Life of a Peasant essays

Life of a Peasant essays When you think of the Middle Ages you think of Kings and castles, knights in shining armor saving the princess, and savage warfare to coincide with horrible diseases and plagues taking lives. For the most part that was true, but we are forgetting about the majority of the population, otherwise known as the commons. These people can easily be compared to you and I living in these times. The peasants were not a part of the noble class or associated with the clergy, but just lived plain and simple lives and tried to get by with what they had. In those times they did not have a lot. Since all of us would be considered peasants in those times, I am going to take us back to that era and compare the life of a peasant to our lives now. From the day they are born all the way to their death. I will go over the different types of commoners, go over how they grew up, what they ate, and even what they did for fun back in those days. Childbirth in Medieval times were much of the same as they are now. I say this in the biological way only of course. Birth was not in the hands of a physician, but entirely up to a midwife. The only reason there would be a doctor there is if there was a pathological complication. The setting for childbirth was different as well. All of the childbirths would take place at the home, as compared to 2hospitals in todays times. Hospitals were predominantly used for long-term care for the poor. Another huge difference in childbirth was the risk to the mother. The closest estimate of childbirth deaths was about 14 deaths for every 1,000 childbirths. This is very high in modern standards. In 1988, Nigeria was reported to have a rate of 8 deaths in every 1,000 births, which was unusually high even for a Third World country.(Singman,McLean p40) The first formal event that an infant had to go through was the ceremony of baptism. This...

The following event is from Chicago's history. Explain in detail an Research Paper

The following event is from Chicago's history. Explain in detail an important effect the Pullman Strike produced in either local - Research Paper Example Gradually with time the demand for the Pullman cars decreased and the owner decided to lower the wages of the railroad employees. It was here that the role of Eugene Debs came into play to save the wrath that the employees had to face (Beik 2005). The workers of the railroad company were members of a renowned labor union known as the American Railway Union. Eugene Debs urged the employees to launch a strike against the company so that their wages could be increased and their demands met. The workers then launched a boycott against the Pullman cars and gained a lot of support by joining hands. Debs launched a peaceful strike urging Pullman and the authorities to take the aggravating conditions of the workers into notice. The Union was supported by a number of railroad employees and the number almost reached the mark of 200,000. The Pullman Car Company had the support of the government because of the capitalistic nature of the government. It was because of this reason that the federal government started intervening in the state affairs and an offensive against the labor union was launched. Debs was not successful enough to make the strike successful as the railroads used the government to cut down the strike. Richard Olney interfered and ordered federal intervention for the strike. Federal troops were given the permission to break up the strike as they believed that the delivery of the U.S mail was being affected by the strike. The strike was finally broken down on July 10, 1894 when Debs along with three members of the organization was arrested. Debs was sentenced for six months in the prison and the strike was called off so that the workers could resume their jobs. Although the strike was unsuccessful it proved to be a great event for the labor unions and federal agencies altogether. It had an effect on the national politics of the United States as it favored socialism over the capitalism that was already prevalent in the state. Capitalism and socialism were bo th affected through the strike. Socialism could not be revived for twenty years after the strike was made unsuccessful by the federal agencies and capitalism was brought down in the next elections. President Grover Cleveland was held responsible for the situation that occurred after the Pullman strike. This essay would further provide an overview of the effect that the Pullman strike had over the national politics of the United States of America (Beik 2005; Salvatore et al 1999). Effect of Pullman Strike The Pullman strike was an unsuccessful venture launched by the labor unions in a time of industrialization. The labor union in those times was not strong enough to fight the capitalist governments and hence they lost to the authoritative powers. The overall effect of the strike was to create a socialist environment in the United States. It brought forward the things that took place against the workers to the attention of people. The Supreme Court also decided against the Pullman Car Company as they violated the charter of companies by providing their workers with the wrong environment and conditions. The strike made the federal government stronger as they were able to launch an offensive against the labor unions. Antitrust laws against the labor

Tell us about 2 activities that is important to you, and why (1 page Essay

Tell us about 2 activities that is important to you, and why (1 page per activity) - Essay Example In similar terms, societal predicaments seem to fascinate a number of people, challenging them to ethically reflect on past transgressions before moving forward towards promising prospects (Katz 70). In a way, reading news articles can make people recall things that had already happened, but still have a way of influencing the habits of the present. All these are important points that are deemed logical to the reason behind the practice of reading daily newspapers. On the part of the writer, all these partly account for the reasons why news articles are important. Most importantly, the act of reading relevant news can stimulate the mind of an academic individual. Although not all people claim this as such, there is a cognitive development happening when new pieces of information are assimilated. Old beliefs are replaced, while blank slates in the mind are rejuvenated. All in all, the act of reading news articles fulfills not only the natural instinct of every person to learn, at best , it promotes the learned response exhibited by a well-read individual. The more one learns, the more open-minded the behavior is towards self and environment in general.

Contemporary cars Essay Example for Free

Contemporary cars Essay

Mexico City Policy :: essays research papers fc

On August 16, 1984 an international conference regarding population was held in Mexico City. It was at this conference that the Reagan Administration implemented the â€Å"Mexico City Policy†, also known and the Global Gag Rule. This policy stated that Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) would be prohibited from receiving United States funds if they performed, promoted, referred or counseled patients on abortion. The funds would be withheld from the NGOs even if the money used for abortion services were non-U.S. funds. This policy was in effect from 1984-1993 when president Bill Clinton came into office. On January 22, 2001 president George Bush reinstated the Mexico City Policy. There has been much debate over whether the policy is helping or hurting those abroad. Many people in the United States are not aware that the Mexico City Policy is in effect, or even what it is. It is very important that people here are aware of how the government is controlling health care and wo men’s rights in other countries. â€Å"It is my conviction that taxpayer funds should not be used to pay for abortions or advocate or actively promote abortion either here or abroad,† Bush stated in his memorandum to reinstate the Mexico City Policy. However, the policy does not state that funds will be withheld if the US taxpayer’s money is used; it states that monies will be withheld if abortion services are offered at all, even if it is not US money. Douglas Johnson the legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee states, the â€Å"government will no longer..try to legalize abortion in countries in Latin America, Africa, and Muslim countries in which people are strongly opposed to abortion and believe in the protection of unborn children.† What Johnson fails to recognize is that in countries where abortion is legal women’s rights are being compromised. U.S. Representative Christopher H. Smith expresses his feelings in his article â€Å"A Congressional View: The Unborn Must be Protected† (Global Issues Electronic Journal) by stating, â€Å"Abortion is child abuse.† Smith also comments that when the policy was previously in effect it had no affect on the family planning money received by NGO’s. It may not have affected the money received but it did affect women who were denied the option of abortion services. On January 22, 2003 president Bill Clinton rescinded the Mexico City Policy stating that it â€Å"undermined efforts to promote safe and efficacious family planning in foreign nations.

Literary Analysis of David and Goliath

A Character Analysis of David and Goliath When studying any piece of literature there are many different methods and techniques that can be used. The Bible, in specific, is often referred to as a source of moral code, hope, and answers to social, ethical, and political questions. However, this incredibly influential book can also be read as if it were any other novel. The events, settings, and characters can all be evaluated for what they are, forgetting the notion that they are from a religious text. This approach is called narrative criticism.When regarding to the Bible in this way, we do not need to know any historical information or focus on seeking a deeper theological meaning. Instead, the stories are evaluated in terms of how well the characters, settings, and events portray the overall theme or message of the narrative. The story of David and Goliath in particular, does a great job in using its characters to achieve this goal. Though there are many different interpretations o f this story, I am going to focus on one: the idea that power and strength is not needed to succeed or win, but instead it is our heart and determination, intelligence, and above all, our faith in God.To get this point across, the implied author uses narratives to tell us about David and Goliath as well as show us specific and relevant character traits through their actions and beliefs. In order to understand how the characters portray the message of the story we must first develop a set of traits based on what the information given to us by implied author. In the very beginning of the story we are given a detailed description of Goliath: And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion names Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. He had greves of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slug between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighted six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-bearer went before him† (1 Samuel 17: 5-7). Based on this description we can easily come to the conclusion that Goliath is extremely strong and powerful and an experienced warrior.He is prepared, confident, and willing to take on whatever he is faced with. It is also explained that Goliath’s height is â€Å"six cubits and a span,† which is about nine feet in today’s society, making him extremely tall. Furthermore, we are explicitly told that he is a â€Å"champion,† alluding to the idea that he never loses a battle. It is here where the implied reader would initially assume that Goliath is most likely to prevail. It is also stated in the text, through the words of David, that Goliath is uncircumcised.Though this minor detail can easily be overlooked it is important to note because it demonstrates Goliaths lack of faith in God. In addition to what the implied author explicitly tells us, there are several characteristics of Goliath that can be presumed from his own actions as well as those around him. For example, Goliath’s character can be described as arrogant and cocky based on his command to fight an Israelite to death for victory. He shouts to the Israelites, â€Å"Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me.If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants; but if I prevail against him, then you shall be our servants and serve us† (1 Samuel 17: 8-9). Before the battle can even begin, Goliath immediately takes it upon himself to set the terms and conditions of how to fight the battle at Socoh. He becomes very commanding and authoritative, bossing everyone around. Instead of both armies fighting one another, like a typical battle, Goliath is so confident in his fighting ability that he declares a one-on-one battle to determine the outcome of the battle.In reaction to Goliath’s demand, Saul and all the Israelites â€Å"fled from Goliath, and were very much afraid† (1 Samuel 17:24). Not only does this show the power and terrifying quality of Goliath, but it also demonstrates a weakness in Saul, who is suppose to lead and protect the Israelites, and his people. At this point, it is hard to side with either the Philistines or the Israelites since neither show desirable qualities. Goliath, though strong and powerful, shows nothing beyond that. He shows no faith in God and is entirely dependant on his fancy armor and swords.Goliath has no other source of strength other than his physical stature and possessions. David, on the other hand, is depicted as a character that is lacking brute strength and weaponry. We are told through the voice of Goliath that he is â€Å"only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance† (1 Samuel 17: 42). It is evident that David is meant to appear as an average kid with no exc eedingly superior or spectacular qualities. This simple portrayal of David is significant because it sets in motion the development of realistic empathy from the implied reader towards David.It is important for the implied reader to feel empathetic towards David because even though David kills Goliath in the end, we are meant to view him as a hero, not a murder. Building a connection between the implied reader and David makes this possible. Though David represents a seemingly common boy at the time, he has several qualities that make him stand out. However, these character traits are never simply told to us. Instead, the implied author uses David’s actions, decisions, and beliefs to reveal his nature.For example, while his two brothers followed Saul â€Å"David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem† (1 Samuel 17:15). Through this simple action we see the first sign of David’s loyalty and commitment. Despite the fact that bo th of his brothers decide to focus on their loyalty to Saul, David continues to devote his time to helping his father and stays true to his obligation. Though the ability to be loyal is not enough to help David win the battle against Goliath, the implied reader is able to identify with David creating a deeper and more developed sense of realistic empathy.We are then provided evidence that David does in fact possess a set of military skills. When faced with Saul’s doubt and disbelief that he will be able to successful take on Goliath, David tells him a story of how he protects his Father’s sheep from lions and bears. David proclaims, â€Å"your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and whenever a lion or a bear came, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth; and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it.Your servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircum cised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God† (1 Samuel 17:34-36). Providing us with this story of the sheep is a very effective way for the implied author to demonstrate David’s skill set. He is unmistakably very courageous for taking on the lion and bear in the first place and appears utterly fearless and determined when he continues to strike and kill them. These, in truth, are qualities that prove to be useful when in a fight. Though David is initially epicted as an underdog, his victory in this story provides the implied reader with more reason to continue building empathy towards him. However, above all these traits, is David’s unwavering and unconditional faith in God. David states, â€Å"the LORD, who saved me from the paw of the lion and form the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine† (1 Samuel 17: 37). This verse clearly depicts David’s relationship with God. Instead of relying on armor, swords, and spears, like Goliath, David puts his fate in Gods hands. He undoubtedly trusts that God will allow him to prevail, just as he did against the lions and bears.This is in contrast with Goliath, who worships false Gods and is completely dependant on his weapons and physical strengths. David then prepares for battle when Saul presents him with his armor, which he refuses to wear because it is too heavy for him to walk in. This simple gesture shows that David is confident in his own abilities and the power of God. Instead of relying on the armor for protection, like Goliath, he plays up his skills and utilizes his familiarity with a sling and stones. When David first appears to Goliath, Goliath â€Å"disdained him, for he was only a youth† (1 Samuel 17:42).Goliath goes on to mock him stating, â€Å"Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the ai r and to the wild animals of the fields† (1 Samuel 17:43-44). Through this statement, we can conclude that Goliath represents a bully figure. He appears cruel and harsh, trying to make David feel lesser than him for having no armor, no sword or spear, but just a sling and some rocks. However, David is not frightened or fazed by Goliaths attempt to scare and discourage him. In fact, the very opposite occurs.In his response to Goliath, David exudes bravery, determination, and loyalty to God and his people. David exclaims, â€Å"This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s and he will give you into our hand† (1 Samuel 17: 46-47).Not only is David’s faith further portrayed in this statement, but also it provides great evidence towards David’s character. Instead of backing down to Goliath, he asserts himself and stands up to him. He also mocks Goliath by mimicking him in that he will â€Å"feed his body to the birds,† displaying his courage and bravery in the face of overwhelming force. Though the climatic point in this story is when David actually defeats Goliath, it is in this very statement where the meaning behind the action derives.The implied author explicitly tells us that it is not force and weapons that win the battle, but it is the ability to fully entrust in God. However, despite the fact that the implied author plainly states the message of the story, the power behind it would cease to exist without the strong character development. It is necessary for us to create a distinct image of Goliath as a tall, strong, and powerful fighter with intense weaponry to understand that these qualities are not what lead to success.Alternately, it is courage and mental strength, combined with faith and trust in a higher power, which is demonstrated through the character of David. Instead of choosing to back down when faced with the tremendous force, Goliath, David steps up and places a strong belief in his abilities and in God. The fall of Goliath is not simply a tale of an unexpected defeat, but of the value of faith in accomplishing the impossible.

The Price Of Oil, Natural Disasters, Economic Trends And...

A number of theories have emerged as to why the price of oil has taken a severe plummet since its peak in June 2014. The price of crude oil was around $115 a barrel at in June 2014. By 2015, it had fallen by more than 40% to below $70 a barrel. (Petroff) There has been exhausting speculation over this matter including reasons relating to geopolitics, natural disasters, economic trends and the lack of regulation by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). OPEC is the vicar of oil pricing, but has clearly contributed to the drastic price drop in the past year. The standard of OPEC is to ensure balance in the oil markets in order to secure a proficiently economic and steady supply of petroleum to consumers. (OPEC) In November 2014, OPEC failed to reach an agreement on setting a standard of how much petroleum each OPEC nation could produce, which essentially drove down the price of oil. If all of the countries in OPEC are not mandated to supply a fixed amount of oil, the y will produce enough to drive down the price making it comfortable for consumers and importers to buy. This has been part of the issue since the plunge began. This de-regulation creates competition because each oil-producing country wants to set the most profitable price, which requires oil production exceeding the typical OPEC standard. The plummeting prices of oil have created positive and negative effects in different industries. The transportation and industrial industry experience lowerShow MoreRelatedThe Development Of The Energy Sector1537 Words   |  7 Pagespopulation is hovering around the 7 billion mark making the demand for secure access a critical challenge. This requires a long-term balancing solution while satisfying short-term needs. 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