Comparison Of Articles About The Terrorist Attacks Assignment

Comparison Of Articles About The Terrorist Attacks - Assignment Example Indeed, the medium of each text may influence my response to the content because the medium significantly affects the relevance, reliability, and the authority of the information contained therein. Additionally, Nicholas Thompson is the renowned author of various literature and currently an editor at The New Yorker, at Bloomberg Television, and at CNN International. As such, he derives respect and authority in literature. On the other hand, Nina Berman has won numerous awards in American documentary photography. Notably, both writers use anecdotal evidence to lay their arguments and claims. Both texts are of the view that the true definition of the word hero lacks it initial significance.Nevertheless, the two articles agree that there are heroes in America and that the true meaning of American heroes only changed after the 2001 September 11 terrorist attacks where there was a general notion to refer to the victims, firefighters, and rescue workers as heroes. They find that the word h as become so popular, cultural, and psychologically common that nobody reserves any pride in it in the modern times.Nicholas Thompson claims that the victims the terrorist attacks deserve tremendous sympathy and referring to them as heroes will be a misplacement. He further reckons that the firefighters and rescue workers who suffered in the attacks do not amount to becoming heroes because they were doing their job. In fact, he claims that referring to them as such is demeaning the meaning and significance of the word hero.

The Global Hunt for Edward Snowden Essay Example for Free

The Global Hunt for Edward Snowden Essay The wild flight of the fugitive leaker — from Hong Kong to the transit area of Moscow’s Sherymetyvo Airport, and perhaps on to Ecuador — has turned into a public humiliation for the White House. U.S. officials publicly threatened â€Å"consequences† if Snowden wasn’t returned, only to be openly rebuffed by Chinese officials and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. This made embarrassingly clear how little leverage President Obama has in Moscow or Beijing (and how much wiser it would have been to request Snowden’s return in private). Most disturbing, the Snowden affair has enabled some of the world’s worst human rights offenders to portray themselves as champions of freedom by defending Snowden while denouncing America as a massive violator of rights. China’s Xinhua news agency branded the United States as â€Å"the biggest (cyber) villain in our age.† Russian parliamentarians did likewise. You might think that such self-righteous claims would be dismissed as political posturing. Yet in today’s world, with America’s image sullied by Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo, and by our paralyzed politics, these charges can find a receptive audience, not only abroad but at home. So let’s look at the records of the countries that are offering Snowden the greatest support. For starters, there is something bizarre about the list. While Snowden claims to be defending personal freedoms, he has sought shelter from egregious violators of human rights, including China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela and Ecuador. Whatever his motives, this lends an air of hypocrisy to his claims. He took refuge in Hong Kong, which is part of China, whose leaders control the country’s Internet portals, block content and monitor individual access. The Chinese censor print and electronic media and have â€Å"the largest recorded number of imprisoned journalists and cyber-dissidents in the world,† according to Amnesty International. Chinese government hackers have conducted massive commercial and military espionage in the United States (and presumably elsewhere) and even breached Google’s computers. Beijing is obviously delighted that it can fend off U.S. complaints by claiming America does likewise. Such charges are bogus — and they know it. Whatever your opinion about the National Security Agency’s surveillance programs, the fact is that Congress OK’d them and set up special courts to monitor them. The U.S. public can debate whether the controls should be tightened, and demand change. In China, no Congress or courts govern surveillance nor can Chinese citizens oppose it. Government hackers break into the software of international companies such as Apple to steal industrial secrets — on a massive scale. As Obama noted, that’s not normal intelligence gathering; â€Å"that’s theft.† Then there’s Russia, where the state controls all major newspapers and national TV networks, which are still the major news source for the bulk of the population. Journalists are beaten up or murdered, and the perpetrators, conveniently, are never found. Political dissenters are cowed, arrested, or driven into exile. So when Putin praises Snowden as a â€Å"human rights activist† who â€Å"struggles for freedom of information,† it’s hard not to gag. Any Russian who did similarly would wind up in the gulag or worse. Snowden’s final destination — possibly Ecuador via Venezuela — is equally odd for a defender of freedom. As pointed out by Bill Sweeney, editorial director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, Venezuela has shut down independent broadcasters via a system of politicized regulations. As for Ecuador, its populist president, Rafael Correa, has criminalized reporting that is critical of his government — and prosecuted journalists who attempt it. That brings us to the heart of the matter. Snowden’s saviors have seized a delicious opportunity to deflect U.S. criticism of their own cyberattacks and rights violations by branding the United States as the real sinner. Dogged by images from Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo, Washington has become an easy target. Even some allies have tired of America’s human rights demands (which are readily ignored when strategic concerns trump them, as in Syria). So, critics of American hubris may cheer when Putin praises Snowden — or when the People’s Daily proclaims that Snowden â€Å"tore off Washington’s sanctimonious mask.† It’s necessary to remind them: The countries helping Snowden aren’t doing so because they dislike spying. On the contrary. They don’t want limits on their own surveillance, just on ours.

PATRIOT ACT :: essays research papers

1. Shannon, McCaffrey (2004, May 23). New laws to combat terrorism are working their way through Congress. Knight Ridder tribune Washington Bereau (D.C.) The Justice Department wants to find a way to expand its anti-terrorism powers by adding other methods such as a FBI subpoena power. Some may say that the changes in the bills are of the most significant since Congress passed the Patriot Act after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. Some of the actions that were taken place have been recycled from a controversial Justice Department draft of a bill, called "Patriot II," which was discarded after details of its provisions were given to the media. Daniel Bryant, the assistant attorney general for legal policy, said the Patriot Act has helped law enforcement detect and disrupt terrorist plots. "But while Congress and the administration working together have made significant strides in improving the department's capacity to gather the intelligence necessary to prevent terrorist attacks, there is still more that needs to be done," Bryant told lawmakers at a May 18 hearing. Critics do not think giving law enforcement officials more power, complaining that there is not enough information has been made available about how the Justice Department is using the tools in the Patriot Act. There giving reasons why the patriot Act is being force and people complaining and telling why it not right to I am using this to show that the Partiot Act will help enforce certain rules and regulations that the government do not pay attention to. This article also talks about a new way to expand anti- terrorism powers by adding other methods. 2. Pike, George H. (2004, June 20) A Safer USA Patriot Act. Information Today. This article offers facts about the U.S. Patriot Act, which was ratified following the terrorist attacks in the country on September 11, 2001. It restructured several existing laws involving intelligence gathering, criminal law and procedure, and immigration practices. Though passed nearly unanimously by both houses of Congress, the act was controversial, particularly within the library and information communities in the U.S. The major initiatives of the Patriot Act is as follows: first, it expanded the type of information that could be obtained by

Handling Interpersonal Conflicts Essay

Have you ever been involved in an interpersonal conflict that was not necessarily handled in the most effective manner? During that occurrence did you notice that you and the other individual seemed to be on different pages after the fact? Being able to handle an interpersonal conflict in the most effective manner could potentially keep you and your significant others relationship close as opposed to tearing it apart. In the movie â€Å"Hitch†, Will Smith states, â€Å"Sixty percent of all human communication is nonverbal body language; thirty percent is your tone, so that means ninety percent of what you’re saying isn’t coming out of your mouth† (Lassiter, 2005). With this being stated, body language, tone, and verbal language are all things that must be particularly paid close attention too and effectively utilized, whether you are the speaker or the listener. While watching the movie â€Å"Hitch†, there were a few interpersonal conflicts that were not handled effectively. One specific conflict that was not handled effectively was when Sarah found out about Hitch’s career as a â€Å"Professional Love Doctor†. This conflict was not handled effectively for a multitude of reasons. Previously Hitch and Sarah were really â€Å"falling† for each other, being sincere, genuine, and in the â€Å"honey moon† stage. After the conflict was initiated, Sarah’s body language started to change. She began to deny Hitch’s kisses by turning away, she ruined the romantic wine moment by tipping the bottle up as opposed to drinking out of the wine glass that Hitch had already prepared for her, Sarah began to snarl, both Hitch and Sarah began to become aggressive in their actions by throwing food at each other out of anger, and Hitch insulted Sarah by telling her that she had a crappy newspaper. All of these actions are considered to be ineffective ones. While trying to choose a more effective route of handling this conflict so that the relationship remains close, one must show ositive body language, positive tone, positive verbal language, as well as a few other effective solutions. Solutions such as empathizing with one another by putting themselves in each other’s shoes, evaluating the message by waiting for the speaker to finish speaking before evaluating the message, not becoming emotional at the speaker, and showing more self-disclosure at the beginning of their relationship so that each other could grasp more of an understanding of each other’s background and career. Sole states, â€Å"While emotions are normal and are to be expected in conversation, especially when information of a personal or sensitive nature is being shared, it is helpful to hear the speaker out and to try to control these emotions until the remarks are finished† (Sole, 2011). If both Sarah and Hitch had done this, their argument most likely would have been invisible. They may have understood where each one was coming from and actually taken the time to hear what each other were trying to get across. Doing all of these things could help eliminate the interpersonal conflict that both Hitch and Sarah encountered. All in all, interpersonal conflicts have the opportunity to happen on a daily basis; however, being able to handle them in the most effective manner could potentially keep you and your significant others relationship close instead of tearing it apart. Remember, whether you are the speaker or the listener, you must always try to pay close attention to body language, tone, and verbal language as well. Being able to come together as one, empathizing with one another, evaluating the message, not becoming emotional and showing more self-disclosure with one another are some key concepts to eliminating potential interpersonal conflict amongst you and your significant other.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave & Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. By Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs (Introduction by Kwame Anthony Appiah). (The Modern Library: New York. c. 2004. 434 pp. $6. 95). Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglas, an American Slave is a firsthand account of the struggle of Fredrick Douglas who was born into slavery. The book hits on several main points of slavery from the brutal beatings that were inflicted upon slaves to the hypocrisy of Christian slave owners who used religious teachings as a justification for the treatment of their slaves. Douglas immediately immerses the reader in the atrocities of being a slave. The feel is very â€Å"matter of fact† but leaves the reader feeling compelled to be irate. Douglas is almost able to actually bring the reader into the life of a slave. The imagery that is used is so vivid that you can actually see the book play out in your mind. The ascription of meaning to the slave songs that Douglas heard in the pine woods is eye opening and the quote â€Å"The mere reoccurrence to those songs, even now, afflicts me; And while I am writing these lines, an expression of feeling has already found its way down my cheek. To those songs I trace my first glimmering conception of the dehumanizing character of slavery (pg 28) â€Å". The power of that quote alone is enough to open the heart and mind to the pain of the African American slave. The scope of this narrative is across the life of Fredrick Douglas, from his childhood as a slave to his role as an speaker on behalf of abolition in which he drew the courage to speak out even in front of his white counterparts. The purpose of the narrative is to inform the reader of the circumstances that the slaves had to deal with on a day to day basis and also as a public argument against slavery. I feel that he book is an exceptional piece of literature that by all standards envelops the reader into the world of a slave in the 1800s. The literature not only examines the life of Frederick Douglas but the ideas of the time in which he lived. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave & Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. By Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs (Introduction by Kwame Anthony Appiah). (The Modern Library: New York. c. 2004. 434 pp. $6. 95). Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs is exactly as the title says, an account of incidents that â€Å"Linda Brent† had went through in her life. It is important to note that â€Å"Linda Brent† is used as a pseudonym for Jacobs. Brent did not fully understand that she was a slave until around age six when her mother dies and she is now One thing that I liked about the this narrative was the emphasis on family. In â€Å"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, an American Slave† family is not examined as much, due to the treatment of the slaves by their masters, their family lineage is mostly a secret. Jacob's goes into detail about the bond between her and her mother as well as her grandmother. The purpose of this book is to indulge the reader into several incidents that made Harriet Jacobs who she was. The motif of broken family cohesion is ever existing in the book as it is shown that black women are, most of the time, not allowed to raise their children, marriage is not allowed between slaves and if it is they do not live with one another, and mulatto children are sold and the white fathers feel no obligation to their children. The major conflict in the text between the need for freedom and the need to protect her children brings a very realness to the narrative. I do feel that Jacobs wants the reader to believe that all of the accounts or incidents in the book are in fact nonfiction, as stated, † Reader, be assured this narrative is no fiction. I am aware that some of my adventures may seem incredible; but they are, nevertheless, strictly true. I have not exaggerated the wrongs inflicted by Slavery; on the contrary, my descriptions fall far short of the facts (pg 1)† The horrific events that happened in the narrative are hard to understand or believe, that is why Jacobs inserts the previous adage. The juxtaposition I have chosen for the two slave narratives is family. In â€Å"narrative of the life of Frederick Douglas, an American Slave† family is not a prevalent theme. In fact the lack of family would be a more accurate depiction. Yet in â€Å"Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl† family is one of the most important things to â€Å"Brent†, aside from freedom, and the argument could be made that family came before freedom. As a child family was very important to Brent and as a mother it remained just as strongly to her.

Essay Sample on Urban Grooves and Their Appreciation

Essay Sample on Urban Grooves and Their Appreciation Some say its rubbish and it wont get anywhere, others say its the new thing and the future, but judging by the recent events in it has urban grooves music reached the point of appreciation from the renowned musicians. Zimbabwe will one day stand up and applaud the fathers of the true Zimbabwean music. It is not long ago that the older and more experienced musicians where the ones at the forefront of scoffing at the urban grooves campaign that saw most of the young artists being castigated for their different ways of making new contemporary music. Oliver Mtukudzi was one of them and he always castigated the way the music of these youngsters was being done. Veteran Thomas Mapfumo has also been known to echo the same sentiments about this new genre of music. But in an about turn Mtukudzi has recorded a song with urban groover XQ whilst last year Macheso did the same with Mudiwa. Can this be the point of realisation and appreciation of urban grooves music from the seasoned musicians? Looking back at the beginning of the music industry in Zimbabwe, one can only applause the distance which these young musicians have come so far. The biggest criticisms being that they were performing with soundtrack CDs and were perceived as not being serious about music. To the renowned artists this one man show type of music meant no creativity at all. Even the audiences used to scoff at seeing an urban groover alone on stage with just a sound track in the back and lip singing. To a certain extend this criticism helped in sprucing up the act of these young artist as most are now turning to live instruments and even if they play backtracks, they now have dancers to entertain their audiences. Listening to the latest XQ album one gets to appreciate the depth of the urban groove artist who has come of age but it is only after listening to the song Pane Rudo that a familiar voice of Mtukudzi assures you that truly the young man has come of age. Now that older artists are teaming up with these young artists a point of appreciation has now been realised and finally heavens doors seem to have opened for urban grooves. We asked the artists what really is urban music is and the answer was one that was delivered with astute confidence by Stunner. This is a new type of music mostly spearheaded by youngsters in urban centers hence the name urban grooves. He went on to say that this is todays music, here to stay and going to be music for tomorrow. â€Å"Off course our elders in the music industry always try to do us down but the real factor is that our music is here to stay. Can you imagine Museve making it in the few years to come,† echoed Leonard Mapfumo another urban groover. He went on to say that this was not only in Zimbabwe but also in countries like Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Zambia where this music is called Urban Mondo. As stated by the website wikipedia.org this genre of music in Zimbabwe closely resembles American Rap, Hip Hop, RnB, Soul and other international music genres. The site goes on to say that this imitation of the West has resulted in Urban Grooves being unpopular with older listeners and artists who accuse the younger generation of shunning their cultural music and identity. Mapfumo had this to say again, We grew being made to listen to guys like Lionel Ritchie, Dolly parton and all those American and European artists by our parents. Later on we chose to have our own taste in music and hence we started liking urban American music because we had been exposed to such foreign music from young age. Now that we are doing it using local languages people see it wrong. Urban grooves is here to stay. Talking to another urban groover, Mudiwa, who recorded with Macheso last year he said its also a marvel for the youngsters to be able to record with big and established artists. My titles on my songs are all inspired by Macheso. I take his Shona titles for his albums and songs and I put them into English with his full support, he said. He went on to say that this means that urban music is now growing interest from adults. On my new album Macheso is going to be there as well. In actual fact he is my mentor, said Mudiwa. Tendai Chidarikire popularly as Sasamania says that it is unfair to box up these musicians and call them strictly urban groovers as this tends to make their music autonomous. â€Å"The moment you box an artist and label them a Museve artist or urban groover then there is no room for diversity. Look at R Kelly. He can sing in almost all genres be it RB, soul or hip-hop said Chidarikire. Some of us have been boxed for sure but then there are same of us who opt to go out of the box and then come back said Stunner Has urban grooves music now reached Heaven’s doors? Has it finally now achieved the so much needed recognition synonymous to the genres like Sungura, Contemporary and Ethnic in Zimbabwe? The answer lies only in the appreciation this music is going to get from the listeners as well as its appreciation from seasoned musicians.

Word Choice Coarse vs. Course

Word Choice Coarse vs. Course Word Choice: Coarse vs. Course The words â€Å"coarse† and â€Å"course† sound exactly the same. They’re also similar written down. And as such, we understand why people get these terms confused. But these words also have very different meanings. So to make sure you use them correctly, check out our guide to what they mean. Coarse (Rough or Harsh) The word â€Å"coarse† is an adjective that means â€Å"rough† or â€Å"harsh.† We therefore use it to describe the texture or feeling of something: The coarse fabric rubbed against his skin. We also say that something is â€Å"coarse† when it is made of large, loose particles. If we say that soil is â€Å"coarse,† for instance, we mean that it is loosely packed and made up of larger clumps. We also say that language or behavior is â€Å"coarse† when it is rude or impolite: Her coarse language caused uproar at the funeral. This is a bit old-fashioned, but you will still see it used like this sometimes. Course as a Noun The word â€Å"course† is usually a noun (i.e., a word that names or stands for something). This term can actually have a few different meanings, including: A process of development (e.g., The course of history†¦) A route or path of movement (e.g., The blimp changed course†¦) An ongoing medical treatment (e.g., A course of painkillers†¦) A set of classes (e.g., A college course†¦) Part of a meal (e.g., A three-course meal†¦) An area over which something extends (e.g., Water course†¦) And while these definitions are quite varied, â€Å"course† is a noun in each case. Course as a Verb â€Å"Course† can also be a verb (i.e., an action word). In this case, it usually means â€Å"flow quickly.† For example, we may say a river â€Å"courses† through a valley. A river coursing. It can also be used to mean â€Å"chase,† particularly to hunt something with dogs. These uses are rare compared to the noun definitions above, but they are still worth remembering. Coarse or Course? The trick here is to focus on â€Å"coarse,† which has one main meaning (i.e., â€Å"rough† or â€Å"harsh†). Importantly, this means â€Å"coarse† is always an adjective. As such, if you need a word that modifies a noun, it will always be â€Å"coarse.† â€Å"Course,† meanwhile, can be either a noun or a verb. So if you need a word for a thing or an action, it will be â€Å"course.† Remember: Coarse is an adjective meaning â€Å"harsh† or â€Å"rough.† As a noun, course can be many things, including a process, a route, an ongoing medical treatment, a set of classes, or part of a meal. As a verb, course means to flow quickly. And if you’d like anyone to check the word usage in your writing, let us know.