How Modern Versions Of Medea ( Euripides ) And Antigone (...

Ancient Greek theatre is famed for hosting many playwrights that have stood the test of time, nevertheless concepts and ideologies present in traditional Greek theatre have become outdated. Strict gender roles were ever-present in society and a person was judged in relation to his or her compliance with these standards. Ancient Greek theatre hosts many misogynistic examples of the conformity to the gender roles of the time as well as the consequences of rebelling against the gender protocol. Women were to remain invisible, obedient and subordinate and to rebel against these restrictions would condemn women to be seen as psychotics, liars, and traitors. Even so many female playwrights recreate these plays today in a modern light to†¦show more content†¦However, for a modern day society these plays prove useful to a feminist playwright breaking down Ancient Greek gender barriers as they create a critique of a patriarchal society through influential characters such as Medea an d Antigone. The virtue of a women, Aristotle said is â€Å"obedience and subordination† while that of a man is â€Å"the courage of command† (Politics 1. 1260a 20-32), so what happens when a women tried to rebel against these belief’s? In traditional Greek theatre when a women voiced her beliefs and did not conform to being reduced to silence she ended up being killed. This can be seen through Medea and Antigone as they are women who dared to be heard and this violation of societal expectation was fatal. In the context of when these plays were written the refusal to conform to unjust gender laws was simply unacceptable. Women were seen as inferior; hence the punishment for rebellious actions in Medea and Antigone was appropriate protocol at the time. Modern versions of these plays react to these sexist statements in a way to highlight the misogynistic and patriarchal values that are embedded in western society. In the Abbey Theatre production of Medea directed by Deborah Wa rner, an explicitly feminist standpoint was taken, proving to be successful. Medea played as a modern woman who is troubled with the disloyalty of her husband plots revenge on her unsuspecting husband. John Water, an Irish Times columnist said that this portrayal createdShow MoreRelatedThe Origins of Greek Theatre Essay2307 Words   |  10 Pagesbut soon enough its fields of interest spread to various myths along with historic facts. As ancient drama was an institution of Democracy, the great tragic poets Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides as well as the comedian Aristophanes elevated public debate and political criticism to a level of aesthetic achievement. Euripides and the ethologist Menandros, in the thriving years of Alexandria and later on during the Roman domination, reached a beau ideal level and through the Romans managed to form Western

Violence in Todays Society - 1424 Words

Lisa M. Allen Enc 1101 September 14, 2008 Today’s Violence and Its Many Causes Violence in today’s society is at an all time high. There are many causes for the increase in violence in our society. Violence is defined by (1) criminal law, the illegal use of unjustified force, or the intimidating effect created by the threat of this (2) the use of physical force to injure somebody or damage something (Encarta Dictionary: English – North American Version). Rape, homicide, assault and burglary with a weapon are all forms of malicious legal violence that plague our communities in irrevocable ways. In fact violence in the form of homicide is the second leading cause in youth ages fifteen to twenty-four, third leading cause in ages†¦show more content†¦, PhD, MS, CAP, CAPP, Director of Operations - Sutton Place Behavioral Health. Powerpoint Presentation. Florida Statewide Prevention Conference 2007). Since the 1950s, thousands of studies have been done on the effects of violence in television and movies. The majority of these studies con clude that: children who watch significant amounts of television and movie violence are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior, attitudes and values (Illinois Center for Violence Prevention. Media and The Changing World Report. May 2005. Page 12). Per the Congressional Public Health Summit, 2000, young children 1.) are more easily impressionable 2.) have a harder time distinguishing between fantasy and reality 3.) cannot easily discern motives for violence and 4.) learn by observing and imitating. Finally there are plenty of studies going on right now researching how violent video games can cause people to have more aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and decrease empathetic, helpful behaviors with peers. With the over stimulation of the brain, it requires children to go above and beyond the last experience in order to feel the same endorphins. With the need to out do the next guy and with the motto â€Å"if it bleeds, it leads†, then what do we expect for the n ext generation of youth to be faced with? In generation Y we are seeing a major increase inShow MoreRelatedMedia Violence And Its Effects On Today s Society2184 Words   |  9 Pages Media violence, in some cases, can be a real issue in today s society. However, we can not blame all of the reality violence on media portrayals. Media violence is just as it sounds, the art of violence through media. The official definition of media violence is visual portrayals of acts of physical aggression by one human or human-like character against another (L. RowellHuesmann). As there are many things that can promote violence in today s world, this could be part of the reason that whatRead MoreMedia Violence And Its Effects On Today s Society2168 Words   |  9 PagesEssay Two Media violence, in some cases, can be a real issue in today s society. However, we can not blame all of the reality violence on media portrayals. Media Violence is just as it sounds, the art of violence through media. (1)The official definition of media violence is visual portrayals of acts of physical aggression by one human or human-like character against another. As there are many things that can promote violence in the world we live in today, this could be part of the reason thatRead More The Effects Of Violence In Media On Society Today Essay2224 Words   |  9 Pages Is societies violence the media’s fault? This is the question that has been asked since before television was in every American’s house. Of course there are the different types of media today ranging from newspapers, to on-line reports and stories. There have been arguments upon arguments about this issue, and over 3,000 studies conducted. Unfortunately there isn’t one single result, there is only an array of supposed answers to this undying question. CBS president, Howard Stringer is pointingRead MoreThe Effects of Violence in Media on Society Today Essay2286 Words   |  10 PagesIs societies violence the medias fault? This is the question that has been asked since before television was in every Americans house. Of course there are the different types of media today ranging from newspapers, to on-line reports and stories. There have been arguments upon arguments about this issue, and over 3,000 studies conducted. Unfortunately there isnt one single result, there is only an array of supposed answers to this undying question. CBS president, Howard Stringer is pointing toRead MoreThe Effects Of Television Violence On Today s Society1518 Words   |  7 Pageslargest role in influencing adolescents in today’s society. According to Marina Krcmar and Kathryn Green, â€Å"Viewing of violent television and interest in television violence has been linked to a host of antisocial behaviors such as increased aggression, decreased s ensitivity to violence and the suffering experienced by the victims of violence, and an increased sense of fear and helplessness† (Krcmar 195). This means that after long-term exposure to violence on television, people essentially become desensitizedRead MoreWhy School Violence Have Such Of An Effect On Our Society Today?1142 Words   |  5 PagesSpeech 131- T/TH 7:30 am Section 33282 Courtney Mathis ID # 2899247 Why does school violence have such of an effect on our society today? School violence is the intentional use of physical force or power, group or community, with the behavior likely to cause physical or psychological harm. Most school violence start from differences between teenagers. Like for instance about some weeks ago this girl named Amy Joyner died over this boy. The girls that jumped her was mad that she was datingRead MoreDomestic Violence Is A Major Issue Throughout Today s Society1956 Words   |  8 PagesDomestic violence is a major issue throughout today’s society, and the domestic violence spotlight usually shines in the direction of professional sports. The less than glamorous limelight usually shines upon major sports leagues including the NBA, NHL, (DeGette). NFL, and NASCAR. (Taylor). From all of the recent controversy, one thing is clear; domestic violence cases should be left to U.S. Congress due to the sports leagues’ rule violations against the offenses. The Commissioners of all of theRead MoreDomestic Violence : The Biggest Issue Today s Society With All Ages984 Words   |  4 PagesDomestic Violence is one of the biggest issue in today’s society with all ages. Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, dating abuse, and intimate partner violence (IPV), is a pattern of behavior which involves the abuse by one partner against another in an intimate relationship such as marriage, cohabitation, dating or within the family. It is experienced by women and men in heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Domestic violence does not haveRead More Violence in Schools Essay1527 Words   |  7 Pages As teachers, parents, and students prepare and begin this new school year, hopefully fears of school violence such as the bullying, slapping, punching, weapon use, and rape will not be their major concern. To top it all, what is School Violence? As defined in the Oxford Dictionary, School Violence is a subset of students or teachers violence, physical force exerted for the purpose of violating, damaging, or abusing, the act or an instance of violent action or behavior at school, abuse or injuryRead MoreMedia Essay1335 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿Samuel OGarro Media and Society Professor Stephanie Morrow Media portrayal of sex and violence between today and my past. Media is a mode of communication which acts to be a link between the people in today’s society. There were many different issues presented between today and earlier days in the case of media portrayal of sex and violence. Today the media represents the stories of sex and violence in every single newspaper, video, radio and channels as opposed to the past, the media

Human Motivation the Influential Drive Behind Human Altruism Free Essays

Human motivation the influential drive behind human altruism At the forefront of social psychology the issue of what motivates one to act in a prosocial manner has arisen with a vast array of theory and response. The heart of the topic lies in the ambiguity as to whether one acts altruistically as a result of an innate response of empathy and compassion, or merely due to self interest. By definition altruism refers to, â€Å"behaviour that helps people with no apparent gain or with potential cost to one’s self†, (Western 2006). We will write a custom essay sample on Human Motivation the Influential Drive Behind Human Altruism or any similar topic only for you Order Now Yet, this concept in itself is not unproblematic in that undoubtedly displays of altruism exist, but may not ultimately be driven by selflessness. Motivation is indisputably the integral drive behind human behaviour, and is the most crucial factor influencing human altruism. Reciprocal altruism; simply the idea that we offer assistance and expect it returned, is undeniably practiced with the motivation of one’s personal wellbeing in mind. Similarly, the concept of motivation also provides a logical understanding of kin selection whereby we are inclined to help our genetic related, as aiding one’s family will ultimate better one’s self. A cost rewards analysis, as well as social exclusion can also be depicted as highly motivated by a person’s needs and survival; and therefore can once more be deemed selfish. Thus, by grasping a concrete understanding of one’s ultimate purpose in a given situation, the question as whether we are driven by a natural selfless capacity or with intention of maximizing personal gain can be ascertained. Unquestionably, acts of genuine and authentic altruism exist, however in situations that help is required, consciously or subconsciously the helper is more likely to personally benefit from their action, than not. A motive refers to the goal or object of a person’s action. Human nature is inherently selfish, therefore when deciding whether to engage in a prosocial act; an individual’s primary concern is oneself. This is not always conscious to the individual, yet whether it is a simple question of the motives for an occupation, or concern for the environment; it is linked to maximizing personally or for society as a whole. Krous (2005), conducted research in order to determine what would motivate people in help related fields such as psychology, education and nursing to work with underserved populations; which consist of groups such as ethnic minorities, the mentally ill, the homeless and elderly. The research was conducted using 135 students from Midwestern University majoring in help related fields. Whilst factors such as work autonomy, troubled past experiences or a parent in a helping profession did inspire some to work with such groups, economic reward and prosperity as well as diverse training proved to be vital to a vast majority. Another way in which we can relate people’s motivations with the concern for themselves is through their view on the environment. This was put to the test through a study by Berenguer (2007) whereby participants were presented with illustrations of eight large trees being cut down and a dead bird on the beach covered in oil. The findings concluded that participants conveyed empathy and were dismayed by the devastating state of the environment. One needs to pose the question; what motivates one to act altruistically toward the environment? The simple fact that they are ultimately a part of the environment that they endeavor to save, and thus prevent the personal and societal hardship that would follow its total destruction. The concept that an individual’s sense of belonging in a group impacts upon their willingness to behave in a socially caring manner, once more brings the notion of selfishness to the fore. People are encouraged by their culture and society to take part in prosocial behavior. While engaging in a prosocial act often entails risk and cost to oneself, in the big picture, belonging to a group provides vast benefits. The concept that one’s belongingness will ultimately impact upon a person’s willingness to engage in a prosocial act is questioned in a number of research experiments conducted by Twenge (2007). Experiment One – donating money; had 34 participants take a personality test. Responders were randomly allocated a personality summary of either ‘future alone’, ‘future belonging’, or ‘misfortune control condition. ’ Each participant received $2 for taking part and were informed that there was a collection for the Student Emergency fund. The results had only 37% of the ‘future alone’ donate to the fund contrasting with 100% of the participants in the other groups. Thus, social exclusion lead to a significant decrease in helping behaviour. This suggests that one’s emotional state will pertain to their ability to offer empathetic understanding and an inclination to help others, as Twenge states, â€Å"Social exclusion apparently renders the prosocial behaviour tool temporarily useless. † Therefore, when an individual is emotionally vulnerable and lacking self-esteem they lose their ability to care for the wellbeing of others. Once more the proving human beings as self-interested creatures who are only willing to help when they feel they have been helped or that their society accepts them. Evolutionary theories pertaining to altruism have played a nodal role in understanding human motivations, and moreover through the kin selection theory and the concept of reciprocal altruism emphases once again that we are compelled by rational self-interest, to always put ourselves first. Kin selection focuses on actions of people who are genetically related as stated by Neyer (2003), â€Å"blood is thicker than water, implying that kin are generally favored over non-kin. The motive behind a parent, whether human or animal in protecting their off springs is in their attempt to protect and ensure the next generation. The protection of our genetic code is explored by Maynard Smith (1964), which explains that we are more than likely to help direct family over our more distant family and our more distant family over non-ki n. This idea is heightened in a study conducted by Burnstein (1994) which found that life or death helping was significantly more likely to be offered with close genetic relatedness. The notion of looking after one’s genetic coding for future generations, through the idea of kin selection once more exemplifies the way in which we are hard-wired to act in a socially caring manner to maximize person gain. â€Å"Reciprocal Altruism†, refers to the way in which humans help another person, thus building a relationship where help is expected to be returned at a later date. It is an evolutionary process that clarifies prosocial acts that occur among the non-related. A basic example of such an exchange is acknowledged by Fitness (2007), whereby two fishermen in a village agree to share what they catch for the day with one another. Therefore if one fisherman does not catch any fish they are reassured that they will not go hungry. Such an example supports the theory that engaging in reciprocal altruism increases the chances of survival over individuals who act selfishly, as long as both parties involved reciprocate. Our willingness to help is determined by the likelihood that the help will be returned, therefore in a situation where a stranger requires help it is unlikely that an act will be reciprocated and therefore we feel less inclined to help. In order for the survival of reciprocal altruism, Dovidio (2006) explains that there must be a willingness to chastise those who do cheat and find ways of gratifying individuals that voluntarily refrain from cheating. Reciprocal altruism can be considered a two way street, a relationship in which both parties will profit; and therefore is a response visibly motivated to maximize personal gain. The cost and benefits of engaging in a prosocial act ultimately determines ones willingness to involve themselves, hence supporting the concept that we are hard-wire for personal gain. From this view, humans are rational and chiefly concerned with their own self-interest and agenda. Dovidio (2006) explains the notion of a cost reward analysis, whereby in a potential helping situation the individual weighs the possible costs and benefits in order to reach the most desired outcome. An important aspect of grasping the parameters of prosocial behavior consists of learning when people will help. Dovidio (2006) references the assault of Kitty Genovese, whereby arriving home late from work she was brutally attacked outside her apartment building. This horrific event took place over 45 minutes whereby the attacker returned three times, finally stabbing her to death; with a shocking 38 onlookers that did nothing to help. This incident confirms the view that we are predominantly concerned with our own survival and self-interest as the potential helpers perceived the dangers to dominate over the benefits. Contrastingly, Dovidio (2006) cites the case of Reginald Denny, who was brutally beaten during the civil disturbance in Los Angeles in 1992. Four African Americans were watching nearby on live television and rushed to the scene fending off his attackers and transporting him to hospital, consequently saving his life. Whilst the four helpers were deemed heroes and rewarded with internal benefits of self satisfaction and fulfillment of one’s duty, it challenges the idea that we are hard-wired for personal gain as this act is undeniably a genuine expression of altruism. continuum There is a vast array of motivators that explain why humans engage in altruistic behaviour, a large majority pertaining to the desire to maximize personal gain. Such motivations are reinforced by the evolutionary theories on kin selection and reciprocal altruism; as well as one’s emotional state and the concept of a cost and reward analysis. This is not to say expressions of genuine altruism do not exist, as we have clearly established they do; they are simply few and far between. It is evident that humans have the capacity both to be incredibly selfish and heroically altruistic it would seem that tragically selfishness is hard-wired into us where we are motivated with one leading concern, ourselves. References * John F. Dovidio, Jane Allyn Piliavin, David A. Schroeder, Louis A. Penner. (2006) Social Psychology of Prosocial Behaviour. [Book] Chapter 3 – The Context: When will people help? Chapter 4 – Why do people help? * Krous, Tangala M. D. ; Nauta, Margaret M. (2005) Values, Motivations, and Learning Experiences of Future Professionals: Who Wants to Serve Underserved Populations? [Education and Training in Professional Psychology. ] Volume 36(6), pg 688-694 * Twenge, Jean (M). ; Baumeister, Roy (F); DeWall,(C). Nathan; Ciarocco, Natalie (J); Bartels, (J). Michael. (2007). Journal or Personality and Social Psychology. Social exclusion decrease Prosocial behaviour. Volume 92 (1) p56-66 * Berenguer, J. (2007). The Effect of Empathy in Proenvironmental Attitudes. Environment and Behaviour, 39; 269 * Westen, D. (2006). Psychology 4th edition. John Wiley and Sons, Hobeoken. United States of America * Neyer, Franz J. ; Lang, Frieder R. (2003). Blood is thicker than water. Kinship Orientation among adults. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Vol – 84. Pg 310-321 * Fitness (2007). Lecture – Altruism and Prosocial Behaviour How to cite Human Motivation the Influential Drive Behind Human Altruism, Papers

Effects of Climate Change on Developing Countries free essay sample

Some developed countries signed the Kyoto Protocol and reduced their gas emissions. Canada with the CCCDF (Canada Climate Change Development Fund), is helping South America to solve the problem. Some large counties like USA, the main pollutant is not helping as much as developing countries need them. First, the Kyoto Protocol started in December of 1997 when more than 160 countries signed it to solve the problems caused by the climate change. This could be done by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions and promote better ways of producing and using the energy. In 2002, Canada signed the protocol, which came into force on February 16, 2005, when ratified by the 55 countries that produce 55 percent of the developed worlds carbon dioxide emissions . U. S. A and Canada have the highest greenhouse gas emissions. We will write a custom essay sample on Effects of Climate Change on Developing Countries or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Of course U. S. A have the higher emissions. The objective of this agreement is to stabilize the greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that it would not interfere with the climate system and also to protect developing countries from the problems caused by the climate changes, or greenhouse gas emissions. Some developing countries like China joined the Protocol to help the world and their selves. It is an excellent idea that developing countries join the Protocol because that way they are helping themselves and the others. Developing countries are suffering problems sea level rise and extreme weather changes. Concerning the Canada Climate Change Development Fund (CCCDF), a Canadian organization that helps developing countries to solve the problems cause by climate changes. It started in 2000 as a part of the government. The main objectives were contributing to Canada’s climate change and promoting activities in developing countries that solve the causes and effects of the climate change. At the same time helping to poverty reduction and the development of the country. The CCCDF wants to help developing countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to their development by transferring technology. This not only helps to reduce the GHG emissions and reduce the global climate change, but it also brings Canada environmental help, like cleaner air. It also creates opportunities to invest on new technologies. The government of Canada is investing $1. 1 billion to address climate change over the next five years . The CCCDF established the following expected results: -Reduce the Greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries. -Increase the use of Carbon in forests, wetlands, etc. for the good. -Reduce vulnerability of developing countries to effects of climate change. -Increase capacity of developing countries to participate in global efforts to solve climate change. Unfortunately, countries like the United States of America; the higher greenhouse emission country did not sign the Protocol. They said that the U. S. A does not agree with the protocol because it may affect to their economy and that they do not agree with some details. The US alone accounted for 36. 1% of worldwide greenhouse emissions in 1990. It is very important that countries like this sign the agreement and help because they are the countries with the more industry and they have the higher gas emissions level. Developing countries do not have the technology or environmental industry to address the issue. And countries like USA are needed to take responsibility so it can be done. The Australian government along with the U. S government agreed to sign their own contract called the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate. This was created on July 2005. Developed countries have started to address the climate changes issue on developing countries by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping developing countries to reduce gas emissions and make good use of other materials. Unfortunately climate changes are still causing great damage around the world, so we should not wait until people from another country tells us what to do. If we start one by one making only a very small effort that could be not polluting by not using cars too much, we could start changing the world. The problem is not only caused by the big developed countries, it is caused by every single person in the world and it has to be solved by everyone.