Philosophy Of Gatsby Essays - Philosophy, Epistemology, Deception

Philosophy Of Gatsby This book, The Great Gatsby, is a tale of deceit and the silent despair in the world of the human. Everything is not what it is made out to look like and often convincing as such. It is created by and creates the fear of being left in that portal which is the object of escape and the depths of despair. It shows life is a whirlwind which cannot be controlled, and many times even for the sick is not wished to be controlled because humans are too worrisome over what will and will not be and would rather turn their backs than face what is real. Distressing to look at and face but bliss to ignore and get on with the life which you know nothing about and never will know about because you are too stupid not to have the thought to want to know about. Humans do not do what is best for them and others only what will protect them from austerity, leading the path wide open for the dullness and loneliness they cannot find within themselves because yet again they ignore it with stupidity. This is a sad, pathetic, and rueful story showing the discontent and avarice that lies within the human mind. On the other hand, it shows the nescience, naivet?, and overall dullness of the mind who tries for something that is already to far gone to worry about, often the characteristics of the heart. The battle of the heart and mind is one that has and will go on for ages and is too petty of a matter to suffer over because if you let one or the other control it is much to easy to ruin yourself. I am what I cannot be and am what I am not. My mind tells me I am not what I believe and want to be, but my heart tells me I am what I believe and want to be so I must be what I am not. But what am I? Am I life or death? Am I old or new, close or far? But I am what I believe to be, but belief is rarley fact. Then what of fact? Is it truth or still just belief? Is anything truth? Or, is everything real? All myths and legends surround life and make life what it is or is not. So all must be true. Isnt it? The moral of the story: Everything is truth so you cannot lie, but the truth that you do lie is what causes suffering. Book Reports

Hegemonic Masculinity

Hegemonic Masculinity Introduction This essay attempts to critically and comprehensively review the concept of hegemonic masculinity. The hegemonic masculinity theory is particularly significant in understanding concepts such as the predisposition of men to violence, the evaluation of social network analysis in relation to hegemonic masculinity and the links between social identity and the occupation that someone belongs to.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Hegemonic Masculinity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The essay begins with an introduction and an analysis of the concept of hegemonic masculinity and proceeds to critically analyze articles that address the concept in relation to gender and social change. Hegemonic Masculinity Hegemonic masculinity, an influential theory in gender studies was first advanced by R.W Connell; the phrase is used to describe a social construct that is a benchmark for evaluation of all other forms of mascu linity. (Momsen, 2004 p.81-83) Hegemonic masculinity restricts and defines masculine behavior within a given social context and all other forms of masculinity are seen to be subordinate to it. In the society, hegemonic masculinity is not the prevailing form of masculinity; rather, it is a standard, endorsed by the society, against which, men are measured (Schipper, 2009 p.19-20). Hegemonic masculinity is a theory that proposes that, there exists a normative standard for male behavior in society; men in the society are meant to attain these set standards of masculinity. The theory is characterized by the inclination of men to dominate other men and to subordinate women. Hegemonic masculinity is characterized by aggression, self reliance, and ambition, attitudes that are encouraged in men but are discouraged in women. Several criticisms have been leveled against the Hegemonic masculinity theory. Connell, the original proponent of the theory cited his inspiration as being rooted in fem inist theories that dealt with the concept of patriarchy and the associated issues about the role of men in altering the concept of patriarchy. Critics contend that the theory is responsible for fostering negative attitudes towards the concept of patriarchy (Howson, 2006 p.64). It is claimed by critics of the theory that hegemonic masculinity is only a theoretical perspective and it cannot be translated in the real world situation. A critique advanced proposes that the theory can be conceived as a type of projection that deliberately victimizes women instead of men.Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This victimization is done either collectively or limited to individuals. This is to say, the theory cannot be closely contrasted or applied in examining the lives of any real men. Furthermore, the critics of the Hegemonic masculinity theory propose that the theory fundamental ly misconstrues the mental representation of male identity. Critics also associate the theory with fostering attitudes of male superiority and negative machismo as manifested by excessive aggression and undue self reliance. (Ibid) The hegemonic theory has also been described as providing inexact, indistinct and inaccurate depiction of the concept of gender and masculinity because it does not take into account the unstable nature of all forms of masculinity (Howson, 2006 p.5-7). In summation, despite the numerous criticisms that have been advanced against the theory, Hegemonic masculinity was and still is a significant theory that provides an in-depth analysis of the concept of masculinity (Speer, 2005 p.107-109). To adequately discuss the theory of Hegemonic masculinity, it would be important to review a number of articles that address the concept and critically examining the related concepts of gender and social change. Unlocking Men, Unmasking Masculinities: Doing Men’s wor k In Prison The article attempts to establish a credible link between hegemonic masculinity and criminality. There has been prior research that has been done to explore this link; however, what makes this approach different is that it seeks to explore the correlation between correctional interventions and the destructive effects of hyper masculinity in prison. Hyper masculinity refers to the over emphasis on conventional male behavior manifested by strength, virility and aggression. (Kimmel and Aronson, 2004 p.503-507) The article examines two related programs initiated in men’s prisons in California and Massachusetts. The survey was carried by consultations and observation with volunteer. Essentially, the article illustrates how the program attempts to deconstruct hyper masculinity in correctional facilities and its effects in assisting inmates in redefining the concept in order to produce pro-social outcomes.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Hegemon ic Masculinity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These programs applied are branches of the Mankind project, a large voluntary organization that is founded on the philosophy of the mythopoeticmen’s movement that emphasizes psychological self help, therapeutic techniques and personal growth. Essentially, the aim of the program is to reorient the inmates’ perceptions of masculinity in a manner that will serve them better both in prison and in their lives after being reintegrated into society (Karp, 2010 p.63).  The report highlights the relationship between violent crime and gender. The figures in the article reveal that more men than women get arrested and convicted for violent crimes in contrast to more women than men who get arrested for non-violent crimes such as prostitution and running away from home However, the statistics also indicate that in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of females arrested and convicted for violent crimes. Research reveals that, this increase that has been witnessed can be attributed to the net-widening of the criminal justice system and not necessarily as a result of an actual increase in the commission of violent crimes by females (Karp, 2010 p.63). A number of theories have been advanced in an attempt to explain why more women than men commit crimes. The strain theory proposes that criminality is a function of greed and excessive societal emphasis on material possessions. However this theory does not explain why more men than women commit crime seeing as women are subjected to the same strain as men are. Moreover, the labeling theory proposes that criminality is caused by shame, stigmatization and out casting especially of members of minority groups. However, this theory does not explain why women, who are subjected to the same conditions as men, are not as inclined to commit crimes (Karp, 2010 p.64-65). The article proposes that the disparate rates o f criminality between men and women can be explained by the hegemonic masculinity conceptualization.Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This implies that the hegemonic nature of masculinity that emphasizes strength and aggression predisposes men to violence and consequently violent crime (Messerschmitt, 1993 p.27-30). Hegemonic masculinity is the exclusive premise of men and this may explain why more men than women commit violent crimes. In my opinion, the theory of Hegemonic masculinity as the possible explanation of the disparate rates of violent crime commission by men and women is to a large extent accurate. This is because; all other theories of criminality adequately address the causes of the phenomena but do not consider why more men than women commit violent crimes. The Hegemonic masculinity theory adequately addresses this question. In recognition of this fact, the article examines the interventions being initiated in the penal system, for instance the mankind project, the inside circle foundation and the Jericho circle project. These initiatives are meant to offer the inmates an opportunity to experience s elf discovery and personal growth in an attempt to counter the negative effects of hegemonic and hyper masculinity. A Social Network Analysis The article tries to involve important theory on social life brought forward by Connell’s in two schools. The social theory on gender was developed by Robert Connell to address the prevalent sexual, gender and power inequality between men and women. The theory examines the gender-based division of labor, power and the nature of carthexis (Connell, 1987 p.64-65). The article uses arithmetical techniques to examine power affairs, violence and social connections in relation to the male supremacy beliefs of the students. In the secondary school in question; one demonstrated the validity of Connell’s theory in the fact that Hegemonic masculinity was placed on top of the hierarchy of other forms of masculinity. The other secondary school has a different orientation that demonstrates the support for the other viewpoint that gender is re lational and that the hypothesized effects are evident, even after considering and accounting for the rest of the explanatory factors. This illustrates the fact that there is considerable empirical evidence to support Connell’s theory (Usher and Robbins, 2010 p.23-25) The study examines a ruling-class and a middle class school in Australia. The different hierarchical structures are explained by the fact that, the ruling class school fosters attitudes that are based on masculinity. The middle class school has a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach that considers the effects of male dominance, gay-male homophobia, anti-academic attitudes and attitudes of anti-feminism. The article proposes to establish a relationship between gender and power inequality. The article is significant in that it is the first study undertaken using qualitative research methodology that takes into account the context of the local environment and cultural factors. The study does not work on the assumption that people act independently of the society in which they live. Essentially, the theory attempts to explain the fundamental relationship between power and violence. This article proposes that, Hegemonic masculinity is an expression of power inequality between men and women. This implies that the power inequality contributes significantly to the commission of violence and the fostering of attitudes of subordination towards women (Usher and Robbins 2010 p.31-35). Doing Hegemony: Military, Men, and Constructing a Hegemonic Masculinity This article proposes that Hegemonic masculinity is at the pinnacle of the gender hierarchy. Furthermore, the article proposes that Hegemonic masculinity subordinates all other gender constructs. Conventionally, Hegemonic masculinity is focused on the tenets of self discipline, sadism, belligerence and many other signs of control. The article is based on a study that involved interviewing 43 men emphasizing the process of establishing Hegemoni c masculinity constructs. The interviewees included military officers from different specialties, different rank levels and different levels of ability. Essentially, this implies that men construct hierarchies that subordinate other people. At the same time, these characteristics show the way men place themselves in supremacy symbolism (Hinojosa, 2010 p.180) Furthermore, the article examines the ways in which men that are aiming to join military service position themselves on the top of the hegemonic construct of masculinity. The men present themselves as better placed in terms of intelligence, strength, skills and ability as compared to ordinary civilians. In so doing, this person panning to join the military construct a masculinity that is symbolically dominant over other forms (Hinojosa, 2010 p.181-182) A critical review of the article establishes a conclusive link between the concepts of social identity and perceptions of the self and their relationship with the institutions tha t they belong to, in this case, the military. This implies that people who have a career in the military tend to derive a large extent of their personal identity from the occupation that they belong to (Hinojosa, 2010 p.184) In my opinion, the assertion that people derive a large part of their social identity from the occupation that they belong to is accurate. The article cites conclusive evidence that people planning to join the military have a heightened sense of Hegemonic masculinity. This notion of social change can be directly attributed to their occupation of choice In conclusion, a critical examination of the three articles establishes a tenable link between hegemonic masculinity, gender and social change. These three concepts are inextricably linked in that the perception of gender is affected by the theory of hegemonic masculinity. On the other hand, both gender and hegemonic masculinity are determined by social change. References Connell, R. (1987) Gender and power: socie ty, the person and sexual politics. California: Stanford University Press. p.64-65 Hinojosa, R. (2010) Doing Hegemony: Military, Men, and Constructing a Hegemonic Masculinity. P.180-185 Howson, R. (2006) Challenging hegemonic masculinity. NY: Routledge Publishing Inc. p.64 Karp, D. R. (2010) Unlocking Men, Unmasking Masculinities: Doing Men’s work In Prison. P.63-65 Kimmel, M. S. and Aronson, A. (2004) Men and masculinities: a social, cultural, and  historical encyclopedia, Volume 1. CA: ABC-CLIO Inc. p.503-507 Messerschmitt, J.W.(1993) Masculinities and crime: Critique and reconceptualization  Of theory. USA: Littlefield Inc. p.27-30 Momsen, J. (2004) Gender and Development. NY: Routledge Publishing Inc. p.81- 83 Schipper, W. C. (2009) Masculinity, spirituality, and sexuality; The interpreted, lived experience. MA: Proquest LLC. p.19-20 Speer, S. A. (2005) Gender talk; feminism, discourse and conversation analysis. NY: RoutledgePublishing Inc. p.107-112 p.107-109 Usher, D and Robbins, G. (2010) A Social Network Analysis. nd. P.23-35

The bloody revenge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The bloody revenge - Essay Example 67). Body The Music Lesson, This is Your Brain on Music Most times music education is introduced to students when they are still very young at home and when they get to primary and secondary schools they are introduced to music through being given opportunities of participating in school choirs, bands and orchestras which increases their urge to learn more concerning music education. Due to the fact that music education is very essential, it is usually included as part of the school curriculum and other musical classes are also observed to be important and very effective in the educational life of a student (Wooten, p. 47). When students reach at the University level they are also introduced to music as part of the humanities and arts programs and those who perform well are even credits for their effort of taking the course of music which they are given as history of music or just any other course that appreciate music and focuses on learning different styles of music and listening t o music. In the university music lessons take very many different forms and these are such as music psychology, ethnomusicology, philosophy of education and music education historiography among other forms. Although music education has been in existence for a very long time, it still continues taking place in the modern world in very many forms including individualized forms and in community forms that entails introducing music styles from different parts of the world such as westernized music and African music which is non-western cultured. Even those people who have basic elements of music still find it important to have a private class with a music teacher who has some musical knowledge higher than theirs. Amateurs in music find it important to take musical classes just to increase the knowledge that they have in music and this means that they want to continue their music lives having reached the intermediate level of music techniques. Music education is one of the courses that h ave been very effective as in the development education because since its existence it has covered all the aspect of education and it has been very effective to both young students and adults in the society. Music & Attitude The main reason behind music lesson is to create a positive attitude towards music in the schools and the society at large through showing people its importance. Generally, many people have a positive attitude towards music at large and this is because it has a tendency of sticking into their memories for a while and this is the reason as to why many people will continue listening to specific types of songs continuously without getting tired or bored with it. People form their attitudes by either becoming fanatics or by becoming extremists and this means that they can either know how to sing or they can just love someone who sings the type of music that they like. The effect that music has on human beings is relative since there are very many genres of music in the society and this means that people chose the kind of music they want to listen and this is only according to their taste (Wooten, p. 111). Music & Motivation One of the most powerful ways that a good composer of soundtracks plays with a person’s or people’s emotions is through introducing a very good piece of music in