Saturday, January 25, 2020
The Family In Sociology
The Family In Sociology Functionalism, an approach which dominated much of twentieth century thinking, sought to explain the family through the vital functions it played as a social institution. George Peter Murdock, a notable American Anthropologist and functionalist, conducted a study in 1949 in where he studied the institution of the family in 250 different societies. He concluded by saying that the family plays four different basic functions which he termed reproductive, educational, sexual and economic. Education was vital in teaching the norms and values of society whilst reproduction produced members for society. The family certainly does not perform these functions exclusively, this perhaps more relevant after the industrial revolution when the family lost many of its functions to new specialized social institutions such as factories, schools and hospitals. However the family still makes important contributions to all of the above functions. Talcott Parsons, a respected American sociologist, also pioneered the functionalist perspective of the family. In addition to serving functions to society as a whole as explained above, it also plays equally vital functions for its individual members. According to Parsons, the family during early years of childhood structures the childs personality and the internalization of societys culture. Taught mainly by the childs parents, the central norms and values of society are internalized into a child to a point where it becomes natural and instinctive. This is the same for every child, and without this internalization, society would not be able to function. An American child for example would grow up with the central idea of independence and a strong motivation to achieve a high status in society as these are the central qualities of American culture. Once this personality is achieved, it must be maintained and this is the second basic function of the family: the stabilization of adult personalities. In order to balance the stress and strains of life found in a busy society, an individual can seek emotional support by his spouse. This function is especially important in Western societies as the nature of the popular nuclear family means that there is no extended family to rely upon for emotional support. Thus the married couple must solely depend on each other. The introduction of a child in a family also allows for the next step in stabilizing the adult personality. Adults can act out childish elements of their own personalities whilst engaging with his or hers child in a activity. This cannot be done in adult society. The points discussed above largely derive from two of the most influential functionalists in the 20th century. However, there work in recent times has come under particular criticism. Critics tend to agree upon the fact that both perspectives offer an unrealistic picture of the family, portraying a couple who unwillingly care for each others every need. Parsons idea of socialization is also dubious as it fails to consider the child who will not conform to his parents values and morals. Parsons and Murdock also both fail to offer functional alternatives to the family unit. As to affirm these criticisms, this functionalist view of the family has not been adopted by other sociologist who favor a more blunt and critical explanation. Friedrich Engles, with his publication of The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State in 1884 developed the first Marxist perspective of the family. He combined an evolutionary approach with Marxism, explaining how at the early stages of evolution, means of production were communally owned and the family as such did not exist. There were no rules to dictate the boundaries of sexual relationships thus society as a whole was the family. However, with the development of the state later in history, restrictions were applied on sexual relationships and on the production of children, reaching the point in where the nuclear family was born. Coinciding with this new unit was the privatization of both property and means of production. These assets were passed down by the male to his heir, and in order to ensure the legitim acy of the link, greater control was placed on women in order to ensure that there was no question about the paternity of the offspring. Summarized by Eagles himself in the original book, It is based on the supremacy of the man, the express purpose being to produce children of undisputed paternity; such paternity is demanded because these children are later to come into their fathers property as his natural heirs. Alternative Marxist perspectives sought to study the role families played in industrial societies. They argued that the capitalist system exploited the free domestic labor of the housewife, seeing childrearing and housework as an essential part of the economy. However the central argument was that the employer only paid for the services of the male breadwinner, securing the housewifes contribution for free. In addition to this, Marxist also saw that the worker was only able to work long hours for his employer as the domestic labor of looking after the children for example was done by the housewife. The housewife, in addition to the above work, also benefited the employer by reproducing potential workers. Expanding upon this idea, families acted as an ideological conditioning device which reproduced ideologies which prop up capitalism. Children are in affect a reflection of their parents in terms of values and behaviors and so uninspiringly follow them into the same work and patterns. Outside of the household, women were seen as a reserve army of labor that could be drawn in when there was a labor shortage and returned home when demand fell. All of these valuable services were provided to the employer for free, with him only having to pay the male breadwinner. The Marxists approach compared with the functionalist idea is much more critical of the family unit, and this trend continues with the feminists perspective. In their book Familiar Exploitation, radical feminists Christine Delphy and Diana Lenoard attached importance in Marxist methodology in explaining the family unit but nevertheless were of the opinion that men, not capitalism, were the main beneficiaries of the exploitation of womens labor in the household. They began their explanation by detailing how they saw the family as an economic system in where men benefit from, and exploit the work of women. They identified several factors that related to the family as an economic system, for example that the family structure typically involves two roles and that the male usually occupies the most important one, head of household, and the women and children are left with being helpers. What makes the role of head of household so important is that he has final say on important decisions and assigns duties to other members of the family. These duties vary according to the status and sex of the person in the family as women for example are usual ly given the task of doing the domestic and reproductive work. The head of household usually has control over finances and spending decisions and this still applies even when the woman is in paid employment. As concluded by Delphy and Leonard, The head of the family may have a near monopoly over, and he always has greater access to and control of, the familys property and external relations. Both of these radical feminists perhaps offer the most comprehensive radical feminist insight into the family unit. They depict a patriarchal and hierarchal structure in where men dominate and receive 57 varieties of unpaid services. It would be wrong to suggest that women are not oblivious to their exploitation but economic and social constraints make it difficult for women to escape from the patriarchal family. However their assumption that all families have a head has earned their work criticism. The data where this theory derived from is also questionable as it is said to be dated, and more contemporary data show in actual fact show less gender inequality in middle class families than in working class families. Both of the above approaches tend to agree on the fact that woman are often exploited by men in family life and in the case of Marxism, also benefit capitalism. As already mentioned, both fail to take into account the variety family life can adopt in various societies and the effect this can have on individuals. Difference feminist ensure that the variety of positions women can find themselves in is central to their argument, taking into account lesbian couples, single parent families and the impact social position and race has on the womans position. Leading difference feminist Linda Nicholson in her book The myth of the traditional family began by defining what is meant by the traditional family. She saw it as the the unit of parents with children who live together, separating it from other kin and emphasized the important bond between husband and wife. This simple image of the family is the one often associated with the nuclear family and it became popular among commentators in th e 1950s. Alternative families to this image however were not regarded with the same esteem but Nicholson rejected this notion, arguing that alternative families offered greater benefits than the nuclear family for the women who live in them. In her particular study, she saw poor black women in the USA at more of an advantage when at the head of the household without men. Reason being was that their tended to be a stronger relationship between other friends and kin which in turn provided support and insurance, helping out families most in need at a particular time. This theory evidently had disadvantages, namely the lack of a father model which is integral for a childs upbringing. However traditional families also share several disadvantages such as the inability of a child to turn to other relatives for help when abused by his parent. Nicholson concluded her work in a very liberal manner, advocating greater choice in individuals choosing their preferred living arrangements according to what best suited them. She disagreed with the distinction between traditional and alternative families, citing that traditional families often give the impression that they have long been the norm whilst this is not true. The summary given above is only one take on the family by a difference feminist among dozens. On the whole however, they all tend to avoid narrowly define the role women play in families and instead show a degree of sensitivity towards different experiences of family life experienced by women of different classes, sexual orientation and ethnicity. It would therefore be fair to say that difference feminists offer the most advance perspective on family life. In order to expand upon the perspectives explored above, various themes must be examined to gain a comprehensive understanding of the family as a unit of social organization. Perhaps the greatest process to have an effect on family life was the advent of industrialization and modernization in the eighteenth century. Modernization refers to the development of social, cultural, economic and political practices and institutions which are thought to be typical of modern societies whilst industrialization refers to the mass production of goods in a factory system which involves some degree of mechanized production technology. Sociologists regard the above factors to be the detrimental reasons responsible for change in Western societies in the early eighteenth century. Embroiled in this was of course the family unit which found problems relating itself to industrialization or modernization. For example, every society experienced the above changes differently with each social institution ef fected in differing ways. This problem was exacerbated by the fact that industrialization and modernization is a developing process, our different culture, politics and society to those of our ancestor evidence of this. The complexity of trying to associate families and industrialization and modernization allows for plentiful confusion among academics as to what a pre-industrial family consist of. Michael Young and Peter Willmott were among those who traced the development of the family from pre-industrial England to contemporary times. Specific to their study, which was published in a book titled The Symmetrical Family in 1973, they traced the changes experienced by the family up to the 1970s. They concluded, using a variety of sources and social surveys, that the family had gone through four main stages. Stage one belonged to the pre-industrial family which was seen as an unit of production consisting mainly of a husband, wife and unmarried children who cooperate as a team. With the advent of industrial revolution however, this form of family became largely extinct with the exception of some farming communities in the nineteenth century. Followed closely after was stage 2 which coincided with the beginning of the industrial revolution and continued throughout the nineteenth century. As discussed earlier, the family lost many of its functions to other social institution and thus ceased to be an unit of production. The nineteenth century witnessed chronic poverty and high unemployment and therefore the family responded by breaking away from the traditional nuclear model into an extended network which included grandparents and grandmothers. This allowed for an insurance policy and someone to rely on in tough times. As with stage 1, stage 2 declined in importance in the twentieth century but still found prominence in low income, working class areas. Finally, and still predominating today according to Young and Willmott, is stage 3 which the two sociologist conducted a large scale social survey in order to prove and later became the basis of their book. Stage 3 saw the return of the nuclear family with the exception of it being now more home centered. Free time was usually spent doing domestic work at home and leisure time allowed parents to play with their children and watch television. Stage 3 witnessed a stronger conjugal bond between husband and wife and a notable self-reliance now associated with the nuclear family. The term used to describe this type of nuclear family is symmetrical family, referring to the now equally shared duty of maintaining the household between two spouses. Radically different to the inequality described above about the allocation of chores and responsibility of finances, couples in stage 3 now share many of the chores and decisions. Many of the above points are open to criticism, especially by feminists who disagree with the concept of the symmetrical family and instead still seeing oppressive inequality between husband and wife. Despite this, Young and Willmott accomplish in tracing the family before, during and after the industrial revolution and the various forms it adopted according to the needs of society. Many criticisimis raised about the sociological prespectives is that they fail to consider other forms family may adopt in society.
Friday, January 17, 2020
Is Logic an Art or Science? Essay
INTRODUCTION: Logic is the science and art which expresses the mind in the procedure of analysis and additional processes as to allow it to accomplish clarity, reliability and strength in that process. To define and arrange our ideas and other mental images, reliability in our decision and strength in our processes of conclusion is the basic aim of Logic. The word logic has been derived from the Greek word ââ¬ËLogosââ¬â¢ which means reason. Aristotle, the founder of science, assigns it as ââ¬Å"analyticâ⬠and the Epicureans use the word canonic. But from the time of Cicero, the word logic has been used without exemption to select this science. Definitions of Logic: An interesting fact about logic is the science which delights the definition; logicians have not determined as to how logic itself should be defined. Here are some of the definitions of logic: The Port Royal Logic: ââ¬Å"The Art of motive in the accomplishment of knowledge for oneââ¬â¢s own lessons and that of others. â⬠Hegel defines Logic as ââ¬Å"Science of clean thought. â⬠St Thomas Aquinas says ââ¬Å"Logic is the science and art which straightens the act of the motive, by which a man in the implementation of his reason is allowed to proceed without mistake, uncertainty or needless complexity. â⬠Logic Science or Art Logic is the science of the process of conclusion. What, then, is conclusion? It is that psychological operation which proceeds by merging two premises so as to cause a resulting conclusion. Some suppose that we may infer from one premise by a so-called ââ¬Å"immediate inference. â⬠But one premise can only reproduce itself in another Form, e. g. all men is some animals; therefore some animals are men. It requires the combination of at least two premises to infer a conclusion different from both. Aristotle was the creator of logic as a science. But he placed too much pressure on interpretation as syllogism or deduction, and on deductive science; and he laid too much pressure on the linguistic study of coherent conversation into plan and stipulations. These two faults remain embedded in practical logic to this day. But in the course of the growth of the science, logicians have endeavored to correct those faults, and have diverged into two schools. Some have dedicated themselves to initiation from sense and experience and broaden logic till it has become a general science of conclusion and precise method. Others have dedicated themselves to the psychological analysis of reasoning, and have pointed logic into a science of beginning, ruling and interpretation. The conceptual logic presumes that beginning always leads judgment; but the reality is that sensory judgment starts and inferential judgment ends by earlier commencement. The supposed triple orderââ¬âconception, ruling, analysisââ¬âis flawed and fake. The genuine order is feeling and sensory ruling, formation, remembrance and memorial judgment, skill and observed judgment, conclusion, inferential decision, inferential formation. This is not all: inferential formations are insufficient, and lastly not succeed. They are frequently symbolical; that is, we imagine one thing only by another like it, e. g. atoms by tiny bodies not nearly small enough. Often the representation is not like. What idea can the physicist form of interspatial ether? What believer in God imagines to envisage Him as tie really is? We consider many things that we cannot imagine; as Mill said, the unthinkable is not the unbelievable; and the point of science is not what we can imagine but what we should consider on evidence. Formation is the weakest; decision is the strongest power of manââ¬â¢s mind. Intellect before conception is the original cause of decision; and conclusion from sense allows decision to carry on after conception stops. Finally, as there is decision without conception, so there is conception without decision. The main purpose of logic is to direct us how out of decisions to structure the conclusion indicated by conversation; and this is one point which conceptual logic has given to the science of conclusion. But why mess up the additional intellectual analysis of inference by assuming that conceptions are elements of decision and therefore of inference, which thus becomes just a composite mixture of conceptions, an addition of ideas? The mistake has been to convert three process of mind into three procedures in a fixed orderââ¬âconception, decision, conclusion. Conception and decision are judgments: conclusion alone is a process, from decisions to decision, from judgments to judgment. Sense, not conception, is the origin of judgment. Conclusion is the procedure which from decisions about sensible things proceeds to judgments about things alike to rational things. Though some formations are its surroundings and some decisions its sources, conclusion itself in its inference causes many more decisions and formations. Finally, inference is an extension, not of ideas, but of beliefs, at first about existing things, after-wards about ideas, and even about words; about anything in short about which we think, in what is too fancifully called ââ¬Å"the universe of discourse. â⬠Formal logic has occurred out of the constriction of conceptual logic. The science, of inference no doubt has to agree mainly with recognized truth or the steadiness of premises and closing. Real and formal, is a reliable, official rule of reliability becoming authentic rules of truth, when the premises are correct the stable conclusion is therefore true. The science of inference again correctly emphasizes the official thoughts of the syllogism in which the combination of premises connects the conclusion. The question of logic is how we suppose in fact, as well as entirely; and we cannot appreciate inference if we believe in inferences of probability of all kinds. The study of analogical and inductive inference is essential to that of the syllogism, because they find out the premises of syllogism. The proper thinking of syllogism is simply an essential outcome; but when its premises are essential principles, its conclusions are not only essential consequents but also essential truths. Hence the mode in which induction assisted by identification finds out necessary values must be considered by the logician in order to make a decision when the syllogism can actually turn up necessary conclusions. The science of inference has for its subject the appearance, or procedure, of consideration, but not its material or substance. But it does not pursue that it can examine the former without the latter. Formal logicians say, if they had to think the matter, they must also think all things, which would be unfeasible, or choose some, which would be illogical. But there is a transitional option, which is neither unfeasible nor illogical; namely, to believe the broad divisions and main beliefs of all things; and without this general deliberation of the material the logician cannot know the structure of consideration, which consists in representing inferences about things on these general values. Finally, the science of inference is not certainly the science of feeling, recall and knowledge, but at the similar time it is the science of using those cerebral operations as data of conclusion; and, if logic does not illustrate how analogical and inductive inferences straightforwardly, and deductive conclusion indirectly, arising from precedent experience, it becomes a science of simple thoughts without knowledge. Logic is connected to all the sciences, because it believes the frequent inferences and changeable methods used in exploring diverse subjects. But it is most intimately connected to the sciences of metaphysics and psychology, which outlines with it a chord of sciences. Metaphysics is the science of being in common, and therefore of the things which turn into objects held by our minds. Psychology is the science of intellect in general, and therefore of the psychological process, of which inference is one. Logic is the science of the procedure of inference. These three sciences, the objects of mind, the operations of mind, the processes used in the inferences of mind, are in a different way, but directly related, so that they are frequently perplexed. The genuine point is their interdependence, which is so close that one sign of great philosophy is a reliable metaphysics, psychology and logic. If the world of things is recognized to be partially material and partially mental, then the mind must have powers of intelligence and conclusion allowing it to know these things, and there must be procedures of conclusion moving us from and further than the sensible to the insensible world of substance and intellect. If the whole world of things is substance, process and procedure of mind are themselves material. If the complete world of things is mind, operations and procedures of mind have only to be familiar with their like all the world over. It is clear then that a manââ¬â¢s metaphysics and psychology must color his logic. It is therefore essential to the logician to know earlier the universal difference and values of things in metaphysics, and the mental operations of intelligence, formation, memory and experience in psychology, so as to find out the procedure of inference from experience about things in logic. The interdependence of this chord of sciences has from time to time led to their bewilderment. Hegel, having recognized being with thought, combined metaphysics in logic. But he separated logic into objective and subjective, and thus almost admitted that there is one science of the objects and another of the procedure of thought. Psychologists, seeing that conclusion are a psychological process; often manage a theory of conclusion to the disregard of logic. But we have a dual awareness of conclusion. We are aware of it as one operation amongst many, and of its omnipresence, so to articulate, to all the rest. But we are also aware of the procedure of the operation of inference. To a definite extent this subsequent awareness pertains to other operations: for example, we are aware of the process of association by which a variety of mental sources evoke ideas in the mind. But how modest does the psychologist identify the relationship of ideas, evaluated with what the logician has exposed about the procedures of conclusion. The truth is that our main awareness of all psychological operations is scarcely equivalent to our secondary awareness of the processes of the one operation of inference from premises to conclusions infusing long trains and including entire sciences. This complex consciousness of inferential progression is the explanation of logic as a distinct science. But it is not the entire technique of logic, which also and rightly thinks the psychological process essential to language, without replacing linguistic for psychological distinctions. Nor are awareness and linguistic analysis all the appliances of the logician. Logic has to believe the things we know, the minds by which we know them from intelligence, remembrance and experience to inference, and the sciences which arranges and expands our information of things; and having measured these facts, the logician must build such a science of conclusion as will clarify the control and the poverty of human information. Logic is the study of the methods and principles used to distinguish correct reasoning from incorrect reasoning. There are objectives criteria with which correct reasoning may be defined. If these criteria are not known then they cannot be used. The aim of the study of logic is to discover and make available those criteria that can be used to test arguments and to sort good arguments from the bad ones. The study of logic is likely to improve the quality of oneââ¬â¢s reasoning for another reason. It gives the opportunity to practice the analysis of arguments and the evaluation of arguments and the construction of arguments of oneââ¬â¢s own. With the methods and techniques in logic we can distinguish efficiently between correct and incorrect reasoning. BIBLIOGRAPHY â⬠¢ Probability Theory: The Logic of Science by E. T. Jaynes http://bayes. wustl. edu/etj/prob/book. pdf#search=%22Logic%20as%20a%20science%22.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Diversity in the Workplace Essay - 1414 Words
Living in a country where it was founded by immigrants, diversity is everywhere you go especially in the workplace. There are many types of diversity; ethnicity, gender, religion and age just to name a few. Working in a diverse organization it can give you a taste of the real world, and what you will deal with wherever you go. There is so much diversity in the world today so it is a benefit to experience it in the workplace as well. You are given the chance to learn so many things from different cultures, why wouldnt you want to work in a diverse organization? Ethnicity America is known as the land of the free where every immigrant wants to come to make a life for themselves and their family. An ethnically diverseâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Once again I believe that working with a gay person can be a benefit to you. It can educate you on their lifestyle and the things that they have to deal with on an everyday basis. You should not look down upon or avoid a person with a different sexual orientation than yourself. They are still people and they should be treated just the same as anyone else, what?s the difference if they chose to be attracted to the same sex. Personally, I have not had the opportunity to work closely with a gay person. However, I do have friends that have chosen that lifestyle and I respect them the same and any other friend. ?A study conducted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which polls Fortune 500 companies on their hiring and human-resource practices, reported a rise in companies that include sexual orientation a s part of their anti-discrimination policies -- from 17 companies in 2002 to 59 in 2004? (Velez, 2004). This statistic shows that even thought the Civil Rights Act doesn?t include sexual orientation, some companies have made policies to include it and the numbers have risen greatly within those two years. Age Individuals are starting to worker very young in today?s society. This has its benefits. Young workers are given the opportunity to gain experience from their co-workers that have been working for 20 years or more. If an individual was to start working at a young age, then they can developShow MoreRelatedDiversity In The Workplace. . Diversity In The Workplace990 Words à |à 4 PagesDiversity in the Workplace Diversity in the workplace is imperative even though some commentators argue that too much diversity can be negative. Diversity can lead to staff feeling ââ¬Ëthreatened or even annoyed by persons with views and backgrounds different from their ownââ¬â¢ (Barsoux, Strebel and Manzoni, 2010). Instead of inclusivity, diversity can end up causing conflicts, as some staff are reluctant in changing their viewpoints and are less adaptable to change. The discourse relating to diversityRead MoreDiversity Of Diversity At The Workplace942 Words à |à 4 PagesIn this weekââ¬â¢s integrated article, review, I am focusing on diversity at the workplace. This is a topic very relevant and important for any organizations success. Diversity at the workplace refers to any characteristic that makes people different from one another. Todayââ¬â¢s workforce is a diverse mix in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, generational attitudes. It is important for an organization to adopt diversity management practices to bring this diverse mix together into a stable productive unitRead MoreWorkplace Diversity And The Workplace853 Words à |à 4 PagesWorkplace Diversity Many outstanding articles, books, journals and papers have been written regarding the topic of workforce diversity. Some are relatively short papers such as Diversity in the Workplace published by the University of Florida, and seek to provide the reader with a basic understanding of what is meant by workplace diversity, as well as the potential benefits to both employers and employees alike. Other resources can be significantly more in-depth and explore subtopics of workplaceRead MoreDiversity At Workplace Diversity Within The Workplace3281 Words à |à 14 Pages1.0 Diversity at workplace Diversity is a very extensive subject and can be in any genre or class; it is difficult to categorize because of its complex nature. According to Res (2012), diversity can be represented as a variety of human aspects pertaining to different societies and cultures in the workforce or can be explained tolerating the differences. On the contrary, diversity is a quest of differences among human beings in safe, positive and nurturing surroundings and moves beyond simple toleranceRead MoreWorkplace Diversity Of The Workplace965 Words à |à 4 PagesJobââ¬â¢s face many struggles and challenges each and every day. Workplace diversity is something which is being talked about the most here lately. Out breaks of minimum wage, sexualities, gender, and even your skin color affects what diversity a business would want. Within the business, the professional level is set pretty high due to the superior designers making us able to dress well fashioned. When people step into a business they do not want someone that is going to walk in with a t-shirt and gymRead MoreDiversity in the Workplace964 Words à |à 4 PagesRunning head: DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE Abstract Select (highlight) this text and then begin typing your abstract, which should be limited to one paragraph of not more than 120 words A Survey of Organizational Culture and its Effectiveness on Managing Diversity in the Workplace Diversity in the workplace is a relatively new concept that has been attracting considerable attention from the executives of most businesses. ââ¬Å"Ongoing demographic trends (increasing percentages of African-AmericansRead MoreThe Diversity At The Workplace747 Words à |à 3 PagesThomas (1992) entails the diversity at workplace in terms of all ancestry, ethnicity, age, gender, race, educational background, sexual orientation, marital status, religious belief, income, geographic location and work experience. The mobility in human resource trend is emerging within the competitive market that requires more strategic role on account of human resource management. Organizations may fall in dire consequences of outplaying by other competitors in strategic employment. Nowadays, workforceRead MoreDiversity in the Workplace1096 Words à |à 5 PagesRunning head: DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE Diversity in the Workplace Amber Barger ORG536 ââ¬â Contemporary Business Writing and Communication Colorado State University ââ¬âGlobal Campus Dr. Phillip Jackson November 26, 2013 DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE As companies start to regain their footing after the recent economic downturn, 2 factors such as the rising number of immigrants, mergers of large corporations, the popular use of temporary workers and the increasing globalization of business,Read MoreDiversity in the Workplace714 Words à |à 3 PagesDiversity in the Workplace Introduction Workplaces are becoming increasingly diverse, and this is a dynamic that is causing some tension between and among employees. What are the positives and negatives of diversity in the workplace? America is a place with a great diversity of cultures, but sometimes in the workplace cultural values can clash and this paper discusses the why and how of those issues. The Literature Why are workplaces becoming more diverse, and why does diversity in a companyRead MoreDiversity in the Workplace1465 Words à |à 6 Pagesï » ¿ Diversity in the Workplace As stated in our book, workplace diversity is defined as ââ¬Å"diversity at work means having a workface comprised of two or more groups of employees with various racial, ethic, gender, cultural, national origin, handicap, age, and religious backgroundsâ⬠. There are many positives and also negatives of diversity in the workplace. Some of the negatives from workplace diversity are stereotyping, discrimination, tokenism, ethnocentrism, and also gender- role stereotypes. Some
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Christian Worship Principles And Practice - 1308 Words
Candidate No: 000648153 TMM2617 Christian Worship: Principles Practice Essay Martha Grace Weatherill Christian Worship: Principles Practices Draft --- Essay Word Count --- 1290 Words Question: In what ways does the baptism service of Common Worship differ from that of the Book of Common Prayer (1662)? Discuss with reference to structure, theology and performance This essay discusses the differences in the baptism service of Common Worship and the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)1662 in terms of structure, theology and performance. The BCP views the sacrament of baptism and understands it as a ?moment? model[footnoteRef:1] and it is administered with this view, while Common Worship complements this model by a ?process? or ?journey?â⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦The parents, adults and candidates who can respond all respond to God?s grace and initiative. For the infants that are unable to respond, the godparents respond on their behalf with the hope that the children will take on that responsibility when they get older. The contents in Common Worship also affirms that as the church recognises those that have been called by God, and as the church welcomes them into the Christian community, those that are already part of the Christian community are inspired to renew their commitment to the mission of the church of God. Thus affirming that the covenant is God given to infants and adults and the obligation it gives is gradually unfolded. Common Worship also emphasises the ?social aspect? of baptism and not just the individual aspect of baptism. This is done by an active participation of the gathered congregation in the liturgy thus enabling the congregation to reflect on their role as God?s holy people, prompted to renew their understanding of why they are gathered. The increased participation of the congregation helps to affirm and symbolise that the baptism of the individual is for the whole church and not just for the individual. Common Worship also has in its liturgy, rites that emphasis the catechumenal process because it makes the stages on the way and it gives the church community the chance of appropriating them. The theological framework in Common Worship emphasises the reception into the ecumenicalShow MoreRelatedEarly Church Worship Practices And The Psalms929 Words à |à 4 Pages3. Early church worship practices and the Psalms The purpose of this section is to clarify major historical foundations of Christian worship practiced by the early church and its relation to the book of Psalms. The primary objective is to explain the influence of the Psalms on the worship life of the early church. By analyzing the New Testament context, believers can have a clear perception of the meaning of the book of Psalms in the worship life of the early church. Therefore, scholars assume thatRead MoreThe Spiritual Journey Of Jesus1192 Words à |à 5 Pageschosen Worship as my most favoured Christian discipline. Worship comes to me as a natural practice to give thanks and gratitude to Jesus for all heââ¬â¢s done and is doing for all humanity. I praise and pray on a daily basis, either through quiet reflective time in prayer to listening to worship music in the car, work and at home. Worship allows me to give thanks for the incredible gifts Jesus has given me and keeps my mind focused my spiritual journey in Jesus. Jesus i s worth all the worship and praiseRead MoreAn Reflection Based On The Ideal Of Worship As Empowerment1305 Words à |à 6 PagesWorship in the African American Expression _ Worship as Empowerment This reflection based on the ideal of ââ¬Å"Worship as Empowerment.â⬠We shall explore the contemporary side of African-American Christian adoration. Which, begins with the religious heritage the African slaves transported with them on their journey to the New World. Next, let us investigate the religious studies of African-American worship, with a focus on its characteristics, empowerment, and elements. Heritage of African AmericanRead MoreSimilarities Between Christianity And Judaism1160 Words à |à 5 Pagesdays of worship, the languages it was written in, and the perspective of Jesus. But what lies in the middle are the places of worship - sharing some similarities yet having differences. Some similarities include the goal of the place of worship, and the direction of prayer. On the other hand, there are more differences than similarities. These include the trinity, the perspective on Jesus, the confessing of sins, rites and practices. We are going to explore the importance of the place of worship andRead MoreChristian Worship : Early Christian Practices Essay1513 Words à |à 7 PagesChristianity Western Culture Box #390 Word Count: Book Review of Ancient Christian Worship: Early Christian Practices in Social, Historical, and Theological Perspective Throughout this book, Andrew B. McGowan thoroughly informs us on each cultural background and formation of the different types of acts of worship throughout the early Christian church. We see through this information that the way the Church worships has evolved into something completely different from what it once was. In oneRead MoreEssay on Five Pillars of Islam1239 Words à |à 5 Pagespeople that have nothing in their heart but bad. The truth is that Islam was started on principles very different from what we see in the news or hear on the radio. Islam rather has a long rich history that is full of some of the same principles and morals of Christianity that are seen in the western world as the foundation of good. Islam has what it calls The Five Pillars that are in purpose much like the Christian Ten Commandments. They are a set of rules that are the foundation of the Islam as aRead MoreTaking a Look at Christianity649 Words à |à 3 Pagesall religions are true at some level. To prove this he maintained that all religions could be boiled down to five characteristics (1) The belief that there is extreme power or deity external to this world (2) This power is to be worshipped (3) that worship consists in piety and holiness (4) that sin can be forgiven (5) that there are rewards and punishments after this earthly life. But by far the most authentic definition of Religion is constituted by the anthropologist E.B Tylor. According to TylorRead More Five Pillars of Islam Essay1237 Words à |à 5 Pagespeople that have nothing in their heart but bad. The truth is that Islam was started on principles very different from what we see in the news or hear on the radio. Islam rather has a long rich history that is full of some of the same principles and morals of Christianity that are seen in the western world as the foundation of good. Islam has what it calls The Five Pillars that are in purpose much like the Christian Ten Commandments. They are a set of rule s that are the foundation of the Islam as a wholeRead MoreThe Most Influential Religions Of The World Are Christianity And Islam953 Words à |à 4 Pagesprominent religions in the world are Christianity and Islam. Christianity is based on the teachings, beliefs, and practices of Jesus, while Islam is based on what Prophet Muhammad founded and taught, which includes the principle of total submission to Allah. When comparing the two religions, it is made apparent that there are a lot of differences in topics such as worship, practices, salvation, Jesusââ¬â¢s role, and many other things, which show the strength and weaknesses in both religions, and throughRead MoreDifferent Religions, Different Practices, And One Aim Of Righteousness846 Words à |à 4 PagesDifferent Religions, Different Practices, and One Aim of Righteousness For decades there have been many controversial arguments between the religions of Christianity and Islam. Many of the controversies have unfortunately resulted in hate crimes, discrimination and segregation. From the difference beliefs both religions practice to the languages they speak to one another, there has always been a conflict between both religions. What I question myself everyday about this controversy is: Why? Why
Monday, December 23, 2019
The Pros and Cons of Ecotourism - 2138 Words
The pros and cons of Ecotourism 1. Introduction Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel to natural areas that protect the environment and improve the welfare of local people (International Ecotourism Society (TIES), 2005). It also follow certain principles such as minimize impact, build environmental and cultural respect, provide financial benefits to local people (TIES, n.d.). Global ecotourism began in 1990, and has been growing 20-34% per year, especially in 2004, ecotourism was growing globally 3 times faster than the tourism industry as a whole; with continuous growth, and ecotourism will occupy 25% of the world travel market within six years (TIES, 2005). Ecotourism has advantages and disadvantages. It can contribute to aâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦According to the research in Chicanab, Guatemala, the hosting family required to buy foam pads for tourists to sleep on and need to have a slightly separated space for tourists including a table and bed (Bascomb amp; Taylor, 2008). For hotels, environmental alternatives are easily viewed as drop in standards, the hotels have to provide recycled paper, soap dispensers, towel re-usage, and they may cannot satisfying their customers greatly. Another drawback of developing ecotourism is the potential for ââ¬Ëleakageââ¬â¢, the loss of income from the host country to international investors and foreign-run tour companies (Fennell, 1999; Honey, 1999). This seems that the biggest beneficiary is not the host country but the foreign investors. 3. The impact to Environment. Ecotourism is regarded as responsible tourism in natural areas able to facilitate conservation objectives and able to promote environmentally sustainable development and conservation (Tisdell amp; Wilson, 2005). However, there is also a risk that human activities may harm to the local species. 3.1 The positive impact to environment. The development of ecotourism improved local people and visitorsââ¬â¢ environmental awareness. Bascomb and Taylor (2008) claimed that the hosting family in Chicanab, Guatemala, agreed to discontinue slash and burn agriculture, farmers now practice crop rotation and use animalShow MoreRelated Ecotourism in South American Countries Essay3767 Words à |à 16 PagesEcotourism in South American Countries Synopsis: We are living in a world that tends to put developed nations against indigenous peoples. Foreign developers seeking cheap labor and natural resources on untouched lands are exploiting cultures that have survived for centuries on their own. South America is a continent that possesses rich indigenous culture that is still relatively untouched by outsiders. Americans have the ability to preserve that heritage through organized efforts to encourageRead MoreMarine Biology Module 3 Review Essay1262 Words à |à 6 Pages 21. â⬠¢ à à Would the depletion of non-renewable resources, burning of fossil fuels, and oil spills have positive or negative effects on the environment? o à à à Negative 22. â⬠¢ à à Would beach renourishment, replanting of sea grasses, and ecotourism have positive or negative effects on the environment? o à à à Positive 23. â⬠¢ à à Why are seagrasses important to an estuary ecosystem? (list all the reasons) o à à à sea bottom, provide food and habitat for many marine organisms, maintainRead MoreGeography Exam Review Essay1411 Words à |à 6 PagesWhat is sustainable development? What is the global economy? How was it facilitated by European colonialism? What are Multinational Corporations (MNCs)? What is free trade? What are the WTO, World Bank and IMF, and what do they do? What are the pros and cons of free trade? What was the Neolithic Revolution? What are hearths? What is diffusion? What was the Green Revolution? What is carrying capacity? What is democratization, and how is it being facilitated? What is geopolitics? Know the threeRead More Cloning Essay example1310 Words à |à 6 Pagesthese clonings have led to much criticism and controversy, but the latest attempt at cloning is that of endangered and possibly already extinct species in hopes of preserving them. This short paper will give a brief description of cloning and the pros and cons of preserving endangered and extinct species via means of cloning. Introduction There are different types of cloning. One type led by researchers at the Human Genome Project entails the copying of genes and parts of chromosomesRead More Tourisms Impact on Australia Essay1984 Words à |à 8 Pagesproportions of the national income and at the same time increase employment opportunities. The future is still bright for the industry in the country with possible future growth in expansion and diversification. The industry however has both the pros and cons impacts to various ranges of environments (Tourism Research Australia). Tourism impacts can be generally classified into seven categories with each having both positive and negative impacts. These impacts include; economic, environmental,Read MoreVoluntourism: Self-Interest or Altruism?1973 Words à |à 8 Pagesalso a type, defined below) tourism include, according to Planeterra: Sustainable Tourism: a form that minimizes impacts on the environment, respects local people and cultures, and offers economic benefits to local businesses and communities; Ecotourism: a type of tourism that promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and sustain the well-being of local people; Responsible Tourism, which, according to Planeterra, asks travelers to be respectful of the host countryRead MoreThe Issue Of The White Rhino2826 Words à |à 12 Pagesreintroduction, the second biggest were personal fear that many corresponds had against the dogs (Page et al. 2015). The main motivation for supporting the reintroduction was the potential ensuing benefits including increased job opportunities and ecotourism contributions to the local economy. The study showed that reintroducing a species back into their natural environment has multi-faceted effects including an effect on the people who would be living with these animals in the near future. As theseRead MoreTourism; a Blessing or Curse1922 Words à |à 8 Pagessuch as airplanes, cars, trains. Waste, the reduction of the biodiversity, water- and air-pollution are problems caused by tourism (Page Connell, 2009). An entire tourism sector has been established to reduce those impacts. This sector called ecotourism is the travel to sustainable, delicate and often unaffected destinations. It attempts to have as little impact on the environment as possible by educating the tourist, offering funds for conservation and trying to aid the economic development byRead MoreDevelopment and Globalisation Essay7740 Words à |à 31 Pagesof the local culture, politics and economy â⬠¢ Respecting local cultures â⬠¢ Contributing to local cultures and tolerance â⬠¢ Supporting local businesses and traditional values â⬠¢ Use the least amount of local resources Ecotourism â⬠¢ Is one of the fastest growing sectors within tourism â⬠¢ An economic process by which rare and beautiful ecosystems and cultural attractions are marketed internationally to attract tourists â⬠¢ Planning and management is an important
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Carnival Cruise Lines Free Essays
Carnival Cruise Lines is a British-American owned cruise line based in the Doral suburb of Miami, Florida (Carnival Cruise Lines, n. d. ). We will write a custom essay sample on Carnival Cruise Lines or any similar topic only for you Order Now The company offers vacations that appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Carnival was founded in 1972 as an independent company by Ted Arison. The cruise line company became known as the worldââ¬â¢s most popular cruise line and in 1987 it made an initial public offering of 20 percent of its common stock. The public offering provided the company with an influx of capital that allowed the company to begin expanding through acquisitions. The company formed Carnival Corporation plc in 1994 and Carnival Cruise Lines became its flagship brand (Mission History, 2010). Carnival Corporation has acquired representation in virtually every market segment of the cruise industry. In April 2003, agreements were finalized to combine Carnival Corporation with PO Princess Cruises plc, creating the worldââ¬â¢s first global cruise operator. Carnival Corporation plc encompass 12 highly recognizable brands and the company became one of the largest and most profitable leisure travel companies in the world. The company is now one of the 11 individual worldwide cruise ship brands owned and operated by Carnival Corporation plc. The corporation operates 97 ships and Carnival Cruise Lines is its largest and leading brand in North America, based on passengers carried under the Carnival Corporation. Carnival is also the corporationââ¬â¢s most profitable cruise line in the world. The cruise line has 22 ships in operation and two future ships in development. Carnival has 3,800 shore side and 33,500 shipboard employees. *Carnival pioneered the concept of shorter, less expensive cruises. Howard Frank, the chief operating officer of Carnival Cruise Lines, says their ships are called the fun ships because unlike its competitors, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival offers a wide range of activities on board instead of just delicious cuisine (Beesley, 2010). Frank said their innovative new ships feature popular amenities that meet the increasingly sophisticated desires of all guests yet provide a fun and exciting environment for all ages. Carnival hit record-breaking business so far this year. The bookings for the company were the highest they have ever been because of its new booking system. The earlier in advance a passengerââ¬â¢s cruise is booked the more economical the price. A cruise can cost as low as $175-$200 per person in advance. The cruise line also offers last minute bookings at discount prices. Carnival can be cheaper than airfare without the fear of terrorist attacks, excessive baggage fees, delays and extreme boarding procedures or hassles. In 2009, the corporation revenued $13. 2 billion with a net income of $1. billion, and are projected to make their highest profit ever this year. The company carries a record of 3. 9 million passengers and the up-to-date record is the most in the cruise industry. *Executive control of Carnival Cruise Lines is provided by the North American division of Carnival Corporation in Doral, Florida. Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc, the cruise line, function as a single economic entity. They also function through contractu al agreements between separate legal entities (Investor Relations, 2010). Carnival Corporation common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Carnival plc is traded on the London Stock Exchange and has an ADS on the New York Stock Exchange. Carnival is the only company in the world to be included in both the STP 500 index in the US and the FTSE 100 index in the UK. Carnival Cruise Lines has a hybrid structure divided under Carnival North America, Carnival Australia and Carnival UK. The hybrid structure is under Carnival Cruise Lines which is only one of the brands under Carnival Corporation plc. The corporation doesnââ¬â¢t have a long hierarchy of authority instead it has a few layers of corporate officers and board of directors (Officers, 2010). There are six corporate officers that consist of executive, operating and financial officers, as well as vice presidents of shared services for the multiple brands, general counsel and controller for the corporation. The cruise line only has one executive officer. Gerald R. Cahill is Carnival Cruise Linesââ¬â¢ only president and chief executive officer except for the executives over the Australia and UK divisions. Majority of the companyââ¬â¢s employees are shipboard. There is a one-to-three ratio of staff to passenger on every carnival ship, ensuring excellent customer service. Carnival has a horizontal communication amongst the six corporate officers and board of directors. Corporate governance extends from the ship, through the operating lines and senior corporate management to the board of directors. *Carnival is a profitable company and is now the leader in the contemporary cruise sector. The line has launched a $250 million enhancement program on its eight fantasy-class ships. The enhancement will include installation of a water park on board, an adult-only retreat, tropical-themed mid-ship pool area, and other innovative features. Carnivalââ¬â¢s former image was a party ship reputation for younger travelers. The cruise line is now known as large, modern and extremely elegant, yet still a profitable and fun line. Historically, Carnival Corporationââ¬â¢s growth has been driven by the expansion of their portfolio of core brands through an aggressive ship building program. Now the brand, Carnival Cruise Lines, competes globally because they invest time, money and effort into product development and wide varieties of amenities on board. The company enhances the excursions offered in port destinations, as well as programs, activities and attractions on the ship. Carnival children programs provide the same level of variety, fun and attraction for their age, as the amenities available to adults. No matter the age, lifestyle or budget the goal is consistent. The cruise lineââ¬â¢s goal is to provide everyone with a safe and healthy place to live, work and have fun. Carnival strives to provide an innovative and exceptional vacation experience on land and or at sea (Phillips, 2009). *Last week I sailed on a Carnival Cruise Lines ship to Nassau, Bahamas for a four days and three nights weekend cruise. The Cruise was inexpensive to book for a typical vacation. We were a party of four people and we each only paid around $200 a person in advance. If we would have booked the vacation at the last minute it could have cost each person $300-$400, which is still inexpensive for an all-inclusive cruise. At first you donââ¬â¢t understand how the cruise line makes a profit because almost everything is free except alcohol, soda and excursions. Unlimited food all day and night, shows, the gym, and activities are free. It didnââ¬â¢t take long to realize the companyââ¬â¢s strategy on making money. Once Carnival booked the customer at a low price, they up sell the customer with backend products and services that passengers feel are definitely worth spending money on during a vacation. There were additional products and services like an onboard casino, excursions, internet services, and photographers everywhere ready to take memorable pictures to sell. As well as, massages facials, hair treatment, wholesale liquor prices and onboard shops and stores. Carnival provided relaxing services and duty or tax free products. The cruise made lots of money and the marketing cost went down because their exceptional services built loyal customers. The company probably spends more money capturing a customer, maybe even lost money initially on the booking transaction because of the specials and low rates but created lifetime customers in the end. The more products and services a company can offer or sell to a customer, the more valuable they become and the more you can spend on acquiring a customer. Wants you acquire a customer and satisfy their needs, you can gain more from a buying impulse that is pleased and devoted to the company and its brands. How to cite Carnival Cruise Lines, Papers
Saturday, December 7, 2019
My Family and Thanksgiving Essay Example For Students
My Family and Thanksgiving Essay Indeed, itââ¬â¢s that time of year again when our family thoughts have turned to Thanksgiving and all the traditions that we have accumulated over the years passed down from one generation to another. Although my sister and I were constantly reminded that every day is a day of gratefulness, we were also taught this particular wonderful holiday brings all family members from near and far together under the same roof to give voice to Godââ¬â¢s mercy and grace for what we have received. Most importantly, for me, Thanksgiving symbolizes a time of sharing, fellowship, and communion where we break bread in the same manner as Christ had done with his disciples. We show our love and appreciation for family and extended family because our family bond is the anchor to which we hold on to during times of great stress and troubles. Perhaps, this is why so many people head home for this specific holiday above all others because it is a time to find comfort and joy in the family ties that bind our hearts together as one. Traditions give us a sense of belonging to something sacred and special and for this reason; I am always excited about what happens in my family home on Thanksgiving. However, I also know how much work is involved to making sure that our gathering is as my Mother puts it, ââ¬Å"A good time was had by all. â⬠For many years, my Aunt Ginnie (my Grandfatherââ¬â¢s sister) was the one who always hosted Thanksgiving dinner at her home until her health gradually began to fail. Eventually, her daughter, my Aunt Lottie took over the responsibility. Once my Grandfather moved here from Virginia, he felt that my parentââ¬â¢s home was more suitable for such a large gathering of family members. As a result, my parents assumed this honor most certainly to please my Grandfather who now served as the eldest male in our family and of course, no one ever denied his requests when it came to family matters. Although he died 6 years ago, they continue to respect his wishes. So, for my parents, planning for this Thanksgiving festivity starts in mid-October with my parents assigning family members a specific dish to bring for dinner. The menu for our feast consists of macaroni and cheese, cornbread stuffing, collard greens, candied yams, cabbage, string beans, roast beef, potato salad, fresh brewed ice tea, punch, and above all else, my favorites, homemade rolls and desserts. All those who are doing the cooking begin their prep work by shopping early for what they need to avoid being stressed out. For example, my Aunt Lottie picks up her collard greens 2 weeks in advance so that she can have them cleaned and cooked. After she completes these steps, she immediately bags and freezes them so the day before our dinner all she has to do is warm them up. I am so fortunate that the women in my family love to cook because I love to eat! My parents always start the ball rolling by getting a 25 lb. turkey but, itââ¬â¢s prepared and cooked by one of the older women in our family because my Mother says sheââ¬â¢ll gain some experience with all that in due time. Decorating the house is my Motherââ¬â¢s favorite thing to do for this holiday. From the front door to every level of our home, there are many decorations that remind me of fall and all the beautiful colors that come this time of year. She likes to use her nicest linen tablecloth, floral arrangements, and candles to make the dining room table her master piece. She especially enjoys making souvenir place settings that each senior family member can take home with them. For example, last year she tied tags labeled with Thanksgiving themes to pumpkin cookie cutters. One tag might have love written on it, yet another would say gratitude. In essence, the dining room is formally set and beautifully decorated. Moreover, as a rule, only the senior members of my family can sit at the table because it is our family tradition to pay tribute to our elders. .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af , .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af .postImageUrl , .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af , .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af:hover , .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af:visited , .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af:active { border:0!important; } .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af:active , .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc288622e10784411f3b3c83ea20b20af:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Melting Pot By Dudley Randall EssayWe generally have 20-30 people. As a matter of fact, one thing I can always count on is my parents inviting people who they know will be alone. Consequently, this can turn into an interesting gathering because every year there are different faces at the table. My Dad always carves the turkey after the blessing, however, he is teaching younger male family members to do it so this family tradition will eventually be passed on to them. Before we are allowed to eat, someone is chosen to bless our food and family. Afterward, I, along with other younger family members, serve our elders. Finally, after they have been served, than the remaining family members may serve themselves. We use the buffet style of serving so everyone can choose what they would like to eat. People are everywhere, eating, talking, laughing, sharing old memories, and remembering what we have to be thankful for. Meanwhile, my cousins and I update each other on what weââ¬â¢ve been doing and making plans to get together. As always, after everyone is overstuffed, the men are ready to stretch out and watch football. No doubt, the women are left to clean up and fix plates to go. My Mother is always prepared for this by stocking up on Styrofoam food containers in contrast to Ginnie who would hand us a paper plate and some aluminum foil. What a mess that was by the time we got home! If thereââ¬â¢s a whole left over ham or roast beef that hadnââ¬â¢t been served, it would certainly go to my Aunt Renee who always hosts our Christmas dinner. Aunt Renee starts signing everyone up for what they will bring for her dinner because she says everyone goes brain dead with holiday shopping and she doesnââ¬â¢t feel like calling people to get commitments. We who are non-cooks have to commit to bring something as well. This makes us also responsible for contributing to the success of our dinner. To conclude our festivities, we all take a slip of paper and write down what we are grateful for. Afterwards, each one of us reads what we have written. I call this our ââ¬Å"Amenâ⬠time. All the elders speak of how grateful they are to have this time with family because our family grows smaller with the passing of our loved ones. I call this our time of remembrance. In particular, I think about how my Grandfather, ââ¬Å"Pop-Popâ⬠, brought this wonderful gathering of people into my home. I can still see him sitting at the head of the table where my Uncle Jerry sits now. Gradually, we all begin to leave for our homes with large containers of food while giving each other words of love and travelling mercies. Since Iââ¬â¢ve become an adult, I am most grateful for the gift of family and traditions because I know that I am a part of something greater than myself.
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