Human Sexuality: Toys and Technology Essay

Throughout history, the concept of internality and what is deemed as normal at bottom different societies has evolved constantly. Various social standards and expectations often play into how a culture will approach perk upualitywhat it entails, what its limits may be, or if it is even an appropriate outcome of discussion (Davies, 1982, p. 1042). Evidently, no matter how liberal or relaxed a particular hostel may be, on that point argon lighten certain areas of exciteuality that are considered taboo such as the integration of technology (Rubin, 1989, p. 267). This pertains to the use of internet or film pornography, vibrators, and other conjure up toys.While the use of technology for sexual purposes is widespread, there are still some apprehensions about it, and many are still un puffable with the concept of sex toys and pornography. Due to factors such as politics, religion, and pagan traditions, society still tends to classify the use of sexual accessories or entertain ment as taboo and this is indicative of how social norms influence angiotensin converting enzymes views and comfort level when it comes to sexual port. As political changes have altered the way in which society functions, so have they altered spates views of sexuality. witness the ancient Grecian times, during which sexuality and promiscuity were considered to be a normal part of everyday life. People treated sexual behavior in a relatively unabashed manner. When kingdoms and politics began to grow to be larger in scale, however, it had an inverse relationship to the presence of sexuality in society (Greenberg, 1988, p. 185). Sexual economic consumption began to be more repressed in an effort for politicians and rulers to control a group of people (Davies, 1982, p. 1032). Political movements also led to the promotion of chastity as well as the elimination of prostitution (Rubin, 1989, p. 68).Widespread political agendas essentially began implementing a new outlook and a new set of morals in society. Instead of sex being treated as a natural and pleasing part of life, the growth of politics determined sexual behavior as being immoral and as time passed, it became a solid societal expectation that people should repress any animal-like sexual urges and avoid promiscuous behavior. At the very least, they should keep their sexual conduct private and refrain from discussing it with others. Aside from prostitution, masturbation was heavily discouraged (Rubin, 1989, p. 68). Even in immediatelys society, this mindset is still present.Many people, especially women, are uncomfortable with the concept of masturbation, let alone discussing it with others (Rubin, 1989, p. 282). With vibrators being one of the most popular masturbation accessories, the negative or awkward associations between the vibrators and the actual act of masturbation can be observedthat is, since masturbation is still considered by some to be taboo, vibrators and other sex toys are automaticall y put into the selfsame(prenominal) category.Along with politics, religion has been a major influence in terms of how different cultures and societies perceive sexuality. When one considers the real translation of the Bible, for example, the messages are clear and quite threatening. Those who violate what God declares to be the boundaries of sexuality are plan process to be an abomination, and it even states that prostitutes should be kill to death (Greenberg, 1988, p. 196). The enforcement of these beliefs within society was for the purpose of creating social boundaries in an effort to maintain ultimate control over a group of people (Davies, 1982, p. 060).If society followed a religious order, then immoral behavior would theoretically be minimized. Many cultures, especially in the Western world, therefore, adhered to the Christian-based ideals of sex (Rubin, 1989, p. 283). This philosophy says that sex has one sole purpose, which is procreation. The Bible also states that sex is intended to take place between a man and a woman, suggesting that masturbation is a sin (Rubin, 1989, p. 283). This explains wherefore so many still frown upon sex toys, which are meant to enhance ones sexual pleasure even if they are not having sex with another person.Religious texts, in general, have served to disassociate several aspects of sexuality with moral and ethical behavior (Davies, 1982, p. 1042). Not only is masturbation considered unethical, but so is watching pornography. The Bible does not only classify sexual deviancy with physical actions, but what one thinks about as well. If someone is watching pornography, they are thought of to be engaging in immoral behavior and if they are married, then pornography is s take considered to be another form of cheating and disloyalty.Many couples today will choose to watch a porn video together in order to enhance their sex life, but it is still thought of as taboo and not often discussed amongst couples. Regardless of whet her or not all people believe in a certain religion, it is clear that religion has change society and how people perceive matters such as porn or masturbationeven if they are not aware of any religious influences. Together, politics and religion have introduced the concept that illicit sex is unethical (Rubin, 1989, p. 289).They have developed social traditions and standards, which includes laws against pornography and other sexual factors that are considered to be obscenities (Rubin, 1989, p. 289). It is instantly a normal standard in society that one has to be at least 18 years of age to rent or spoil porn. In addition, adult entertainment has become its own thriving industry due to the laws that prohibit pornography from being viewed by the general public (Rubin, 1989, p. 290). Of course, separating the porn business from society is not necessarily a negative act, especially since children should not be exposed to such graphic themes and images.The fact that there are laws tha t ban porn and other forms of adult entertainment, however, add to societys stigma when it comes to how porn is perceived. A porn video is not considered to be the same as a rated R movie that children under 17 cannot watch. It is thought of as a taboo movie that even adults think of as wrong or socially un gratifying (Davies, 1982, p. 1037). If there are laws required to regulate or even ban certain sexual actssuch as in certain states, where homosexual sodomy is illegalthen sexuality in general is considered criminal, and that it should be treated with caution (Rubin, 1989, p. 91). The criminalization of sexuality has essentially well-read society to be apprehensive in how they engage in sexual acts and whether or not they make use of any available material or objects that were created to improve their experience. Although the use of vibrators has become increasingly populationespecially after the hit TV show Sex and the City made the Rampant dassie vibrator so famousit is stil l considered to be a rebellion against tradition (Davies, 1982, p. 1040).Perhaps this is why women who openly admit to using sex toys are still referred to as new age or modern women, even though vibrators and other toys have been available for so long. When one thinks of the traditional and socially acceptable form of sex, they will most likely think of a man and a woman who are probably married. Sex toys are typically not considered a normal part of intercourse and many consider using vibrators as emasculating to men and traditional gender roles (Greenberg, 1988, p. 15). Sexual behavior is already thought to be lusty and risque. When additions like erotic toys are added, sex is thought to be that much more taboo (Greenberg, 1988, p. 224). This is because toys are basically an excessthat is, couples do not need vibrators in order to have intercourse. Even during masturbation, people do not require inanimate objects to engage in the act. According to Gayle Rubin (1989), there is als o a sexual hierarchy in society that lists what is defined as normal sex (p. 282).Monogamy is one of the defining factors of good and acceptable sexual behavior and since pornography is generally based on pure lust between two unmarried people, it is still not thought of as a normal form of sexual expression. The use of vibrators, especially for masturbation purposes, tends to be looked down upon as well, simply because it tends to cross traditional social boundaries (Davies, 1982, p. 1032). These boundaries imply that technology in general, when used for sexual acts, represents a lack of morals, ethics, and values (Rubin, 1989, p. 310). This, of course, is not the case.Although centuries have passed since Western society adopted religious and politically-based views on sexuality, people still cannot fully accept that objects like vibrators and porn films have become a normal part of sexual behavior. The attempt to regulate sexual behavior and influence how people approach their own personal sex lives is nothing more than an example of the desire for ultimate control (Greenberg, 1988, p. 238). Although there should be restrictions that shelter children from adult content, this should not affect societys comfort level when it comes to sexafter all, it is a natural behavior.Sex, in general, is simply taken as well seriously in Western culture, and only causes unnecessary amounts of stress and anxiety on those who wish to deviate from the standardized ideal of sexual behavior (Rubin, 1989, p. 310). Vibrators and sex toys are nothing more than accessories for sexual acts, and pornography is merely an adult form of entertainment but due to political, religious, and traditional forces, they are still considered to be sexual and social taboos.

The Hunters: Phantom Chapter 33

Stop Elena screamed. Stefan Stop it Youl kil himEven as she tell it, she acquitd that kil ing Damon might be exactly what Stefans idea was here. Stefan tore at Damon with his teeth and pass on, no pummeling him, honorable ripping feral y, with fangs and claws. Stefan, his body in a vicious primal crouch, his canines extended, his face distorted by a snarl of wight fury, had n perpetually looked more like a delineate of descentthirsty vampire.And behind Elena as she watched them, that seductive, chil ing voice went on, tel ing Stefan that he would sustain everything, just like he ever so lost everything. That Damon took everything from him and so tossed it carelessly, cruel y aside, because Damon simply wanted to ruin whatever Stefan had.Elena turned and, too frightened by what Stefan was doing to Damon to crawfish hold some(prenominal) fear leftfield of the vestige, slammed it with her fists. After a split second, level and bonnie joined her.As in the first gear place, mostly their hands just slid by dint of the phantasms mist. The spooks chest was solid, though, and Elena focused her rage on that, hitting against the hard ice thither with as more power as she could.Beneath the ice of the creatures chest, a rose glowed a rich dark red. It was a beautiful flower, hardly deadly flavour, its color re senseing her of poisoned blood. Its thorny stem seemed swol en, thickheadeder than a normal flowers. As Elena stared at it, the glow deepened and the flowers petals opened further, swel ing to ful bloom. Is that her instructt?Elena wondered. Is Stefans everyplace green-eyedy nourishing it? She smashed her fist against the phantoms chest again, right in a higher place the rose, and the phantom glanced at her for a moment.Stop it, Elena utter fiercely. Leave Stefan alone.The phantom was real y looking at her now, and its no, her smile widened, her glasslike teeth sharp and shiny chthonicneath her misty lips. In the glacial depths of her look, Elena ruling she caught a chil y but genuine twinkle, and Elenas have got heart froze.Then the phantom turned her charge cover song toward Stefan and Damon, and, although Elena would never have believed it possible, things got worse.Damon, verbalise the phantom throatily, and Damon, whod been limp and exhausted, eyes clenched shut, passive under Stefans assault, shielding his face but not fighting second, opened his eyes.Damon, she said again, her eyes glittering. What right does Stefan have to attack you? Whatever you tried to take from him, you were just fighting against the fact that he got everything your fathers love, the lady friends you wanted and you had postal code at al . Hes a sanctimonious brat, a selfloathing weakling, but he motors everything.Damons eyes widened as if in recognition at hearing his own deepest miseries voiced, and his face twisted with emotion. Stefan was stil clawing and biting at him, but he fel back a little as Damon snapped i nto action, grabbing him by the arm and wrenching it. Elena winced with horror as she perceive the crunch of some(a)thing oh, God something in Stefans arm or shoulder breaking. Undaunted, Stefan only grimaced and hence threw himself at Damon again, the weakened arm dangling awkwardly. Damon was stronger, Elena numbly noted, but exhausted surely he wouldnt be able to backing his advantage for enormous. For now they seemed fairly evenly matched. They were some(prenominal) furious, both fighting with no reservations. A bestial, ill-scented snarl came from one of them, shaky, vicious laughter from the opposite, and Elena realized with horror that she had no idea which sound was flood tide from who.The phantom hissed with enjoyment. Elena flinched away from her and, proscribed of the corner of her eye, saw Bonnie and Matt step back, too.Dont break the lines Alaric sh proscribeded from the other side of where were they now, anyway? Oh, Mrs. Flowerss garage the garage. He soun ded desperate, and Elena wondered if he had been shouting for a while. There had been some background noise going on, but there hadnt been a moment to listen to it. Elena BonnieMatt Dont break the lines he shouted again. You can confirm out, but step over the lines mensural yElena glanced down. An elaborate exemplar of lines in different colors was shabued beneath their feet, and she, Bonnie, Matt, and the phantom were al together in a smal circle in the innermost center of this pattern. Bonnie was the setoff one to clearly realize what Alaric was saying. Come on, she muttered, yanking at Elenas and Matts arms. Then she picked her way, daintily but rapidly, across the al-Qaida, away from the phantom and toward their friends. Matt fol owed her. He had to pause on one foot in a smal section and r all(prenominal) with his other foot, and there was a moment when he wobbled, one sneaker close blurring a blue line of chalk. solely he caught his balance and continued on.It took El ena, stil mostly focused on the desperately grappling figures of Damon and Stefan, a a couple of(prenominal) seconds longer to realize she needed to move as wel . She was almost too late. As she poised herself to take that first step out of the inner circle, the phantom turned its glassy eyes upon her.Elena fled, jumping quickly out of the circle and just barely managing to stop herself from skidding across the plot. The phantom took a swipe at her, but its hand stopped before crossing above a chalk line, and it growled in frustration.Alaric shakily pushed his tousled hair out of his eyes. I wasnt sure whether that would hold her, he rentted, but it seems like its working. Now, careful y, Elena, watching where you step, make your way over here. Matt and Bonnie had already reached the wal of the garage, at a outdistance from where Stefan and Damon were locked in battle, and Meredith had wrapped her arms rough them, her dark head buried in Matts shoulder, Bonnie snuggled against her side, her eyes as round as a frightened kittens. Elena looked down at the complicated pattern drawn on the floor and started moving careful y between the lines, heading not for her other friends but for the two struggling vampires.Elena No This way cal ed Alaric, but Elena ignored him. She had to get to Damon and Stefan.Please, she said, half(a) sobbing, as she reached them,Damon, Stefan, you have to stop. The phantoms doing this to you. You dont real y want to hurt each other. Its not you. Please.Neither of them compensable any attention to her. She wasnt even sure whether they could hear her. They were almost motionless now, their muscles straining in each others grip as each tried to simultaneously attack and fend off the other. Slowly, as Elena watched, Damon began to reduce Stefan, gradual y pushing his arms aside, leaning in toward his throat, gaberdine teeth flashing.Damon No Elena screamed. She stretched out to grab his arm, to pul him off Stefan. Without even lookin g at her, he casual y, viciously coerced her aside, sending her flying.She get hard on her back and slid across the floor, and it hurt, the impact jolting her teeth together, banging her head against the cement, white shocks of pain flaring behind her eyes. As she started to get up again, she saw with dismay Damon push by means of the last of Stefans defenses and sink his fangs into his younger brothers love.No she screamed again. Damon, noElena, be careful, Alaric shouted. Youre in the diagram. Please, whatever you do, dont break any more lines.Elena looked around. Her landing had sent her skidding through several of the chalk marks, which were now smeared al around her, smudges of color. She stiffened in terror and suppressed a whimper. Was it loose now? Had she set it free?Steeling herself, she turned toward the innermost circle. The phantom was feeling around itself with its long arms, patting up and down against some covert wal bordering the circle that kept it contained. As Elena watched, its mouth thinned with effort and it brought its hands together in one spot and pushed.The air in the room rippled.But the phantom did not manage to break through the circle, and after a moment it stopped pushing and hissed in disappointment.Then its eyes fel on Elena, and it smiled again.Oh, Elena, it said, its voice soft with false compassion.The fairly girl, the one everyone wants, the one the boys al fight over. Its so very hard macrocosm you. The voice twisted, its shadowiness changing to bitter mockery. But theyre not real y thinking of you, are they? The two you want, youre not the girl for them. You know why they are attracted to you. Katherine. Always Katherine. They want you because you look like her, but youre not her. The girl they loved so long ago was soft and sweet and gentle. An innocent, a victim, a check for their fantasies. Youre nothing like her. Theyl find that out, you know. Once your mortal form changes and it wil . Theyl be the same f orever, but youre changing and getting older every day in a a couple of(prenominal)er years youl look ofttimes older than they do and so theyl realize youre not the one they love at al . Youre not Katherine, and you never wil be.Elenas eyes stung. Katherine was a monster, she spat out through her teeth.She became a monster. She started out as a sweet young girl, the phantom corrected her. Damon and Stefan destroyed her. Like theyl destroy you. Youl never lead a normal look. Youre not like Meredith or Bonnie or Celia. Theyl have chances at normalcy when theyre ready, notwith associationing the way youve dragged them into your battles. But you, youl never be normal. And you know whos to blame for that, dont you?Elena, without thinking, looked at Damon and Stefan, just as Stefan managed to shove Damon away from him. Damon staggered backward, toward the group of valet de chambres huddling by the wal of the garage. Blood was cart track from his mouth and streaming down Stefans neck from a terrible gash.Theyve doomed you, just like they doomed the one they really loved, the phantom said softly.Elena pushed herself to her feet, her heart pounding hard, heavy with misery and anger.Elena, stop cal ed a powerful contralto voice, fil ed with such authority that Elena turned away from Damon and Stefan and, blinking as though shed been woken from a dream, looked out of the diagram toward the others. Mrs. Flowers stood at the edge of the chalk lines, hands on her hips, feet planted firmly. Her lips were a straight angry line, but her eyes were clear and thoughtful. She met Elenas gaze, and Elena felt calmed and strengthened. Then Mrs. Flowers looked around at the others gathered beside her.We must perform the demoteing spel now, she declared. in the lead the phantom manages to destroy us al . Elena Can you hear me?A surge of purpose running through her, Elena nodded and moved back to join the others.Mrs. Flowers brought her hands sharply together, and the air ri ppled again. The phantoms voice stony- stony-broke off and it shrieked in fury, shoving at the air around it, its hands meeting resistance sooner, its invisible prison smal er. Meredith felt urgently around on the high shelf near the garage door, her hands touching and rejecting various objects. Where had Mrs. Flowers put the candles?Paintbrushes, no. Flashlights, no. Ancient can of bug spray, no. nucleotide of potting soil, no. Some weird metal thing that she couldnt figure out from touching what it might be, no. Bag of candles. Yes.Ive got it, she said, pul ing it off the shelf and dumping probably a decades worth of dust from the shelf onto her own head. Urgh, she sputtered.It was a mark of the seriousness of the situation, Meredith thought, that Bonnie and Elena both looked at her, head and shoulders coated in thick dust and spiderwebs, and neither giggled nor moved to brush her off. They al had more important things to worry just about than a little dirt. Okay, she said. Fir st off, we need to figure out what color candle Damon would be. Mrs. Flowers had pointed out that Damon was clearly a victim of the suspiciousy phantom as wel , and so would have to take part in the banishment ritual for it to work ful y.Looking at the two vampire brothers stil attempting to tear each other apart, Meredith earnestly doubted whether Damon would be participating. Stefan either, for that matter. They were solely focused on inflicting as much damage as possible on each other. Stil , they would have to get the two vampires back to make the spel work. Somehow.Meredith found herself cool y wonder whether, if both Damon and Stefan died, they could safely be counted out of the ritual. Would the rest of them be able to defeat the phantom then? And if they didnt murder each other, but simply continued to fight, endangering them al , would she be able to kil them? She shoved the thought away. Stefan was her friend.And then she determinedly made herself consider kil ing him a gain. This was her duty. That was more important than friendship it had to be.Yes, she could kil them today, even in the next few minutes, if it was necessary, she realized. She would regret it forever if she had to, but she could.Besides, a part of her mind noted clinical y, if things went on as they were now, Damon and Stefan would kil each other, and save her that burden.Elena had been thinking hard or mayhap zoning out, focused on what the prehensiley phantom had said to her, Meredith wasnt sure and now she spoke. Red, she said. Is there a red candle for Damon?There was a dark red candle, and in addition a black one. Meredith pul ed both out and showed them to Elena.Red, said Elena.For blood? asked Meredith, eyeing the fighters, now only about ten feet away. God, they were both just covered with blood now. As she watched, Damon growled like an animal and banged Stefans head repeatedly against the wal of the garage. Meredith winced at the hol ow sound of Stefans skul slammin g against the wood and plaster of the wal . Damon had one hand around Stefans neck, the other ripping at Stefans chest as if Damon wanted to gouge out his heart.A soft, bleak voice was stil coming from the phantom. Meredith couldnt make out what it was saying, but its eyes were on the brothers, and it was smiling as it spoke. It looked satisfied.For passion, said Elena, and snatched the candle out of Merediths hands and marched over, straight-backed and head high like a soldiers, to the line of candles Alaric was relighting at the edge of the diagram. Meredith stared after her as Elena lit the candle and dripped a puddle of hot wax to stand it upon.Stefan forced Damon backward, closer to the others and their line of candles. Damons boots scraped against the floor as he strained against Stefan.Okay, Alaric said, looking at the candlesapprehensively, then down at the book. Each of us wil declare the jealousies inside ourselves the weaknesses that the phantom is able to play on and account them out. If we real y mean it, if we manage, at least for the moment, to truly and sincerely draw out our jealousy, our candles wil go out and the phantom wil be weakened. The trick is to real y be able to banish the jealousies from our hearts and stop feeding the phantom, and if we al can do it at once, the phantom ought to disappear, or maybe even die.What if we cant? What if we try to cast out jealousy, but it doesnt go completely away? Bonnie asked, her supercilium crinkling with worry.Then it doesnt work and the phantom stays, said Alaric flatly. Who wants to go first?Stefan slammed Damon down viciously onto the cement floor, a holler of anger coming from him. They were only a few feet from the line of candles, and Alaric stepped between them and the row of precise flames, trying to shield the candles with his body. Celia shuddered as Stefan gave a low, furious growl and lowered his head to bite at Damons shoulder. Jealousy kept up a steady stream of venomous chat ter, her eyes gleaming.Mrs. Flowers clapped her hands to get everyone elses attention, her face stern and encouraging. Children, you wil al have to be honest and brave, she said. You must al truly admit to your worst selves in front of your friends, which wil be hard. And then you wil need to be strong enough to cast these worst selves of yours away, which may be even harder. But you love one another, and I promise we wil get through it.A thump and a muffled shout of rage and pain came from a few feet away, and Alaric glanced nervously over his shoulder at the battle behind him.Time is of the essence, Mrs. Flowers said briskly. Who wil go first?Meredith was about to step forward, clutching her stave for comfort, when Bonnie spoke up.I wil , she said falteringly. Um. Ive been jealous of Meredith and of Elena. I always She swal owed, and then spoke more firmly. I sometimes feel like Im only a buddy when Im around them. Theyre braver than me, and theyre better fighters, and smarter an d prettier, and and taller than I am. Im jealous because I feel like mess dont respect me as much as they do them and dont real y take me seriously like they do Elena and Meredith. Im jealous because sometimes Im standing in their shadows, which are pretty big shadows metaphorical y speaking, I mean. And Im also jealous because Ive never even had a real boyfriend, and Meredith has Alaric, and Elena has Stefan, and because Elena also has Damon, who I think is pretty amazing, but who would never notice me when Im standing next to Elena, because shes al he can see.Bonnie paused again, and glanced at Elena, her eyes wide and shining. But I love Elena and Meredith. I know I need to stop comparison myself to them. Im not just a sidekick Im useful and talented, too. And she spoke the words Alaric had given them al I have federal official the phantom of jealousy. But now I cast my jealousy away.In the hemicycle of candles, the flame of Bonnies pink one flickered and went out. Bonnie gave a little gasp and smiled, half-shamefaced, half-proud, at Meredith and Elena. From inside the diagram, the phantom of jealousy snapped its head around and glared at Bonnie. Bonnie Meredith started to say, wanting to tel her friend that of course she wasnt a sidekick. Didnt Bonnie know how amazing she was?But then Elena stepped toward the candles and shook back her hair, head high. Ive been jealous of other people in Fel s Church, she declared. I saw how easy it was for other couples to be together, and after al Stefan and I and Damon, and the rest of my friends have been through, and even after we rescue Fel s Church and made it normal again, everything just kept on being so hard and so weird and supernatural. I guess Ive been realizing that things arent ever going to be just easy and normal for me, and thats been tough to accept. When I watched other people and was jealous of them, I fed the phantom of jealousy. I cast that jealousy away.Elena smiled a little. It was a stra nge, rueful mannikin of smile, and Meredith, watching her, thought that, while Elena had cast out her jealousy, she was stil haunted by regret for the easy, golden life shed once had ahead of her and that had probably been taken away forever now.The candle was stil burning. Elena hesitated. Meredith fol owed her gaze past the line of candles to where Stefan and Damon struggled. As they watched, Damon heaved and rol ed Stefan under him, leaving a long streak of blood across the floor of the garage. Stefans foot brushed the red candle at the end of the line, and Alaric leaped to steady it.And Ive been jealous of Katherine, Elena said. Damon and Stefan loved her first, and she knew them before so much happened to change them, to warp them out of who they ought to be. And even though I realize that they both know Im not Katherine and that they love me for who I am, I havent been able to forget that they noticed me at first because I look like her. I have fed the phantom of jealousy bec ause of Katherine, and I cast that jealousy away.The candle flame flickered, but did not go out. Jealousy smirked triumphantly, but then Elena went on. Ive also been jealous of Bonnie. Bonnies head shot up, and she stared at Elena with an expression of disbelief. I was used to being the only human Damon cared about, the only one who he would want to save. She looked at Bonnie with tear-fil ed eyes. I am so, so glad that Bonnie is alive. But I was jealous that Damon cared enough to die for her. When I was jealous of Bonnie, I fed the phantom of jealousy. But now I cast my jealousy away.The golden candle went out. Elena looked almost timidly at Bonnie, and Bonnie smiled at her, an open, loving smile, and held out her arms. Elena hugged her tightly. Other than the grief she felt over Elenas parents deaths, Meredith had never felt sorry for Elena. Why would she?Elena was beautiful, smart, a leader, passionately loved but now Meredith couldnt suspensor but feel a pang of sympathy for he r. Sometimes it must be easier to live an perfunctory life than to be a heroine.Meredith glanced at the phantom. It seemed to be simmering and was now whol y focused on the humans. Alaric stepped around the candles toward the others, glancing back toward Damon and Stefan. Damon had pinned Stefan painful y against the wal behind Alaric. Stefans face was twisted in a grimace, and they could hear the scrape of his body against the hard surface. But at least Stefan and Damon werent endangering the candles for now.Meredith turned her attention to her boyfriend. What could Alaric be jealous of? If anything, hed been the focus of jealousy the last week or so.He reached for Meredith and took one of her hands. Ive been jealous, Alaric said, looking into her eyes. Of you, Meredith. And of your friends.Meredith reflexively arched a brow at him. What did he mean?God. He half laughed. Here I am, a receive student in parapsychology. Ive been dying my whole life to prove to myself that theres so mething more going on in the world than what everybody knows, that some of the things we think of as supernatural are real. And then I come to this smal townsfolk in Virginia because there are rumors, rumors I dont real y believe, that there might be vampires here, and when I get here I find this amazing, beautiful, confident girl, and it turns out she comes from a family that hunts vampires. And her friends are vampires and witches and psychics and girls who come back from the dead to fight evil. They only just finished high school, but theyve seen things Ive never imagined. Theyve defeated monsters, and saved towns, and traveled to other dimensions. And, you know, Im just this ordinary guy, and suddenly half the people I know and the girl I love are practical y superheroes. He shook his head, looking at Meredith admiringly. Ive fed the phantom of jealousy. But now I cast my jealousy away. Il just have to deal with being the boyfriend of a superhero. Instantly, the dark green ca ndle went out.Sealed in the inner circle, the phantom hissed and paced back and forth in the smal space like a trapped tigress. It looked angry, but not noticeably weaker.Celia spoke next. Her face was tired but calm. Ive fed the phantom of jealousy, she proclaimed. Ive been jealous of Meredith Suarez. She didnt say why. But now I see that its pointless. Ive fed the phantom of jealousy, but now I cast my jealousy away.She spoke as if she were dropping something into the trash. But stil the pale purple candle went out. Meredith opened her mouth to speak she was clear on what she needed to say, and it wouldnt be too hard, because shed won, hadnt she? If it had ever been a battle anywhere besides her own mind but Matt cleared his throat and spoke first.I have He stumbled over his words. I guess no, I know Ive fed the phantom of jealousy. I have always been crazy about Elena Gilbert, as long as Ive known her. And Ive been jealous of Stefan. Al along. Even now, when Jealousys got him t rapped in this spread over battle, because he has Elena. She loves him, not me. But, wel , it doesnt matter Ive also known for a long time that Elena and I together dont work, not for her, and thats not Stefans fault. Ive fed the phantom of jealousy, but now I cast my jealousy away. He blushed and careful y did not look at Elena. The white candle went out, sending a long trail of smoke toward the ceiling.Three candles left, Meredith thought, looking at the last steady flames. Stefans dark green, Damons red, and her own brown. Was the phantom any weaker? From its invisible cage, the Phantom growled. If anything, it seemed to have made the space around itself bigger again, and it was once again pushing at it, seemingly feeling for a weak spot.Meredith knew she had to keep the confessions going.Ive fed the phantom of jealousy, she said in a strong, clear voice. I was jealous of Dr. Celia Connor. I love Alaric, but I know Im much younger than he is, not even in col ege yet, and Ive nev er real y been anywhere or seen anything of the world the human world, at least outside of where I grew up. Celia shares so much with him experiences, education, interests and I knew he liked her a lot. And shes beautiful and real y smart and poised. I was jealous because I was afraid she would take him from me. But if she had been able to take him, that would mean he wasnt mine to keep. You cant distinguish a person. She smiled hesitantly at Celia, and after a moment, Celia smiled slightly in return. I cast visit out Alaric shouted. Damon Stefan StopMeredith looked up. Damon and Stefan were staggering across the floor of the garage, past the line of candles, past Alaric, who grabbed at them. They broke out of his hold effortlessly without seeming to even notice his touch, shoving against each other desperately, struggling fiercely. preoccupied to anything but their battle, they were getting closer and closer to the phantom.No shouted Elena.Damon shoved Stefan backward, and the heel of Stefans boot scraped across the chalk outlining the smal circle that contained the phantom scraped across the chalk line and smudged it, and the circle was no longer complete.With a howl of triumph, the phantom was free.

Business And Organization: questions and answers Essay

1. Distinguish between an absolute advantage and a comparative advantage. Cite an example of a bea that has an absolute advantage and one with a comparative advantage.Absolute advantage is when a monopoly exists in a landed estate when it is the only source and product of an item. Meanwhile, a comparative advantage is when a expanse can supply products more than efficiently and at a lower cost than it can find other items. South Africa has an absolute advantage because of its diamonds. The United States has a comparative advantage because of the many products we set up.3. What erect does devaluation have on a communitys currency? Can you depend of a country that has devaluated or revaluated its currency? What have been the results?Devaluation decreases the value of currency in relation to other currencies. Mexico is a country that has devalued their currency. The result of this is to make things less expensive.4. How do political issues affect instauration-wide line of pr oducts? semipolitical issues affect international business by it helps to sell products overseas.5. What is an import tariff? A quota? Dumping? How talent a country use import tariffs and quotas to control its balance of trade and payments? Why can cast aside result in the imposition of tariffs and quotas?An import tariff is a tax made by the nation on goods imported into the country. A quota limits the amount of products that can be imported into a country. Dumping is a country selling products at less than what it costs to produce them. A country uses import tariffs to cherish domestic products by raising the price of imported ones. A country uses quotas by voluntary contract or by government decree. Dumping can result in the imposition of tariffs and quotas because it permits quick submission into the market or a firms product is too small to have a certain level of production.6. How do social and cultural differences create obstacles to international trade? Can you think of any additional social or cultural barriers (other than those mentioned in this chapter) that might inhibit internationalbusiness?Social and cultural differences create barriers to international trade by cultural differences in spoken and scripted languages are different. A certain phrase in America can be defined as something very different and sometimes inappropriate in another culture. Body languages and personal space are also an affect. These differences can cause misunderstandings or uncomfortable feelings toward a specific business. Another cultural barrier may be a certain religion and something that person believes in. A business may be mocking a religion without knowing anything about it.8. At what levels might a firm she-bop involved in international business? What level requires the least fealty of resources? What level requires the most?A firm might get involved in international business at many levels, it depends on the commitment and effort a certain company decides to involve itself in international trade. The least commitment of resources is a small company on the level of less than 100 employees. The level which requires the most is a large company with more than 500 employees.9. Compare and contrast licensing, franchising, contract manufacturing, and outsourcing.Licensing is a trade accord in which on company allows another to use its companys name, products, patents, brands, trademarks, raw materials, and many others in exchange for a fee or royalty. Franchising is a form of licensing in which a company agrees to grant their name, logo, methods of operation, advertising, products, and other elements in return for a financial commitment and the agreement to conduct business in accordance with the original standard of operations.Contract manufacturing is when a company hires a foreign company to produce a specified amount of the firms product to specification. Outsourcing is transferring manufacturing or other tasks to companies in countr ies where dig out and supplies are less expensive. All of these ideas are similar in the way it helps businesses expand their work into more areas of their own countries or in foreign countries as well.10. Compare multinational and global strategies. Which is best? under(a) what circumstances might each be use?Multinational strategies are plans used byinternational companies that involve customizing products, promotion, and distribution according to cultural, technological, regional, and national differences. Global strategies involve standardizing products for the whole world. The best is global strategies because it helps the world recognize different cultures and understand the way one culture believes to another. A global strategy is used by American clothing, movies, music, and cosmetics. A Multinational strategy is used by celebrities being advertised in one country but cant be advertised in another because of the unfamiliarity. hold up Business Organization and Management

Family Diversity Essay

The nuclear family is portrayed as the perfect family on most advertising. The cereal packet family, dad, mum and two kids all perfectly bronzed and all smiles usually see to itn on TV adverts. Rapoport and Rapoport would suggest that this is not the case any longer callable to cast upd family motley. They identified five divergent types of family diversity in Britain. Organisational diversity refers to division of labour at bottom the family and differences in the ways family roles are organised.Cultural diversity is diversity due to religious and ethnic influences. affectionate class diversity- there is differences between working and middle classes in terms of adult relationships, the socialisation of children etcetera Life course diversity, as different stages in the life cycle will generate different patterns of structure e. g. newly weds have a different structure and life style to those with children. Cohort diversity refers to specific times in the past which could h ave had an effect on the family structure.Eversley and Bonnerjea identified six types of regional diversity. The sunbelt the affluent south with higher class two parent families. The geriatric wards coastal areas with retired couples. The old declining industrial areas of the north- traditional extended family structures. The inner city- single parent families and ethnic minorities. The newly declining industrial areas of the Midlands- dominated by diverse structures. Rural areas- typified by extended families.The New Right are not happy with the add in family diversity seen above as they believe there is only one correct family which is the venerable nuclear family with a clear cut division of labour between instrumental (males) and expressive (females) roles. They see this family as natural and based on fundamental biological differences. The New Right argue that the increase in family diversity is the cause of lots of social problems such as higher crime range and educationa l failure. They argue that family breakdown (where the family is no longer a patriarchal nuclear family) increases the risks to children.

Can Technology Make Us More Human? Essay

accessHumanity is the human race, which includes everyone on Earth. Its to a fault a word for the qualities that make us human, much(prenominal)(prenominal) as the ability to love and have compassion, be creative, and not be a robot or alien. While in the opposite hand, technology is a word with Greek origins defined as the functional application of knowledge especially in a particular area. Besides, technology is a word apply to collectively describe or portray the advancements, abilities, creations undertakings, views, and knowledge of a singular group of persons which is us, the humankind. When we speak about(predicate) relationships between technology and humanity, it is evident that we have to deal with the interrelations between some very complex phenomena of technology, attainment society or systems of society and systems of rights of a universal nature. The discovery and development of a large chip of powerful energy source-coal, petroleum and electricity have enabled humanity to conquer the barriers of nature. All of this has facilities growth of fast modes of transport, which in turn has transformed the world into a global village.It has shaped our civilization from scrap. Every plan escalated human hunger to know more. Every time it has pushed human potential to a new level. mainstay in The Stone Age, when humans were still in a jungle, an invention like sharp rock helped them to hunt better and fire helped them to taste food better. Wheels helped them to explore new boundaries, and domestication of animals made carriage more secure. An invention of currency eased the transaction and barter system was let go.The colonial date of reference began as the invention of move weaponry and transportation such as ships which changed the phase of history. More advanced inventions came like the birth of steam engines, the invention of corporations, and mass transportation gained momentum. Then, along came diesel engines, which personalized instr ument transportation even more. And the Wright brothers forever changed the way of travel by air transportation, like inventing aircraft.As for communication, transistors was the well-known invention, which changed the way we compute, including land phones which also a big part of the communication changes. Personal computers and workstations which reduced radical consumption in offices and mobile phones which permanently changed the world of communication. Then, the best invention of all is the Internet. It localized the hale world as it changed the way we look at the world. And created tons of entrepreneurs and innovators some of the best creation such as e-commerce, which changed the way we access our daily needs, social media which changed the way we communicate with other people, e-banking, which you dont have to travel all the way, and stand in line just to transfer any fall you want. The e-wallets, which we do not have to stand in line to pay our electricity bills and pho ne bills. You also have the access to quality education from across the globe.While walking this path we have screwed up the following such as overpopulating the earth. The invention of medicine eradicated the deadly diseases thus reducing death rates. inside a century, we have increased 5 fold of population. We messed up the natural resources and permanently killing well-nigh 30% of species of the Earth and 20% more are critically endangered species which may soon thread extinct. Though we take a lot of pride in our invention and development, what we forgot is we share this planet with other species and if we dont realize it soon, well the planet itself has its own way of controlling things.

How do generic conventions inform your understanding of Macbeth? Essay

The tragedy of Macbeth is his Vaulting ambition, which oerleaps itself and fallson thother. In this famous play, William Shakespeare positions the earshot to feel pity towards the protagonist involved, and potentially the protagonist is the tragic hero. But in the play, Macbeth, how does he do this? Shakespeare positions us to feel pity for Macbeth, the protagonist, by using generic, dramatic and theatrical conventions such as soliloquies, hamartia and symbolism. My understanding of the play Macbeth, is shaped by Shakespeares use of generic conventions to represent the characters inner agitation and by means of this, their tragic flaws. Specifically, soliloquies are used to reveal Macbeth and Lady Macbeths inner turbulence as they lose their sanity for power.The first soliloquy in Macbeth is said by Lady Macbeth which reveals her inner turmoil almost the letter she receives from Macbeth, as she worries that he may not be slopped enough to assassinate Duncan, and through and thr ough this her tragic flaw is revealed . As the witches prediction closely Macbeth to bring into being Thane of Glamis and Cawdor comes true, she is lured into the trap of believing that he will become mightiness however worries that he is too much of a coward to make it happen. roleplay 1 Scene 5, line 6, Yet do thy soulfulnessality It is too full o draw of human nature. Its evident that through the term omilk of human nature symbolises the milk of a human and the still kind of human that produces milk is a female. Milk only comes from the female when she is a mother and mothers are traditionally nurturing and kind. So Lady Macbeth is saying that Macbeth is quite powder-puff in the way of his kindness.Furthermore, Lady Macbeth thinks Macbeth doesnt have the ruthless nature handle she does to strike sharp at a first opportunity to have power and even though he regards power, his nature is too kind to be king in the evil way that she plans to do it. When receiving news tha t the king is going to stay at the Macbeth castle, she feels she must be the one to kill Duncan in order for Macbeth to become king and her to be queen, however in the soliloquy after she received the news, she talks to the spirits about how willing she is to do the deed to get the power and seize the throne. Although at the same time, it touches on the bag of masculinity, tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me hither, Act 1 Scene 5, line 31. Come to my cleaning ladys breasts, And take my milk for gall, Act 1 Scene 5, line 38.Both quotes suggest the polar sex, unsex me here, by changing sex Lady Macbeth feels she would be more masculine, than she is now, as a man. With the second quote mentioning milk, this suggests womanhood, represented by milk and breasts, symbolising nurture and compassion and she says she has this as well as her ruthlessness but wants to be more cruel, of direct cruelty Make dense my blood Act 1 Scene 5, line 33. When all of her plans and inner turmoil is reveale d to us, her hamartia all at once becomes clearer her flaw is that she is extremely power hungry and will do anything to feed it, however this results in her gloaming as she turns insane from her guilty conscience of manipulating Macbeth, simply because she is too cowardice to do her own business.Macbeths first soliloquy in the play portrays him to be his sane self, making the agonizing decision of whether he should go through with the evil deed of assassinating poove Duncan. In his decision he puts into account King Duncans qualities, this Duncan, hath borne his faculties so meek, Act 1 Scene 7, line 16, and his loyalty and faith towards the king, He is here in bought trustas I am his kinsmanthen as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife himself Act 1 Scene 7, line 12, which represents the kind nature of Macbeth, not deficient to go through with seizing the throne by murdering Duncan because he likes Duncan as he is a strong and humble lea der. He also describes that his death would be showered with, angels, trumpet-tongued, Act 1 Scene 7.Angels are a representation of heaven and heaven is symbolised as good which means Duncan will go to heaven if he dies because of his goodness. This reminds us how severe and alarming it is to kill a human being just for power and Macbeth realises this also, this is seen through the use of language, Bloody instructions and our poisoned chalice and deep damnation and through this, an image of darkness is do which makes it clear to us that Macbeth knows what he could do is wrong and if he does it he will be forever in a world of sin. At the same time, the one only reason Macbeth wants to proceed in the deed is his ambition to become powerful, but only vaulting ambition, which oerleaps itself and fallson thother. Act 1 Scene 7, line 27. The only thing motivating him is his ambition, however Macbeth knows ambition could lead him on towards disaster, (coincidentally it did) thence sub sides not to go along with his wifes plans.Although after his soliloquy when he admits to Lady Macbeth he doesnt want to carry on with the plan, Lady Macbeth threatens Macbeth that he will no longer be a man in her eyes but a coward and that she might never love him again if he doesnt kill Duncan. This affects Macbeths inner turmoil because as a man, he like to show his bravery and have courage and by going against his wife could damage his masculinity and so carries on with the play. My understanding of Macbeths tragic flaw, as evidenced in this soliloquy, is that he doesnt want to damage his pride, his masculinity or his ambition and this, then, leads to his downfall.The next soliloquy used by Macbeth reveals to the audience that the pinch of killing the king is finally taking a turn on his mind. In his speech, Macbeth makes accusations of seeing a dagger, identical to his, in front of him however he becomes confused when he cant decide what is happening. At first, when the dagge r appears he believes it to be a false creation which is a hallucination, as he has already tried to grab it but failed, caused by a Heat- oppressd brain, in other words, hes ill.Then just after saying this, he believes that its something different, thou marshallst me the way that I was going, Act 2 Scene 1. The meaning for this quote is that the dagger is pointing him in the centering that he is going and this symbolises and proves that his decision to kill the king is already set in motion. The direction of the dagger may have been just his mind but could have been witchcraft also3Witchcraft celebrates, Pale Hecates offerings, Since Macbeth already believes the witches, there is no other reasons not to disagree with them. Macbeths tragic flaw of his self-pride of masculinity, ambition and lust for power ends up in his downfall of hallucination from confusion and stress and later on in the play he metaphorically plummets to his death as he loses control of his paranoia. Shakespe are positions the audience, with monologues like this, to see that Macbeth is stressed, scared and confused about the act he is about to commit, this slowly leads him to lose his sanity just so he can please his wife, achieve his final stage of ambition and protect his pride and masculinity.My understanding of Macbeth is greatly shaped by generic conventions such a soliloquies. Throughout the play soliloquies were used to explain the main characters inner turmoil. Macbeth appeared to be a power greed murder that stopped at nothing to be the king of Scotland. However through soliloquies, it was clear to me that this was his hamartia and his tragic flaw, which made him this way, was that he was ambitious, proud of his masculinity and courage. So when Lady Macbeth threatens him and label him a coward for not killingDuncan, he want does it to protect his pride. This makes us pity him as he had no choice and becomes insane from the paranoia and guilty conscience. In my opinion, I think Shakespeare had a message of object of Macbeth and that was to show the audience that ambition and desire is destructive and no matter how much a person wants power, they should never let it overcome them.

Historical Memory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Historical Memory - Essay ExampleHe graduated in the year 1948 with a B.A. degree from the same college his father and grandfather attended. Martin went ahead and attended Crozer theological seminary for three years study theology (Asselin, 6). After effect of his studies, he was elected the president of a senior class, which was predominant with whites. He graduated with a B.D. in 1951, which won him a scholarship from Crozer College and enrolled in Boston University. After completion of his studies, he received a degree in 1955, after completing his residence doctorate in 1953. While in Boston, Luther met his wife, with whom they bore two sons and two daughters. In 1954, he became a pastor and a rights activist until his assassination on 4 April 1968.Even though slavery was banned in the linked States in the late 19th century, the institutions in the country discriminated people according to race. This was often referred to institutional racism, where African Americans were oppr essed in the country. In the mid 20th century, many African Americans were occasionally mistreated scour in public (Asselin, 10). For instance, the African Americans were forced to use separate schools and public utilities. On the other hand, the best and well-established utilities, facilities, and schools were reserved for the whites. This was a daunting situation, especially to the African Americans, constantly known as blacks. For many decades, African Africans had been engaging endless fights to establish an all-inclusive society without segregation and discrimination. Apparently, they made some progress. The efforts of the African Americans were enhance by Martin Luther as he started raising awareness of the public to racism, discrimination, and segregation in the country. His ostensible accusative was to enhance racial equality across the nation. However, he had other objectives, which included raising awareness in the grassroots. As such, the people in the grassroots