Ellen DeGeneres' Use of Social Media Research Paper

Ellen DeGeneres' Use of Social Media - Research Paper Example As the discussion stresses Ellen’s career has prospered and among other activities, she has been the host of the Emmys and the Oscars, she produces her own fictional television show on NBC and is the spokesperson for various companies. According to Van Krieken, celebrity is a status or quality characterized by a an ability to get attention that will create value from the fact of being widely known. Based on this definition, it is clear that Ellen is a celebrity as she is broadly accepted by the US public and has developed to become among the most influential celebrities who fight for equality using social media platforms. Ellen has been able to make the issues that surround sexual equality more visible through social media while at the same time advancing cultural and social change in America.This paper discusses that  Ellen DeGeneres uses numerous social media platforms that include her website which contains all the information that one may seek to know about her such as g etting tickets to her shows, past episodes, the celebrity guests she hosts, inspirational experiences as well as musical performances among others. The website also allows visitors to buy items from The Ellen Shop and connect to other social media sites and pages. On the other hand, her Facebook page has been verified and is liked by more than eleven million Facebook users. Her Twitter account s also verified and has approximately forty two million followers with more than ten thousand tweets.

Kant’s view of freedom Essay Example for Free

Kant’s view of freedom Essay According to The Philosophers lighthouse, Immanuel Kant challenges the idea of freedom generally, saying that it cannot be proven that freedom is inherent in human nature. According to him freedom is a basic concept that must be presupposed for a being to be thought of as rational. He also says that there is a close knit relationship between our thinking on freedom and morality, he says that freedom is present because we have placed upon ourselves moral laws and are confident in their compliance, and that moral laws are present because we have placed upon ourselves the privilege of free will. Therefore, one exists precisely because of the other.   Kant also questions the extent of individual freedom in the presence of a superior power. He was alluding to the argument that complete freedom is to be found within the mental faculty, as one cannot be stopped from thinking within his mind. However Kant challenges this perceived ability of man think for himself, questioning how much and how well man would think, without communicating their thoughts with others. Am much as one might hold an opinion about something, the state might restrict him from expressing this opinion which will negate the purpose of having the opinion in the first place. Therefore as one might argue that their freedom to think cannot be curtailed by a superior power, Kant draws to attention the possibility of the power restricting the individual’s freedom to communicate, which he portrays as having central influence on their thinking. (Cline, 2006) Kant seems to stress here that complete autonomy or freedom is to an extent unattainable, as the one form of personal will that is clearly out of reach of which ever power there might be, freedom of thought, is still under the influence of the same state, albeit indirectly, and concludes with the remark, Freedom is, therefore, only an idea of reason whose objective reality is in itself questionable.   Hegel’s view on freedom Hegel’s take on freedom is that it is the destination of historical human progression, starting with bondage and which is based on rational consciousness. It is where the individuals’ subjective desires are integrated with the desires of the state, where individual will is inferior to that of the state. Hegel demonstrated this theory of freedom by dividing history into three phases, starting with the orient phase wherein only the ruler was free and all other subjects were inferior to him. The people in this period according to him are not aware of the freedom of their spirit, and because of this ignorance, they are not free. Hegel might have been alluding to the emperors of ancient China The second stage, an example of the Greek and Roman civilizations, is where some members of the community, besides the ruler, were free. However in this phase there are certain exceptions to this freedom, citizens are free, slaves are not. The slaves understood this accepted it, as did the Romans. Thus, as in the orient phase, freedom was limited for these people not only because of not having information, but also having the wrong information. The third phase started with the early Christians, who recognized that all humans are free by virtue of being simply human, and through their evangelism spread the knowledge of this ‘freedom for all concept’. This is stage is evident today in contemporary societies, especially democracies which have fundamental freedoms within their constitutions. (Urmson and Jonathan RÃÆ' ©e, 1991) Marx’s view on freedom Marx’s thoughts are predominantly in an economic context, wherein he examines social systems that curtail or encourage personal freedoms. Marx laid out his thoughts in two scenarios.   First, he examines the capitalist society, and its effect on the freedom of the people. According to him, capitalism is a social system that involves workers who ca supply labour and capital owners who employ the workers. These capital owners, due to their economic status also influence the power structure of the state, ensuring that they get the best labour at the cheapest cost from the workers, which in turn means that the workers are completely dependent on the capital owners, as they cannot raise enough to obtain capital of their own. This position taken by Marx portrays capitalism as a social system that is counterproductive as far as propagating human freedom is concerned. He stresses that the workers cannot enjoy any freedom as long as their economic well being is not within their control. The worst evil according to Marx is the illusion that one is actually benefiting oneself when working whereas in reality he is just enriching his employer. Marx then contrasts capitalism with communism, in which the people collectively own the means of production and resources required. He pointed that in this setting one could go about work without the fear of being exploited. Communism, also overcame the problem of monotony characteristic of the capitalist system. (Hallas, 2002) Obstacles to be overcomeKant As mentioned earlier, Kant placed significant importance in the relationship between morality and freedom. Therefore to ensure freedom for all, emphasis is should be placed on the content of our moral codes, its uniformity and objectivity. This is best illustrated when the morals of one community differ significantly with that of another in which there might arise conflict when the more powerful community, either economically or otherwise tries to impose it morals on the other. This would be an infringement of the latter’s freedom. Checks also have to put on the state to guard against its involvement in the private freedoms of its citizens, as Kant acknowledged that the state is in a position of absolute power and can deny its subjects their freedoms. Hegel Hegel’s biggest obstacle to freedom as can be seen in his theory of history is information. True freedom keightwill always prove to be elusive for as long as the person concerned does not understand and appreciate his right to freedom. In most cases that individual’s freedom is being abused there is a lot of ignorance on the part of the abused. This ignorance may be voluntary or induced, is which the superior power will deliberately keep the subjects in the dark to ensure that they never harbor any thoughts of autonomy. Any effort to liberate those suffering oppression should specifically target their education on their right to freedom, as this will ensure that they have the capacity to demand for their freedom.   Marx Kamala Sarup in her article Capitalism Vs Communism: Lessons From History, expresses Marxs case as more complicated as both of his insights have negative and positive elements. On the one hand, capitalism is known to increase the entire community’s wellbeing through the incentive of competition, and one receives benefits proportional to their contribution. When one is working exclusively for one’s sake, he is bound to work harder. To remove the risk of contradiction, even when employed one still enjoys the his entire effort by himself however meager the pay may be. This is in contrast to communism, wherein the production is shared equally among all the people irrespective of their contribution to production, a situation which might lead to some people living off the effort of others. On the other hand capitalism often results in the majority of the resources being distributed amongst a few individuals, a situation that is effectively taken care of in a communist arrangement. The best policy is therefore a mixed society, where all or most of the advantages of both systems can be inculcated.   Ã‚  Conclusion The best strategy according to me appears to be Hegel’s approach. This is because Kant’s method appears to be too vague and technical for common people to grasp whereas Marx’s is filled with contradictions that could potentially complicate efforts to establish freedom for all. In addition, Hegel’s solution seems to answer the questions raised about by the other two theorists or example, informed communities are better placed to evaluate reform and formulate their moral codes, which according to Kant are interdependent with freedom. Informed people can also identify instances when the state infringes in their right to freedom and take the necessary steps to rectify the situation. An informed society will also be able to decide on relative benefits and costs of each of the systems discussed by Marx to come up with one that is comprehensive and takes into consideration the needs of all parties concerned. References Cline, Austin. Your Guide to Agnosticism/Atheism.  Ã‚   http://atheism.about.com/od/weeklyquotes/a/kant01.htm Hallas, Duncan. The legacy of Karl Marx Viewed on 15th March, 2008 http://www.socialistworker.org/2002-2/423/423_08_HallasOnMarx.shtm The philosophers’ lighthouse. Hegel’s thoughts on freedom. Viewed on 15th March, 2008 : http://library.thinkquest.org/18775/hegel/freeh.htm The philosophers’ lighthouse. Kant’s thoughts on freedom. Viewed on 15th March, 2008 : http://library.thinkquest.org/18775/kant/freek.htm Urmson, J. O. and Jonathan RÃÆ' ©e, (1991) ed. The Concise Encyclopedia of Western Philosophy and Philosophers.   London: Unman Hyman. Capitalism Vs Communism: Lessons From History. Viewed on 15th March, 2008   http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0504/S00007.htm

Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit Religious Metaphors

Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit Religious Metaphors In Oranges are Not the Only Fruit, Jeanette Winterson uses many references of biblical allusion and religious metaphor to develop the novel. The chapters are named after the books of the bible in the Old Testament, ranging from Genesis to Ruth. As the story of Jeanette, the main character of the novel, is told, it is compared to the corresponding books of the bible and many metaphors are used in the book to show their similarities. Exodus, which is the second book of the bible, talks of Moses liberating the slaves and of the Promised Land. It also talks about the flight of the people of Israel from Egypt. In the book, there are examples of flight and being liberated as Jeanette is finally able to attend public school. Once she goes there, it is as if she can finally get away from her home and her mother and experience things on her own. In the bible, Leviticus is full of rules and guidelines for living and worshipping. Similarly, in the book, Jeanettes mother has given her many rules. Some of them include her hatred of fornication, and sin in general. This chapter marks, though, the theological disagreement that Jeanette has toward her pastors teachings. This shows the beginning of her search to find herself while discovering that she has a different view of things than that of her mother and congregation. In the book of Numbers, it reveals Gods instruction and preparation of His people to enter the Promised Land. The importance of the Book of Numbers is shown by its being referred to in the New Testament many times. This goes along with what is happening in the novel with Jeanette. As the biblical book of Numbers gives preparation for the Promised Land, the novel prepares us as readers for what is to come for Jeanette now that she is exploring the subject of romance. It shows that Jeanette may have an interest in women, and that is essentially what makes her happy. Whether or not her mother agrees, Jeanette is in transition from believing her mothers views to discovering her personal views in search of her own Promised Land. The biblical book of Deuteronomy contains the teachings of Moses and provides most of the basis for biblical law. The Ten Commandments are also in this book. While both the biblical book and the novel chapter of Deuteronomy deal with teachings and following the rules, the novel does it in an opposite way than does the bible. In the bible, the teachings of Moses are given, while in the novel the teaching of Jeanette during her sermon are given, but in a different way because instead she questions the laws itself. There is still a metaphor being used but Winterson is trying to show not only the similarities but also the differences. Judges, which is the sixth book of the bible, tells of the battle of Jericho in which the Hebrews come back to claim their Promised Land as they are no longer enslaved. The battle of Jericho relates to what Jeanette is going through as she will fight many battles to defend her homosexuality. She will battle with her mother and her church and will be ostracized for her beliefs, but in the end she will come to accept her homosexuality no matter what people think, just as the Hebrews will claim their Promised Land. In the biblical chapter of Judges, Israel is run by many different leaders, some without great success. Jeanette also feels as if she is run by many different leaders, which are her mother, the congregation and her pastor. At this time in the book, Jeanette is having a love affair with Katy and still a member of the church. She feels that she can love Katy and God at the same time, but her many judges feels that she is doing something wrong. The eighth book of the bible and the last book of the novel is Ruth. In this biblical book, the main character, Ruth, deals with issues of exile. Ruth is a Moab but marries a Hebrew man. Once her husband dies, she decides to stay in Israel with her mother-in-law, Naomi. In their eventual journey to Bethlehem, Ruth faces prejudice against her since she is a foreigner. The story of Ruth relates to Jeanette because she is also dealing with exile and a relationship with her mother. She is a foreigner in her world because she is homosexual and the majority of the world is not. She is thrown out of her home and members of her congregation have disconnected themselves from her and shown her the same prejudice that Ruth felt. Winterson uses biblical allusion in this book because of the strong biblical views that surround the main character, not necessarily held by her. Jeanette has been raised to believe the things that her mother tells her about religion. She grew up in a fundamentalist religion and as it is shown in the novel, they have extreme ways of thinking. Once Jeanette matures, she realizes that she doesnt particularly agree with everything that her mother, congregation, and pastor preach. So she embarks on her own journey and questions the teaching that shes been forced to believe. It is only fitting that since the plot surrounds religion, that the chapters should be the same names as books in the bible. With each chapter and corresponding biblical book, Winterson parallels Jeanettes life to what is going on in the particular bible book. She does this to show that while Jeanette is on her journey to find herself and question the religious beliefs she has been brought up to believe, her life is i ronically similar to the books of the bible. I think by relating the story of Jeanette to the bible, it helps the reader understand more and to further analyze hypocrisies that surround her in her life.

Away :: essays research papers

Away by Jane Urquhart is a complex novel that mixes romance, politics and family all in to one flowing story. It follows the lives of many different characters, but it is told through the memories of a woman named Esther. Esther attempts to sort through her great-grandmother's past, and her entire family's history. Away is a compelling novel that capture's the reader's attention in the first few pages. The beginning of the novel introduces the reader to Esther O'Malley Robertson as the last of a family of extreme women. She is sitting in her home, remembering a story that her grandmother told her a long time ago. Esther is the first character that the reader is introduced to, but we do not really understand who she is until the end of the story. Esther's main struggle is dealing with her home on Loughbreeze Beach being torn down, and trying to figure out the mysteries of her family's past. Mary is the next character that is introduced to the reader, and she is a very large part of the story. One day while Mary is at the beach a body washes up on the shore with many cabbages, kettles, and barrels of whiskey. She drags the body to the shore where she lies in the man's arms until he dies. This man was believed to have been from an "other world" and this had a big effect on Mary. She falls in love with this sailor, even though he is dead, and it casts a sort of spell on her. Mary is known to the rest of the village as "away" which means she is enchanted by this other world, the world of the sea. She felt as though her spirit were not in her humanly body anymore, and did not even consider herself Mary anymore. The spirits of the lake had given her a new name, Moira, and that is what she preferred to call herself. The villagers had no hope for, except for Father Quinn. As the priest on the island, Father Quinn feels he must bring Mary back to reality, but he finds it nearly impossible. He turns to his friend, Brian, who ends up convincing Mary to marry him. They have one child, Liam, and as famine and depression hit the island they live on, they are given the opportunity of a lifetime.

Communication and Different Reasons

SHC21 Introduction to communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings. Outcome 1: 1. Identify different reasons why people communicate. People communicate for lots of different reasons some of these are these are to build and maintain relationships i. e family, parenting and community relationships. Communication is used by people to conduct business and commerce, people also communicate to learn and educate. Communication is also used for pleasure for e. . story telling, film, music and theatre it is also necessary for emotional intimacy. 2. Explain how effective communication affects all aspects of own work Effective communication helps us to exchange all information within the working environment, it helps us express are feelings/emotions and how we feel when working in certain situations. Using effective communication can help you get positive messages across when needed and can also help create a good atmosphere. 3. Similar article: Show How and When to Seek Advice About CommunicationExplain why it is important to observe an individual’s reactions when communicating It is important to observe individuals reactions when communicating as it helps give you feedback on how they are reacting to the information being giving to them it can also help you get a clearer understanding of what communication skill they are comfortable using and what communication skills they understand. Outcome 2: 1. Find out an individual’s communication and language needs, wishes, and preferences 2. Show how and when to seek advice about communicationWhile working at the nursery if I came across a situation with one of the children, e. g. they speak a different language, I would ask a higher member of staff what communication skills I could use that would help the child understand or if there are any key words in his/hers language I could use when communicating with them. I would also approach the parents and ask if there are any words they would like me to learn to help make the child more comfortable when communicating with me. Outcome 3: 1. Identify barriers to communicationThere are many different barriers that you can come across when communicating here are a few examples: Language: English may not be someone’s first language so you must take into consideration other ways of communicating with this individual. Noise: various things can stop a message from getting heard e. g. background noise, distraction or too many people talking. Distracting gestures: Fidgeting with pens, fingers or making inappropriate gestures can help create a barrier in communication as it can be distracting to the individual you are communicating with.Eye contact: Lack of eye contact can make an individual feel as if your not interested or not paying attention, it could make them feel awkward and not want to continue the conversation. 2. Identify sources of information and support or services to enabl e more effective communication Outcome 4: 1. Explain the term confidentiality There are different types of confidentiality and different examples but the main definition of confidentiality is: Confidentiality is a set of rules or a promise that limits access or places restrictions on certain types of information. . Describe situations where information normally considered to be confidential might need to be passed on If a child in the care of the nursery shows signs of any kind of abuse this could be sexually, physically or mentally, as carers of these children we have the right to pass this information on to higher members of staff or to possibly notify social services therefore we would need to pass on the child’s personal information if it is requested in this type of situation. 3. Explain how and when to seek advice about confidentialityA care worker should get advice about confidentiality when a situation arises and they feel it may need to be broken as keeping such info rmation to yourself causes you concern as it could result in harm to the person you are supporting or to someone else. To get further information refer to your organisations policy on confidentiality and the disclosure of such information and if in any doubt ask your manager for further assistance. The only time you seek advice when a child has spoken to you in confidentiality is when that person is in danger for e. g. if the child is being sexually abused, physically abused etc.

ATP essays

ATP essays ATP powers all the activity of muscles. Muscles move because of the continual and instantaneous breakdown of ATP. The release of energy from ATP is a small thing, but essential to life itself. Muscle is an excitable tissue that it can be stimulated to produce an action potential. An action potential is an electrical change across the membrane. Muscle contraction requires a great deal of energy. The aerobic energy of a resting muscle comes two- thirds from fatty acids and one-third from glucose and occurs because the brain and nerve tissue can only burn glucose to make ATP. The muscles save glucose for the nervous system as often as possible. When oxygen supplies are inadequate in time of exertion, the use of carbohydrate becomes more important as the intensity of exercise increases. The breakdown of glucose to water and carbon dioxide generates energy. This process is short circuited and lactic acid builds up in the muscle. Lactic acid is an important fuel that is used by the muscles during prolonged exercise. Lactate released from the muscle is converted in the liver to glucose, which is then used as an energy source. Most of the ATP in cardiac muscle is derived from the aerobic breakdown of fat. During times of exertion as the intensity of exercise increases the body cannot breakdown fat, fast enough to provide the high levels of energy. The immediate response of the cardiovascular system during exertion activity and when the levels of oxygen are not enough is to absorb glucose molecules and used to rebuild their glycogen reserves (Martini P. 301) in order to increase the output of the heart to meet the demands of energy and oxygen. The cardiac muscle is the greatest beneficiary. With this adaptation, the heart grows stronger. It draws more blood and oxygen through the coronary arteries and increases the amount of blood it pumps with each beat (stroke volume). This potentially adds years ...