A Domestic Dilemma by Carson M Essay Example For Students

A Domestic Dilemma by Carson M Essay Carson McCullers story A Domestic Dilemma depicts a family torn by both compassion and suffering. Martin, a loving and understanding husband must deal with his familys problems. Martins wife, Emily, distraught by her new environment, initiates her familys difficulties with her drinking habits. The story examines a familys severe problems, and yet also illustrates the depth of love and loyalty that allows people to survive adversity. McCullers examines within the depth of one family how the full spectrum of love can destroy the romantics of love. The conflicts in the family surround Martin and Emilys relationship. Emilys drinking habits initiate a confrontation with Martin. When Martin inquires about his wifes earlier drinking, she immediately responds because I drink a couple of sherries in the afternoon youre trying to make out a drunkard in a sharp, unforgiving tone(99). According to Roberta Caplan, some people may drink abusively during a personal crisis and then resume normal dri nking (Groiler) which explains Emilys rhythmic sorrow filled with alcohol(102). In addition, fear and worry for his wife an children make Martin feel uneasy. Returning from work a year ago, Martin stumbled upon his children crying and his wife intoxicated after the baby had been dropped on her frail skull(100). Martin then hired a maid in order to watch the children and look after Emily(100). Significantly, the settings effect on the familys relationship demolishes their closeness. Martins surroundings seemed vast and somehow desolate because he is aware of his wifes displeasure living up north (97). Being away from her family and friends in Alabama, Emily takes out her frustration of her new environment on her family(100). Many flaws exist within this family;however, the family still seeks comfort in one another. Although Martins family faces dilemmas, the love in the family remains evident. Initially, the devotion that Martin shows towards his children illustrates his good nature. Martin views his childrens faces as radiant as flower petals, equally loved (103). Moreover illustrating his love for his children, Martin kissed the tiny hand that lay palm-upward (103). Furthermore, Martins hope to hold his family together exhibits his affection for his family. Martin constantly attempts to calm his wife in order to avoid displays of anger(101). Please go upstairs,(101) Martin begs of his wife so the children do not get upset seeing their mother frustrated. Lastly, the physical and emotional desire for Emily that Martin has, further shows how he cares for his family. Comforting his wife, Martin exhibits his love for her(104). Martin watched Emily as she slept and his old anger vanished(104). McCullers fully examines the immense complexities of love(104) in depicting both the conflict an love within one family, and how this can tear a family apart. Problems such as drinking excessively cause relationships to deteriorate. The dependence on each other and love for one another holds a family together. Ultimately, McCullers past encounters with alcohol and family drove her to write this story which shows that the choices people make vary depending on their intentions(Groiler). A Theme AnalysisofCarson McCullersA Domestic DilemmaRobert Brown10/20/97Bell 5

1984 Key Incident Essay Example For Students

1984 Key Incident Essay 1984 is a dystopian novel by George Orwell in which there is an unexpected ending. This is satisfactory in conveying the writers themes of truth, control and conflict. Orwell is successful in depicting these themes through the use of characterisation, symbolism and key incident. The key incident in 1984 is not expected and this helps to deepen my understanding of the theme of control. The key incident finally occurs when Winston is taken to Room 101. Room 101 is in the Ministry of Love and it is where individuals are exposed to their very own personal fear. OBrien explains this to Winston The thing that is in Room 101 is the worst thing in the world In your case, the worst thing in the world happens to be rats. OBrien places a cage, filled with hungry rats, over Winstons head. Winston, unable to take the torture any longer, screams out Do it to Julia! Do it to Julia! Not me! Julia! I dont care what you do to her. Tear her face off, strip her to the bones. Not me! Julia! Not me! and the cage is not opened. Winston has betrayed Julia. This is the climax of the novel and allows us to conclude that Winston is finally a broken man, unable to love and have loyalty to anyone other than Big Brother. It is ironic because Winston and Julia believed that the one thing the Party could not do was interfere with the mind, Nothing was your own except the few cubic centimetres inside your skull. There is also irony in the fact that Winston betrays Julia because the Party has ultimately succeeded in destroying the only thing that they believed made them human. He had made them stop loving each other. We are confounded by this abrupt change in emotion because Winston and Julias love was so strong. This allows us to understand that indoctrination and totalitarianism was employed as a way to convey the theme of control. The events leading up to the key incident are significant because of the subtle ironies hidden within them. When Julia first initiated their contact with a note saying I love you Winston expressed to us that At the sight of the words I love you the desire to stay alive had welled up in him. This shows that fatalistic Winston will now do anything to stay alive and keep himself human. He feels he now has a purpose in life, for holding onto truth and memories for the people of the future. Moreover symbolism in the novel helped me to appreciate the key incident as a turning point. Winston buys a paperweight and this becomes a symbol. The paperweight was the room he was in and the coral was Julias life and his own. The paperweight symbolises the relationship between Winston and Julia and how they are affected by their setting. The paperweight is the room above Mr Charringtons shop where, ironically, they believe they are safe and free from Big Brother. In the room Winston and Julia feel like they have freedom and that they have created their own, perfect microcosm. Their lives appear to be untouchable like the coral in the glass but it is in fact fragile and can be destroyed easily. This is shown when they are caught by the thought police and the paperweight is smashed by an officer. In the room he rents from Mr Charrington there is a picture of St Clements Church. Winston associates the Church with the song Oranges and Lemons which ends with Here comes the chopper to chop off your head. .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d , .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d .postImageUrl , .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d , .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d:hover , .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d:visited , .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d:active { border:0!important; } .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d { 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; } .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d:active , .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d .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; } .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u898def5df412a2066223de0502ad058d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The War Zone Essay This is an important foreshadow as it is said by Mr Charrington when he reveals himself as being from the thought police. Furthermore, when Winston is sitting in The Chestnut Tree Cafi he remembers his encounter with Julia after their conversion. She looks at him with A momentary glance full of contempt and dislike. This is significant as it is juxtaposition to their feelings before Room 101. It also creates pathos from the reader as we sympathise with Winston because he has lost all the values he previously held important. Whilst sitting in the cafi , listening to the telescreen, there is an announcement about the war, declaring a victory on the frontlines and Winston is overjoyed to tears. Ultimately, he is happy to have won the struggle over himself, he loves Big Brother. Winston now awaits his execution, although his soul is already dead. He is a pathetic figure, almost beyond pity and his characteristics are the antithesis of his former self. This allows the reader to understand the theme of control, and why the ending was so unexpected, as we see Winston being indoctrinated and having only the feelings of love towards Big Brother, not absolute hate his previous emotion. Winston used to represent democracy, freedom and love but Orwell makes sure there is no happy ending. Totalitarianism does not permit such an ending, Winston must be crushed. If Winston escaped, Orwells idea of showing the true nature of totalitarianism would have been lost. Therefore when Winston was destroyed, his values were destroyed with him. Orwells clever use of characterisation and symbolism successfully conveyed to the reader the key incident and the central ideas of the novel and Winstons surprising conversion to a dedicated party member of Big Brother.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Writing an APUSH DBQ Sample Essay

Understanding the Fundamentals of Writing an APUSH DBQ Sample EssayThe APUSH DBQ sample essay is a part of the curriculum that prepares students for college-level English composition classes. Some students who have taken APUSH DBQ say it is a good curriculum to have because it gives students an opportunity to learn how to write a lot of different essays, how to write from a variety of viewpoints, and how to be able to complete essays in a short amount of time. They are also taught how to format their own writing, so they don't have to rely on the teacher. Students also learn about different types of essays, how to add their own personal notes and opinions to make them interesting, and how to use a wide range of introductory and conclusion statements.Teachers will be using this curriculum to introduce students to more advanced topics in the English language. It is important for them to understand the fundamental elements that make up an essay. When writing an APUSH DBQ sample essay, t hey are learning about the structure, format, thesis, and persuasive writing.The topics that students will be learning about in an essay are topics like methodology, logical inference, theme, and analysis. Students will also be learning about the different parts of an essay, including the author, topic, style, and structure. They will be taught how to format their own essays, and they will also be taught how to construct their own arguments, or write essays based on other essays. Students also learn how to use different techniques to make their essays more interesting.The structure of an essay is an essential part of the subject. An essay should follow a common format that outlines what is to be discussed in a piece of writing. To create an effective structure, students must first develop a brief outline of the topic they are writing about. This will include a set of plans for the main points, sub-points, conclusions, and related documents, as well as using bullet points to organize the information they want to include in their essay.Students will also be introduced to the different forms of the format used to write an essay. Using the proper format can make a difference in the way a student feels when they are finished with the paper. Students will learn how to make the structure of an essay work for them and make their writing more interesting.Students will also learn how to use persuasive writing skills when they are writing an essay. Placing their own ideas into an essay can make a different person think, and it will give the reader an insight into the writer's personality. Writing effective essays is not difficult, but it does require some training, experience, and practice. To make sure that the essay you are writing follows the proper format, the APUSH DBQ curriculum will also teach the students to make their own strategies.Students will also learn how to add their own personal notes and opinions to their essays. Teachers will teach students how to writ e introductions, body, and conclusion statements. They will also be taught how to use opening and closing statements that they will use to set the tone for the whole essay.Essays are often written in a style that makes it difficult for readers to read and understand, but the APUSH DBQ curriculum will teach students how to organize, format, and format their own essay in the proper way. If you have always wanted to write an effective essay, but you feel that you cannot write the required number of essays at a high level of skill, the APUSH DBQ curriculum is designed to help you master this skill. Because this curriculum emphasizes formatting and organization, it will help you learn how to make your essays more interesting and persuasive by adding your own personal touch to the writing.

Principles and Practice of Information Security

Security threats in computer networks Computer security is an issue that has grown to be of gross concern in the present years. Individuals and companies have suffered major losses as a result of the vice. Many people have spent quite a lot of money on the same though at times information insecurity has gone on to rise.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Principles and Practice of Information Security specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This paper aims at identifying threats posed by viruses and security tools which can be used to protect computer data from inadvertent usage and for maintenance of confidentiality within persons and organizations. At first the paper will focus on the security issue in general as guidance to the rest of the paper. There are very many security threats that exist in any particular system in the organization. Some of the most serious threats include intrusion by hackers, terrorists , spies, corporate raiders, professional criminals, military forces and vandals, and viruses. Due to the way the current generation has become technology savvy, there are various tools that the attackers have specialized in perfecting their trade. Some of the most common methods are using user commands to gain entry into computer systems, using special scripts and/or programs, making use of autonomous agents, toolkits, data taps and distributed tools. The attackers then pose various vulnerabilities to the system which includes implementation, design and configuration vulnerability. In order to make sure that their efforts are fruitful, they either infiltrate into the computer systems using unauthorized use where a person uses data or information which is otherwise supposed to be limited to him and unauthorized access to some systems. After various series of processes, the person or persons can be able to access files stored in the computer or other information which may be in transi t like data, objects and invocations. This paper will be specific in its focus and will clearly go through virus attacks with a special concern on poison Ivy. Poison Ivy is a computer virus that started showing up in the year 2006. When it attacks the computer, it makes firefox.exe to appear in the task manager without the consent of the user. According to experts, the factor that leads to this behavior is a malicious Trojan which is based on Poison Ivy.Advertising Looking for research paper on computer science? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is tools which has been used for bypassing a firewall and remotely administer a system. When the tool is in the system, it tends to create up a server kind of a file on the system it is occupying. It alerts a maker of the Trojan of the presence of the system when it is online. When this happens, the maker is given the rights to access, monitor and completely control the system which has been infected. Among the critical information which can be made available to the user is system passwords and usernames, banking information, credit information, and private data which might have been accessed on screen either through typing or just viewing for the instance that the system was infected. The settings for this ‘server’ entail it to infiltrate itself into the browser’s memory of the system which is being targeted. After this, it runs as a duplicate process of the browser thus being able to bypass firewalls installed in the system and router protection. On securing itself safely any other actions go ahead unnoticed (MozillaZine, 2009). This mode of sophistication has been the reason that the virus has been able to go undetected by many antivirus software and also other detectors. In the recent past, the virus has been detected by some common antivirus like nod32, avira, bit defender and others. The worst case about this utility is the way that i t is undergoing constant development and also the fact that it has been able to be developed by the hackers without being noticed. The virus has been said to be spread through emails and also in most instances through online games which mainly attacks through the cheats (Mozillazine, 2009). Some of the symptoms that are evident when a computer has been infected with the virus are automatic loading of fire fox as the default browser ones the systems loads the OS. In the task manager, there are two instances of the web browser though one is open. After closure of the browser, it still persists in the processes. At times, the browser becomes so slow or at times alerts that a certain un-requested port is being accessed, and at times some uncontrolled movement of the mouse which falls in when the hacker has control over the mouse. The virus has quite a lot of impacts to the system. Some of the files get renamed, executed and even deleted. At times the hacker can download files from the s ystem or upload files to the system without notice. The hacker has the capability of viewing and editing the windows registry. He has such powers in the system such that it is possible to view and consequently kill or suspend processes that are currently running in the system. The person gets permission to view and control services in that he can start or stop them. It is possible to view the installed devices and also to disable them. Programs which have been installed in the system can be viewed and uninstalled.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Principles and Practice of Information Security specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Looking at the above possibilities not forgetting the ability to record voice or web footage, it is very dangerous to have the system exposed to this virus. Financially, it is a killer virus. Once the person has been able to access saved passwords and password hashes, the person can simply get the banking information for online bankers and be able to directly interfere with the banking system to such an extent as exhausting someone’s accounts. Access of someone passwords can lead to various other security breaches which can cost companies a lot of money. It is possible to get into the deep secrets of a company and sell the information to enemies or malicious traders who may want to sell back the information or pose the company a risk of exposing it. People can be able to interfere with bankroll details posing more financial drains. From this information on the presence and the capability of the risks that can be posed by poison ivy, it is necessary for all IT personnel to be aware of the dangers that can occur due to some of these risks. The main thing that should be taken into consideration is the way technology is being used as a tool against others. Poison ivy does not just get into the computer through sheer luck or guess work, but it is a tool that has professionally been made to achieve some objectives (MozillaZine, 2009). With this in mind, the management of all companies irrespective of how big or how large need to equip the IT department with constant updates and refresher courses so that they can march with the incoming technologists who are proving to be more equipped with the latest in the books. The question of security should bypass physical security at the door but also should incorporate IT security as a whole. Threat classification for the threat being averted Human made threat → intentional fault → interaction fault → deliberate Data is insecure in a variety of ways which range from storage, transmission and even when in custody of the right people. When the right person has the right information, attackers can easily get it through social engineering processes which makes the companies vulnerable to all kinds of threats. This means that the management should always seek to block all the vuln erabilities so as to minimize the attacks. Apart from sealing the vulnerabilities, which might not be enough, measures should be employed through which data is protected in all means whether during storage or transmission (Dawson and Wong, 2007). In conclusion, security in all areas of IT is under threat and it is upon the relevant authority to be cautious enough of the possible attackers. This paper has focused on security as an issue and deeply looked at the poison ivy virus, what it does and the dangers it poses to users of the internet and intranets. It has winded up with some of the lessons that the people in charge of security should learn as they undergo the duty of securing all the systems (Volonino and Robinson, 2004). References Dawson, E. and Wong, D. (2007). Information security practice and experience: third international conference. New York: Springer.Advertising Looking for research paper on computer science? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More MozillaZine (2009). Firefox.exe always open. Retrieved from: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox.exe_always_open. Volonino, L and Robinson, S (2004). Principles and practice of information security: protecting computers from hackers and lawyers. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. This research paper on Principles and Practice of Information Security was written and submitted by user Light Ostrich to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

A Walk in the Night and A Dry White Season

A Walk in the Night and A Dry White Season African apartheid and discrimination that some many people had to face has become the basis for a number of books and films. â€Å"A Walk in the Night† and â€Å"A Dry White Season† are two movies that describe the oppression people of African descent had to face. The discrimination and unequal treatment had no real basis, except for selfishness, greed and the mere ability to inflict unpunished harm onto other people.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on â€Å"A Walk in the Night† and â€Å"A Dry White Season† specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The movie â€Å"A Walk in the Night† tells a story of an African man Mikey who has had a rough night. He is one of the workers at the local factory and is fired because he confronts the foreman, after being called a racist name â€Å"kaffir† (A Walk in the Night). This is very much representative of the society where people were able to get a way with offending others based on their race and skin color. Such behavior would not be tolerated if it was done to someone of equal status or race but for those of African descent this was acceptable. This shows how ignorant and cruel a whole nation of people can be and what sort of influence a large number of individuals can have. Mikey is outraged by such behavior and his reaction costs him his job. After he leaves the factory, he meets Joey who is caught up with the wrong crowd and leads a life of crime and unemployment. Even though Mikey wants to help Joey, he realizes how futile and pointless his efforts are because a whole society is prejudiced and will not be able to change overnight. Mikey then finds out that his girlfriend is pregnant and is feeling hopeless because he lost his job and he knows that the society they live in is very much unhealthy. He then encounters a police officer who adds to the frustration by harassing him and calling another racial name. Mikey is in such a stressed condition that he goes drinking with his neighbor Uncle Doughty. They have a heartfelt conversation because Doughty has been around for some time and knew Mikey when he was a child, as well as his mother. The climax of the movie is the scene where Uncle Doughty says: â€Å"Mikey, my boy†¦ It’s just a manner of speech.† (A Walk in the Night). This outrages Mikey and he kills Doughty. This scene shows how tired and humiliated the nature of African people was because they were facing discrimination and disrespect for so long. The movie â€Å"A Dry White Season† is another representation of discrimination towards Africans. It tells a story of a white teacher in a South African school who is asked for help by a man Gordon. Ben, the teacher, refuses, as he does not want to participate in the fight between races and societies. Even though he avoids the fight, he faces it later because he sees the unacceptable behavior of the white people. Gordon an d his wife are killed and Ben takes up the fight against the white man’s regime.Advertising Looking for essay on african american? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The quote â€Å"Blacks lead double lives one you see and one you dont† proves how the offense and stress that the whites have caused is unseen and Native Africans are forced to live their lives in segregation and separation (A Dry White Season). In the movie, Ben represents the fight for respect and equality and portrays everyone who was in support of blacks and was not afraid to fight them. Both movies are a strong representation of events that can be seen as one of the dark spots in human history. A Dry White Season. Ex. Prod. Paula Weinstein. Beverly Hills, United States: MGM. 1989. Film. A Walk in the Night. Ex. Prod. Mickey Madoda Dube. Johannesburg, South Africa: SABC. 2000. Film.

The Trent Affair in the Civil War

The Trent Affair in the Civil War Trent Affair - Background: As the secession crisis progressed in early 1861, the departing states came together to form the new Confederate States of America. In February, Jefferson Davis was elected president and began working to achieve foreign recognition for the Confederacy. That month, he dispatched William Lowndes Yancey, Pierre Rost, and Ambrose Dudley Mann to Europe with orders to explain the Confederate position and endeavor to obtain support from Britain and France. Having just learned of the attack on Fort Sumter, the commissioners met with British Foreign Secretary Lord Russell on May 3. In the course of the meeting, they explained the Confederacys position and emphasized the importance of Southern cotton to British textile mills. Following the meeting, Russell recommended to Queen Victoria that Britain issue a declaration of neutrality in regard to the American Civil War. This was done on May 13. The declaration was immediately protested by the American ambassador, Charles Francis Adams, as it conveyed a recognition of belligerency. This afforded Confederate ships the same privileges given American ships in neutral ports and was seen as the first step toward diplomatic recognition. Though the British communicated with the Confederates through back channels during the summer, Russell rebuffed Yanceys request for a meeting shortly after the Southern victory at the First Battle of Bull Run. Writing on August 24, Russell informed him that the British government considered the conflict an internal matter and that its position would not alter unless battlefield developments or a move towards a peaceful settlement required it to change. Frustrated by a lack of progress, Davis decided to send two new commissioners to Britain. Trent Affair - Mason Slidell: For the mission, Davis chose James Mason, a former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and John Slidell, who had served as an American negotiator during the Mexican-American War. The two men were to emphasize the Confederacys strengthened position and the potential commercial benefits of trade between Britain, France, and the South. Traveling to Charleston, SC, Mason and Slidell intended to embark aboard CSS Nashville (2 guns) for the voyage to Britain. As Nashville appeared unable to evade the Union blockade, they instead boarded the smaller steamer Theodora. Using side channels, the steamer was able to evade the Union ships and arrived at Nassau, Bahamas. Finding they had missed their connection to St. Thomas, where they had planned to board a ship for Britain, the commissioners elected to travel to Cuba with the hope of catching a British mail packet. Forced to wait three weeks, they finally boarded the paddle steamer RMS Trent. Aware of the Confederate mission, Union Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles directed Flag Officer Samuel Du Pont to send a warship in pursuit of Nashville, which ultimately did sail, with goal of intercepting Mason and Slidell. Trent Affair - Wilkes Takes Action: On October 13, USS San Jacinto (6) arrived at St. Thomas after a patrol in African waters. Though under orders to head north for an attack against Port Royal, SC, its commander, Captain Charles Wilkes, elected to sail for Cienfuegos, Cuba after learning that CSS Sumter (5) was in the area. Arriving off Cuba, Wilkes learned that Mason and Slidell would be sailing aboard Trent on November 7. Though a well-known explorer, Wilkes had a reputation for insubordination and impulsive action. Seeing an opportunity, he took San Jacinto to the Bahama Channel with the goal of intercepting Trent. Discussing the legality of stopping the British ship, Wilkes and his executive officer, Lieutenant Donald Fairfax, consulted legal references and decided that Mason and Slidell could be considered contraband which would allow their removal from a neutral ship. On November 8, Trent was spotted and was brought to after San Jacinto fired two warning shots. Boarding the British ship, Fairfax had orders to remove Slidell, Mason, and their secretaries, as well as to take possession of Trent as a prize. Though he sent the Confederate agents across to San Jacinto, Fairfax convinced Wilkes not to make a prize of Trent. Somewhat uncertain of the legality of their actions, Fairfax reached this conclusion as San Jacinto lacked sufficient sailors to provide a prize crew and he did not wish to inconvenience the other passengers. Unfortunately, international law required that any ship carrying contraband be brought to port for adjudication. Departing the scene, Wilkes sailed for Hampton Roads. Arriving he received orders to take Mason and Slidell to Fort Warren in Boston, MA. Delivering the prisoners, Wilkes was hailed as a hero and banquets were given in his honor. Trent Affair - International Reaction: Though Wilkes was feted and initially praised by leaders in Washington, some questioned the legality of his actions. Welles was pleased with the capture, but expressed concern that Trent was not brought to a prize court. As November passed, many in the North began to realize that Wilkes actions may have been excessive and lacked legal precedent. Others commented that Mason and Slidells removal was similar to the impressment practiced by the Royal Navy which had contributed to War of 1812. As a result, public opinion began to swing towards releasing the men in order to avoid trouble with Britain. News of the Trent Affair reached London on November 27 and immediately incited public outrage. Angered, the government of Lord Palmerston viewed the incident as a violation of maritime law. As a possible war loomed between the United States and Britain, Adams and Secretary of State William Seward worked with Russell to diffuse the crisis with the former clearly stating that Wilkes acted without orders. Demanding the release of the Confederate commissioners and an apology, the British began reinforcing their military position in Canada. Meeting with his cabinet on December 25, President Abraham Lincoln listened as Seward outlined a possible solution which would appease the British but also preserve support at home. Seward stated that while stopping Trent had been consistent with international law, the failure to take it port was a severe error on the part of Wilkes. As such, the Confederates should be released â€Å"to do to the British nation just what we have always insisted all nations ought to do to us.† This position was accepted by Lincoln and two days later was presented to the British ambassador, Lord Lyons. Though Sewards statement offered no apology, it was viewed favorably in London and the crisis passed. Trent Affair - Aftermath: Released from Fort Warren, Mason, Slidell, and their secretaries embarked aboard HMS Rinaldo (17) for St. Thomas before traveling on to Britain. Though viewed as a diplomatic victory by the British, the Trent Affair showed American resolve to defend itself while also complying with international law. The crisis also worked to slow the European drive to offer the Confederacy diplomatic recognition. Though the threat of recognition and international intervention continued to loom through 1862, it receded following the Battle of Antietam and Emancipation Proclamation. With the focus of the war shifted to eliminating slavery, European nations were less enthusiastic about establishing an official connection with the South. Selected Sources US State Department: Trent AffairCivil War: The Trent Affair Library of Congress: Trent Affair

Definition of Consumption within Sociology

Definition of Consumption within Sociology In sociology, consumption is about so much more than just taking in or using up resources. Humans consume to survive, of course, but in todays world, we also consume to entertain and amuse ourselves, and as a way to share time and experiences with others. We consume not only material goods but also  services, experiences, information, and cultural products like art, music, film, and television. In fact, from the sociological perspective, consumption today is a central organizing principle of social life. It shapes our everyday lives,  our values, expectations and practices, our relationships with others, our individual and group identities, and our overall experience in the world. Consumption According to Sociologists Sociologists recognize that many aspects of our daily lives are structured by consumption. In fact, Polish sociologist Zygmunt Bauman wrote in the book Consuming Life that Western societies are no longer organized around the act of production, but instead, around consumption. This transition began in the United States in the mid-twentieth century,  after which most production jobs were moved overseas, and our economy shifted to retail and the provision of services and information. As a consequence, most of us spend our days consuming rather than producing goods. On any given day, one might travel to work by bus, train, or car; work in an office that requires electricity, gas, oil, water, paper, and a host of consumer electronics and digital goods; purchase a tea, coffee, or soda; go out to a restaurant for lunch or dinner; pick up dry cleaning; purchase health and hygiene products at a drug store; use purchased groceries to prepare dinner, and then spend the evening watching television, enjoying social media, or reading a book. All of these are forms of consumption. Because consumption is so central to how we live our lives, it has taken on great importance in the relationships we forge with others. We often organize visits with others around the act of consuming, whether that be sitting down to eat a home-cooked meal as a family, taking in a movie with a date, or meeting friends for a shopping excursion at the mall. In addition, we often use consumer goods to express our feelings for others through the practice of gift-giving, or notably, in the act of proposing marriage with an expensive piece of jewelry. Consumption is also a central aspect of the celebration of both secular and religious holidays, like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Halloween. It has even become a political expression, like when we buy ethically produced or sourced goods, or engage in a boycott of a certain product or brand. Sociologists also see consumption as an important part of the process of forming and expressing both individual and group identities. In Subculture: The Meaning of Style, sociologist Dick Hebdige observed that identity is often expressed through fashion choices, which allows us to classify people as hipsters or emo, for example. This happens because we choose consumer goods that we feel say something about who we are. Our consumer choices are often meant to reflect our values and lifestyle, and in doing so, send visual signals to others about the kind of person we are. Because we associate certain values, identities, and lifestyles with consumer goods, sociologists recognize that some troubling implications follow the centrality of consumption in social life. We often make assumptions, without even realizing it, about a person’s character, social standing, values, and beliefs, or even their intelligence, based on how we interpret their consumer practices. Because of this, consumption can serve processes of exclusion and marginalization in society  and can lead to conflict across lines of class, race or ethnicity, culture, sexuality, and religion. So, from the sociological perspective, theres much more to consumption than meets the eye. In fact, theres so much to study about consumption that theres a whole subfield dedicated to it: the sociology of consumption.