Cultural Conflict Essay

Culture is a lot more than what language a person is speaking how they are dressing and what kind of food they are eating. Cultural groups share nationality, race and similar ethnicity. However, culture could also include religion, sexual orientation, gender and even generation. Although culture is not visible, it plays a major role in how we handle conflict. It is often the starting place of our thinking and our behaviors. Cultures are sort of implanted in every conflict because conflicts arise in every human relationship. When it comes to handling conflict, we tend to handle it by using lifelong messages that we have received due to our culture. Cultural messages are unique in different cultures. The message one culture sends could be perceived and interpreted to totally something else by a different culture receiver. Living in a world with so many different cultures, we almost have to be cultural fluent. Cultural fluency means being familiar with different cultures, how they work and how they intertwine with our relationships when it comes to conflict. One of the major dimensions of cultural fluency is communication, which refers to different starting points about how to relate to and with different culture groups. Two of the different variations of communication are high and low context. Besides being used in individual communication, high and low context is also used to understand different cultural groups. In high context communication, large part of the message conveyed lies in the physical context, including tone of voice, facial expression, and gestures. In low context communication, the spoken word carries most of the meaning, whatever is trying to be conveyed is simply said directly. Coming from a big Armenian family, culture and conflict are very high context between me and the rest of my family members. Every little tone of voice, facial expression, and gesture has a major meaning behind it, to decode the true meaning you would have to be part of the family. Growing up, my parents were not strict at all with me and my brother. However, we knew how to decode them without them even saying anything. If I brought a new friend to my house, just by the way my mother would look at me I would know that this person is not coming to my house anymore. Even in conversations, a two word response from my parents meant a lot. Going to a restaurant owned by another Armenian person with Armenian employees is also involved in high context communication. You simply know how to act, what to do, what to say and what not to say. When it comes to conflict, I have friends of different nationalities. Being in an argument with one of my fellow Armenian friends is way different than being in an argument with a friend that was born and raised here in The United States with parents that were born and raised here also. A few words back and forth with my Armenian friend would simply end the argument with both of us understanding who was right and who was wrong. However, when involved in an argument with one of my friends who comes from a low context background, I almost have to argue with him in a low context matter by explaining every little detail. A few different gestures and facial expressions do not mean anything to him and it does get frustrating at times. A person’s cultural background affects communication in a major way when a high and low context communication is involved. How things are perceived and interpreted depend on the person’s cultural background. In low context cultures individuals rely more in spoken words. In high context cultures there are more contexts involved, like tone of voice, facial expression, and gestures. Growing up in a high context family and having different perception of things embedded in me, I have learned how to deal with conflict in a high context matter. Also, having friends who come from a low context culture, I have dealt with communicating differently and also have experienced situations differently than them. In order to better communicate with the people involved in your life you have to understand how they perceive and interpret what you are communicating with them.

Scholastic’s Marketing Strategy

Evolving a successful marketing strategy depends on an effective situation analysis, which involves identifying the customer needs, changes in the operating environment, new opportunities, and the capability of the company to meet these changes. Scholastic corporation is one of the leading publishers catering to the children's segment. With decades of experience in children's publishing and links with most schools libraries across the nation the company has a great outreach to the student segment compared to other competing publishers. However, some changes in the external factors have clearly affected the company's business in a negative way. First and foremost of them is the government's cutting short of school budget allocation, which implied that libraries could no longer afford to spend funds for buying new books. This was a drastic blow for Scholastic as the company depended on its extensive tie-ups with school libraries for its regular business. Next, is the surge of the competitors such as Simon and Schuster and Houghton Mifflin who are capitalizing on Scholastic's inept handling of the changing market situation. These competitors, by their more effective marketing strategies have already started to increase their share in the market, which was previously largely dominated by Scholastic. Scholastic has failed to forge relationships with teachers and management in reaching out to the students. This lack of appreciation of the value of proper human relations is another big hurdle in its business interests, especially when the market seems to be lagging. To be successful under these changing circumstances Scholastic has to revamp their marketing strategy. Focus should be placed on increasing the literacy interests of the younger generation. Under the strange circumstances that the government is crying about improving the literacy skills of students while at the same time cutting the funding for the schools, Scholastic could put to good use its extensive connections with schools by actively participating and organizing book fairs and book clubs. An important fact is that book fairs promote book sales and stimulates reading in children, which in turn implies more books sales. Scholastic should sponsor more book clubs, which would help kindle the reading habits of the school going children. Thus by co-ordinating and working actively with school management Scholastic could promote the reading interests among children which seems to be threatened by the funding cuts by the government. Given that more than 100,000 school book fairs are organized every year around the country, it is plainly obvious that Scholastic should actively participate with the schools in organizing and conducting these book fairs and book club's. These programs, though, may involve expenditure on the part of the company, constitute a good strategy which promises a lot in the long-term. Thus, by organizing these book fairs and book clubs with minimum or even as a non-profit initiative, Scholastic corporation could actively contribute to promoting literacy interests of children upon which rests the success of its future business.

Environmental Effects of Fossil Fuels Essay - 801 Words

Environmental Effects of Fossil Fuels Besides food, fossil fuels are our most important resource. According to www.bydesign.com, there are three major resources. These resources are coal, oil and natural gas. The environmental impact of fossil fuel usage affects us greatly as individuals and as a global community. Coal causes much damage to our environment. Coal extraction is a serious cause of water pollution. Coal is used primarily to produce electricity. Coal releases nitrous oxide when it is burned. Nitrous oxide unfortunately stays in the atmosphere for a long time. Because this is kept in the atmosphere for such a long time it is very difficult to see or predict the harmful effects of this gas. Nearly fifty percent of the†¦show more content†¦According to www.bydesign.com, ships, barges, trucks, railways, pipelines and super tankers are used to transport oil globally. Often, oil is found far from its needed location. Unfortunately, transportation of oil can often result in great damage to the environment. Seepage from pipelines often destroys much wildlife and animal life. Oil spills are common. One of the most famous oil spills was when the Exxon Valdez super tanker ran aground an Alaskan reef in March of 1989. The spill was highly publicized and many were extremely concerned a bout the long term environmental impact. According to the Exxon Valdez Trustee Council, about eleven million gallons of oil damaged up to 1,300 miles of coastline. Many preventative measures have been taken to avoid such problems in the future. Legislation was passed requiring that all tankers passing through the sound where the spill occurred be double-hulled. Also, the amount of available containment boom in the sound has been greatly increased. The Exxon Valdez Company has been bought out by another company. It is determined that complacency is the greatest cause of oil spills. By taking advantage of opportunities such as enrolling in energy and conservation courses, we can individually do our part to increase our awareness of the consequences which our daily energy usage produce. Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel source of energy. TheShow MoreRelated Environmental Effects of Fossil Fuel Exploration and Extraction937 Words   |  4 PagesAs the fossil fuels, such as coal, gas, LPG and coal mixed gas and so on, has been used in the modern production process since the industrial revolution happened, the environment effects of fossil fuels’ exploration and extraction is the biggest concerns for public life. To illustrate this, data collected by Marland, Boden, Andres, Brenkert and Johnston (2003) points out that the fossil fuels industry has caused the release of approximately 337 billion metric tons of carbon to atmosphere since 1751Read More Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use Essay606 Words   |  3 PagesEnvironmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use One of the main issues involved with fossil fuels are the environmental impacts that occur from their use. These problems; such as acid rain, oil spills, climate change, global warming, etc., are not only occurring with fossil fuel usage, but are also increasing due to the increase in the use of fossil fuels. This essay will vaguely explain the area of environmental impacts from fossil fuel use, and will attempt to change, or further increase your understandingRead MoreAlternative Energy Sources Of Fossil Fuels1701 Words   |  7 Pages the world has run on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are critical to global energy infrastructure due to their inherent advantages and generate significant economic value as a result. However, the negative economic and environmental implications of fossil fuels demands a permanent transition towards alternative energy. The world will continue to investigate alternative energy sources and must commit to them to avoid long-term environmental degradation. Ul timately, fossil fuels are on the way out, butRead MoreHow Can The United States Lessen Its Dependence On Fossil Fuels?1302 Words   |  6 PagesHow can the United States lessen its dependence on fossil fuels? Joan Milton Western Governor’s University How can the United States lessen its dependence on fossil fuels? Introduction The U.S obtains more than 84% of its energy from fossil fuels including oil, coal and natural gas. This is because people rely on it to heat their homes, power industries, run vehicles, manufacturing, and provision of electricity. It is apparent that the country’s transportation industry highly depends onRead MoreIssues Of Society : North American Environmental Pollution918 Words   |  4 PagesIssues in Society: North American Environmental Pollution Effects These days, there are up to 500 chemicals in an average human body that were not found in humans before 1920.1 Several forms of environmental pollution have the ability to intoxicate human bodies with unwanted chemicals. Pollution exists when the environment cannot break down or eliminate an object without creating negative effects. Intoxicating bodies is just one of the several harmful effects that pollution has, specifically,Read MoreThe Drilling Of The Oil922 Words   |  4 Pagesis shipped over by large tanker ships (Energy Quest 2012). Petroleum is made into various products such as gasoline/ diesel fuel, home heating oil, fertilizers, and plastic products (Energy Quest 2012). 74 percent of our oil is used for transportation including, trucks, buses, cars, and planes (Energy Quest 2012). Drilling of the oil is a costly process and has severe effects to the environment. Drilling on land requires a lot of space, disturbing the natural animal habitats, while drilling at seaRead Mo reViable Alternative Energy For Replace Fossil Fuels1724 Words   |  7 Pages Viable Alternative Energy to Replace Fossil Fuels Nauman Syed Zia University of Houston Nearly all of the United States production of energy comes from non-renewable sources, also known as fossil fuels. However, the problem with using fossil fuels to satisfy the United States ever-growing demand for power is that they are a limited resource and their production and usage cause a myriad of harmful environmental effects. There are other sources of energy available that do notRead MoreFood For Thought And Fuel For The Future1462 Words   |  6 Pages Food for Thought and Fuel for the Future When a cell phone battery is dying, plugging it in to an electrical outlet will send a flow of electricity to the battery giving it the recharge it needs for full operation. This is a perfunctory process that people do on a daily basis. But how often does anyone really think about how or where that energy source is generated? Or how about the millions of gallons of fuel all over the U.S. being pumped into vehicles to give them power, is the U.S. in jeopardyRead MoreFossil Fuels : The Source Of Energy1709 Words   |  7 Pagessociety fossil fuels are the primary source of energy for most of the industrialized world. Utilizing fossil fuels has been vital to the industrialization development. Throughout industrialization of many parts of the world, energy has been needed at a much higher density then before and fossil fuels have fulfilled that need. Coal, gas, and oil are the three major sources of fossil fuels in the world. Despite other means of energy, such as wind power, hydroelec tric power and so on, fossil fuels are stillRead MoreHow Does Human Activity Make The Greenhouse Effect Worse?993 Words   |  4 PagesGreenhouse Effect How does human activity make the greenhouse effect worse? In now day, almost every country, every people talking about environmental protection problem. One of the biggest part affecting the environmental is greenhouse effect. And the greenhouse effect getting worse that the root cause is ourselves: human activity. In life, some of the small act we never pay attention for that, but that act may be one of the cause to make the greenhouse effect worse. Fist of all, fossil fuels can make

Divorce Is More Popular Than Marriage - 868 Words

In today’s society a divorce is more popular than marriage. As soon as you say,† I do,† the odds are not in your favor. One in two couples do not survive, they get divorced. Society is in a downward spiral with making a marriage last. We have become quitters; when times get hard we quit. The small things are the most important in a marriage. There are easy ways to make a marriage last. Having a healthy sexual relationship is vital for any marriage. Remembering the reason why you got married to begin with is important in a marriage. There will disagreements in a marriage; learn to pick your battles. Compromising is another key element to happy successful marriage. Sex is what sets you apart from being just a roommate. Having a healthy sexual relationship can improve the passion in your relationship. (2014 Aaron Anderson). There is a deeper communication that comes with sex. Both people feel a comfort level with each other that is not felt with anyone else. It requi res you both to become very vulnerable by asking, and receiving. It requires you to reach a deeper level of trust with your spouse. They also need to be open to hearing what their spouse wants feels and needs. This is not only a recipe for great sex but a great marriage as well (2014 Aaron Anderson). There are many benefits to having a healthy sexual marriage. It can help to reduce everyday stress in life. With these benefits, it can also build a stronger bond between each other. The next thing to remember is whyShow MoreRelatedPopular Culture s Negative Influence Essay1727 Words   |  7 PagesCelebrating twenty-eight years of marriage seems to be a pretty impressive feat in today’s world. Not to mention all the couples who have been together for forty, even fifty years. Forty to fifty percent of marriages end in divorce in America (Kazdin, 1). Some say that that is a myth, that it is not actually factual. However, thorough research proves that it is unfortunately true. Fro m popular culture’s negative influence, to how marriage could go all wrong, and finally to why it sometimes just can’tRead MoreHistory, Laws, And Health Impacts On Marriages And Divorce1687 Words   |  7 Pagesfor marriage. On the other hand, there are Sorrell Trope and Daniel Jaffe; both of them are among some of the top divorce lawyers in the country. Sorrell Trope has represented Britney Spears, Nicole Kidman, and Tiger Woods’s wife Elin Nordegren. Daniel Jaffe represented Rupert Murdoch’s wife Anna Murdoch in their 1.7 billion dollar divorce settlement. Marriage and divorce is something that happens all around us. In this paper we will look at the history, laws, and health impacts on marriages andRead MoreThe Catholic And Christian Marriages905 Words   |  4 PagesCatholic and Christian marriages are very different in today’s society compared to many years ago. A traditional marriage is viewed differently in many ways, some of these changes are because of society. Such as many people do not view divorce as such a horrible act anymore, marriage is no longer just between a man and a woman, and many people find themselves getting married for the wrong reasons. Since these many changes have taken place the Christian and Catholic churches have converted many rulesRead More Divorce in China Essay1741 Words   |  7 PagesDivorce in China Impact of socio-economic changes on the divorce in China China has been undergoing number of social and economic changes throughout its communist history. There is no doubt that these socio-economic changes have influenced the society both positively and negatively. The most two significant changes of all would be the Cultural Revolution which took place during 1960s and the economic transition to the market economy, which has been in effect since 1980s. In this research paperRead MoreIslamic Ideas on Arranged Marriages1887 Words   |  7 Pages Marriage is an institute commemorated in most parts of the world. Unlike western societies, where love is a precondition to marriage, in many other parts of the world it is still not a requirement. A popular saying among these traditional cultures is first comes marriage, and then comes love. The Islamic community is one of the many cultures that embrace arranged marriages. Until very recently, research on Islamic marriage and family formation have been sparse. Raeann Hamon summarizes this absence Read MoreMarriage Should Not Be A Sacred Thing1341 Words   |  6 PagesMarriage used to be a sacred thing; once you married someone you spend the rest of your life with them. Even some places such as the Philippines and The Vatican City make divorce illegal. Here in America divorces are happening every single day. This social phenomenon is considered problematic. Almost 50% of all marriages end in divorce. When most people think of a divorce, they think of it ending in bad terms due to infidelity; but this is not always the case. It’s important to understand what aRead MoreThe Effects Of Divorce On Children And Females1554 Words   |  7 PagesTristina Arellanes Mrs. Hanson English 12 4 November 2014 Effects of Divorce The human species has evolved to make commitments between males and females in regards to raising their offspring, so this is a bond (Lancaster). This means that humans were not meant to be with one mate their whole life. People only stay by this tradition so that children can grow up with the bond of both parents and not have to leave full responsibility on one parent. Couples without children, however, stay togetherRead MoreEssay about sociology and the family1732 Words   |  7 Pagesof the spouses, or b) Horizontal Extensions - consisting of people from the same generation as the spouses such as the wife’s sister {Blacks Academy}). The studies of Willmott and Young found that the Nuclear Family became more popular during the Industrial Revolution as more people moved away from their families to find work, therefore, family size decreased and became Nuclear. During pre-industrial Britain, (Browne) explains that the extended family was a unit of production, meaning that theRead MoreEffects Of Divorce On The United States1041 Words   |  5 PagesThe topic of divorce, for many decades, has been a topic that fell into the domain of taboo. In more recent years, society within the united states has brought the topic into the limelight by desensitizing the term. Thus, the divorce rates in the US have went up. However, a divorce has both positive and negative implications. Also, there have been backlashes against divorce, but there has also been a positive feedback system employed to aid in the process that surround divorce. The partitioning betweenRead MoreShould Cohabitation Be Encouraged908 Words   |  4 PagesSHOULD COHABITATION BE ENCOURAGED? Cohabitation has become very popular and common among teenagers these days. As stated in the Oxford Dictionary, cohabitation is the act of living in the same house together and having a sexual relationship without any commitments and marriage. In the last several decades, families have changed. Instead of getting married, many people are cohabitating or in simple words prefer living together. Some of these cohabitating couples finally get married. Most of them

The Ardhakathanaka ( Half A Life ) - 992 Words

In the 17th century, Jainism was among the few religions that existed in India. One of the few principles that Jains followed strictly is to be a non-violent human. Thus, their jobs also reflected this principle. Men whose occupations is a merchant, he was obligated to travel to many cities to sell his goods to support himself and his family. Merchants were often away from their family and thus the friends and acquaintances that they meet during their travels became prominent encounters. Some aspects of friendships that are often encountered include, brotherhood, companionship and selflessness. These three elements were all greatly exemplified throughout the autobiography The Ardhakathanaka (Half a Life). In the autobiography, Half a life, friendship is depicted as a very special and timid relationship that people encounter on a daily basis. The different levels of human kinship become very obvious as the Jains encounter friends and acquaintances during their travels because every in teraction that the people had are depicted very organically. The autobiography begins the story with the narrator (known as Banarasidas) introducing his family members who are part of the merchant and goods industry. Banarasidas first encounters positive friendship at a very young age when his father, Kharagsen, and the family needed to flee to a nearby city. Kharagsen and his family had no shelter after arriving at a new city and he was filled with despair. A man, by the name of Karamchand

Achilleus leader of the Achaians and son of Peleus Essay Example For Students

Achilleus leader of the Achaians and son of Peleus Essay a mortal king and The sea-goddess Thetis is an important character of the Iliad. Achilleus is a well-respected warrior; the Achaians needed Achilleus to help them fight the Trojans. In book XXII Achilleus showed that he was heartless when he killed Hektor. Achilleus also showed that he was sympathetic towards elders by returning Hektors body when Priam begged for it. In Homers Iliad Achilleus was portrayed as a well-respected warrior, heartless, and sympathetic towards elders. In book I of the Iliad Achilleus first shows that he is well respected when he calls the Achaians to assembly, an idea from the goddess Hera who had pity on the dying Achaians. Achilleus a leader even before his time of greatness spoke up for his people against the son of Atreus saying I believe now that straggling backwards we must make our way home if we can even escape death, if fighting now must crush the Achaians and the plague likewise(1.59-61). Agamemnon who claims himself as the far greatest of all the Achaians shows fear to Achilleus by calling him a good fighter though you be, godlike (1.127). By defeating Agamemnon Achilleus proves to be the greatest Achaian soldier and the most respected because he stood up to Agamemnon the wine sack, with a dogs eyes, and deers heart; the King who feeds on his people(1.221-227). After the death of Patrokolos Achilleus returns to avenge his friends death in book XXII. The love Achilleus showed Patrokolos was not worth taking every soldiers life in the Trojan army except one man (Hektor) who thought that it would be much better at that time, to go against Achilleus, and slay him, and come back, or else be killed by him in glory in front of the city(22.11-13). Hektor would be killed by Achilleus after being tricked by Athene who pretended to be his (Hektors) brother Deiphobos. Hektor tried to plead with Achilleus on his death day so that he can be buried respectfully and so that his soul could rest. But Achilleus response to Hektor was argue me no arguments. I cannot forgive you. As there are no trustworthy oaths between men and lions, nor wolves and lambs(22.164-166). Achilleus not only killed Hektor but he stripped him of his clothing and let every Achaian soldier stab him while he gave a speech saying there is a dead man who lies by the ships, unwept, unburi ed(22.289). Achilleus went back to the ships of the Achaians singing we have won ourselves enormous fame; we have killed the great Hektor whom the Trojans glorified as if he were a god in their city(22.296-298). While he (Achilleus) spoke he thought of shameful treatment for Hektor. Achilleus made holes in the back of Hektors feet by the tendons, and in the space between the ankle and the heel he drew thongs of ox-hide threw them, and fastened his feet to a chariot and dragged him on the back of it. By doing this Hektors hair fell out and what was once a beautiful body was now tumbled in the dust. Achilleus showed no respect for Hektor and he had a great deal of hate toward Hektor but by killing him and then battering the body that shows how heartless he was toward his enemies. In book XXIV Achilleus meets with Hektors father Priam who wants Achilleus to return his sons body to him so that he can have a proper burial and that his soul can rest peacefully. Priam who goes into the city where the Achaians stay and gets down on his knees and kisses the hands that murdered his son and begs Achilleus to return Hektor to him. Priam spoke to Achilleus saying, Achilleus like the gods, remember your father, one who is of years like mine, and on the door-sill of sorrowful old age. And they who swell nearby encompass him and afflict him, nor is there any to defend him against the wrath, the destruction(24.95-98). Priam reminds Achilleus of his father and that his father can call on him when he wants. Priam also reminds Achilleus that he has taken the lives of all of his sons. Achilleus makes a statement to Priam saying I sit here in Troy, and bring nothing but sorrow to you and your children(24.151). Achilleus and Priam both breakdown and cry at their misfortunes, and Achilleus agrees to give Hektor back to Priam so that he can have a proper burial. .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae , .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae .postImageUrl , .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae , .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae:hover , .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae:visited , .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae:active { border:0!important; } .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae { 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; } .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae:active , .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae .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; } .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u46b93063f8c039699b1cd6936971f3ae:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Dr. Faustus Essay In the Iliad Achilleus shows three sides of his personality a great leader towards his people, a brutal killer, and a grieving soldier. There are numerous quotes and statements that prove this to be true. Also Achilleus is passionate and heartbroken towards the death of Patrokolos. In Homers Iliad Achilleus portrays to be well-respected, heartless, and sympathetic towards elders. The son of Peleus and Thetis proves to be all of these things in many different books of the Iliad.

RR#1 Letter From Birmingham Jail Essays - Community Organizing

RR#1 Letter From Birmingham Jail Nicole Varady RR#1Letter From Birmingham Jail After reading Letter From Birmingham Jail, by Martin Luther King, Jr., I am struck by how eloquently he writes. I know this is not an earth-shattering revelation, but I do not recall having ever read a piece by Dr. King in my previous studies. This letter was written to eight clergymen, after Dr. King was incarcerated during protests that occurred in the state of Alabama. He wrote this in response to a statement issued by the Alabama clergymen, in which they called these protests unwise and untimely. The majority of the letter is a well thought out and compelling argument against the unjust actions that were occurring in the South at that time. As I stated above, Dr. Kings way with words was a sheer pleasure to read, even in the absolutely horrific context of which it was written. Whilst I am certainly no stranger to the despicable treatment of African-Americans during this time period, a lot of what I came across still was enough to get me all in a tizzy. Dr. Kings claim that we stiff creep at a horse-and-buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter was phrased so well, clearly pointing out the ridiculousness of such an obstacle for an American to have to endure. Then there is section in which he writes about having to explain to his six year old daughter why she cannot attend the local amusement park, and seeing the tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children is a bit hard to swallow. Never the less, Dr. King uses his gift of gab well, making some very excellent points that I believe are still fantastic arguments for the issues of today. To the clergymen making claims that their protesting actions even though peaceful, must be condemned, because they precipitate violence, he retorts that this is illogical, as it is akin to condemning a robbed man because his possession of money precipitated the evil act of robbery. I find this analogy an almost perfect way to discuss the outrages of women asking for it, but alas, that is a discussion for another time. One last quote from this letter I would like to bring up is Dr. Kings concern of the rather un-Christian like mindset that he, and many others, had to unfortunately bear witness from fellow members of the church. He writes I have watched many churches commit themselves to a completely other worldly religion which makes a strange, un-Biblical distinction between body and soul, between the sacred and the secular. Although I believe Dr. King is only including race here, and might not have considered this when writing, this is a sound argument in the very un-Christian like treatment that a lot of people endure daily, be they gay/lesbian, transgendered, etc. 1) How would you describe the way Dr. King addresses his audience? Is he righteous? Is he rude? Is he conversational? The attitude of Dr. King that I took from this letter is that he is thoughtful and considerate of his words, but also emits small jabs here and there. I gathered small hints of sarcasm in the letter, though that may very well just be the voice in which I read it. I believe his manner of speaking to the clergymen is one of slight indignation, that which I find just. He may come off as righteous, in the sense that he believes all people should have equal rights, but never did I find an air of holier than thou in his words. He is not rude by any means, he just carefully lays out all his points with some hard to argue examples. He wants to be civil, but he definitely will not be brushed aside and not let justice prevail. I believe the ending of his letter fully shows this when he writes If I have said anything in this letter that overstates the truth and indicates an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I have said anything that understates the truth and indicates my havi ng a patience that allows me to settle for anything less than