Dealing With Holiday Perfectionism

Dealing With Holiday Perfectionism Stress Management Situational Stress Print Dealing With Holiday Perfectionism By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Updated on June 24, 2019 Holiday perfectionism can sap the fun right out of the holiday season and replace it with stress. Lisa Thornberg/ Getty Images More in Stress Management Situational Stress Effects on Health Management Techniques Job Stress Household Stress Relationship Stress Holiday perfectionism is one of the main causes of holiday stress. Its understandable that we want things to be perfect for our loved ones and for ourselves. They (and we) deserve the best, right? We have the best of intentions. But whether it’s due to the impossible standards of holiday bliss sold to us by various marketing campaigns, to the exaggerated memories of holiday greatness that we’re trying to match (or outdo) from our own childhoods, or simply our regular-life perfectionism carried over and applied to the holidays, holiday perfectionism is all too common. Signs of Holiday Perfectionism Perfectionists often think they’re merely high achievers, but there are some key differences. (Read more about the defining traits of perfectionists.) With holiday perfectionism, the differences to look for involve happiness and satisfaction. Holiday high-achieving can mean being busy with holiday activities that will create lasting memories. So can holiday perfectionism. But with holiday high-achieving, if everything doesn’t get done, it’s okayâ€"the focus stays on all of the fun activities that were enjoyed. Not so with holiday perfectionismâ€"for the holiday perfectionist, if everything doesn’t get done (and done perfectly) it’s a stressful, disappointing experience. Also, holiday high-achievers tend to cut corners here and there in order to get everything done. (If this sounds good, see these holiday shortcuts for specific ideas.) Holiday perfectionism, however, involves going all-out in every area of holiday activity. Holiday perfectionism involves high demands and little enjoyment. Examples You might be dealing with holiday perfectionism if: Every gift must be hand-madeâ€"and you’re not even enjoying the process!The holiday card is two pages, single-spaced, and includes every detail of your yearâ€"along with a hand-written note for each person on your 100-address list. (Note: if you enjoy doing this, great; if it feels stressful or you beat yourself up for not getting it done this way, this is more likely to be perfectionism in action.)You spend an entire day on the holiday meal, and can’t enjoy it because you worry that your recipes aren’t elaborate enough.You’re procrastinating on major activities because you want to do an amazing job, but don’t have the time to give an activity the attention you feel it deserves. The activity goes undone, and you beat yourself up over it.The kids look exhausted and stressed early in December because it’s all just too much!You’re doing many, many things to celebrate the holidays, and aren’t enjoying most of them because you feel that your efforts aren’t good enough. Consequences The main consequence of holiday perfectionism is holiday stress. That stress can be felt by you and everyone around you. Instead of enjoying the holiday season as a time of sharing and celebrating, holiday perfectionism causes people to feel inferior, overwhelmed, and unhappy. And these feelings can be felt by those around them. Basically, holiday perfectionism robs people of the very joy and satisfaction that theyre seeking to achieve in the first place. But it doesnt need to be that way. Solutions Holiday perfectionism can be overcome, and youll be relieved once you simplify your holiday season and relax your standardsâ€"and your judgments of yourself. Heres what to do. Become Aware of Holiday Perfectionism Now that you know the signs of holiday perfectionism, examine your thinking and behavior patterns a little more closely and notice whether or not you’re a holiday perfectionist. Just being aware can be a significant help. A good rule of thumb is if you feel you  must  do something to a certain (high) standard or youll disappoint people, its likely holiday perfectionism. If youre doing it because you truly enjoy it (and youre not too stressed if it doesnt turn out perfectly), its probably not. Re-Examine Your Thoughts Practice a little cognitive restructuring by paying attention to what you tell yourself as you take on an attitude of perfectionism, and challenge those thoughts. Are you afraid that the holidays won’t be fun for your family if you dont make everything perfect in one specific way or another? Think instead about how your mood (overwhelmed or happy) might affect their happiness. Practice Imperfection Purposely challenge yourself to do things somewhat imperfectly. Take shortcuts, do things mostly-well. See how it feels, and practice coping in small increments. This will allow you to feel more in control of your situation without having to make it perfect and can alleviate some of your holiday perfectionist anxiety. And remember, the Charlie Brown Christmas treeâ€"the imperfect tree that was still decorated with careâ€"was one of the most special trees to the children who loved it. Find Support If You Need It If you find yourself experiencing stress or anxiety due to holiday perfectionism, you might want to talk to a good friend about it. If you’re experiencing stress and anxiety levels that feel unmanageable, you might want to talk to a professionalâ€"there’s a lot that can be done to help.   Bottom lineâ€"holiday perfectionism can ruin the joy of the season for you and your loved ones. You can free yourself from the stress that comes from it, and simply enjoy the holidays.

Essay about Act and American College Testing - 2386 Words

American College Testing Strong Interest Inventory Jadine Marie Sawyer: December 11, 2012 Jean Berry Walden University Achievement and Intelligence Assessments It is critical counselors are competent in assessments as it is an integral part of counseling (Whiston, 2013). Those practicing in the counseling field must be aware of the applications and limitations of the assessing instruments that they are using with clients. Counselors should consider that they are responsible for the proper purpose and the competency of the assessment that they are using with their clientele is appropriate for the situation. The American Counseling Association ([ACA], 2014) Code of Ethics standard E.1.a. Assessment stated â€Å"The primary purpose†¦show more content†¦I wanted to bring up the fact that the American Counseling Association ([ACA], 2014) Code of Ethics has one standard in particular that is important for us right now. The E.6.a, Appropriateness of Instruments points out to us that counselor needs to be sure that the assessments administered to the client are appropriate (ACA, 2014). Jadine you should understand that the ACT is a completely appropriate assessment for you at this time to help you consider your future academic career. Do you feel as if you could take the ACT now? Client: Oh yes, I understand it now, and think it sounds fine. I will take it. Jadine proceeds to take the ACT, completing it in the allotted time. I meet to with her now to review her scores. Counselor: Jadine, good to see you again. I have received the scoring for the ACT assessment you took and am ready to review them with you. Client: Awesome! I am a little nervous to know how I scored, but I feel like I did ok. Counselor: The scores can range from 1 to 36 for a composite score. Your composite score was a total 21, which is averaged by the total of the four subcategories. Your subscale scores for each section were as follows: English 24, Math 19, Social Studies Reading 23, and Science was 18. That gives you a ranking of 59% in the United States. Your 59% ranking means that 59% â€Å"of the students received scores that are the same or lower than youShow MoreRelatedShould Students Be College Ready?1097 Words   |  5 PagesIf a student today was asked to determine what qualifies students to be college ready, they’ll typically respond with qualities they feel makes up a college-bound student. What will typically not be included in their explanation is their test scores on the ACT/ SAT. However, if a school administrator were asked what they believe makes a student college ready, they will usually respond back with a list of numbers they believe qualifies a student to continue their education after high school. StudentsRead More Standardized Testing: The SAT and the ACT Essay1275 Words   |  6 Pages Standardized testing has played an important role in the college admission decisions. The role of admission exams is always changing and evolving with time. The most prominent exams used are the SAT and the ACT. Their purpose is for gauging student knowledge for placement and possible success rate. Each test is comprised of numerous educational factors to gauge knowledge. The SAT and the ACT derived from other test forms to become what they are today. In addition to being an entrance examRead MoreThe Assessment Of An Educational Assessment1037 Words   |  5 PagesACT Assessment Analysis An educational assessment is a process of documenting and using data to understand and analyze the knowledge skills, attitudes, and beliefs to redefine program and improve a student’s learning. The data can be used to assess the achievement of learning outcomes or based on data, which shows inferences about achieve patterns. Furthermore, the information allows educators to focus on individual learning plan, learning community, or educational institution. One assessment thatRead More The Controversy of Standardized Testing Essay1492 Words   |  6 PagesStandardized Testing â€Å"No issue in the U.S. Education is more controversial than (standardized) testing. Some people view it as the linchpin of serious reform and improvement, others as a menace to quality teaching and learning† (Phelps). A tool that educators use to learn about students and their learning capabilities is the standardized test. Standardized tests are designed to give a common measure of a student’s performance. Popular tests include the SAT, IQ tests, Regents Exams, and the ACT. â€Å"ThreeRead MoreSAT Essay1314 Words   |  6 Pagesmeans so has the college application season. 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As a special education director, the focus is to ensure the student’s accommodations are being followedRead More The Fairness Of Academic Evaluation Essay1218 Words   |  5 Pagesnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;American students used to pass from grade to grade with few complications. Getting into a college was effortless and acquiring degrees was a piece of cake. In 1983, A Nation at Risk was published and Americans realized how inferior the ir education systems really were. Due to the decline in test scores in American schools, education standards became much stricter and new intelligence exams were introduced. Presently, standardized testing, such as the Scholastic AptitudeRead MoreProblem With The School System Is Standardized Tests1248 Words   |  5 Pagesand irrelevant. In concept, a standardized test is an efficient and egalitarian means of evaluation. However, in practice, college admissions exams have proven to be anything but. The SAT and the ACT exam reward cultural knowledge and repetitive practice, which often equate to being white and being wealthy. In order to take advantage of the opportunities standardized testing offers, extreme caution must be taken to ensure standardized tests measure what they are supposed to: academic achievementRead MoreStandardized Testing Has Impacted Public Schools1348 Words   |  6 PagesAptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Test (ACT). According to the article â₠¬Å"Standardized Testing Has Negatively Impacted Public Schools† from Opposing Viewpoints in Context, the beginnings of standardized tests occurred during World War I when the American Psychological Association developed a â€Å"ground-administered test† to eliminate inefficient recruits (Solley 3). Today, standardized tests are necessary for college admission. Just last month, in March of 2016, College Board, the non-profit organizationRead MoreDisadvantages Of Standardized Testing1495 Words   |  6 Pagesstandardized testing is not an equal result of what each student can do. All standardized tests are so important in students lives, so why is standardized testing so unequal for students. Disadvantage students get the shorter end of the stick when it comes to standardized testing. Most disadvantaged students can not do the same work in the same amount of time that someone without any disadvantages can do it. According to â€Å"Testing Patience†, â€Å"membe rs of organizations like the American Educational Research

The Value Of Instruments With Intermediate And Long...

TD Bank would need to take into account when managing interest rate risk the effect of on its net income and net interest income in order to evaluate the input of noninterest income and operating outlays toward the interest rate risk exposure. In particular, a bank with significant fee income should assess the extent to which that fee income is sensitive to rate vicissitudes. From a capital perspective, a bank should consider how intermediate (two years to five years) and long-term (more than five years) positions may affect the bank’s future financial performance. Since â€Å"the value of instruments with intermediate and long maturities can be especially sensitive to interest rate changes, it is important for a bank to monitor and control the†¦show more content†¦In addition, become inept of borrowing as much and will pay higher rates of interest on loans. Less business expenditure decelerate the development of a bank, resultant of declines in profit. Banks risk management uses of derivatives is risk and securities can be utilized effectively are for the purpose of risk management. Risk management is an acceptable fiduciary responsibility of banking and financial organization(s) management According to FDIC (2013, pp. 14), TD bank’s risk management plan uses derivatives â€Å"are over-the counter transactions that are privately negotiated between the Parent and the counterparty toward the contract. Exchange traded contracts transacted through organized and regulated exchanges involves principally options and futures. TD bank does not maintain material trading positions. Therefore its hedging undertakings are restricted towards managing balance sheet and interest rate risk exposure. TD bank utilize interest rate derivatives e.g. interest rate futures, forwards, swaps, options in managing interest rate risks in addition the institution use of foreign exchange derivatives, such as futures, forwards and swaps to cope foreign e xchange risks. The institution is exposed to non-trading foreign exchange risk from its investments in foreign operations when TD bank foreign currency assets are greater or less than the liabilities in that currency. The institution does not do credit default swaps, however, credit derivatives such as credit

Antigone society Free Essays

In, being self-centered about Ideas frequently affects peoples’ judgement Sophocles raises this Issue in his play Antigone. He believes that listening to the wise benefits your judgement, but the result of refusing to listen leads to tragic outcomes. Sophocles uses Ate to develop the characters’ Inability to take In others’ perspectlve_ Sophocles first addresses the tragic results of not listening through Anugone’s refusal to take advice. We will write a custom essay sample on Antigone society or any similar topic only for you Order Now In Sophocles’s prologue, Ismene states â€Å"[Shel has no strength† for burying Polynlces against the states’ jurisdiction, while Antigone pronounces that Ismene â€Å"use[s] that excuse† to avoid trouble (Sophocles 76-83}. Even though Ismene says she doesnt have the strength to go against the state, she really means that she doesnt have the willpower to choose between the Gods’ and Creon’s law because defying either law will result In punishment. Even though Ismene Is belng cautious ot her choices, Antigone believes Ismene is toolish tor not siding with her. Antigone chose to believe herselt without thinking about Ismene’s point ot view. In result, Antigone ends up putting herselt between both the laws ot the lands and the God’s law, which results in her entombment. In addition to Antigone putting off her sisters’ point of view, Sophocles uses Antigones inability to take others perspective into consideration. During CreonS and Antigone’s argument. Creon expresses his opinion of Polynices betrayal of the city by saying. â€Å"The good dont want to share honors with the bad† (Sophocles 534-6). Antigone retaliates by mentioning, Mho knows that is considered righteous below . . I cannot share their hate, only their love† (Sophocles 536-8). Creon’s belief that Polynices shouldnt be honored in burial conflict with Antigones’, in which Polynices deserves burial to honor the Gods’ lavi Antigone doesn’t realize Creon’s point of view, standing up for the city, and goes with her own belief without taking Creons’ into account. Despite standing up for herself, Antigone’s failure to acknowledge Creon’s perspective causes her demise Even after being locked away behind a boulder, Sophocles proves Antigone’s disastrous consequences when Antigone, â€Å"[hangs herself] by the neck, fastened by a noose of fine linen† (Sophocles 1226-7)_ Antigone, trapped In a cave due her actions, hung herself so she wouldn’t die at the hand of Creon. Anugone’s refusal to listen to others’ Ideas, such as creons, lead her to trouble and death, supporung Sophocles’s maln point that tragic consequences come from refusing to listen. Antigone’s refusal to take advice results In her unfortunate demise. In addltlon to Antigone’s downfall due to blind recklessness, Sophocles uses Creon to display how tragic consequences develop trom not listening. During the first scene ot Antigone, the Guard explains to Creon that he â€Å"[wlshesl to tell [Creon his time, Creon’s reaction is that, â€Å"[The Guard] is trying to talk around the problem. † (Sophocles 245). The guard is cautious of explaining the bad news, trying to void blame, while Creon assumes the guard is guilty due to him talking around the problem. Creon’s lack of the guard’s point of view causes him to blame the innocent, which later causes Haemon commit suicide because Creon punishes his love. Even though Sophocles uses Creon’s actions to show tragic outcomes, he also uses Creon’s frustration to demonstrate his inability to look at other peoples’ perspective. During a dialogue between Creon and the Guard, the guards asks, â€Å"May I say something, or should I Just turn and go? (Sophocles 325) Creon, agitated due to the breaking of his aw, exclaims, miou have annoyed me Just by saying that† (Sophocles 326). Creon’s frustration towards someone breaking his law resulted in him not fully understanding that the guard didn’t want to bother the king while he was mad.. The guard was nervous to explain his point of view to Creon d ue to his recklessness after Antigone defied his law. In result to the guards inability to explain his perspective, Creon becomes even more agitated and promises to kill him if he doesn’t find out who touched the body. Sophocles ends his play by showing the reader Creon’s destroyed life after not taking advice through others’ perspective. Creon’s son guided the sword, leaned on it and thrust it into his ribs.. † while Haemon â€Å". Creon’s wife † struck herself in the heart with her own hand. † (Sophocles 1240-1; 1321) Creon’s wife and son both killed themselves due to his refusal to listen to others advice. If Creon had only listen to others and used their perspective as well, his family wouldn’t have taken their own lives. Creon’s self centered ways of not taking advice destroyed his family. Even though Creon is used to show that consequences develop through not taking advice, Sophocles also uses Creon’s and Haemon’s stubbornness to demonstrate the tragic result of not listening. Sophocles provides an argument between Creon and Haemon in which Haemon retaliates to Creon’s saying, â€Å"At our age, taught reason by a man so young† by declaring â€Å"Taught nothing that is not Just! If I am young, I do not need more time to study what’s right† (Sophocles 738-40). Creon believes that Haemon is too young to be credible and taken seriously because of his age. Haemon however, considers himself credible due to the fact that Creon is making horrible decisions . Creon, not yet knowing that his decisions are tragic, and Haemon, not knowing that his dad doesnt see what’s going on, end up fighting. Because Haemon’s nd Creon’s stubbornness get in the way of them seeing each others point of view, Haemon runs away and ends up committing suicide. After discussing credibility and getting nowhere, the father and son discuss the distinction between what the â€Å"fellow- citizens deny’ and â€Å"[how the city shouldn’t] tell [Creon] how [he] ought to rule it† (Sophocles 745-6). Haemon brings up the issue of the citizens siding with Antigone to bury Polynices body. They believe Polynices should obtain a proper burial no matter what even if he betrayed the city or not. Creon argues that the citizens of Thebes shouldn’t be telling the king how to rule the city. Creon believes that the king should uphold all the power and not give the citizens a choice. Creon and Haemon argue for two different sides of the law neither, which adds even more tension and perspective. After all of this arguing between Haemon and his father, Haemon â€Å". thrusts a sword] into his ribs† and Creon loses everyone who he cared about (Sophocles 1241). Haemon killed himself due to the lack of support he was shown by his father. Creon’s inability to listen to Haemon’s point of view cause his own son to kill himself. By not listening to each other, both Haemon and Creon suffer from onsequences with one of them dying and the other one having to go through life w ithout anyone who cares for him. Creon and Haemon suffered because they both lacked the capability to express other ideas than their own. As a different way to express his theme, Sophocles uses Ismene’s and Antigone’s discussion to prove not taking helpful advice can ruin a relationship. After learning Antigone was caught, Ismene admits, â€Å"l did the deed if she consents, and I will take and bear the charge† (Sophocles 552-3). Antigone answered with, â€Å"But Justice will not allow this to you, since neither did you want nor did I share it. (Sophocles 554-5). Ismene, caring for her only family member left, tries to save her sister from death with the cost of hers. But Antigone doesn’t allow Ismene to do this and convinces Creon that she definitely broke the burial law. This causes Antigone to be doomed by the law of the land, resulting in her death. After having her sister announced guilty, Ismene asks, â€Å"But now-what can I do to help you now’ (Sophocles 568). Antigone replies by telling her, â€Å"Save yourself. I do not grudge you your escape† (Sophocles 569). Ismene gives her last efforts to comfort Antigone through her time of need, but Antigone rejects Ismene’s offer and declares she wants nothing. Antigone didn’t listen to her sister, overcome with pride for burying the body, and Just gave up her only way to live. By letting her pride take place of her mind, Antigone gives up her life because she didn’t listen to Ismene’s offer. Due to Antigone’s actions, she â€Å"[hangs herself by a noose]† and Ismene disappeared, never being mentioned again (Sophocles 1227). Ismene, not wanted by her sister in anyway, disappears from the play to never be spoken of again. Antigone however, suffers from not letting her sister take the blame and finally commits suicide to end the pain. Antigone would not be dead if she let her sister take the blame, but due to her inability to listen to good advice, she ends up dying. In the end, both Ismene and Antigone suffer due to Antigone’s rejection of advice. Sophocles demonstrated listening to others’ advice and the consequences of not throughout the play. From being stubborn and not taking beneficial advice to not opening your mind to another persons’ point of view. Sophocles wrote Antigone with many lessons for our current society. His most important lesson being that listening to good counsel benefits you now but also in the future. How to cite Antigone society, Papers

The Wilding Of America Book Review Essay Example

The Wilding Of America Book Review Paper The Story is Of a white middle class woman, who was attacked by six black teenagers between the ages of fourteen and sixteen, while jogging in Central Park at night. The teenagers who were allegedly involved displayed signs of happiness, arrogance, and heartless feelings towards the incident; it is because of this that the teenagers received the maximum punishment towards their crimes, however it wasnt until after a confession to that crime from Matins Rexes, in jail for murder and rape, the five teenage boys conviction was overturned. DNA was able to prove the guilt of Rexes and the innocence of the five convicted young black men. In his example of the Central Park Jogger, there was clearly Black Wilding. It was black teenagers who were incarcerated for the crime, but the sigma of black wilding describes how people are so afraid of the stereotypical black male committing a crime against them that they would do anything in order to keep society safe. In this case, they convicted 5 innocent black males, without the proper evidence. The prosecutors and all involved in convicting these 5 males were wilding when they pursued a conviction without complete and proper evidence. Colic Turnbuckle explains his experience with the K people, or sometimes referred to as the Mountain People. They are described as loveless people with food and money as their only concern in life. They are also described as a dying society, since they have abandoned their own humanity. The K people are an example of a Wilding Culture. Cultural Wilding is categorized as that, since people put aside both social and moral bonds that many families are expected to have. They committed the most awful and unthinkable act by a parent, murdering their own child. We will write a custom essay sample on The Wilding Of America Book Review specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Wilding Of America Book Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Wilding Of America Book Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Turnbuckle uses an example of an K family abandoning their six-year old gather who is starved and locked in her hut by her parents to die. Once this child is dead, the parents take her decomposed remains and dump it to the side like a pile of garbage, without the care for a burial. This form of wilding is defined as being self-centered and acting out behavior, which harms others both directly and indirectly. Instrumental Wilding is the most connected with the American Dream, and has terrible effects on society. Instrumental Wilding is when people ambitiously seek personal gain through a lack of moral restrain. Oliver Stone connected this with the popular movie, Wall Street; the famous line of this film is Greed is Good. This speaks volumes to the views of American cultures and the lengths most people are willing to go to in order to achieve the American dream. A form of legal Wilding is exemplified by the businessman who climbs the ladder of success by stepping on his co-workers to get to the top. Petty Wilding could be compared to minor lying amongst friends and marriages, and political figures. This form of wilding is not illegal but although it could be classified as immoral. Drabber wants to show his reader the effects of wilding acts, small ND large scaled, and are a potential danger to Americas society. Drabber feels that in its degraded form, Wilding encourages unrestrained and sociopath self-interest. L Wilding doesnt have to be a criminal act or a civil act in which laws are broken, but acts in which behavior is not seen as correct and thus deviant to the norms of society. This deviant acts, are labeled as wilding and that in it self is harmful to society. Todays Generation X, or more commonly defined as the millennial generations have a different set Of values than theyre past generations. Kids want to be millionaires rather than having legitimate job. There are willing to do almost anything in order to attain this and thus inevitably leading them to commit crimes where the outcome would be financially beneficial. Drabber describes social wilding when explain ins the great recession in America, and people trying to use their credit cards to achieve those goals of the American Dream. Drabber also uses Deuteriums sociological example of society being lost due to the rise of individualism. Druthers viewed individualism as egotistic and lacking in a shared sense of destiny. He felt that individualism only includes the pursuit of pleasure at the expense of others. 2 Furthermore, declining communities equals a decline in an individuals morality. Immoral actions as mentioned before are not illegal but they are still considered wilding due to a deterring social structure that arises from it. Druthers defines anomie as a failure of colonization. Anomie arises, as societal rules become non-existent. Families, neighborhoods, churches, schools, even the neighborhood watch all make up a community, which create a familiar atmosphere giving people a sense of community. Drabber views American Wilding as a model of our political leaders. Political figures seek and obtain votes through lies and deceit to gain the acceptance of the American people. Although he agrees with many of Deuteriums concepts, he felt that these concepts lack political and economic analysis. Sociologist Karl Marx believes that the American Dream involves self-interest. He felt that people are out for themselves, seeking to be number one. By failing to play a competitive role, people would compromise profits. 3 ultimately, America seeks profits by any means possible. These means may include murder for hire, seeking cheaper labor wages through unethical and legal production overseas, prostitution, illegal drug sales to name a few. This brings into light people like Scott Peterson and the murder of his wife in order to collect the insurance money. 4 This kind of criminal are ruthless and play into the idea of black wilding by setting up the culprits as black people and playing to societies willingness to accept black people as hurtful people. Drabber offers many more examples of Wilding in America. Some examples include reality television; our beloved sports players on steroids, and video games, which display violence and murder as a source of entertainment. One f the biggest games in American culture today is Grand Theft Auto in which all the following games in its series have not only gotten more violent, and have included worse forms of drug related matters, to prostitution, to gangs; the game it selves rewards players to do such acts in order to win. It is this mentality that has spread to younger generations that make kids think these actions are acceptable in society. Drug dealing is a perfect example of trying to attain the American dream by illegal ways. These drug dealers are people who might live next door in a suburban neighborhood, displaying the perfect Emily life. This picture of the perfect family might include expensive cars in the driveway, a beautiful and well-manicured home, expensive clothes, and limitless cash on hand. Drug dealers mentality have been alters to believe that do such acts are the only way they can achieve this because the culture they grew up in did not promote any other ways. Bernie Maddox exemplifies extreme individual wilding, which led to the economy moral collapse. Madams Opinion scheme, which netting him almost 50 billion dollars over decades, made people look further into institutional wilding by mortgage companies. Most of these institutions destroyed the lives of many families. They offered people mortgages that were unaffordable, credit cards at high rates, and supreme car loans. People wanted to live the American dream, and sought expensive methods to obtain their goals. This could be considered a form of systemic wilding. The guilty parties include the banks, brokers, and customers seeking instant gratification. Upper class, middle class and lower class citizens share the same type of greed, the American dream and more commonly to people the effects become the American nightmare. In my opinion, this book was very interesting. I certainly agree with Drubbers opinions and statements made in this book. I found myself interested as soon as I began reading the first chapter. His concept of the American dream, and what society will do to accomplish it, is on point. He begins by describing societys fears and how we allow these fears to take over, without thinking things out clearly. Society believes in and counts on authority to make the right choice. The problem is that our authority lacks in morality, and is leading this society in the same way, with a lack of remorse for our neighbors. It is hopeful that President Obama will continue to inspire pop Of a different kind Of politics, built around community and social justice. Also in my opinion White wilding and the greed these wielders have by doping poor people for their life saving keep minorities at bay. It keeps minorities in a lower socio economic structure in which black wilding comes about. So yes I believe that white wilding leads to black wilding it is inevitable because how are minorities ever to achieve that American dream if they are always stopped by the greed of white wilding. The term Wilding can be defined in a variety of ways. Drabber separates some by describing Economic Wilding, Political Wilding, Institutional Wilding, Criminal and Violent Wilding. These are just a few examples that I feel are gravely present In my society. Wilding is a societal crisis, in which Americans are made immune to its reality. Wilding has been exemplified since the early sasss. As time goes on, the needs of Americans have become greater in scale. Wilding in America is seen today, especially with events going on presently. After reading this book, I was able to relate to many of the examples presented by the sociologists, especially with the need to climb the ladder of success. We would all have the opportunity to achieve our goals, without hurting anyone in the interim.

Free Essays on Bell Hook

In chapter one Feminist Politics (Where We Stand), Bell Hook explore feminism as a â€Å"movement to end sexism† sexual exploitation and oppression. She notes that in her definition of feminism men were not the enemy. It is not that â€Å"sexist thinking and action were the problems.† She suggested that sexism is misunderstood, that most people learn from â€Å"patriarchal Mass Media.† Understanding Feminism is tied to the issue of gender equality. I believe most people although not the majority, were raised to the fact that we share and we often relinquish control somewhat to the domination of the male in western countries. This goes back to our Christian roots and upbringing. Today, there is a major shift toward support of feminism, and the desire for equal rights, equal pay and justice. In Feminist Education for Critical Consciousness, Bell speaks of women learning in groups and how our lives are â€Å"rooted in theory† meaning how we think and act. (pg 19) I believe that either the male patriarchy or feminist thinking dominates much of what we read. The article exposed many bias and the need for a non-biased, open-minded approach to learning. In Our Bodies Ourselves (Reproductive Rights), Bell Hook explored the right of women to have access to healthcare at a time when it was a â€Å"class privilege† for whites and not for women of color. The shamefulness of unwanted pregnancy would force many women into marriage. This action changed their lives causing many to be stuck in unwanted long-term relationships. As the feminist movement grew so did sexual liberation for women. Women were eventually able to get access to basic education, prenatal care, and comprehensive preventive health care. These basis needs would help females to gain better understanding of how their bodies worked giving them more freedom of choice. Bell Hooks also explores birth control pills as paving the right of passage to sexual liberation.... Free Essays on Bell Hook Free Essays on Bell Hook In chapter one Feminist Politics (Where We Stand), Bell Hook explore feminism as a â€Å"movement to end sexism† sexual exploitation and oppression. She notes that in her definition of feminism men were not the enemy. It is not that â€Å"sexist thinking and action were the problems.† She suggested that sexism is misunderstood, that most people learn from â€Å"patriarchal Mass Media.† Understanding Feminism is tied to the issue of gender equality. I believe most people although not the majority, were raised to the fact that we share and we often relinquish control somewhat to the domination of the male in western countries. This goes back to our Christian roots and upbringing. Today, there is a major shift toward support of feminism, and the desire for equal rights, equal pay and justice. In Feminist Education for Critical Consciousness, Bell speaks of women learning in groups and how our lives are â€Å"rooted in theory† meaning how we think and act. (pg 19) I believe that either the male patriarchy or feminist thinking dominates much of what we read. The article exposed many bias and the need for a non-biased, open-minded approach to learning. In Our Bodies Ourselves (Reproductive Rights), Bell Hook explored the right of women to have access to healthcare at a time when it was a â€Å"class privilege† for whites and not for women of color. The shamefulness of unwanted pregnancy would force many women into marriage. This action changed their lives causing many to be stuck in unwanted long-term relationships. As the feminist movement grew so did sexual liberation for women. Women were eventually able to get access to basic education, prenatal care, and comprehensive preventive health care. These basis needs would help females to gain better understanding of how their bodies worked giving them more freedom of choice. Bell Hooks also explores birth control pills as paving the right of passage to sexual liberation....

Biography of African American Senator Hiram Revels

Biography of African American Senator Hiram Revels It took until 2008 for the first African American to be elected president, but remarkably the first black man to serve as U.S. senator- Hiram Revels- was appointed to the role 138 years earlier. How did Revels manage to become a lawmaker just years after the Civil War ended? Learn more about the life, legacy and political career of this trailblazing senator. Early Years and Family Life Unlike many blacks in the South at the time, Revels was not born a slave but to free parents of black, white and possibly Native American heritage on Sept.  27, 1827, in Fayetteville, N.C. His older brother Elias Revels owned a barbershop, which Hiram inherited upon his sibling’s death. He ran the shop for a few years and then left in 1844 to study at seminaries in Ohio and Indiana. He became a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and preached throughout the Midwest before studying religion at Illinois’ Knox College. While preaching to blacks in St. Louis, Mo., Revels was briefly imprisoned for fear that he, a freeman, might inspire enslaved blacks to revolt. In the early 1850s, he married Phoebe A. Bass, with whom he had six daughters. After becoming an ordained minister, he served as a pastor in Baltimore and as a high school principal. His religious career led to a career in the military. He served as a chaplain of a black regiment in Mississippi and recruited blacks for the Union Army. Political Career In 1865, Revels joined the staffs of churches in Kansas, Louisiana  and Mississippi- where he established schools and started his political career. In 1868, he served as an alderman in Natchez, Miss. The next year, he became a representative in the Mississippi State Senate. â€Å"I am working very hard in politics as well as in other matters,† he wrote to a friend after his election. â€Å"We are determined that Mississippi shall be settled on a basis of justice and political and legal equality.† In 1870, Revels was elected to fill one of Mississippi’s two empty seats in the U.S. Senate. Serving as a U.S. senator required nine years of citizenship, and Southern Democrats challenged Revels’ election by saying he didn’t meet the citizenship mandate. They cited the 1857 Dred Scott decision in which the Supreme Court determined that African Americans weren’t citizens. In 1868, however, the 14th Amendment granted blacks citizenship. That year, blacks became a force to contend with in politics. As the book â€Å"America’s History: Volume 1 to 1877† explains: â€Å"In 1868, African Americans won a majority in one house of the South Carolina legislature; subsequently they won half the state’s eight executive offices, elected three members of Congress, and won a seat on the state supreme court. Over the entire course of Reconstruction, 20 African Americans served as governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer or superintendent of education, and more than 600 served as state legislators. Almost all the African Americans who became state executives had been freeman before the Civil War, whereas most of the legislators had been slaves. Because these African Americans represented districts that large planters had dominated before the Civil War, they embodied the potential of Reconstruction for revolutionizing class relationships in the South.† The sweeping social change spreading across the South likely made Democrats in the region feel threatened. But their citizenship ploy did not work. Revels’ supporters argued that the pastor-turned-politician had been a citizen. After all, he’d voted in Ohio in the 1850s before the Dred Scott decision changed the citizenship rules. Other supporters said that the Dred Scott decision should have only applied to men who were all black and not mixed-race like Revels. His backers also pointed out that the Civil War and Reconstruction laws had overturned discriminatory legal rulings like Dred Scott. So, on Feb. 25, 1870, Revels became the first African American U.S. senator. To mark the groundbreaking moment, Republican Sen.  Charles Sumner of Massachusetts remarked, â€Å"All men are created equal, says the great Declaration, and now a great act attests this verity. Today we make the Declaration a reality†¦. The Declaration was only half established by Independence. The greatest duty remained behind. In assuring the equal rights of all we complete the work.† Tenure in Office Once he was sworn in, Revels tried to advocate for equality for blacks. He fought to have African Americans readmitted to the Georgia General Assembly after Democrats forced them out. He spoke out against legislation to maintain segregation in Washington, D.C., schools and served on labor and education committees. He fought for black workers who’d been denied the opportunity to work at the Washington Navy Yard simply because of their skin color. He nominated a young black man named Michael Howard to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, but Howard was ultimately refused entry. Revels also supported the building of infrastructure, levees and railroad. While Revels advocated for racial equality, he did not behave vengefully toward ex-Confederates. Some Republicans wanted them to face ongoing punishment, but Revels thought they should again be granted citizenship, as long as they pledged loyalty to the United States. Like Barack Obama would be more than a century later, Revels was hailed by his fans for his skills as an orator, which he likely developed because of his  experience as a pastor. Revels served just one year as U.S. senator. In 1871, his term ended, and he accepted the position of president of Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College in Claiborne County, Mississippi. Just a few years later, another African American, Blanche K. Bruce, would represent Mississippi in the U.S. Senate. While Revels only served a partial term, Bruce became the first African American to serve a full-term in office. Life After the Senate Revels’ transition into higher education didn’t spell the end of his career in politics. In 1873, he became Mississippis interim secretary of state. He lost his job at Alcorn when he opposed the reelection bid of Mississippi Gov. Adelbert Ames, who Revels accused of exploiting the black vote for personal gain. An 1875 letter Revels wrote to President Ulysses S. Grant about Ames and the carpetbaggers was heavily circulated. It said in part: â€Å"My people have been told by these schemers, when men have been placed on the ticket who were notoriously corrupt and dishonest, that they must vote for them; that the salvation of the party depended upon it; that the man who scratched a ticket was not a Republican. This is only one of the many means these unprincipled demagogues have devised to perpetuate the intellectual bondage of my people.† In 1876,  Revels resumed his work at Alcorn, where he served until retiring in 1882. Revels also continued his work as a pastor and edited the A.M.E. Church’s newspaper, the Southwestern Christian Advocate. In addition, he taught theology at Shaw College. Death and Legacy On Jan. 16, 1901, Revels died of a stroke in Aberdeen, Miss. He was in town for a church conference. He was 73. In death, Revels continues to be remembered as a trailblazer. Just nine African Americans, including Barack Obama, have won election  as U.S. senators since Revels time in office. This indicates that diversity in national politics continues to be a struggle, even in a 21st century United States far removed from slavery.