Corruption of Culture Essay Example for Free

Corruption of Culture Essay In Yukio Mishimas Swaddling Clothes we see a great deal of symbolism portraying the corruption of the Japanese culture. The times are changing and with that change, culture is adapting to it. Some of the Japanese feel threatened and that the changes that are being made are corrupting their moral values. The story is told through Toshiko, a lonely and seemingly oppressed wife and mother. She shows how this corruption is leading to decay. The story depicts the corruption of Japanese culture by western modernization. Japanese culture is becoming more westernized, unhomely with its Western-style furniture (366). The air of the room being unhomely because some Japanese thought that Western-style was corrupt. Toshikos husband is accepting these changes, sitting there in his American-style suit, puffing at a cigarette (366). The city they live in is changing as well, dotted with bars and then by a theatre (368). The park that Toshiko visits had also changed, The paper lanterns that hung from wires between the trees had been put out; in their place electric light bulbsthat shone dully beneath the blossoms (369). The word dully being used to show that western-style is dull and dreary. Violence is one of the concepts Toshiko relates to western culture. Toshiko believes western style is violent, his frail body was wrapped in bloodstained newspapers (367), showing the degradation of moral values in this westernized society. When Toshikos husband is sitting there talking with his friends he jokes about the incident and stating I rescued our good rug (367), this showing that his mind is corrupt with the western culture because he did not care about the well being of the nurse and the blood did not faze him. The baby is a symbol of the violence in the western culture as well. The way the baby was born was out of wedlock, Even if that baby should grow up in ignorance of the secret of his birth, he can never become a respectable citizen (368). Toshiko worries that the baby who has been sinned against (368) may come in contact with her son one day and, savagely stab him with a knife (368). All because the baby was born out  of wedlock, due to Western modernization, Toshiko thinks of him as violent and evil. Western culture is not only se en as violent but as polluted as well. Western-style is also polluting their society. While walking in the park Toshiko notices that the people would automatically kick aside the empty bottles or crush the waste paper beneath their feet (369). Waste pollution not only being the kind of pollution polluting their society but moral pollution as well. Toshiko sees a homeless man and wonders was it one of those miserable drunks often to be seen sleeping in public places? (369). The homeless man in the park is a symbol of the baby that will grow up to be in crime and poverty, though what is most significant is the way that he is dressed, his khaki trousers had been slightly pulled up (370), this showing that he is westernized just like Toshikos husband. Toshiko is saddened by this westernized lifestyle. This story shows through many elements the degradation of moral values in the modern westernized changes that are taking place. Through the moral changes, the violence of the western culture, and the pollution we have seen that Toshiko believes that her society is corrupt. There are many symbols showing these changes; through the baby, Toshikos husband, and through the homeless. She continually contemplates the loss of their moral values and is saddened. Ultimately this story is trying to depict the corruption of Japanese culture by western modernization.

Overcoming Barriers To Effective Communication Essay -- Communication

Overcoming Barriers to Effective Communications Everyone has experienced, at one time or another the frustration of feeling misunderstood and being unable to make ourselves understood by another person. Anything which, blocks the meaning of a communication, is a barrier to communication. Effective communication is like a house built one block at a time. First to build a house trust must be built; trust is not a group process it is created in one to one connections with each individual. Second, be bold and open, better communications are clear, direct, respect, reflective and frequent. And finally, strive to continually overcome the barriers to effective communication, challenge others to grow and educate your self. There are many barriers to effective communication, we will examine four of the main ones, stereotyping, language, showing approval or disapproval, and becoming defensive. One of the greatest barriers to communication is stereotyping. A stereotype is defined as "A conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image"(www.dictonary.com). When an individual has a preconception about another individual, it makes it difficult for the individual not to view the other individual's communication with prejudice. Within stereotyping there are many facets in which one hold's bias views to another individuals message. Of these there are stereotypes for race, religion, and gender. To better understand how stereotyping can hinder effective communication each area needs to be scrutinized in greater detail. To this day, some people are still judging others by the color of their skin. Racial stereotyping is an extremely detrimental facet of stereotyping. It can very well pave the road to out right racism. R... ...uickly bringing any major conflicts into the open and resolves them as a team; build common ground. Since there has been many different examples expressed of barriers related to everyday communication, whether at home, or at work, you now have the tools to overcome these barriers. Just remember to be patient, listen and make yourself more effective at communicating. What it is you want to say? Build a house strong and others will follow. References htÂ…/fulltext.assp?resultSetId=R00000000&hitNum=5&booleanTerm=effective%20 communication&fuzzy/Term 10/12/2000 htÂ…/fulltext.assp?resultSetId=R00000000&hitNum=6&booleanTerm=effective%20 communication&fuzzy/Term 10/12/2000 http://www.mediate.com/articles/foster.cfm?plain=t 10/12/2000 http://www.health.ufl.edu/nursing/fall99/nur3065c/hx/tsld014.htm 10/12/2000 www.dictonary.com

How to Succeed in College Essay

For most, the collegiate experience represents a major cornerstone in life. Attending college can provide identity, give direction and fortify the foundation of its students. Success in college means always demonstrating responsible decision making. Attendance policies and rules of participation may not appear to be significant, but they can move a student to the right or to the left in the grading scale. It is also crucial to adhere to rigid standards that command accountability. Some Professors are adamant about participation and class involvement. Academia mandates setting goals and becoming objective. You will discover that these habits, when applied, enhance the window of opportunity for success to enter. Confidence is an essential part of being a successful college student. Likewise, a student that lacks this sort of discipline, readiness and mental strength will most likely be lackadaisical and less likely to thrive in college. The first key to succeeding in college is attenda nce. Being present and on time ensures that pertinent knowledge is ascertained. Most of all, showing up on time for every class allows the individual to develop positive attendance habits that are just as important in the job market. These habits reflect a sense of dependability to professors and employers alike. A student simply cannot gain information from a lecture if they are not present. Nonetheless, being present is only half of the equation. The next step is class participation. Professors want to see that their students can apply what is being taught to them. This element may stimulate debate, or even trigger thorough research on something in particular. At the college level, participation and attentiveness really exercise the mind. Consequently, when students work in groups, are involved in research and share opinions they are able to hone their communication skills. Subsequently, it is critical for any college student to set goals and concise objectives for accomplishing them. Individuals with something to work toward are most likely to thrive in any c ollege or university. Goals provide the determination to fuel students through adversity; school related or not. Objectives should be well-defined. They are actually small steps indicative of levels of accomplishment and success. For college students, enormous goals are not far-fetched, nor do they seem impossible to reach when clear  objectives exist. Students who regularly set goals and objectives possess more ambition and drive than those who do not. Goal-oriented people have a more resilient work ethic due to the fact that they can see the progression of their hard work when they arrive at specific objectives. This hard work creates a sense of gratitude and individual accomplishment. Ultimately, college students must be prepared mentally and harbor a positive attitude. Self-confidence must be present if anyone is to endure the investment and sacrifice that pave the way to becoming a college graduate. A confident student is one that can evade social distractions and work through personal adversity to get to the finish line. Successful college students and college graduates are mentally poised. This frame of mind beckons the hard-working college student to accept challenges, explore new modes of learning and to appreciate their individuality. A confident mind is a mind for success. The rigors of college can, at times, seem overwhelming. With so much information to process, students are bound to enter their respective careers with a solid grasp on what they are doing. Success in college is contingent almost completely on attitude and fortitude. The college freshman will discover that the road ahead is bumpy, demanding and can be painstaking. The graduating senior will be indebted forever for the journey. The investment is precious; the success affiliated with reaching the destination is boundless.

The 21st Century - 874 Words

The 21st has begun and with it will come many changes in today’s modern society. Changes occur daily; taken into view these changes become extremely noticeable. This century is going to change not just the way that we think, but also what we actually think with - our own individual minds. This paper will express personal beliefs on what will occur in the 21st century, such as, technology, medical sector, and living environments. Technology plays an important role in the 21st century. Modern advancements have made human lives much easier. The hypothesis is that technology is one of the most important creations in the history of humanity. Computers and machine operators have allowed for the streamlining of both menial tasks, and exceedingly†¦show more content†¦These diseases include potentially: cancer, cystic fibrosis, Gautier’s Disease, hemophilia, rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, hypercholesterolemia, and many other diseases. 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