Plains Indians Essays - Plains Tribes, Great Sioux War,

Plains Indians For many tribes of Plains Indians whose bison-hunting culture flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, the sun dance was the major communal religious ceremony . . . the rite celebrates renewal - the spiritual rebirth of participants and their relatives as well as the regeneration of the living earth with all its components . . . The ritual, involving sacrifice and supplication to insure harmony between all living beings, continues to be practiced by many contemporary native Americans. -Elizabeth Atwood LawrenceAs the most important ritual of the nomadic Plains Indians, the Sun Dance in itself presents many ideas, beliefs, and values of these cultures. Through its rich symbolism and complicated rituals we are able to catch a glimpse into these peoples' view of the world. A Sun Dance is held when a man feels the need to be a dancer to fulfill certain wishes, primarily "for his deliverance from his troubles, for supernatural aid, and for beneficent blessings upon all of his people ." (Welker) It is this dancer who usually bears the expenses of the Sun Dance (Atwood), including a feast for all that comes to the celebration. (Welker) Motivations behind the Sun Dance varies slightly between tribes. The Crow held the ceremony to seek aid for revenge for family members killed in warfare. The entire event surrounding the Sun Dance generally lasts from four to seven days, though longer events exist. On the first day a tree is selected to serve as the sun-pole, the center pole for the Sun Dance Lodge, or New-Life-Lodge, as called by the Cheyenne. (Atwood) The selection of the tree is usually done by the eldest woman of the camp, who leads a group of elaborately dressed maidens to the tree to strip off its branches. On the next morning, right as the sun is seen over the eastern horizon, armed warriors charge the sun-pole. They attack the tree in effort to symbolically kill it with gunshots and arrows. Once it is dead it is cut down and taken to where the Sun Dance Lod ge will be erected. (Schwatka) "Before raising the sun-pole, a fresh buffalo head with a broad centre strip of the back of the hide and tail (is) fastened with strong throngs to the top crotch of the sun-pole. Then the pole (is) raised and set firmly in the ground, with the buffalo head facing ! toward the setting-sun." (Welker) The tree represents the center of the world, connecting the heavens to the earth. (Smart p. 527) The lodge is then built by the main dancer and his clansmen. The fork of the lodge represents the eagle's nest. The eagle plays a large part in the Sun Dance for it is one of the Plains Indians' most sacred animal. The eagle flies high, being the closest creature to the Sun. Therefore it is the link between man and spirit, being the messenger that delivers prayers to the Wakan-Tanka (god). (Atwood) In addition to being a messenger, the eagle also represents many human traits. We can see what values and traits these cultures saw as being important in a person by t hose traits imposed upon such a sacred animal. The eagle is seen as courageous, swift, and strong. He has great foresight and knows everything. "In an eagle there is all the wisdom of the world." (Atwood) During the Sun Dance the eagle is the facilitator of communication between man and spirit. The Crow may be accompanied by a dancing eagle in his visions, the eagle "instructing him about the medicine acquired through the vision." (Atwood) The eagle's feathers can cure illnesses. During the Sun Dance a medicine man may use his eagle feather for healing, first touching the feather to the sun-pole then to the patient, transferring the energy from the pole to the ill. It is the buffalo, however, that makes up the main theme of the Sun Dance. In various stories it was the buffalo that began the ritual. The Shoshone believe that the buffalo taught someone the proper way to carry out the dance and the benefits in doing it. Buffalo songs, dances, and feast commonly accompany the Sun Dance. You can see from the symbolic influences

Free Essays on Overcoming The Odds

Overcoming the Odds Women are viewed different than men are with regards to their gender roles. Women’s gender roles in a general sense are the homemaker, mother, wife, and sex object. In movies women are often put into roles that are exceptable to women’s rights groups as well as unexceptable. In the movie G.I Jane the main character Jordan who is a woman is selected to participate in a test that would allow a woman to take part in the Navy Seals training program. Until now it was unheard of to see a woman try to pass this rigorous training. Jordan deals with double standard rules at the start, eventually speaking with the captain so she is treated as equally as the rest of the men. She prevails at the end and proves that a woman can complete the training just like a man could. In this movie women are portrayed as not being capable of completing such a rigorous task that is designed for men. Women’s rights groups would be supportive of this movie due to Jordan’s drive to co mplete a male’s task that nobody thought she could do. In the movie G.I Jane there are a few relationships that play a big role in defining Jordan’s character. Her relationship with her boyfriend Royce plays the first part of discrimination against women going into Navy Seal training. Although he looks at the situation from a loving relationship standpoint he feels that she will not be able to complete the training. Royce looks at Jordan just like all the other men when she arrived at the Navy base. Jordan also known as Lieutenant O ‘ Neal arrives at the Navy base greeted by vulgar males in the cafeteria making comments and whistling at her. The male trainees treated her like she does not belong there and they think she is a joke. Jordan sticks up for herself and wants to prove that women can finish this training program as well as men can. They look at her because she is woman and therefore, â€Å"Our art, not our lives, to often presents us as a... Free Essays on Overcoming The Odds Free Essays on Overcoming The Odds Overcoming the Odds Women are viewed different than men are with regards to their gender roles. Women’s gender roles in a general sense are the homemaker, mother, wife, and sex object. In movies women are often put into roles that are exceptable to women’s rights groups as well as unexceptable. In the movie G.I Jane the main character Jordan who is a woman is selected to participate in a test that would allow a woman to take part in the Navy Seals training program. Until now it was unheard of to see a woman try to pass this rigorous training. Jordan deals with double standard rules at the start, eventually speaking with the captain so she is treated as equally as the rest of the men. She prevails at the end and proves that a woman can complete the training just like a man could. In this movie women are portrayed as not being capable of completing such a rigorous task that is designed for men. Women’s rights groups would be supportive of this movie due to Jordan’s drive to co mplete a male’s task that nobody thought she could do. In the movie G.I Jane there are a few relationships that play a big role in defining Jordan’s character. Her relationship with her boyfriend Royce plays the first part of discrimination against women going into Navy Seal training. Although he looks at the situation from a loving relationship standpoint he feels that she will not be able to complete the training. Royce looks at Jordan just like all the other men when she arrived at the Navy base. Jordan also known as Lieutenant O ‘ Neal arrives at the Navy base greeted by vulgar males in the cafeteria making comments and whistling at her. The male trainees treated her like she does not belong there and they think she is a joke. Jordan sticks up for herself and wants to prove that women can finish this training program as well as men can. They look at her because she is woman and therefore, â€Å"Our art, not our lives, to often presents us as a...

Discussion for online Business Ethics class - Week 3 Essay

Discussion for online Business Ethics class - Week 3 - Essay Example e equal on social and economic grounds, even then there will remain a perceptual dissatisfaction due to human’s nature to look beyond what he is today and thus strive for more, than what others have. Thus social democratic societies cannot achieve happiness. However, Kelly believes that happiness comes from exercising freedom. He calls the corporation of today as the government of the propertied class, a concept similar to plutocracy and timocracy where privileged class dictates the terms and thus few is the number of happy people. Therefore in order to bring happiness amongst the society, it is necessary to bring happiness amongst masses which can be brought by ending the rule of the elite, and the introducing the measures that shall also use the growth of other stakeholder’s such as employees to indicate the growth of the corporations. Kelly has distinguished a corporation from its stockholders. The role of corporation is not to maximize profits only but to also address the issues of the corporate stakeholders that also include employees, customers, suppliers, creditors etc. Thus instead of focusing on the shareholders only which it does by perceiving each and everything from his eye only, it shall also focus on the well being of its other stakeholders too by increasing wages and funding healthy environment for instance. While Novak’s perception is optimistic about corporations, Kelly views it pessimistically. Novak believes that corporations have been wrongly blamed to have ignored morality and promoted only that, which has been useful to them but he agrees that corporations do have the elements of aristocracy. On the other hand Kelly believes that the corporations have wrongly assumed the role of exercising the desires of the elite, it has to do more than maximizing the profits of its shareholders. Therefore, instead of competing on the wealth of the shareholders, the corporations need to compete on wider basis such as raising the standards of the

System Feedback Loops Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

System Feedback Loops - Essay Example The environment in which organizations operate is not only complex but driven by numerous factors that define the competitive strengths and strategic plans of the business. These factors include the market competition, their strategic approach, customer expectations, preferences, research and development capabilities, economic, political and social aspects driving market trends, and technology know-how that involve new product ideas, techniques, and innovation (Smith, 2001). One of the biggest challenges faced by any organization operating in such environmental conditions is the ability to adapt to the needs of the changing market environment and the capability to harness its resources in the desired direction to achieve defined goals. Competitive strengths and advantages are developed by organizations through a deeper understanding of market driving forces and constant efforts in the direction of enhanced performance and productivity. Human resources play a vital role in helping the organizations achieve the defined goals and targets. A key aspect driving the performance of human resources is employee learning and skills development (Uslar & Prof Norbert, 2007). The paper explores the different dimensions of a learning organization through a study of feedback loops and its application within Industrial Services of America Inc (ISA). The market shares of the company have gone up steadily with the company focusing on delivering high quality products at competitive prices. However, the competitive industry environment offers distinctive challenges in the form of constant focus on product quality and innovative products to retain its market shares. Firms are finding it difficult to maintain pace with the rapid changes taking place in technology and need to adopt innovative work practices to launch new and improved product designs (Nowotny, 2006). ISA’s focus in such a scenario

Arab and israeli conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Arab and israeli conflict - Essay Example Evidently, this changed leading to a series of conflicts that are still being experienced today. Podeh (27) reveals that after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, both the Arab and the Israeli aimed at occupying the empire; as a result, there was a political and nationalist conflict between Arab and Israeli over territorial competition. The conflict then spread to the local Israeli and the Palestinians. The conflict between Arab and Israeli was based on different aspects. There was religious aspect where by Muslim, Jewish and the Christian argued about the idea of the chosen people. Both sides claim to have full right to take the land of Canaan. The Israeli people claim that the land was for the children of Israel as promised by God according to the bible. The Arabs, on the other hand, claim the same land in accordance to their Quran. The Arabs argue that the land of Canaan was promised to all of Abrahams’ descendants including Ishmael. Arabs claim descent from Ishmael hence they had to fight for the land of Canaan. Despite a number of peace agreements between Arabs and Israeli, the conflict has moved from bad to worse. The two conflicting parties have involved into wars of which the Israeli defense force has won most of them. Throughout the conflict period, the Israeli government is positive at the conflict negotiations with their rivals Arabs. The conflict is one of a kind having lasted for almost six decades. Podeh (34) asserts that America has been in the front line to help in resolving the conflict between Arab and Israeli. The United States provides defense to the Israel against the common threats of the radical Islam and the terroristic activities. America has significantly promoted peace to the Arabs and Israelis by allowing the Israelis to take greater risks for peace. United State has also helped the government of Israeli to retain back many of its immigrants America being a superpower nation, it has

Statue of David: Donatello and Bernini Comparison

Statue of David: Donatello and Bernini Comparison The Biblical character of David has been the inspiration for many works of art throughout history. The young David, as Goliaths adversary, has been sculpted by such artists as Verrocchio, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini. Although all of these sculptures are comparable in some aspects, the ones by Donatello and Bernini present significant differences. Donatello was an Italian sculptor of the Early Renaissance whose work is seen as a link from classic to modern art. He trained in Florence with Lorenzo Ghiberti and began working on his own in 1408. Donatello is considered one of the founders of modern sculpture because of he created realistic human expressions and stressed action and character. He is eminent for his use of perspectives, including physical distortions for dramatic effect, and was a master craftsman with a talent for innovation. Probably the most famous example of fifteenth-century sculpture is the bronze David by Donatello. Dates for the work vary from the 1430s to the 1460s. It is recorded as the centerpiece of the first courtyard in the Palazzo Medici during the wedding festivities of Lorenzo de Medici and Clarice Orsini in 1469. Some have argued that it was commissioned by Cosimo de Medici in the 1430s to be the centerpiece of the courtyard of the older Medici house on the Via Larga. Another great creator of the sculpture of David was Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Bernini was a sculptor, painter and architect and a shaping influence as an outstanding advocate of the Italian Baroque. He was an exceptional portrait artist and owes to his father his accomplished techniques in the handling of marble and also an impressive list of patrons that included the Borghese and the Barbarini families. Bernini originally worked in the Late Mannerist tradition but rejected the contrived tendencies of this style. By 1624 he had adopted an expression that was passionate and full of emotional and psychological energy. His figures are caught in a transient moment from a single viewpoint, bursting into the spectators space. Bernini created a life-size marble statue of David that was part of a commission to decorate the villa of Berninis patron Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the Galleria Borghese where it still resides. It was completed in the course of seven months from 1623 to 1624. One major variation between the statues of David is that Donatellos is very early Renaissance, he is going towards more realistic features, whereas, Bernini is working in a more baroque style, combing action and attentiveness, for instance in Davids face, to achieve a vitality in the work that is not seen in Donatellos David. Berninis David was created during the Baroque Period, a time of great liveliness when artists were captivated by movement and the activities of the human body. This sculpture implies action and captures David as he is actually throwing the stone at Goliath. Davids muscles are tense and contracted. His face is a grimace of concentration, somewhat contorted by the physical effort of his movements. His loosely flowing robe also adds to the idea of movement. Berninis sculpture of David was an innovative sculpture for its time, it represents the beginning of a new sculptural artistic. Another major distinction between Donatellos and Berninis sculpture is Berninis captures David during the fight with Goliath while Donatellos portrays David after the fight. Berninis David depicts movement in a way not previously attempted in stone. The biblical youth is taut and poised to shoot his projectile. The twisted torso, furrowed forehead, and granite grimace of Berninis David epitomize Baroque fixation with dynamic movement and emotion over High Renaissance inaction and classical severity. The sculpture communicates to an unseen entity, in the form of Goliath, the object of Davids aggression, as well as to the observer, caught in the middle of the conflict. The warrior even literally oversteps the boundaries between life and art, putting his toes over the edge of the plinth. Bernini captures the moment when he becomes a hero. In the work of Donatello, the sculpture is portraying the scene after David has cut off the head of Goliath. His foot is raised on the severed head in a stance of contropposto. His sword is in the right hand with the stone in the left. Donatello has softened the static balance and firm stance of the traditional male figure. This softening is evident in the placement of the two hands as well as the way Davids free leg gently rests on the head of Goliath. An additional differentiation between the sculptures is that Donatellos David is nude whereas Berninis is semi-clothed. Donatello made history when he created this masterpiece, which became the first free-standing bronze sculpture that was completely unsupported and in nude form in the Renaissance period. The art work caused much controversy due to the depiction of the nude male body. There are a few symbolic elements to this David. The style of the figure refers to antiquity for the balance and composition of the nude. Energy in the sculpture animates the emotions and is a new technique used in this David, once again showing qualities from antiquity. This energy is not used in Berninis David. Another differences between the sculptures is Bernini depict David as more of a man, while Donatello shows him as a young boy. Berninis David was an action man, determined by his great skill and his likewise great ego to create a new visual ideal, full of action and incredible determination and self-belief. His hero is full-grown and fully engaged both physically and psychologically, as he takes aim and twists his tensed, muscular body a split second before slinging the stone, grasped in his left hand. Although Donatello was inspired by Classical figures, he did not choose a Greek youth in his prime as a model for his David. Instead, he chooses a barely developed adolescent boy whose arms appeared weak due to the lack of muscles. After defeating Goliath, whose head lies at Davids feet, he rests his sword by his side, almost too heavy to handle. It seems almost impossible that a young boy like David could have accomplished such a task. David himself seems skeptical of his deed as he g lances down towards his body. Apparently, Davids intellect, faith and courage made up for his lack of build. The sculptures of the heroic David are significantly efficacious, Donatello shows David in a moment of thought and triumph, whereas Bernini shows David right in physical preparation for hurling the stone at his opponent. Donatellos sculpture is iconic. It could be said that practically anyone in the world could recognize it, and when asked to name a sculpture would name it. Berninis is less known, but that doesnt make it the lesser sculpture. Both men were achievers in the field of marble sculpture, the likes of which the art form may never see again, and both works can be considered masterpieces in their own right.

Niccolo Machiavelli :: Papers

Niccolo Machiavelli Niccolo Machiavelli was born in Florence on 3 May 1469 during a time of great political activity in Italy. His first role in political affairs came at the young age of twenty-nine when the ruling regime of Savonrola fell from power in his native city. Though he had no previous administrative background, Machiavelli was appointed to serve as second chancellor of the Florentine Republic under the new government. His nomination to this powerful diplomatic post was in large part due to the powerful influence of the Italian humanists who stressed the need for an education in the "humane disciplines" of Latin, rhetoric, classical studies, ancient history and moral philosophy  ­ subjects in which Machiavelli excelled as a student. The position of second chancellor included important responsibilities for the foreign and diplomatic relations of the republic and gave Machiavelli the opportunity to travel and observe first-hand the successes and failures of leaders throughout Europe. It was from these experiences as a diplomat and ambassador that Machiavelli formed deep convictions about the methodology of effective leadership. Indeed, from his later writings it is evident that the foundation for much of his political philosophy rested upon the lessons he drew from the diplomatic and military events of his time. Machiavelli's first assignment was on a mission to the court of Louis XII of France to appease the French leader after a disaster in their alliance against Pisa. He quickly learned that Florence's sense of its own importance was clearly at odds with the realities of its military position and relative wealth. To anyone educated in the school of modern kingship, his native government appeared vacillating and weak. Machiavelli took this embarrassment to heart and later wrote powerfully about the political necessity of military strength, the dangers of procrastination, the folly of appearing irresolute, and the need for boldness, ferocity, and tangible power. A few years later, in October of 1502, Machiavelli was sent to meet with Cesare Borgia, the duke of Romagna and an audacious and threatening military power who later demanded a formal alliance with the Florentines. It was during this time of great political turmoil and upheaval in Italy that Machiavelli drew meaningful lessons from his observation and assessment of contemporary statecraft.