordinating an exhibition it is important that the curator ensures that the exhibition brings out the artists originality, innovation and intention just as the artist perceives it.- how much can he/she intervene without the art works losing its authenticity? The problem of defining authenticity in the arts has been a controversial topic amongst art critics and experts for decades, especially regarding representation and preservation in art works. In early December 2010 I went to an exhibition of French artist Louise Bourgeois in Hauser Wirth gallery in London. What fascinated me immensely in that exhibition was the way in which the installation was set up. I knew for a fact that Louise Bourgeois passed away earlier in the year. I wondered, regarding the installations in particular, how it had been possible for the curator and gallery staff to recreate the pieces in such a way that would speak truthfully to the original intention of the artist. It is not an easy task for a curator to bring out in a show authenticity to the audience, however regarding installation art without the artists physical presence or mediation, I had to ask myself the question how much can a curator intervene without the art work losing its authenticity? Since the very nature of installation demands dismounting and recreating, does the art work become a duplicate or a replica of the artists work, or does it become the curators art? Is the work still au thentic when copied from its original site into the exhibition space of a museum? Inevitably, Installation art, being so different in appearance and relation to its audience than traditional art, has to challenge old concepts of conservation and authenticity. In this essay, I will investigate whether installation art, without the artists presence or intervention, is authentic according to the definition of authenticity. Furthermore, this might stress whether the old notion of authenticity needs to be rethought in order to fit in with more recent methods in contemporary art, such as installation. If one takes the meaning behind authenticity seriously the need to be genuine, original, truthful..etc. is it then possible in an installation to be authentic if it is not the artist himself who has constructed the art work? Is a part of an installation art work not the experience of constructing it itself? In order to become authentic, is it the right for an artist to make the installation? Surely the artist has his own right to do so and mind you, some artists even prefer that, but what if it is physically impossible due to the scale of the installation object? And What if the artist no longer exists, such as in the case of Louise Bourgeois. Is it then better not to reconstruct her art installations? Perhaps the notion of authenticity does not apply to installation art, as long as the intention behind the artist work is intact, who cares? Is authenticity in the art dead? Installation Art A Change in representing art What characterizes it? How is it different to the tradiational art form? By the 1960s the art world flourished with Minimalism, Dada, Happenings and Installation art. Much different to traditional art, installation art brought about new complications when dealing with conservation and presentation for museums, galleries and private patrons. The traditional relation between the viewer and the object had shifted where space, time and location became more inherent in the art work (Bishop, 2005, p. 10). Despite the difficulties in exhibiting installation art, it proved to be popular in the succeeding eras and flourished in galleries and museums around the world. However, methods of conservation and presentation are a different story when it comes to installation art. A quite coherent and clearly represented overview of different models and kinds of installation is given by Claire Bishop in her book Installation Art A Critical History, written in 2005. Her book is divided in four chapters, each presenting a different model of installation. The term installation in conjunction with art and art exhibitions is not new. However, the term was originally used in a slightly different manner. It referred to the exhibition space rather than being an independent art movement, as also indicated by Michael Archer in Installation Art written in 1996, the term installation was traditionally referred to as the process of hanging the exhibited works: In the early 1960 the terms assemblage and environment were most commonly employed to describe work in which the artist had brought together a host of materials in order to fill a given space. At that time, installation referred to nothing more than how an exhibition had been hung (Archer Petry Oliveira Oxley, 1996, p.11). A similar point is made by Julie H. Reiss in her book From Margin to Center The Spaces of Installation Art, written in 2001. She suggests that the term Installation art is post-enforced on room engulfing installations. She indicates that the term Installation art for room-size multimedia works developed from Allan Kaprows Environments that was used for these kinds of works in the 1950s. Later, it became synonymous for exhibition, therefore still referring to the exhibition space rather than a form of art. Only later the meaning of Installation for an independent art movement developed, however hard to pin down: Although the term Installation art has become widely used, it is relatively nonspecific. It refers to a wide range of artistic practices, and at times overlaps with other interrelated areas including Fluxus, Earth art, Minimalism, video art, Performance art, Conceptual art and Process art, Site specificity, institutional critique, temporality, and ephemerality are issues shared by many practitioners of these genres (Reiss, 1999, p. xiii) According to Bishop, the term installation for an art form that explored the space it is positioned in, came from the photographic documentation of an exhibition; usually referred to as exhibition shot. Therefore, the installation of art and Installation art, both, deal with the position of an art object in regard to its space and audience. However, the difference between the old term and the new art is the relation of space and work. Whereas the installation of art is secondary to the piece itself, Installation art and its site become a symbiosis, in other words they become an inseparable unity. (Bishop, 2005). Also because of this blurring in terminology and the wide span of different art objects, a correct definition of Installation art is somewhat hard to provide. Nevertheless, the next paragraphs will give deeper insights into the features and core characteristics of Installation art. The first kind of Installations art as described by Claire Bishop (2005) is the total installation. Here, the viewer is able to physically enter the artwork. Instead of using paint on canvas in order to create an illusion of three dimensional spaces, the viewer is, one could almost say, able to step into the painting, experiencing it from the inside: Installation art therefore differs from traditional media (sculpture, painting, photography, video) in that it addresses the viewer directly as a liberal presence in the space. Rather than imagining the viewer as a pair of disembodied eyes that survey the work from a distance, installation art presupposes an embodied viewer whose sense of touch, smell and sound are heightened their sense of vision (Bishop, 2005, p. 6). As indicated in the quote above, one of the most profound innovations of Installation art was a new relation between object viewer and space. This new perception of artworks are connected to Freuds psychoanalytical method of interpreting dreams; the free association method. According to Freud, the interpretation, the making sense of our dreams, so to speak, consists of three steps: the visual images and sometimes auditory fragments (the dream itself), the analysis by free association and the expression in words or syllables. Citing the Russian artist Ilya Kabakov, Bishop suggests: These three features the sensory immediacy of conscious perception, a composite structure, and the elucidation of meaning through free-association precisely correspond to a model of viewing experience found in the total installation as described by Kabakov. We imaginatively project ourselves into an immersive scene that requires creative free association in order to articulate its meaning; in order to do this, the installations assemblage elements are taken one by one and read symbolically as metonymic part of a narrative (Bishop, 2005, p. 16). The work of art becomes a kaleidoscope, consisting of many paintings. By absorbing the viewer into the artwork it challenged the old fixed and traditional perspective of the viewer, suggesting that multiple perspectives are possible. [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] various forms of institutional critique and conceptual art developed a different model of site-specificity that implicitly challenged the innocence of space and the accompanying presumption of a universal viewing subject[à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] (Kwon, 2002, p.13). Also, this first theatrical form of installation art posed severe problems and difficulties to the traditional treatment of art and seemed somewhat hostile towards popular cultural institutions. The size that expanded common exhibition space and use of seemingly useless components suggested a critical position towards the assumption that all objects in a museum have to be considered art. (Bishop 2005, p. 33-34). Another form of Installation art was inspired and resolved from the movement of Minimalism in the 1960s; even though minimalist sculptures were different in their relation to the exhibition space itself: [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] the fact that the exhibition comprised several sculptures did not mean that it was an environment, because there are seven separate pieces (Judd in Bishop, 2005, p. 55). However, it took over core characteristics of this movement, by stressing the awareness of the relationship between artwork and the space in which it is exhibited as much as the viewers perception of it. The piece of work and the perceiving individual became inseparable. Although similar in their appearance, installations, different than minimalistic works, attempt to focus on the relationship between light and space; taking the space they are exhibited in into consideration: Like Minimalist sculpture, Ashers installation focused attention on the viewer, and on how he received and perceive any given space. Unlike Minimalism, it also showed how the white gallery space was not a timeless constant but subject to contingent flux: the installation was accessible day and night, so that the exterior light, sound and air became a permanent part of the exhibition (Bishop, 2005, p. 60). By focusing on flux and other constantly changing factors; daylight for example, the artists suggest that the perception of an object depends and is determined by the position and the period of time the perceiver observes the object; indicating our partial perception and questioning the objectivity of our perception of reality. This visitors heightened awareness of the work within its exhibition space and awareness that perception is bound to many different factors was taken to another level by involving the viewer directly with the artwork by recording or monitoring them. In the installations of Dan Graham (b.1942) made in the 1970s, mirrors and video feedback are used to stage perceptual experiments for the viewer that demonstrated how our awareness of the world is dependent on interaction with others. Grahams work is therefore a crucial consideration for this type of installation art, since the status of the viewer preoccupies his thinking throughout his decade (Bischop, 2005, p.72) This new awareness of perception also plays a crucial part in the next category of Installation art. However, it deals with this perception in a different, if not oppositional manner. With the help of different devices, engulfing darkness or colours, mirrors, sounds or assimilating environment artists tried to dislodge or annihilate the perception of the viewer. Even though done in a different oppositional way (dislodging instead of heightening the viewers perception), the visitor is forced to reflect on once position within society and history. The installations [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] do not seek to increase perceptual awareness of the body but rather to reduce it, by assimilating the viewer in various ways to the surrounding space[à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] (Bishop, 2005, p. 101). The last of Bishops categories of different installation addresses and activates the viewer in a totally different and new manner. This last form of installation activates the spectator in opposition to most other installation because he actively participates. This form could be described as a Happening, an installation where artist and visitors act together upon a specific situation. The audience of this work is therefore envisaged as plural: rather than a one-to-one relationship between work of art and viewer, relational art sets up situation in which viewer are addressed as a collective, social mass; moreover, in many of these works we are given the structure to create a community, however temporary and utopian this might be (Bishop, 2005, 116). One of the most precursor and representative for these action or life installations are, so Bishop, the German artist Joseph Beuys and the artist Rirkrit Tiravanija born in South America to Thai parents. Beuys works were quite political constituting a mixture of installation and performance. On group exhibitions or art fairs, such as the Documenta in Kassel, he put forward political campaigns in the form of art (The Bureau for Direct Democracy, 1972), where everybody could discuss about issues, such as democracy. Tiravanija, as another example for this category of installations organized collective cooking session in a museum or gallery; conveying a communion between individuals. In his installation Untitled (tomorrow is another day) from 1996 he rebuilt his apartment at the Kà ¶lnischer Kunstverein in Cologne so visitors could cook in his kitchen or socialize in his livening room. (Bishop, 2005, p. 102-199). Though, it is hard to give a full overview of Installation art because to many different works can be included into the notion of Installation art, the short overview above intends to give a rough outline of the major categories of installation art. As it became apparent from the examples already, the new appearance of Installation art gave rise to a couple of difficulties, especially concerning conservation and reinstallation of the works. In contrary to traditional forms of art, Installation art changed the perception and position or point of view of the viewer. Because of their disarming character the works disperse or decentre the traditional or fixed point of view by either heightening or dissolute the viewers perception. Most importantly, however for the further chapters if this paper is the caducity or time and place specificity seemingly inherent to this new form of art. They all rely on the literal presence of the viewer in that particular moment of being and demanding the v iewers first hand experience. [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the art work] articulate and define itself through properties, qualities or meaning produced in specific relationships between and object or event and a position it occupies (Kaye, 2000, p.1). All of them seem to be linked to their time and place that makes a reconstruction at another place (another museum or gallery for example) impossible without loosing its original meaning. This or a similar point is also made by Miwon Kwon in her book One Place after Another Site-specific Art and Locational Identity, written in 2004 as much as in her article One Place After Another: Notes on Site-Specificity published by Erika Suderburg ( 2000) in Space, Site Intervention, Situating Installation Art. In her writings on installations, she stresses the importance and influence of the site and location the work was intended for by the artist. Because of this site-specificity the first-hand experience of the viewer remains, also for her, a crucial point in the acquaintance of Installation Art: The (neo-avant-garde) aspiration to exceed the limitations of traditional media, like paintings and sculpture, as well as their institutional setting; the epistemological challenge to relocate meaning from within the art object to the contingencies of its context; the radical restructuring of the subject from an old Cartesian model to a phenomological one of lived bodily experience [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] all these imperatives came together in arts new attachments to the actuality of site (Suderburg, 2000, p. 39) Therefore, Installation art, being another step within the development or the search of art for its limits, led to a type of art that took its environment into consideration, to an extend that the actual presence of the viewer was of crucial importance. Moreover, Kwon suggests that the new kind of art inherent another characteristic that gave rise to difficulties for cultural institutions, such as museums. Maybe influenced by Conceptual art, as well the artists of installations increasingly blurred the borderline between art and non-art. This came to the fore when the installations were accompanied by debates and discussions (like the works of Joseph Beuys and Rirkrit Tiravanija presented above). This way, the first-hand experience became even more crucial because the bases of art became increasingly fluid and virtual. (Suderburg, 2004, Ch.2). Since some of the works could not be moved from its original site, either because they were too big or they emerged with the site (like wall paintings, for example, Richard Serra Splashing, installation at Catelli Warehouse, 1968), reproduction became a common means to transfer the art objects into institutionalized exhibition space. [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] the re-creations come to coexist with or replace the old, functioning as new originals (some even finding homes in permanent collections of museums) (Kwon, 2004, p. 48). Clearly, there are a multitude of problems concerning Installation art. Most of the works seem as if they could not be preserved for future generations at all. Should these objects that are so much bound to a time and place art all be exhibited? How can one possibly exhibit an action that took place at a certain time and place performed by a certain group of people? Without doubt there are and have been exhibitions of artist such as Joseph Beuys in museums all around th e world? How can his works be preserved or re-experienced in a totally different place by totally different people? However, the next chapters of this paper will focus on the problems of authenticity and authorship regarding the conservation and re-building of installations. If an installations has to be re-installed or material has to be protected from decline conservators, curators and sometimes even the artist are confronted with the question in how far they are allowed to engage into the original artwork without loosing its meaning or originality. Much of the materials used are subject to enormous change and mortality, such as media technology, natural products or other time bound devices. What kind of problems of authenticity evolve and how are these problems solved and recognized in every-day practice?

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Shamanism :: essays papers

Shamanism To say the sacred trances of Bali and Java was an inspirational film would be an understatement. The power of the people Bali originating from their faith and belief in their religious convictions was truly amazing. The closest thing in this country to that type of mental state is the state of hypnosis. There religious ceremonies stem from their cultures and the merging of two different worlds. This imergance created a truly remarkable civilization. The film "Sacred Trances of Bali and Java" was just one portion of this society. Once seeing this film I wanted to research a little more into the world of the Balinese. Families are so close in Bali that each member, be it brother/brother-in-law, sister/sister-in-law, mother and father, uncle and aunt all reside in the same compels. The family dwellings are surrounded by a boundary wall and inside these walls are contained the family temple, commune area, sleeping quarters, gardens and live stock. Each stage of Balinese life is marked by a series of ceremonies and rituals known as Manusa Yadnya. The first ceremony of Balinese life takes place even before the birth of the child. Another ceremony takes place soon after the birth, during which the afterbirth is buried with appropriate offerings. The first major ceremony takes place halfway through the baby's first Balinese year of 210 days. The Balinese cremation can be an amazing, spectacular, colorful, noisy and exciting event. In fact it often takes so long to organize a cremation that years have passed since the death. During that time the body is temporarily buried while an auspicious day is chosen for the creation. Since a big cremation can be very expensive, less wealthy people may take the opportunity of joining in at a larger cremation, sending their own dead. These concepts were important for me to realize after watching the film and I returned and watched the film another time after doing some research on this fascinating people. The trance states and the way in which the people of Bali was the topic of this film. It showed much symbolism as well as ceremonies. The film centered on the Horse Ritual. To fully understand the ritual and the symbolic meaning of this ritual we must look at the history of these people especially the origin of their modern day religion.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Supersize Me Paper

Madison Montz Health Psych Super Size Me Reaction Paper It is no secret that our nation is becoming more and more obese. So what is causing the widespread issue of obesity? Well, there are a variety and combination of reasons such as overeating, lack of exercise, fast food, processed food, dieting, genetics, and sedentary lifestyles. Morgan Spurlock decided to tackle one aspect of this problem with his idea of examining McDonalds. He followed three rules as during this journey: he could only eat what was available over the counter, including water, no super sizing unless it was offered, and he had to eat and try every item at least once. Before Spurlock began his McDonalds diet, he went to numerous doctors and nutritionists and everyone told him that he was in shape and in good health. In 30 days, Spurlock consumed as much McDonalds as most nutritionists would advise someone to have in 8 years! He revealed to the public the truth about fast food. Something many already knew, but found it easier to avoid the fattening truth. I was very surprised, not to mention grossed out, to learn that about 95% of the commercials that children see are for foods filled with sugars and fats. Children are bombarded with images of fast food by media advertising. Most Americans understand the marketing strategy of McDonalds: to appeal to the young. That is why they have a clown for a mascot, Happy Meals which include children’s toys, and just about every location has a â€Å"play zone† for kids. The food is fast, comparatively cheap, and hot, which makes it a convenient dinner-choice for parents, especially after a long day. So who is to blame: kids, parents, or the business? In my opinion, it is 100% the parents’ responsibility to see that their children eat well and get adequate nutrition. Children do not have the knowledge, understanding, or maturity to choose what’s healthy to eat; of course they’re going to want food that tastes yummy and appeals to them! Businesses have one main goal in mind: to make money. In fast food, that often equates to using cheap ingredients and doing what it takes to make it taste good so that it is marketable. No business is holding a gun to parents’ (or children’s) heads, forcing them to buy their product. It is the sole responsibility of the parent, who has the knowledge and the maturity, to decide what is healthiest for their child to eat. Fast food companies have even come out with healthier side and drink options for children; instead of French fries, they can have apple slices and instead of shakes or sodas, they can have milk. The parents are the ones ordering the meals and paying for them (with their wallets and their health)! This movie sends the message that eating at McDonalds is a clear and present danger. Super Size Me not only examined the damage a fast food diet is capable of doing to a person, but it shows it visually. I learned that even the McDonalds foods that would be considered healthy, including the yogurt with granola, have more fat than a chocolate or caramel sundae, and even the ketchups are tomato concentrates filled with sugars! Therefore, customers need to closely examine the content of items served at McDonalds and beware of super sizing. I think it is easy to point the finger instead of taking responsibility for oneself and what individuals put into their bodies. In conclusion, Spurlock became addicted to this diet. Food can be much like a drug that the body gets used to. He found that eventually this food pumped him up when he was feeling depressed. That is why people keep coming back to fast food and why Americans are overweight. Junk food is addictive. I believe that overweight people should empower themselves by realizing the solution is simple: by eating healthier, smaller portions and moving more, you will feel better and have more energy! I think McDonalds faces a similar issue that the tobacco companies deal with: people try to sue them for selling them a product that harmed their health, even though the people buying the product knew the dangers but went ahead and did it anyways. It all gets traced back to responsibility. We live in America, the country of the free, and we all make the conscious choice, daily, as to what we’re going to eat that day. Bottom of Form

Friday, January 3, 2020

Sex Discrimination Essay - 1438 Words

As a marketing manager you have recently turned down Nancy Conrad for a position as sales supervisor. Nancy believes the denial was due to her gender and she has filed a sex discrimination charge with the EEOC. Explain the steps the EEOC will use to process the charge; include Nancy’s options during the process. Determine the likelihood of success of Nancy’s discrimination claim from the EEOC data base (available through www.eeoc.gov). Describe the basic precautions you should take so you might prevail in her claim. In some instances, individuals feel that they were not hired due to race, gender, age, if she is over 40, disability or religion. (EEOC 2010) This may or may not be the situation in Nancy’s case. To ensure that Nancy†¦show more content†¦We do not, however, file lawsuits in all cases where we find discrimination.† (EEOC 2010) If Nancy was indeed not hired due to her gender, the company will have to pay monetary damages. The EEOC has a fair record in regard to damages. â€Å"In FY 2009, we received 93,277 private sector charges of discrimination. We also received 2,728 charges through net transfers from state and local Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs). We achieved 85,980 resolutions, with a merit factor resolution rate of 20.3%. (Merit factor resolutions include mediation and other settlements and cause findings, which, if not successfully conciliated, are considered for litigation.) (EEOC 2010) To avoid such an occurrence from happening, the company needs to do use a hiring agency that will test the applicants based on skills that pertain to the position at hand and weed out those who score lowly; hire the individual that closest matches the job skill set; advertise that a degree is mandatory for the position. All of these steps will ensure that whomever is hired was hired due to him or her being most qualified for the position and that gender did not play a role in the decision. It must be noted that even when a ruling is made, it could be appealed, such as the Wal-Mart sex discrimination case. â€Å"The lawsuit argues that female workers were paid less and received fewer promotions at Wal-Mart than maleShow MoreRelatedThe For The Sex Discrimination Act1006 Words   |  5 PagesThe Sex Discrimination Act 1975 is an act of the parliament of the united Kingdom which protects men and women from discrimination on the grounds of sex or marital status. Employment, training, education, harassment, the provision of goods and services, and the disposal of premises have been concerned by the act. There are four different ways of discriminating racially. These are; Indirect Discrimination; this can occur where there is a policy, practice or procedure which applies to all workers,Read MoreSex, Religion, And Discrimination1132 Words   |  5 PagesHistorically, there has been race, sex, religion, and many other sources of discrimination worldwide. America has come a long way in bringing justice to those who have been discriminated, and to prevent it from happening by implementing relevant policies. However, it is apparent that traces of these historical discriminations have followed us onto the new era of the 21st century. In the past few months alone, there were a few laws executed to stop inequity allowing for: †¢ Same sex marriage, and †¢ Gay/lesbianRead MoreThe Effects Of Sex Discrimination On The Workforce Essay859 Words   |  4 PagesTitle: Sex Discrimination in the workforce Research Topic Sex discrimination is defined when a person is treated unfairly or with less favourable attitude/ characteristics than a person of the opposite sex. The factors that has influenced me to select this specific topic is due to the actuality that sex discrimination against women in the workforce is never taken into consideration by the community. Women in Australia have been fighting for the right to equal pay since the early century. AustraliaRead MoreEssay On Sex Discrimination In The Workplace1014 Words   |  5 Pagesthe courts to be a protected class under Title VII s prohibition of sex discrimination in the workplace? I agree that transgender employee should be considered by the courts to be a protected class under Title VII’s prohibition of sex discrimination in the workplace. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. Sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that defineRead MoreEssay about Sex Discrimination 1597 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Discrimination involves action toward individuals on the basis of their group membership; Baron and Byrne (1994) defined discrimination as prejudice in action. Discrimination can take a very overt form (e.g., refusal to hire women into certain jobs), but in many instances, gender discrimination involves the degree to which the workplace is open to versus resistant to the participation of women. Although many discussions of gender discrimination have focused on the ways managers andRead MoreRace, Sex, And Religious Discrimination1479 Words   |  6 Pagesmake a difference. Although laws have been put in place to end this, there are still many instances in which countless people are affected by modern day discrimination. Race, sex, and religious discrimination are arguable the three most prevalent forms of these issues still ongoing today. My assigned roundtable’s topic was on sex discrimination specifically. We were asked to focus the recent hiring practices of the Hooters res taurant chain. What was unique to this case was that men were the genderRead MoreSex Discrimination at Walmart Essay1132 Words   |  5 PagesSex Discrimination at Wal-Mart OMM640 Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Dr.: David Britton May 14, 2012 Betty Dukes along with five other women filled a law suit against Wal-Mart Inc. in 2001 for discrimination against women, denying them their raises and also their promotions. Betty Dukes and the other women hope that they can stand for hundreds of thousands of other women who might have been similarly affected by this type of behavior when they wereRead MoreSexism, Prejudice, And Discrimination On The Basis Of Sex1610 Words   |  7 PagesSexism is the prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination on the basis of sex. Sexism is regarded mostly towards women. Sexism affects everyone but not effecting everyone evenly. For women, they suffer from sexism socially, educational, political, religious, social, etc. The idea of sexism is that the men have more power than the women. Women get judged differently than men do. Women get judged in the workplace which limits them to certain jobs. The stereotypes that women are under are unbelievableRead MoreSex Discrimination in the Americ an Workplace Still Stands848 Words   |  3 Pagessense of discrimination against women when it comes to the corporate world. Although women’s overall presence in the work force has seen a boost in numbers in America, men today still get paid more than their female counterparts. To begin with, differences in the pay of workers between both genders seems to be an ongoing issue ever since the time women joined men in the work place. For that reason, â€Å"America made a commitment to equal pay for equal work regardless of the worker’s sex† when theyRead MoreSex Discrimination Law Suit Against Walmart861 Words   |  4 Pagesfemale employees at Walmart filed a class action sex discrimination law suit against Walmart stores in the district court of Columbia. The case talks about discrimination going on in the workplace a group of woman who were discriminated by their gender. Betty Dukes and five other woman were being discriminated they were under paid and denied advancement opportunities. The allegation were that the company’s policy resulted in worldwide discrimination. Walmart was promoting more men than woman this

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Essay about Narrative Styles In Poe, Melville, Hawthorne

narrative styles in Melville’s Bartleby, Poe’s Arthur Gordon Pym, and Hawthorne’s The House of Seven Gables. How all three authors utilize a â€Å"conversational† tone for the function of their work. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In works by three of the most classically American authors of the nineteenth century, Melville, Poe, and Hawthorne, a trait that can be considered common to all three authors is pronounced clearly as a means to their narration. This trait is that of deploying a narrative laden with- and moreover led by –conversational phrasing and asides. The flow of passages in these authors’ works, Bartleby, Arthur Gordon Pym, and The House of Seven Gables, takes on a spoken structure, and numerous operations are made by each†¦show more content†¦This feature is then emphasized when the narrator, having finished his resume of Nippers and Turkey, begins his next passage as though backtracking through his speech (pg. 10): â€Å"I should have stated before that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In The House of Seven Gables Nathaniel Hawthorne utilizes the conversational approach perhaps the most overtly of any of the three authors, at times situating the narration in the first person plural, which thereby has the effect of drawing an assumed commonality between the reader and the party of the narrator. Indeed his use of ‘we’ is scattered through the entire book, as in the passage (pg. 139): â€Å"We must not stain our page with any contemporary scandal, to a similar purport, that may have been whispered against the judge,† and the in this passage further on (pg. 139.): But it is too fruitful a subject, this of hereditary resemblances, -the frequent recurrence of which, in a direct line, is truly unaccountable, when we consider how large an accumulation of ancestry lies behind every man, at the distance of one or two centuries. We shall only add, therefore, that the Puritan- so, at least, says chimney-corner tradition, which so often preserves traits of character with marvelous fidelity –was bold, imperious, relentless, crafty†¦ †¦Whether the judge in any degree resembled him, the further progress of our narrative may show. Not only does Hawthorne’s use of we nominate an intimacy between the literary space betweenShow MoreRelated The American Renaissance Essay1168 Words   |  5 PagesAmerican Revolution. The American Renaissance literary style was coined as Romanticism, an international philosophical movement that redefined the perceptions of Western cultures, and seldom refers to the preconceived notions of love. Some important authors arising out of this era include: James Fenimore Cooper, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Harriet Jacobs, Emily Dickinson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Edgar Allen Poe, and Herman Melville. These brilliant scholars herald with American literaturesRead More Comparing the Use of Light and Dark by Melville, Poe, and Hawthorne3135 Words   |  13 PagesUse of Darkness and Light by Melville, Poe, and Hawthorne Melville, Poe, and Hawthorne all tend to focus on the darker side of humanity in their writings. In order to allow their readers to better understand their opinions, they often resort to using symbolism. Many times, those symbols take the form of darkness and light appearing throughout the story at appropriate times. A reader might wonder how light functions in the stories, and what it urges the reader to consider. If we look carefullyRead MoreAnalysis Of Edgar Allan Poe s The Raven And The Pit Essay1155 Words   |  5 PagesThe author Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most recognizable in American literature both by name and by work. He is famous for such pieces of literature as The Raven and The Pit and the Pendulum. He is most notable for his virtual invention of the detective/mystery genre as well as, in part, that of the horror genre. During the time of his life and activity in the world of American literature, the country was being swept by a new variety of thought known as R omanticism. The inevitable result ofRead MoreSimilar Gothic Elements in the Work of Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne2436 Words   |  10 Pagesthe Work of Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe are considered masters of American gothic fiction. They used similar gothic elements in their writing and used it to build up a sense of impending doom. Even today numerous readers enjoy, study, and discuss the gothic elements both utilized in their work. Gothic writing is a style that is concerned with the dark side of society, an evil that lies within the self. Poe and Hawthorne contributed stories whichRead MoreThe History of American Literature3501 Words   |  15 PagesRaleigh, Richard Hakluyt, Thomas Harriot, and John White had published accounts of discoveries. The writings of Captain John Smith, an explorer whose travels took him up and down the eastern seaboard of America, represent a shift from exploration narrative toward early history. Early histories, however, were written mostly by settlers rather than by explorers. William Bradford, the first governor of the Plymouth Colony, wrote his Of Plymouth Plantation from 1620 to 1647 . Another important historianRead MoreEarly American Literature Influenced by Religious Ideologies and Philosophies1769 Words   |  8 Pages1st person narrative and were against verbal ornamentation because they believed in simplicity above all else. They also believed that every human being is born sinful and that God’s grace was given freely to everyone. Olaudah Equiano was a puritan writer and in The Interesting Narrative of The Life of Olaudah Equiano portrays his love for God with, â€Å"Behold God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid†¦ Praise the Lord†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Equiano 1). Equiano writes in thoughts and this narrative of his lifeRead MoreA Brief Introduction to American Literature3396 Words   |  14 Pagesand writers. Those American writers, while conquering this wild America, also had conquered the great field of American literature. From its first imitative activities to innovative attempts nowadays, American literature gradually gains its unique style, theme and form, and I ¡Ã‚ ¯m always excited to see their works are more and more America in its true sense. American literature is part of world ¡Ã‚ ¯s literature, however, it always has its unique flavor that cannot be easily ignored. Most critics holdRead MoreInfluences And Life Of A Tortured Soul1994 Words   |  8 PagesInfluences and Life of a Tortured Soul â€Å"Although dissolute in his personal life, when Poe touched pen to paper, he became a disciplined craftsman.† (Carnes 300). Edgar Allan Poe cemented his place in American literature by publishing countless poems and short stories, including â€Å"The Raven† and â€Å"Masque of the Red Death.† Poe effectively invented the detective fiction genre and perfected the horror story. His style, visionary as it was, was not with its influences. A life filled with tragedy, disappointmentRead MoreBrief Survey of American Literature3339 Words   |  14 PagesNative American oral literature / oral tradition - European explorers’ letters, diaries, reports, etc., such as Christopher Columbus’s letters about his voyage to the â€Å"New world†. - Anglo (New England) settlers’ books, sermons, journals, narratives, and poetry Native American / American Indian oral literature / oral tradition creation storiesï ¼Ë†Ã¨ µ ·Ã¦ º Ã§ ¥Å¾Ã¨ ¯ Ã¯ ¼â€° trickster talesï ¼Ë†Ã¦  ¶Ã¤ ½Å"å‰ §Ã¨â‚¬â€¦Ã¤ ¼  Ã¥ ¥â€¡Ã¯ ¼â€° rituals / ceremoniesï ¼Ë†Ã¥â€¦ ¸Ã¤ » ªÃ¯ ¼â€° songs / chantsï ¼Ë†Ã¦â€º ²Ã¨ ¯ Ã¯ ¼â€° Anglo Settlers’ Writings Highly religious and pragmatic - JohnRead MoreANALIZ TEXT INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS28843 Words   |  116 Pagescan give information and suggestions that may prove helpful. PLOT The Elements of Plot When we refer to the plot of a work of fiction, then, we are referring to the deliberately arranged sequence of interrelated events that constitute the basic narrative structure of a novel or a short story. Events of any kind, of course, inevitably involve people, and for this reason it is virtually impossible to discuss plot in isolation from character. Character and plot are, in fact, intimately and reciprocally

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Literature Compare and Contrast - 1948 Words

Literature Compare and Contrast ENG 125: Introduction to Literature Instructor: December 19, 2011 Literature Compare and Contrast Stories and poems are both constructed differently and have their own meaning behind them. The authors have underlying messages that they are attempting to convey to the reader using their own characterization, style, setting and rhythm that is essentially used in for the purposes of the narrative. The wonderful thing about poems and stories is that they are created from ones imagination. Through their imagination we are able to use our won imaginations to not only read the storyline that is intended but feel it as well. It allows us to use the literary pieces to create a personal connection with the†¦show more content†¦Symbolism is a feature that poetry could not exist without as it is a main feature in the author portraying a story. Colors in a poem could symbolize something new and shiny or they could also symbolize something faded and worn. In the story â€Å"The Wizard of Oz† the â€Å"yellow† brick road is a path that the characters are facing. They color yellow carries much weight on the way the reader portrays they journey the character is about to take. Going down a road symbolizes choice. In Frosts story there are two roads which symbolize choices that may involve conflict or dilemma. In this poem the reader gets the impression that the character is facing two fates based on the path she takes. The two paths are further described when the author says â€Å"And both that morning equally lay in leaves no step had trodden black†. The color black symbolizes death which the reader could interpret that the character may be facing death. While there are choices in the paths that the character may take there is still the thought of the â€Å"unknown† destiny of each of these paths. Looking further into the symbolization of the writing the reader sees that the character is facing conflict with the choice of paths to take. The poem begins to give the impression that character has already made a choice, as mention is made of the character being on one path and opting to stay on that path for another day knowing how one mayShow MoreRelatedLiterature: Compare and Contrast - Literary Devices5483 Words   |  22 PagesLiterature: Compare and Contrast Literary Devices Kathy J. Shannon University of Phoenix Mickeal M. Donald, Instructor September 3, 2010 Compare and Contrast Literature offers a variety of literary works by authors of all ages, writing non-fiction and fictional stories, poetry, and essays. The act of analyzing two different authors by both comparing their work and isolating their contrasting elements, can be difficult, yet rewarding. Oedipus Rex (Sophocles), written in 429 B.C., offers theRead MoreCompare And Contrast Different Literature Periods1452 Words   |  6 PagesEnglish Literature Periods Literature by definition according to Oxford dictionary is the written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit. Literature has classified into several periods. Which has affected by the surrounding events in the society in each period like economic levels, war and peace. Literature is considering as a human creation is differing from the other because of the changing in the society and language development in every period. This essayRead MoreWomen s Literature Compare And Contrast Essay1918 Words   |  8 PagesWomen’s Literature Compare and Contrast Essay Sylvia Plath and Charlotte Perkins Gilman analyze the repressing effect of societal expectations and pressures in â€Å"Stings† and â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper,†Ã‚ ¬ respectively. In both cases, the narrators resist the initial urge to repress creativity and thought processes, but later become more in tune with their inner selves as they lose touch with the external reality, where societal expectations act as a heavy burden. Plath gradually utilizes her narrator toRead MoreWriting and Compare-and-contrast Essays1384 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Compare and Contrast This type of writing assignment is common. On a standardized test, you may be asked to analyze literature, evaluate ideas, or make a judgment and explain your reasons. In responding to these types of prompts, you often will compare and contrast characters, concepts, or choices. You will be asked to identify similarities and differences, which are the key to compare-and-contrast essays. There are ways to organize your thoughts about compare-and-contrast topics, which willRead MoreIliad - Self image1193 Words   |  5 Pagestaken home, revised once and computer generated: double spaced, 12 point, three pages minimum, four pages maximum. ( see page three of this document, AP Literature and Composition Draft Requirements) Choose ONE of the following questions Include a List of Works Cited 1. Tragic Hero: â€Å"Achilles is the first great tragic hero in world literature.† Discuss the conflicts of Achilles as developed by Homer and how the author finally resolves them. 2. The Wrath of Achilles: The entire epic is framedRead MoreTheme for English by Langston Hughes and In the Inner City by Lucille Clifton802 Words   |  3 PagesSample Compare and Contrast Essay). In this description of his journey down the hill can you not see the images? This poem is chopped with imagery. Hughes speaks out about the truth for Americans, black or white; pointing out the similarity between them after all they are both humans. In the third stanza, I think Hughes is trying to make a connection between the races â€Å"I like a pipe for Christmas present, or records- Bessie, bop (jazz music), or Bach (classical) (Responding to Literature, LangstonRead MoreCinderella Stories1524 Words   |  7 Pageswhich country each story comes from. These magical tales will help students to develop awareness that different Cinderella tales have much in common. Materials Class comparison Chart Graphic Organizers: Venn Diagram Sequencing Chart Compare and Contrast T-Chart My Favorite Part Handout Book Mark Template World Map Map pins Book collection The Rough-Faced Girl by Rafe Martin A Golden Slipper† A Vietnamese Legend by Darrell H.Y. Yum Chinye: A West African Folk Tale by Obi Onyefulu Read MoreCritical Criticism Of Huck Finn903 Words   |  4 PagesHuckleberry Finn is one of the most educationally required novel for students to read while in school. Although it is a very renowned piece of literature. It has received its fair share of extensive and bitter criticism. Back in the nineteenth century the book was most commonly described as coarse, vulgar, irreverent, and unrefined. For every negative review there is just as many positives, and whether it’s good or bad reviews Huckleberry Finn is one of the most controversial topics between literaryRead MoreComparison Between John Smith and William Bradford737 Words   |  3 PagesWilliam Bradford another pilgrim who arrived to Plymouth on the coast of Massachusetts, wrote a book called â€Å" Of Plymouth Plantation † in which he describes what really happened, how the pilgrims actually lived. The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast both autho rs and their books. John Smith wrote about the wonderful place the New World was, on the other hand, William Bradford wrote about the realities and difficulties of the New World. In â€Å" A Description of New England †, Smith startsRead More Contrasting of Past with Present in Waste Land1104 Words   |  5 PagesContrast of Past with Present in The Waste Land      Ã‚   Eliot contrasts the past with the present in several ways throughout his poem, The Waste Land. The simplest of these is the simple juxtaposition of one or more descriptions of the present immediately before or after one or more descriptions of the past. The most obvious of these is section two, in which two descriptions of the present (lines 111-139 and 140-172) immediately follow a description of the past (lines 77-110). In this case, the

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Critically Discuss the Role of Self-Control free essay sample

Self-control separates us from our ancient ancestors and the rest of the animal kingdom, thanks to our large prefrontal cortices. Rather than responding to immediate impulses, we can plan, we can evaluate alternative actions, and we can refrain from doing things well regret. We can also take advantage of these innately human abilities by developing wisdom and willpower. Neuroscientists often report that, although we have only one brain, we have two minds: one that works impulsively and seeks immediate gratification and another one that controls our impulses and delays gratification until we meet our future goals. When these two minds have competing goals, we face challenges related to the strength of our will. The writer and health psychologist at the University of Stanford, Kelly McGonigal, says strategies from her book entitled The WillPower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It and her themes include diet and weight loss, health, addictions, smoking cessation, temptations, procrastination, stress, exercise, self-remorse and shame. I will continue my essay by indicating some studies and their results. People behave differently when theyve ingested calories recently as opposed to when they havent. Less hungry organisms might be more patient, less punitive, and better able to concentrate on a task before them, for instance. This should seem intuitive to all of us who get really grouchy when we havent eaten in a while (as in the hungry people in commercials from the clever series of Snickers ads) and makes a lot of sense from the standpoint of thinking about how to design an organism that has many possible priorities. Hungry organisms should be expected to behave differently from full ones, generally shifting their attention and energy toward getting food, to the exclusion of other priorities. A new paper by Molden et al. o appear in Psychological Science, The Motivational versus Metabolic Effects of Carbohydrates on Self-Control, reports four experiments that put these ideas to the test. ‘In the first study, the authors wanted to address a shortcoming of prior work by using very accurate tools to measure glucose. Subjects fasted for four hours, had their blood glucose measured, performed a self-control task frequently used in this literature, and then had their blood glucose measured again. For the glucose model of self-control to be correct, the readings must be lower after the task than before. Not only did glucose not go down, but it went up (from 81. 7 mg/dL to 82. 39 mg/dL), though not statistically significantly. To connect this back to the key paper in this literature (cited 287 times, as of this writing), in that paper (Gailliot et al. , 2007), across four studies reported (for subjects who did not fast), glucose also went up about 1 mg/dL. So thats consistent with the prior results. It contrasts, however, with the report from that same paper of a drop of 5. 88 mg/dL, results from subjects who had fasted. This implies that there was indeed a problem with the measurement in that study, or there was some other problem with the data. In a second experiment, the authors drew on some studies from the exercise literature that there is in the paper in Evolutionary Psychology. In this work, it was found that merely rinsing with sugar solutions increases performance on physical activity (e. g. , bicycling), suggesting that increased performance on cognitive tasks might be due to the sensation of reward when one drinks a beverage with carbohydrates in it, rather than willpower fuel. ’ Molden et al used a similar procedure, having people complete a self-control task and then swish—but not swallow—solution with sugar or a non-sugar sweetener. Briefly, they found that swishing the glucose solution—but not the sweetener—yielded effects frequently seen in this literature, suggesting that that, just as in the exercise case, its the reward, not the glucose itself, thats affecting behavior. A third study replicated the second, the last study showed that swishing with the sugary solution doesnt give rise to more glucose in the blood. In sum, these data, as well as other sets of results, clearly show that exerting self-control does not, in fact, reduce glucose, a finding which is not surprising, given that it is consistent with what is known about brain metabolism. The results that apparently contradict this result, those reported by Gailliot et al (Study 1), might very well, it seems, be due to error in the measurement device, or some other factor. The findings that exerting self-control doesnt reduce blood glucose critically undermines the larger model, which turns on the idea that whatever the resource is, performing self-control task uses it up. If self-control tasks do not reduce blood glucose, then the reason for subsequent drops in self-control tasks cant possibly be due to a drop in glucose. The willpower is a useful definition to understand an abstract concept, but unlike the hysical strength, willpower is not something that anyone can practice. Or maybe is? It is commonly known that the practice of specific brain functions improves performance on projects that require the use of these functions. But unearthed some fascinating broader impact of cognitive training: recent research indicates that cognitive training can lead to improvemen ts in other aspects of life. A study that published in the journal Psychological Science, showed that daily brain training can help boost willpower and promotes healthy lifestyle choices in many ways. Researchers from the University of Amsterdam studied a group of alcoholics who had trouble controlling the automatic urge to consume alcohol. The researchers hypothesized that enhancing cognitive functions such as working memory, which is important for the maintenance and manipulation of information for prospective targets, could indirectly help alcoholics to control their impulses and drink less. To test this theory, the researchers divided the participants into two groups. The team completed 25 training sessions daily challenge of working memory involving exercises. Participants in the control group also completed daily exercises for working memory, but only performed the easiest level for each one. To test this theory, the researchers divided the participants into two groups. The team completed 25 training sessions daily challenge of working memory involving exercises. Participants in the control group also completed daily exercises for working memory, but only performed the easiest level for each one. The results showed that the training group improved their memory capacity and also consumed less alcohol than the control group. In addition, improvements were duration: one month later the group participants had even less education level of alcohol consumption compared with the control group. This research indicates that daily cognitive exercise can contribute to gains in lifestyle in addition to improving the functioning of the brain may contribute to the overall smarter decisions, which can sustain the body healthy. Both the mind and body derive from the same source of power. But what is the source? Matthew Gailliot, a researcher at the University of Amsterdam states that ‘the fuel of willpower is glucose. Somehow this is not surprising, since glucose is the dominant fuel material of our body. It is the same material used by skeletal muscles to exert their power and the same material that the brain uses for various projects. What is surprising is that willpower utilizes much of this material, even when the body is resting. According to Gailliot, ‘willpower is a costly mental energy, using many b rain areas and requiring high levels of glucose. ’ (Gailliot et al. 2007) The Gailliot and colleagues showed that self-monitoring simple actions require high levels of glucose. In one set of studies Gailliot, participants had to control their thoughts, feelings or behavior. Immediately after each self-energy, glucose levels in the blood of participants decreased. Glucose levels did not fall during similar projects in which the participants had no self control. Participants then were asked to repeat the actions of self. Those whose glucose levels had fallen more in the first exercise, had the worst performance in the second attempt. The participants were given a sugary drink between projects were more able to exert willpower during the second attempt. A recent publication in the journal NewScientist study conducted by psychologists at Florida State University, said that whenever a man enters the test to resist a temptation then exhaust and some of its stored power for temperance. For example, a man who follows a specific diet plan and frequently goes to the dilemma whether to succumb to the temptation to eat or not to eat a cake and break the diet, then every time a bit of exhaust stocks of temperance. The more often tucked into similar temptations, the more certain is that it will soon be rid of inhibitions. The researchers concluded that ‘every time we practice self-control we use some of the saved will power and it is required some time to complete the stocks again. ’ Perhaps this explains the fact that most people who follow for a first time a hypocaloric diet usually apply it more consistently, with each subsequent effort becomes increasingly difficult. In the same study, researchers found another conclusion. The people who had drunk one juice a few minutes before the imminent process of resistance exercise showed much greater ability continence than those who had not eaten anything or had consumed a beverage with sugar substitute. The glucose that is contained in the natural juice has been a key factor to increase the levels of abstinence before the sight of a tempting cake. Finally, the researchers concluded in another conclusion. The constant effort to reduce restraint stocks glucose to the brain so if there is constant replenishment of the body with glucose from natural sources such as fruits and natural juices then willpower is a matter of time run out with mathematical precision leading to a vicious cycle of bulimia episodes, guilt and stop dieting. For someone to train his willpower and self-control will have to exert just as we entered the process to develop the muscular system in a gym. Adopting clocked stable meals as described above is the first step in developing a sound nutritional awareness. Establishing a specific time to exercise, for example, every evening at 6 pm will create a new neural interface that would relieve the daily dilemma when to exercise or if you have the time to workout, leaving more room in willpower to be used for other potential dilemmas. If these goals are precise and not obscure or generally then increase the chances to be implemented. It is preferable to have in mind a positive outcome rather than bother with the fear of failure. The vision and focus on a positive outcome is the best strategy for achieving a goal. Imagine in a room hundreds of four year old children who enjoy delicious cookies and candy. Before they manage to enjoy the next cookie, the researcher offered two options: †¢ to immediately get one last cookie †¢ take two cookies, but if they wait 15 minutes. Can toddlers resist the sweet temptation and wait for 15 minutes, or are delivered to the immediate gratification of their appetites? This simple test of willpower and similar studies that followed in subsequent years, revealed the importance of self-discipline and self-control in children, and showed that these characteristics affect subsequent adulthood. Decades after the experiment with the sweet and having analyzed the data from the children, who participated, scientists have identified the underlying brain circuits responsible for willpower. Lets look at the details and conclusions of the experiment: Want a cookie? Nearly 40 years ago, more than 600 children participated in the experiment of sweets designed by psychologist Walter Mischel and his colleagues at Stanford University. ‘Sometimes researchers do not have enough time to finish their speech about the experiment and the children had already begun to eat candy or cookie,’ said neuroscientist BJ Casey from the Medical College Weill Cornell, which has taken part in several studies from this research. ‘But other four year managed to wait, playing or creating imaginary friends, so they were distracted. The researchers then noticed that many of the children who quickly succumbed to the temptation had lower school grades, higher body mass index and a slightly increased risk of substance abuse later. Casey called these children quickly gave in and did not succumb to the temptation as a ‘weakness’, while the other succumbed as ‘high r esistance’. ‘Of course, if you are in the group of weakness, you are not doomed to a life of poor quality. These results are the average of the whole group and not applicable for everyone,’ said Casey. ‘Personally, I think we need both types, high and low resistance. The high impedance is more methodical, while low resistance may be more prone but pay more attention to new or interesting things tempting. If you need investigators, the low resistances are the ones you want. ’ Individuals weakness could be said to be living in today, here and now, are creative, social, features live, become the focus of our attention. But for all that the price is the lack of preparation for tomorrow. Individuals high resistance geared for tomorrow, paving the way for future successes, saving economies and make healthy choices of activities. Naturally risking everything because there is a risk they expect to achieve in the future may not be ever! Mischel meet again the children of the experiment after 14 years, when they were teenagers and he spotted on their celebrities almost the same features. The ‘abstinent’ kids that had shown resistance to impulse, characterized them confidence, reliability and good performance in their courses, while ‘non-abstinent’ the professor found them to be stubborn and impulsive, with an average grade at test that the abstemious made†¦ In another study by Mischel and his colleagues found some tricks that could use small children to resist temptation. For example think of sweets like cookies or clouds as images. Probably next surveys will determine if educating people to pay attention to things that help them regulate their behavior, could help them defeat obesity or an addiction. In a recent study presented by Professor Philip Zimbardo, psychology at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Society, found that there is another important dimension to the ability or inability of the kid to ostpone immediate consumption of sweets. According to the American psychologist, the kids directly ate the sweets are captives of current needs, while those who postponed consumption is future-oriented and decisions taken for the long term. We all seem to have something inside us that guides our decisions, which is formed by a multitude of factors, such as family environment, our financial position, our level of education, the geographical area in which we grow and the culture to which we belong . According to Garavan, although it is difficult to define exactly what makes a man impulsive or cautious by looking his brain, age always brings changes and this gives researchers information. The front lobes are parts of the brain that matures last: they grow and change even during the decade of 20-30 years. This may explain the difficulty of adolescents to demonstrate self-control. But the elderly have the reputation that they have no inhibitions, especially as regards the expression of their views. Brain imaging studies have shown that with the passage of time more and larger areas required to maintain self-control, which means that as we age the system becomes less efficient and requires strengthening. The sex finally appears to play a role as men are more impulsive than women and even from an early age. Perhaps that explains the fact that boys exhibit more behavioral problems such as aggression or attention deficit and hyperactivity, compared with girls. Garavan ascribes this to the influence of sex hormones on the brain. Besides neurological, scientists have identified and physiological differences between compulsive and moderate people. Suzzane Segerstorm from the University of Kentucky found that people with greater ability to resist temptations showed a temporary increase in HRV (heart rate variability, an indicator of small variations in heart rate), which was followed by his fall. As there are people with higher HRV index, it is reasonable to assume that they pose for intrinsically greater capacity self. In terms of physiology, however, glucose levels in our blood seem to be crucial for maintaining the strength of our will. The granting of a sweet lemonade volunteers before exercise self-control, increased the chances of success than those who did not drink the lemonade or those where the lemonade instead of sugar was added artificial sweetener. This observation may explain why they fail grandiose plans: to stop smoking may require all reserves of self-control and not something left over for regular exercise and healthy eating. Given that all of the above shows that the strength of our self-control determined by biology, we can conclude that there is no reason to try to change what we have inherited. The researchers did not agree and explain that willpower is like our muscular system: open practice and improvement. Additionally it was found that if someone exercises self-control in one part of his life, the improvement will extend to several areas. What we have to do, researchers say, is a detailed written plan of objectives (found to the complete recording of the target dramatically increases the chances of implementation), to maintain high levels of glucose and attack!