The Challenge Against Slavery - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1680 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2019/05/26 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: Frederick Douglass Essay Slavery Essay Did you like this example? In the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass, a former slave, expressed his hate towards slavery by the use of vivid imagery and horrific stories of his time as a slave. Douglass made it his goal to shut down all false assumptions that one may have about the life of a slave and gives us an insight into what these individuals had to go through because of the white man. Furthermore, Douglass states his opinion on things such as religion within the states, the assumption of blacks being happy because of the songs theyd sing, and the overall wellbeing of the slaves living conditions. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Challenge Against Slavery" essay for you Create order His statement on these topics help such down the false assumptions that individuals. An example of these false assumptions can be seen in George Fitzhughs The Blessing of Slavery, as Fitzhugh and many others believe that the slaves in the south are the happiest (Fitzhugh) and their rights of holding slaves is justified (Douglass, p.86) through their religious beliefs. They also believe that slaves have become moral (Fitzhugh) and intelligent (Fitzhugh) while in captivity and are protected by whites as if they were to be a laborer in any other part of the world their living conditions would be worse. Below will be the reasoning as to why these assumptions are false, and how Douglass will go to disprove such ideals by many of the whites during this time. To say that the life of a slave was enjoyable and easy is far from the truth. Douglassrs early experiences as a slave during his childhood help support such a statement. When people hear allowance (Douglass, p.26), they often associate the word with an award of some sort for an individualrs hard work. Slaves were given an allowance and because of this many of the whites believed that the slaves were well taken care of and rewarded for the work they may have done. Frederick Douglassrs explanation of the allowance shows these slaves were given the bare minimum if not less. For example, Douglass states that children would receive clothing yearly. Since they were unable to work (Douglass, p.26) they were only given two linen shirts (Douglass, p.26), and when the shirts worn out the children were left to fend for themselves until the next allowance period. The lack of clothes forced these children to often run around naked despite weather conditions or time of the year. Such suffering and lack of assistant from the slave holders help depict such their sadistic ways and have had an early impact on Douglassrs opinion towards them early on. Douglass can also be seen challenging the idea that slaves were happy because they would often sing. Those of such judgement assumed that the slaves were singing because they were content with what they were doing, but Douglass states that every tone was a testimony against slavery (Douglass, p.30). This statement alone goes to show that these slaves did sing, but the meaning behind what may seem to be a joyous is far from it. Douglass stated that slaves sing most when they are unhappy (Douglass, p.30). These tones would often depress the spirit (Douglass, p.30) of slaves as Douglass explains, and it is described that the songs would go to depict the dehumanizing character of slavery (Douglass, p.30), a character that would go on to haunt him forever and deepen his hatred towards slavery (Douglass, p.30). In addition to the statements above, slave owners would often think high of themselves due to the flawed assumptions of slaves and their contentment with the position they were in. Slave owners believed that their slaves were happy with their master because they would often say so when as by other whites. Although they would often say yes, the reasoning behind this surprising answer is because a wrong answer may lead to cruel punishment and sometimes even death as explained by Douglass. Douglassrs gives an example of an unfortunate slave who once gave the wrong answer and received harsh punishment because of it. The example also depicts the connection that the owners lacked with their slaves, as many of them have never seen them (Douglass, p.34), but only know them by name. This was often seen on larger plantations, but the punishments were just as severe if it were to be on a smaller one. Fredericks discontentment regarding the wellbeing of slaves is expressed through many of the gruesome punishments that he would witness from slave owners and overseerrs such as Mr. Gore, a more who lived up to his name and often took pride of his barbaric treatment of the slaves. Douglass noted that Austin Gore often found a dark pleasure in punishing the slaves and would sometimes do it for little to no reason at all, as it was easy to justify his actions when asked for reasoning by Colonel Lloyd. A horrific example is stated by Douglass when a slave who went by the name of Demby. After being punished and severely whipped, Demby ran to the middle of a lake (Douglass, p.39) and stood their refusing to come out (Douglass, p.39) despite Mr. Gores command. Frustrated and lacking patience, Mr. Gore went to go grab a musket, and aimed it directly at Dembyrs head, blowing h is brains out (Douglass, p.39) without any hesitation. When asked by Colonel Lloyd why such action was taken, Mr. Gore simply stated that Demby was unmanageable (Douglass, p.39) and set a bad example to all slaves (Douglass, p.39). Colonel Lloyd approved of Mr. Gores actions and Mr. Gore was never punished nor testified for the murder of the slave. This was not the only case where the savagery of a slave holder was displayed. Two slaves were killed with a hatched, having their brains knocked out (Douglass, p.40) by Mr. Lanman of St. Michaels, who would go on to boast (Douglass, p.40) about their deaths. Such a scene would make any one sick to the stomach, as it did Douglassrs. How can anyone support those who kill his own kind without any mercy? Douglass did not. Religion within the white community as compared to Douglassrs religious belief are beyond different. Slave owners often turned towards religion to justify their actions. In other words, this was the only thing making them no feel as guilty when carrying out harsh punishments and taking the lives of many slaves. He even goes onto to stating that religion in the south is a mere covering for the most horrid crimes (Douglass, p.86), support such ideals shown above, and deems it the greatest protection (Douglass, p.86) according to the slave holders. Douglass goes on to question god and his righteousness (Douglass, p.75), as can be seen when Douglass states Is there any God? Why am I a slave? (Douglass, p.75), depicting a loss of faith because of the cruel experience and livelihood that god has given in, and the power that has been left in the hand of inhumane individuals such as slave holders. Overall slave holders who were religious were the ones who were often seen as meaner (Douglass, p.87) and the most cruel (Douglass, p.87) as compared to others and they would often feel at ease after a dirty days worth of work through the power of their divine Christ. Douglass revolts against such standards and made it his goal to not fall under the religious beliefs of those who have control of him. Finally, the assumption that slaves were moral (Fitzhugh) and intelligent (Fitzhugh) under captivity is not true at all. Douglass goes to disprove such a statement by telling his personal experiences when it came to learn and developing connections with others. Slaves holders would try their best to hinder the development of a childrs affection (Douglass, p.20). How can one be moral if they are not able to show affection or feel connected to those around them? This played a major role in Douglassrs life as he never felt connected to those related to him and lacked emotion. He stated that once his mother died, he had the same emotions as if she were just another stranger (Douglass, p.21). Furthermore, this idea of slaves being intelligent (Fitzhugh) when kept under the power of slave owners is almost nonexistent. Douglass was prohibited from learning and the whites thought that once a slave would learn how to read, write, etc. there would be no stopping him. Douglass experienced such neglect when he went to Mr. and Mrs. Auldrs. Mrs.Auld would begin to teach Frederick Douglass the alphabet, but once her husband found out he would but this teaching to an end, and state that A nigger should know nothing but to obey his master (Douglass, p.48). Such an ideal help depict the true ignorance that the slaveowners would hold towards slaves and their opportunity to grow as individuals. Little did he know that a statement such as that only made Douglass want to learn even more, and he would go to great measures in order to do so. Douglass believed that all slaves should learn how to read, as it would impower them. Overall, Douglasss hate towards slavery is made obvious throughout his narrative. How can one who is consistently tormented and put down by such ignorance love the life they have been given, nor the rules that come with it? Douglass did not. Douglass was an abolitionist. An individual who has lived through and experienced the true horrors of slavery. An individual whors mission it was to overcome such gruesome control. It was his mission not only to become a freeman himself, but for his brothers and sisters to be given the same opportunities that he once had. He took great sacrifices to fight against the power of the white man. Whether it was fighting back physically or verbally, Frederick Douglass would not let slavery hold him back from reaching what he desired most, liberty, freedom, and the overall wellbeing of blacks. Works Cited Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. 1945th ed., Millennium Publications, 2014. Fitzhugh, George. The Blessings of Slavery, 1857

Abortion Essay - 1158 Words

Abortions Abortions should be illegal if you are going to go out and have unprotected sex, then you should be willing to take responsibility for your actions. The unborn child that is conceived has done no wrong and shouldnt have to suffer because of the mothers actions. Women shouldnt have a quot;rightquot; to kill their preborn child. The word quot;choicequot; shouldnt be used in regard to abortions, since killing a preborn child offers the child no choice at all. If you think about it nearly 30 million preborn children have been slaughter in their mothers wombs. Millions of women have been traumatized both mentally and physically by their decision to exercise their so called quot;rightquot; to an abortion. The number of†¦show more content†¦These centers offer everything to carry the baby to term: cloths, furniture, parenting classes, and a very important thing, love. If these centers are out there then why would anyone want to abort a preborn child. When an abortion is performed at a non hospital the average cost was $296 as of 1993(Jacobs, Landes, amp; Siegel, 1996) . The farther along you get in the pregnancy the more expensive the abortion cost. When an abortion is performed in a hospital the average cost was $1,757 as of 1993(Jacobs, Landes, amp; Siegel, 1996). Paying for the abortion could get expensive and be a burden. Some private insurers will cover abortion expenses. Most middle class women can usually afford an abortion, but is often a burden for poorer women. For women whose lives were endangered by rape or incest 99 percent of the abortions are government funded. Abortions should be performed in the first trimester by vacuum aspiration (suction). The physician widens the cervix and inserts a tube into the uterus. The tube is connected to a suction machine that empties the contents of the uterus, this procedure takes about five minutes. In the second trimester, a similar procedure called dilation and evacuation (Damp;E) is the most common method. The reason a different procedure is because the fetus is larger and the cervix must dilate. The process of dilation can take several hours or even overnight. Once the cervix is dilated, a suction machine is used toShow MoreRelatedAbortion : Abortion And Abortion998 Words   |  4 PagesAbortion Abortion is defined in several ways all of which stop a pregnancy. There are different ways of abortion, which are spontaneous abortion, surgical abortion, and medical abortion. Abortion has been arguable topic for decades. One can neither believe abortion to be good nor bad. The idea of individuality and human life is not quite the same. 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Macbeth A Major Influence On The Topic Of Marxism

The play of Macbeth aspects plays a major influence on the topic of Marxism. Marxism acknowledges the numerous amount of power or authority oneself has. To point out the relation marxism has on the people within the play we all would first start by stating who had the most authority, and how it was use. Having the power to be in one’s hand changes the way one another act towards each other. To fully introduce marxism amongst the people in the story you would say the power is different amongst the main characters who are antagonized. The relations of power differ between Duncan, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, and the Witches. In spite of the fact that Duncan was given numerous amount of power, he didn’t take advantage of the power as Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, and the Witches did. Macbeth who was known to be a great fighter, as the king of Scotland who was being brainwashed by the witches. He was first spotted out to be one of many people who was admired and did so many things that made people believe he was worth becoming a king. Macbeth started to resemble the second side of greediness for power from getting all the recognition and comments that he started to take it to precaution. The witches even acknowledge that he was getting a little to greedy for wanting power which easily let them brainwash him into wanting to go after power by any means necessary. Macbeth had a great close friend by the name of Duncan. Duncan who is the king has two sons Donalbain and Malcolm. Duncan had much

Child Abuse and Poverty - 784 Words

Throughout the course of history, millions of children have been victims of physical abuse; it has been shown that the effects of this abuse can profoundly influence ones mental and physical health in the span of his or hers life. Although child abuse has soon become a more discussed issue, it is nothing new in today’s society. Dating back to ancient times, physical child abuse has always attributed to lives of people around the world. Approaching and understanding child mistreatment has changed as societies have modernized and progressed; whereas one thing remains an unalterable issue, child abuse happens constantly and continuously worldwide. Looking back on remote times, child abuse was a very prominent and under looked element of†¦show more content†¦Although there are no acceptable answers, ideas and reasons have been brought up over time to justify ones act of physical child abuse. Many justifications are results of instability in a parental figures livelihood. 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Computer-Assisted Language Learning in Current Esl Class Rooms Free Essays

string(98) " affect their learning attitude, and build their self-instruction strategies and self-confidence\." Amidst the phenomenal developments in the context of science and technology, education for the 21st century needs a lot of rethinking on modernization and creation of hi-tech educational tools. An important feature of education has been its use of physical and intellectual tools.Computers, no doubt, represent a truly generic tool. We will write a custom essay sample on Computer-Assisted Language Learning in Current Esl Class Rooms or any similar topic only for you Order Now This article throws light on the advantages and disadvantages of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in current ESL classrooms. Research findings indicate that the use of computer has positive effects on the achievement levels of second language learners such as learners’ autonomy, individualized phase of learning, interactive ability of computer, and learners’ involvement.However, it still has its limitations and weaknesses, such as financial, isolated, and knowledge required issues. The paper emphasizes that language educators must recognize both the benefits and limitations of using computers so that they can try their best to overcome the barriers and get the maximum effectiveness of technology to enhance second language learning. Key words : CALL – Computer assisted language learning. ESL- English as a second language , ELT- English language teaching IntroductionLike industry, commerce and public administration education has also accepted an inevitab le concomitant, since teaching has come a long way from its dependence on chalk and black board, passing through the ages of using overhead projectors, tape recorders and video cassette players to the use of computers, Though the computer looks like an idiot box it is actually an intelligent box. , when properly programmed to suit the purpose of teaching. With the great development of computers and Internet, more and more second language teachers and learners are using computers for foreign language teaching and learning today. Wang Han,2008). Educators recognize that utilizing computer technology and its attached language learning programs can be convenient to create both independent and collaborative learning environments and provide students with language experiences as they move through the various stages of second language acquisition (Kung, 2002). Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is a form of computer-based learning which carries two important features: bidirectional learning and individualized learning. It is not a method. CALL materials are tools for learning.The focus of CALL is learning, and not teaching . CALL materials are used in teaching to facilitate the language learning process. It is a form of student-centered learning materials, which promote self-paced accelerated learning. CALL is not a software application, but rather courseware that is designed specifically for language learning for a specific group of learners. 1. Advantages of CALL Programmes The computers have proved to be very effective and result-oriented in the areas of language teaching, especially in the case of ELT.It is not envisaged to make language teaching completely machine-oriented but, it is emphasized that computer-assisted language learning is a computer application to be exploited for the for the benefit of language learning 1. 1. Learner Autonomy and Individualized Learning Process Traditionally, learners must go to a class themselves at a fixed time and in a fixed classroom. If the place has a network of computer laboratories, learners can use the same materials wherever they are. They can even study at home if their personal computers have a link to their school’s system or network.In addition, the teachers and students can not only get materials and information from the websites of their own country, but also from those of foreign countries. Computer and its attached language learning programs could provide second language learners more independence from classrooms and allowing learners the option to work on their learning material at any time of the day. The computer has an edge over other educational aids. A user has necessarily to interact if a programme is to proceed from one stage to another, the computer does not let him to be a passive viewer but an active participant. A viewer’s involvement is the key component which converts input into intake. While the conventional teaching aids are involved in one-way teaching, obliging the learner to play a passive role, the computer with its interactive ability can elicit responses from learners and respond to him immediately The computer’s potential for interactive ability has certain advantages over a classroom-teaching situation. In a classroom-situation the teacher’s continuous talks and dominating personality lead to a passive response or mere absorption of information.In a one-to-one interaction with the computer, learning becomes less inhibiting and more individualised. The computer can be programmed to interact with the gifted students or slow learners at one’s own space and capability. Teaching is essentially a human activity involving mental and intellectual faculties. The human factor scores over the machine, as the teacher is sympathetic and emotional. The machine, in turn, scores over the human beings since it is unemotional and unsympathetic therefore, objective, impartial, accurate and untiring.One big difference between computers and teachers is that computers will never get tired and can repeat the same thing again and again without complaining. . (Wang Han,2008) 1. 2. Self Evaluation CALL promotes not only self–learning but also self evaluation. By getting immediate feedback a learner can assess his own performance. The tools that learners find in computers allow them to assume mastery of their own learning experience. Students can call up the programs held by computers  whenever they want; besides, computers are sensitive to the learners level of proficiency.Elimination of errors from the process of learning is the finest feature of CALL. Here, the learning is self-instructional, self-controlled and instruction-oriented. One of the teaching strategies for which the computer is more reliable is drill and practice method, which is associated with the rote-memory learning. One of the advantages of  CALL  is that, it  offers a powerful self-access facility (Phillips (1986) 1. 3. Motivated and Enjoyable Learning Currently, computer technology can provide a lot of fun games and communicative activities, reduce the learning stresses and anxieties, and provide repeated lessons as often as necessary.This will promote second language learners’ learning motivation. Through various communicative and interactive activities, computer technology can help second language learners strengthen their linguistic skills, affect their learning attitude, and build their self-instruction strategies and self-confidence. You read "Computer-Assisted Language Learning in Current Esl Class Rooms" in category "Language" According to Robertson et al. (1987), the participants who joined computer-assisted language learning programs also had significantly higher self-esteem ratings than regular students. 1. . Data base for Students’ Learning Process The computer has also an ability to maintain a record of students’ progress, thus becoming a potential assessor of learning. Today, with the high development of computer technology, computers can capture, analyze, and present data on second language students’ performances during the learning process. As we know, observing and checking students’ learning progress are very important activities to help students achieve their second language acquisition.When teachers attempt to assess students’ learning progress, they can get the essential information from a well-designed computer language learning programs and then offer feedback tailored to students’ learning needs (Taylor Gitsaki, 2003). 1. 5. Student- Centeredness The philosophy of CALL puts a strong emphasis on student-centered lessons that allow the learners to learn on their own using structured and/or unstructured interactive lessons. CALL can be used to reinforce what has been learned in the classrooms. It can also be used as remedial to help learners with limited language proficiency.Lee (2000) stated that the reasons why we should apply computer technology in second language instruction, include computer and its attached language learning programs can (a) prove practices for students through the experiential learning, (b) offer students more the learning motivation, (c) enhance student achievement, (d) increase authentic materials for study, (e) encourage greater interaction between teachers and students and students and peers, and (f) emphasize the individual needs. (Taylor (1980) also expressed that computer assisted language learning programs can be wonderful stimuli for second language learning. . 6. Internet – a Treasure for Learning Sources In addition, Students can get various authentic materials for reading and listening either at school or from home by connecting to the Internet. And, those materials can be accessed 24 hours a day. In a word, computer technology also provides the interdisciplinary and multicultural learning opportunities for students to carry out their independent studies. For learning interaction, Warchauer (2004) indicated that the random access to Web pages would break the linear flow of instruction.By sending E-mail and joining social networking sites, second language learners can also communicate with people they never met before and interact with their own teachers or classmates. Shy or inhibited learners can be greatly benefited through the individualized technology-learning environment, and studious learners can also proceed at their own pace to achieve higher levels. 2. Disadvantages of CALL Programs 2. 1 Financial Constraint First, although there are many advantages of computer, the application of current computer technology still has its limitations and disadvantages.Gips, DiMattia, Gips (2004) indicated that the first disadvantage of computer assisted language learning programs is that they will increase educational costs and harm the equity of education. It is obvious that  availability of computers and space for the computer laboratory are important that teachers need for CALL to be successful. When computers become a basic requirement for students to purchase, low budget schools and low-income students usually cannot afford a computer. It will cause unfair educational conditions for those poor schools and students.On the other hand, expensive hardware and software also becomes the big obligations for schools and parents. 2. 2. Internet Access The most important thing is to count on a reliable internet provider since some of the CALL programs are internet-related. The use of outdated equipment may result in unacceptable download times and thus failure of the experience. The fastest modems should be used and, if possible, the best computers to work on the web as they possess the large amounts of memory required  for operating the new generation of plug-in multimedia applications. . 3. Lack of Basic knowledge on Technology It is necessary that both teachers and learners should have basic technology knowledge before they apply computer technology to assist second language teaching and learning. They should be familiar with basic internet technology in order to anticipate potential problems. The teachers should have adequate knowledge about newer sites which are for specially designed for English language testing. The teachers should keep themselves abreast of high-tech advances since technology and computerisation are mushrooming.Adequate training programmes should be organised for on the latest developments of CALL. Furthermore, they should be ready to contact support staff and on-line help resources in case major technical problems occur. No student can utilize computer if one lacks training in the uses of computer technology. Unfortunately, most teachers today do not have sufficient technological training to guide their students exploring computer and its assisted language learning programs. Therefore, the benefits of computer technology for those students who are not familiar with computer are inexistent.English teachers -and language teachers in general- should put many  important factors into consideration before embarking on the adventure of CALL. First of all, they should  evaluate the computer skills of learners. Learners with little or no knowledge of computers will first require a thorough introduction in basic computer skills including word processing, e-mail usage and the operation of browser software. 2. 4. Limited Functions of CALL The software of computer assisted language learning programs is still inadequate. Current computer technology mainly deals with reading, listening, and writing skills.Even though some speaking programs have been developed recently, their functions are still limited. Warschauer (2004) pointed out that a program should ideally be able to understand a user’s â€Å"spoken† input and evaluate it not just for correctness but also or â€Å"appropriateness†. It should be able to diagnose a student’s problems with pronunciation, syntax, or usage and then intelligently decide among a range of options. The computers cannot handle unexpected situations. Second language learners’ learning situations are various and ever changing.Due to the limitations of computer’s artificial intelligence, computer technology is unable to deal with learners’ unexpected learning problems and response to learners’ question immediately as teachers do. Sometimes the computers could not interact effectively with the learners. In a word, today’s computer technology and its attached language learning programs are not yet intelligent enough to be truly interactive. People still need to put effort in developing and improving computer technology in order to assist second language learners. ConclusionAs we are aware of the benefits and barriers of computer assisted learning and teaching for current foreign language learning, we generally find it necessary to apply computers in current second language class, although it still has limitations and weaknesses. Therefore, when we try to apply CALL programs to enhance their teaching or to help student learning, we should realize t the advantages and disadvantages of current CALL programs in order to avoid for misemploying CALL programs and get its maximum benefits for our ESL teaching and learning. How to cite Computer-Assisted Language Learning in Current Esl Class Rooms, Essays

Living Life on the Edge free essay sample

Living Life on the Edge Death is certainly the most difficult aspect of life to undergo and losing a loved one can traumatize and emotionally crush a person. When I was six years old and my great-grandfather passed away from a short battle with Multiple Myeloma (a cancer of the bone marrow), I lost the closest, most caring person in my life. His death taught me, at a very young age, the value of life and that in an instant, your life could come to an end. I learned to live my life without regrets and to do everything in life that I want to do before it is too late. Before my great-grandfather passed away, partly because of my young age, I never really understood death. I never had the chance to truly understand that my life could be gone at any time. His short-lived fight with cancer took him from this world in a matter of months. We will write a custom essay sample on Living Life on the Edge or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page If my great-grandfather could be taken so quickly, I realized that the same fate could be imminent for myself as well. Ever since, I have truly changed the way that I look at my life and everything that it entails. I give my all in everything that I do because I know that I may never get a second chance. I believe that trying my hardest in every aspect of my life will help me to be more content with the result of those things. If I try the most that I can and still don’t succeed, I still know that there is no way that I could have put forth more effort in order to alter the outcome of that situation. At this point in my life I am reaching a point where there are a lot of â€Å"lasts† for me. For instance, being a senior, this year is the last year for me to work at my grades so I can get into the colleges that I want to. Also, playing soccer, I am at the point where I am playing my last seasons of club and high school soccer. I want to put as much effort into it as possible so that I can receive scholarships from the college I attend to help pay for my tuition. My great-grandfather was one of the most influential people to me during my early childhood. When he passed away, I realized that my life could easily end as quickly as the man that I cared so much for. My great-grandfather’s death caused me to realize how precious life is and that it can be gone in a second. I want to accomplish the things that I find crucial enough to leave me with a life lacking regrets. With this new outlook on life, I want to study engineering and succeed at Texas AM University, where I believe that I would thrive and develop excellently.