Belonging Essay Example for Free

Belonging Essay Belonging, in essence, refers to the notion associated with the connections individuals make with people, groups and places. Conversely, by belonging to a certain group or place others are indirectly excluded from belonging in the process. Belonging is a connection that we all, as humans, instinctively seek out; it forms part of our natural behavior. Through this process of belonging we ultimately conform and grow as a person, the outcome through which is our place in society is established. The Immigrant Chronicle† by Peter Skrzynecki illustrates how difficult finding a sense of belonging can be by raising the issues experienced when attempting to assimilate in a new cultural environment with all the associated physical, personal and social changes. Similarly, Jeffery Smart’s painting â€Å"The New School† and the short film ‘Mr Cheng’ explore how barriers can hinder our sense of acceptance and belonging. Though it is an innate need to belong it is not always achieved. This idea is accentuated throughout â€Å"In the Folk Museum† as the composer struggles to relate to a history and culture which is not his own. The visit highlights his inner conflict of not knowing where he belongs. He does not feel like a ‘true’ Australian who may look at such ‘relics’ and see cultural significance to them and understand their historical value. Rather he views them in a detached sense â€Å"To remind of a past/ Which isn’t mine†. The poet uses a faceless caretaker as a representative of Australia’s past. She sits next to a â€Å"winnowing machine† an agricultural machine that separates grain from chaff, creating a metaphor for separating the ‘true’ Australians from new migrants. The poet illustrates the caretaker as dull and uninviting, matching her hair colour with the grey clay bottle that is in the museum; causing them to appear be made from the same entity adding to the composers discomfort and estrangement. The composer emphasises his lack of belonging by describing the colour of the museum as well as its â€Å"cold as water† touch showing the disconnection and isolation the composer experiences. The poem reinforces this idea, when the composer is asked to sign the visitor’s books emphasising that he is only a viewer of the Australian history rather than a part of it. Likewise â€Å"St Patrick’s College† also portrays the need to belong; however, it reveals that belonging does not always come naturally despite his mothers attempt to find a way to connect through uniform and the schools reputation. The poet explores this attempt to belong in the third stanza by the stress of â€Å"eight years† passing by and yet he is still â€Å"Like a foreign tourist, Uncertain of my destination, Every time I got off. † The poet reinforces this idea again by the repetition of time in the start of the fourth stanza, establishing that no matter how long, he is still not able to belong. Despite the use of uniform, it is evident that it is only a facade, used in order to create an illusion of belonging. It is not the uniform that binds students together, but rather a unique connection shared with individuals and place. (Link to question here and back to thesis). Jeffery Smart’s painting â€Å"The New School† establishes that although belonging is an innate need, it is not always achieved. Smart is described as a social commentator, a witness to the alienated city dweller or worker in a dehumanized landscape. Elements of his paintings are taken from real places but they are modified and generalised. The effect is that he creates universal scenes which could be renderings of any large modern city rather than being anchored in Australia or Europe. The concept of isolation is shown through the individual’s body language and placement of the hands as well as positioning in the painting. She is distant from the other students, as well as the school, showing she does not fit, emphasising her disconnection and lack of belonging. Jeffery Smart also creates a negative feel through the dark colour of the sky and the sadness the girl displays through her facial expression, showing the difficultly to belong and how the individual feels isolation as she has no connection with these people place or groups. Similarly â€Å"In the Folk Museum†, the composer feels alienated not being able to relate to the Australian culture and history. The poem initiates feelings of isolation and disconnection as the poet questions himself and his place in society as he does not experience a link with the history viewed. Both â€Å"St Patrick’s college† and â€Å"The New School† relate to a place and a lack of belonging. Smart furthermore highlights the struggle to belong by the vectors in his painting. This is shown by the lines of the basketball court, fading as they progressively near the individual, emphasising the student’s estrangement from the school. In the same way Mr Cheng experiences a lack of belonging through the vectors employed by the director, as images of his family appear however they fade emphasising his uncertainty of where he belongs. The director revisits the idea of isolation, illustrated through the severed family connections that Mr Cheng has suffered. Mr Cheng’s alienation is echoed throughout the piece as the director emphasises his exclusion throughout the film through Mr Cheng’s portrayal as being secluded from society. This struggle is shown by the projections of his memories on a brick wall throughout the film, creating a metaphor, representing the wall as a barrier, showing that although he possesses these memories he is blocked from accessing his true identity. Peter Skrzynecki’s, ‘The Immigrant Chronicle’, allows one to see the difficulties the poet, as a second generation migrant; experiences, this being, the dichotomy of belonging to a culture which is not his own and the feeling of estrangement from his parents’ culture. This concept is also shown through Jeffery Smart’s painting ‘The New School’ as the individual struggles similar to that of Mr Cheng to relate to an environment which is unfamiliar.

Tobacco and the College-Bound in the New Millennium :: Essays Papers

Tobacco and the College-Bound in the New Millennium Today’s high school and college age Americans will have to deal with the actions and attitudes of those involved in the current debate over tobacco use in America. As today’s and tomorrow’s smokers and non-smokers, we need to understand that aspects of our future are being decided now. What is at risk? Primarily at risk are two things: first, our health and welfare and that of our friends and loved ones, and second, individual liberty. Risks to Health and Welfare The negative health effects of smoking and other tobacco use are well known and documented by nearly every health-conscious organization in the United States. Cancer, heart disease, and most major pulmonary diseases top the list of the most painful and deadly reasons to quit and not to start. It’s estimated that more than one in six deaths in the United States is due to cigarettes alone. More than three million people die every year worldwide from smoking related diseases (Pringle, 44). Besides the mortality statistics are the millions of additional colds, canker sores, cases of chronic bronchitis and incredibly bad breath. Tobacco use is also incredibly financially taxing. Smoking just half a pack a day will cost over five hundred dollars a year if the smoker uses one of the most popular brands, and most young smokers do. Add to that national annual health care costs and lost work revenues totaling seventy billion dollars ($70,000,000,000), and damages from the 38% of accidental fires attributed to cigarettes, and the life-long cost of smoking is easily in the hundreds of thousands of dollars per American smoker (Pringle, 44). Besides the problems smokers cause for themselves, there are others to consider. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), otherwise known as second-hand smoke, is not a significant risk for someone who is only exposed to a couple of hours a week in a neighborhood restaurant. It is, however, dangerous to family and friends who may allow themselves to be exposed for many hours a day so as not to inconvenience a smoker.

Diet treatment for diabetes

People who are suffering the disease diabetes mellitus are not properly informed on the effects of their food intake, how their body works, and provided their best course of action. This means reading labels and sometimes creating personal diet plan without understanding the required quantity and portions of their choices. Planning the meal is a very tedious process especially if one has to memorize nutrients, food groups, and calculate percentages of fat against total consumption. Patients are just getting weary to all these fuss that they gradually revert back to old eating habits again.Information on how the body works when one has the disease is very important. The focus is to educate people on shifting to healthy lifestyles in the most convenient form. The main reason people do not practice good eating habits is simply because they lack the information and the means to achieve it. Diet treatment for diabetes Definition of Diabetes Diabetes mellitus often simply called diabetes i s a common condition that occurs when the body does not produce or use insulin correctly (ADA n. y. ). Understanding diabetes Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body (NDIC 2006).Blood sugar comes from carbohydrate and starchy foods. When we eat, the body breaks down carbohydrates except fiber into glucose which is absorbed by the intestine into the blood. Glucose is then carried to all the cells by the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone release from the pancreas and released into the blood when glucose level rises. It functions to convert sugar into energy thus lowering the blood sugar level, promotes cellular uptake of amino acids and stimulates the conversion of these amino acids into proteins. Glucose which are not transported to the cells are being stored in the liver and muscles called as glycogen.The liver releases it into the blood when needed. Any change in blood flow also affects the adrenal gland. Symptoms of diabetes The symptoms of diabetes are usually extreme thi rst, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss, feeling irritable, urinating more than normal, and feeling hungry. One also experiences abdominal pain, pain in the chest or stomach, heavy or difficulty breathing, drowsiness or coma and vomitting. Complications and other illnesses brought by diabetes Patients suffer blindness, kidney failure, stroke, atherosclerosis, gum diseases and heart attacks.To some patients it could be worse like, nerve damage, limb amputation, and in severe cases, death. Patients are at high risk for skin inflammation, rashes, localized itching to even slow healing of the most minor abrasion. Diabetic neuropathy also happens when blood sugar levels damage nerves that carries signal to the brain, spinal cord, muscle, skin and internal organs. Damage is experienced by stabbing, tingling, and burning sensation in the legs, hands and feet especially at night. Fundamental problem of diabetes The fundamental problem of diabetes is the body’s inability to metabolize glucose fully and continually. Types of diabetesType 1 diabetes is noted when the body’s immune system turn against its own cells destroying them including the pancreas like foreign invaders known as autoimmunity. Type 2 diabetes still has the ability to produce insulin but the body becomes increasingly resistant to insulin. Another type is diabetes insipidus which is characterized by people getting thirsty all the time and urinate (polyuria) often waking up 2-3 times at night to urinate and most likely go through the night always drinking water. Another type is gestational diabetes characterized by high blood sugar that develops anytime during 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.Intervention and treatment for diabetes Goal /mission of diet treatment Diet treatment for diabetes aims to reduce the need for insulin and other medication and in the process serve to limit potential damage to the patient’s internal organs as well as boost their immune system. Role and import ance of proper food selection Glycaemic index and insulin index is used as an indicator when constructing therapeutic diets. It aims to control and taper down carbohydrate intake for the purpose of controlling one’s blood sugar tailored according to patient’s state of health.Nothing can be considered as a fully balanced diet unless it contains all the essential nutrients necessary for good health, knowing how much shall be taken and in what forms shall it be consumed. Diabetes cannot be cured but patients may achieve a normal and useful life. Processed food removes fibers and causes the pancreas to produce more insulin. The best way to control the sugar is eating a diet high in complex carbohydrates and low in refined carbohydrates in small but frequent meals. Methods of food and dietary analysisA better strategy is the recommendation of the AOAC method for dietary supplements and nutrition labeling as basis for quality control. Right food combination diets The Zone di et The zone diet centers on a 40:30:30 ratios of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats respectively where one experienced weight lost while simultaneously gaining muscle mass. The key factor in the Zone diet is achieving hormonal balance with a diet plan that actually controls insulin production. Zone diet suggests one eats breakfast within an hour of waking, a snack 30 minutes before exercise, and eat a small snack before bed.The Zone diet encourages one to take lots of fibers and whole grain restricting taking processed food which contains too much salt. This does not prompt the body to convert carbohydrates into fat that is normally stored into one’s gut, thighs, buttocks, or other areas. It is recommended that dieters should drink minimum of eight glasses of water everyday. Zone diet gives patients a hand Eyeball Method in determining the amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins they are going to eat (Zone diet info n. y. ). Measure the amount of protein to be consumed at each meal as equal to the size and thickness of the dieter’s palm.Measure favorable carbohydrates portion size as equal to two loosely clenched fists. Allow only one loose clenched fist for low favorable carbohydrates. Measure fats as equal to the size of the tip of your thumb. Dietary Fiber Diets high in dietary fiber are beneficial to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. Dietary fiber refers to plant foods which the body can’t digest or absorb. Consumption of fibers leads to improved glycaemic control and increased insulin sensitivity. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel like material and helps lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels.Dietary fibers has the effect of filling you up, slowing down eating, and satisfying the appetite by sending satiety signals to the brain. Conclusion Diabetes mellitus epidemic cornerstone of treatment is plainly diet and exercise. Zone diet best meet the complexities of diabetes balanced sugar requirements by promot ing complex carbohydrates that are high in soluble fiber, a portion of protein and a portion of fats. This insulin control diet returns the body to normal endocrine control by using both insulin and glucagons produced by the body more effectively.Furthermore the body begins to break down fat deposits and use that fat for energy. People are getting the disease and mostly are overweight because they are eating the wrong kinds of food combination and portion or wrong meal patterns. The Zone diet plan is the only plan that concerns itself with the ingenious works of the body’s insulin, proteins, and energy. The Zone diet provides easy ways to measure food intake by the hand Eyeball Method. A lot of diet plans failed because of the complexity of memorizing nutrients and their requirements in food labels.Although the Zone diet could be seen as very effective in treating diabetics, exercise still is a matter of priority. Diet combined with exercise reduces the loss of precious prote in and increases the burning of fat in the process. Other factors like reduction of stress, having adequate sleep contributes to development of insulin resistance. The change of lifestyle should be in addition to the pharmacological intervention of insulin or oral glucose lowering drugs. This is just a matter of understanding the illness, how the body works when one has the disease, and knowing the effects of food intakes with recommended portions.

The Battle Of Omaha Beach Essay - 1356 Words

On June 6th 1944, the U.S. and allied forces executed an amphibious assault named Operation Neptune, commonly known as D-Day, along the north-western coastline region of France. The operation covered in this paper will discuss a key battle during the Invasion of Normandy. The Invasion of Normandy was a successful operation focused towards German-occupied Western Europe during World War II. This paper will also cover a brief history and key points of The Battle of Omaha Beach. Critical reasoning and battle analysis will be expressed through what intelligence assets were applied, utilized and available during the time era. The analysis outcome will lead to an expressed alternative ending on The Battle of Omaha Beach. A detailed explanation of how intelligence assets could have been used to change the course of the battle will defend the explained alternative ending discussed. The main points of discussion will include Adolf Hitler’s decision to move most of his tank divisions an d infantry units 150 miles north to Calais, the significance of the highly effective group known as the French Resistance and a famous illusionist Jasper Maskelyne. The Battle of Omaha Beach was known as one of the deadliest battles to date within our history. Shortly after the United States entered World War II in 1941, U.S. and allied mission planning began two years prior to the battle of Omaha Beach and the Invasion of Normandy. The intent of the operation was to overthrow Nazi occupied GermanyShow MoreRelatedWorld War II : The Battle Of The Bulge And Omaha Beach2217 Words   |  9 Pagesinteresting to learn more about his involvement during such a tragic time in our world. He was in deployed to five places . Some major battles he was in were the Battle of the Bulge and Omaha Beach and I researched those because I did not know much about what happened. On December 27th 1921, Angelo Alessandro was born to Vincenzo and Carmella. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska where he would later grow up in his Sicilian family (B.C.). His parents were not very wealthy so they decided to wait to getRead MoreEssay about D-Day by Stephen E. Ambrose706 Words   |  3 PagesThe destroyers of the naval armada prepared for the Normandy landings played a pivotal role in the battles on the beaches. Furthermore, without the support of the destroyers, specifically on Omaha Beach, the infantry landings on D-Day would have failed and the Allies would have been defeated. D-Day by Stephen E. Ambrose follows the landings on the Calvados coast of Normandy from the pre-planning stages all the way up through the invasion and through about D-Day plus one - one day after the NormandyRead MoreThe Invasion of D-Day Essay1713 Words   |  7 Pagesused lessons learned from the unsuccessful Dieppe raid to assist identifying parameters for the landing site, such as: it needed to be within range of fighters from England, within reach of a major port, suitable for prolonged operations, and have beach defenses that could be suppressed with bombing and bombardment.6 The resulting answer was a section of Norwegian coast between Caen and Cherbourg. In July 1942 the first draft of Overlord plan was completed by COSSAC, and by August the Operation OverlordRead MoreBattle of Normandy Essay1563 Words   |  7 Pagesencounters of World War II was the Battle of Normandy (the first day of which is commonly referred to as D-Day). Nearly three million soldiers were deployed for the invasion. Those deployed consisted mainly of American and British soldiers, however Canadian, French, Polish, Belgian, and Czech forces were represented as well (Jensen). The battle was fought in an effort to gain European ground and to reduce the German potential for overrunning Russia (Lucas). The Battle of Normandy was significant inRead MoreD Day During World War II1336 Words   |  6 PagesItaly and Japan. For a year starting in late June 1940, the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth were the only Allied forces continuing the fight against the European Axis powers, with campaigns in North Africa, as well as the long running Battle of the At lantic. In December 1941, Japan attacked the United States and European territories in the Pacific Ocean, and quickly conquered much of the Western Pacific. The United States was very quick to respond, and the answer was war The year wasRead MoreAnalysis of Saving Private Ryan and Longest Day Essay710 Words   |  3 PagesLongest Day On the beach in Northern France, an American Soldier searches frantically for his lost arm. Gunshots emerge from all angles of the screen. As this soldier helplessly goes from one place to another, there are more dead bodies piling up on Omaha Beach in Northern France. As this soldier collects his separated arm from the battlefield and walks off into the horizon, Tom Hanks enters a rather explosive battle. He leads his men into battle with nothing more than Read MoreEssay about Operation Overlord1263 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican Order of Battle The U.S. First Army forces chosen for Operation Overlord were as follows: Utah Beach (VII Corps) * 4th Infantry Division * 82nd Airborne Division * 101st Airborne Division Iles.-St.-Marcouf * 4th Cavalry Squadron * 24th Cavalry Squadron Pointe du Hoc * 2nd Ranger Battalion Omaha Beach (V Corps) * 1st Infantry Division * 29th Infantry Division * 2nd Ranger Battalion * 5th Ranger Batallion British/Canadian Order of Battle The BritishRead MoreSaving Private Ryan Essay983 Words   |  4 PagesThompsons because they were inaccurate. The Standard issue M-1 Garand was the most popular rifle carried during WWII. The M1 Garand was durable, accurate, and had a high firing capacity. General Paton exalted the M1 Garand as being, â€Å"The greatest battle implement ever devised.† (General Patton regarding the M1 Garand). The M1 Garand was easily the most popular gun in WWII evidenced in the movie where most of the soldiers carried M1 Garands. Other weapons shown include the (BAR) or Browning automaticRead MoreSaving Private Ryan: Accuracy Review Essay examples700 Words   |  3 PagesSaving Private Ryan is a 1998 film directed by Steven Spielberg dealing with the World War II Battle of Normandy. During its intense first twenty minutes, the film depicts the brutal, gruesome realities of what happened on June 6, 1944 on Omaha Beach. The historically accurate portrayal of the D-Day invasion by Allie d Forces is the background for the fictional plot of a rescue mission for a single soldier, Private Ryan. The story of Ryan, his family, and his rescue is not true but it is symbolicRead MoreThe Effects and Necessity of Secrecy and Element of Surprise in Operation Overlord3104 Words   |  13 Pageshappened in Europe at the Omaha beach where many survived the attacks form the allies. The allies were interested in attacking Europe through the entry from various entries into the country. It is believed that the D-Day and Omaha beach was the hardest fought and significant victory for the Allies in the World War II. According to Ambrose, there were five beaches and the Omaha beach was the one that received the most devastating effects of the battles. During the battle many people lost their lives