Relationship between Media Coverage and Social and Environmental Issues

Relationship between Media Coverage and Social and Environmental Issues Free Online Research Papers Media denotes a section or form of communication channels that is intended to get in touch with a very large audience such as the population of nation or state. Examples include newspapers, magazines, books, televisions radios and the internet. It serves various constructive purposes such as advocating both for business and social concerns, entertainment, and public service announcements. Media also has negative characteristics some of which include the inability to transmit tacit knowledge, manipulation of large groups of people through its outlets, biasness and its inability to act as peoples’ watchdog to wrongs happening in the society. The population covered by media consists of people with diversified characters, opinions, educational backgrounds, and religion. The influence of media to people in a given population- their social, political, environmental, economic and religious issues- is therefore quite variable. Social issues are matters directly or indirectly affecting many or all members of the society and may be considered as societal problems, moral degraders or both. Some examples include poverty, violence, abortion, rape and social injustice. Environmental issues on the other hand are those changes in the environmental conditions which directly or indirectly affect the society such as global warming, climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, etcetera. The media has a social and moral obligation to highlight these issues and help in mitigating them if not totally curbing them. This paper describes both negative and positive nature of the relationship between media coverage and social and environmental issues within the perceptual and contextual role of media in contemporary society. The writer assumes that media has continued to maintain a positive relationship with both social and environmental issues facing the society despite its false starts. Man is a social being and cannot exist on his own. He has to depend on others for co-existence. This mutual relationship with others brings forth the aspect of society. Due to the fact that people are of different characters, co-existence portends social problems whose magnitudes depend on how the society copes with them. This is the point where the media comes in. Media are business entities out to make profits (Kiousis McCombs 142). This drive leads them into selecting topics suitable in improving their business through strategies like maintaining their audience by appealing to them. This fact has been stressed further by the agenda setting theory of media which claims that media does not direct people into what to think, but what to think about (Kiousis McCombs 142). This role conflicts with media as a watchdog to and an instrument of fighting social norms. Some social issues which may have a more significant impact on the society are not reported extensively whereas others whic h may not be as important or even negative to societal existence are reported accurately with extensive coverage or sensation resulting in moral panic. Mass media, especially television, has also contributed to some social evils like violence through broadcast of programs which are violent in nature like wrestling or episodes of unnecessary wars. The effect of this has been found to affect severely the children and the youth as depicted in the media’s effect cultivation theory. This theory, developed by George Gerbner, has in its fundamental claim that persistent long-term exposure to television content has little but measurable effects on the perceptual worlds of audience members (Entman 121-122). Gerbner further claims that heavy television viewing creates an exaggerated belief in a â€Å"mean and scary world† and that television has surpassed religion as the key storyteller of our culture (Carrie Bonds 56). The theory is most famous for its applications to the correlations between media violence and violent behavior and according to Gerbner, the children, elderly, African-Americans, Latinos, women and the less educ ated are often the victims of television violence (Bryant Zillman 46-7). Television is not a reflection of the world but a world in itself and a kind of modern day religion that affects every aspect of social life of its audience. People cultivate perceptions of reality by television, meaning that they make assumptions about others, places and things from fictional sitcoms, soap operas, dramas and television news all of which have direct impact on social decisions and actions (Gerbner et al, 17-40). From fictional sitcoms, people tend to take the fiction in them seriously and even go to an extent of reflecting them on their life. From soap operas, they take the stage acting as a real life situation; many envying to live the ‘movie superstar’s life’ forgetting that it is only stage managed. Dramas have similar effects too while the effect of the news is variable depending on its content and area of coverage. For instance, news showing people striking or demonst rating for their rights ends up spreading the message that striking and demonstrating are the solutions to oppression and decaying societal morals. If such news receives countrywide coverage, mass revolts may be opted for instead of conventional democratic processes and political dialogues. The repetitive nature of mass-produced messages and images forms the conventional symbolic environment that people base their perceptions on. For example, most of television programs are commercially designed to be watched by nearly everyone in a moderately nonselective fashion. This design is aimed at widening the target audience. Newsprints and radio programs may also have the same strategy. These strategies cultivate the very predispositions and preferences that used to be acquired from other primary sources like parental counseling and are largely contributed by the continuous absence of parents to preoccupy their children with other activities and to monitor their habits of utilizing the mass media. Children who watch violent television programs like wrestling end up being violent and aggressive in schools (UCLA Center for Communication Policy par 2-14). Later in life, they become more prone to being on the wrong side of law. They grow seeing incidences of violence in these prog rams whose effects are gradual. At first, they may not be influenced much but as time elapses, they unconsciously start engaging in violence when faced with some situations since their minds are already preformed to think that violence can solve problems better. In fact, in 1993, at a conference of the National Council for Families and Television, it was estimated that 10% of the violence in the United States result from television viewing (UCLA Center for Communication Policy par 2-14). Television violence incidences forms a necessary part of plot and character development accurately portraying real life and it is responsible for actual violence in society, a diehard social issue in many societies. Social moral decadence has also been compromised to some extent by the media. When the society gets exposed to some other cultures through the mass media, their moral values become affected. This effect is more rampant in developing countries in the East and in Sub-Saharan Africa where western culture has been of great influence to the youth propagated by the mass media whose coverage extends that far. Western hip-hop music which seems to glorify social evils like adultery, demeaning the feminine as sexual pet, fornication and use of vulgar language is of great impact to the youths who tend to give a try to whatever they hear or see. Evidently, the youths’ modes of dressing have changed from decent wear to scanty clothes whereas cases of premarital pregnancies have been on the rise ostensibly perpetuated by glorification of sex. To this effect the media which is supposed to be the societal guider in maintaining morals and preventing social evils, acts contrarily by promoting t hem. The role of media in propagating environmental issues is an area of concern to many who view it as a champion of societal good. Media coverage has in many instances failed in sensitizing environmental issues facing the society such as global warming, climatic change and resource depletion, loss of biodiversity, pollution, land degradation and global dimming. Instead of having enlightening coverage of the issues, they make them a liberal versus conservative or science vs. scientific hype issues (Boykoff Boykoff par 1-10). Instead of doing analysis, they drive the issues into political discussions, because they draw better media ratings from making politics out of virtually everything that is contentious. Environmental issues are real and usually find their way into the media, but only in ways that are not so important. They are relegated to the periphery of importance compared to all other topics of media coverage (Kester, 2008). Most media channels do not comprehend the consequences of environmental relapse until the society is faced with them in such a way there is a radical change in the lifestyles of the people. This reflects the fact that many modern journalists find environmental issues unrealistic and not worthy of descriptions that endear journalists to their clients. The old aspirations of journalists to report societal ills and imbalances are equated with words like fairness, accuracy, balance, comprehensiveness and truth only if these describe the more important aspects of news coverage of which environment is not as appealing until its issues are grave. In terms of arising issues, journalists are taught to abide by the norm of balance; identifying the most prevailing, widespread positions and then telling both sides of the story. Balance aims at attaining neutrality. It requires that reporters present the views of legitimate spokespersons of the conflicting sides in any significant dispute, and provide both sides with roughly equal attention. Balanced coverage does not, however, always mean accurate coverage. In terms of environmental issues, balance may allow skepticism. Many skeptics most of whom have vested interests in environmental issues or are not able to appreciate environmental responsibility opting for other forms detrimental to it, use every coverage opportunity to take control of the media (Boykoff Boykoff par 1-10). This is exemplified in the case where carbon based industries fund environmental skeptics to come up with theories contradicting the known causes of global warming in a desperate move to keep themselves in business. On the positive, media coverage can be praised for its efforts in counteracting some social and environmental issues. Mass media coverage promotes civic education to the society; teaching people about their civic rights and enabling them to understand their leaders and the government better (Anderson Meyer 67). Through such coverage, social issues such as injustice, suppression of human rights, social or gender discrimination and affirmative action have been well and clearly highlighted in the society promoting democracy and a unified community whereby all people are equal as per the provisions of their country constitutions. Without civic education, people fail to know their constitutional rights and are likely to be oppressed. Media comes first as the most trusted institution by many people even before judiciary or the government in contemporary society. Due to this, mass media has for a long time been the people’s watchdog; monitoring the government and its agents, other agencies and peer journalistic establishments in their activities. As a result, social issues like corruption have been reduced in places where effective media exist. Nowadays, people have become busy in their jobs and businesses thereby giving little regard to social development of their children on issues like sex education and drug control. This can also be attributed to the fact that some parents fear their children reaction when they initiate these topics. Mass media has been left as the only tool for teaching these topics on a neutral ground evidential in many counseling programs in media broadcasts. Counseling programs do not only benefit the children. Parents also have their share on late night programs which target societal issues like marriages, sex education, societal relationships and politics. In so doing, media coverage helps in providing the necessary information to them on these topics and thus mitigating the long term effects of such societal issues. Media also has played its role as a gatekeeper; mediating the flow of messages by incorporating a diverse and unbiased range of political perspectives and social actors. Through this role, the media facilitates conflict managements which are serious social issues facing many countries. For example, the resigned acceptance in Russia, ethnic violence in Kenya and protests in Turkey and Mexico, the political turmoil and cholera crisis in Zimbabwe, the middle east crisis and many more. Mass media as people’s watchdog has been monitoring government concern toward environment by covering its environmental crusades and since the government needs to appeal to its citizens, it has continually intervened in instances where environmental degradation threatens the very comfort of its citizens. This has somewhat minimized most environmental crises around the world. Media coverage on environmental issues like draughts, pollution and environmental degradation has helped to highlight areas of the environment that are seriously affected. This coverage attract the attention of ‘would be problems solvers’ like the non governmental organizations (NGOs) or community based organizations (CBOs) and other advocates of environmental sanity and sustainability who could not have known the magnitude of the problems had the media not highlighted them. The extensive coverage of the mass media in almost all regions is due to the fact that most media houses have reporters based at grass root levels and who are primary witnesses of devastating societal disregard for environmental responsibility, circumstances that they sometimes report with a passion. During crises like droughts, famine or any other serious environmental or social issue, media coverage plays a significant role in organizing well wishers who are ready to help in such situations. As an example, following the recent draughts and escalating prices of consumer goods early this year, Kenyan media houses hit international news headlines by organizing one of the most successful campaign of its kind in history dubbed Kenya in twenty four hours, whereby well able citizens dropped off food donations at strategic points during the stipulated twenty four hours. These donations were later forwarded to specific NGOs for distribution. In such a case, media coverage played an important role in highlighting the plight of the less fortunate and organizing the citizens towards their rescue. Conclusion The role of media coverage on social and environmental issues remains central to its measure of strength in serving the society. The population covered by media consists of people with diversified characters, opinions, educational backgrounds, and religion and thus the influence of media on them varies as a function of how effective the coverage is the kind of media in use and what the journalists consider profitable and appropriate for its client audience. Media has negative as well as positive characteristics. Its negative characteristics are exemplified in its inability to transmit tacit knowledge, manipulation of large groups of people through its outlets, biasness and its inability to act as peoples’ watchdog to wrongs happening in the society while on the positive, media acts as the watchdog on social and environmental enlightener and as a gatekeeper to societal virtues. Evidences adduced herein suggests that, in reality, the show of media systems frequently fall far s hort of lofty desires, with important costs for the workings of the civic sphere and the general society. Whereas the media has faltered in many instances in its core coverage roles, it is also important to note that it has continue to maintain a positive relationship with both social and environmental issues facing the society. Boykoff, J. Boykoff, M. ‘Journalistic Balance as Global Warming Bias: Creating controversy where science finds consensus’. In FAIR. (2004). Retrieved 01 April 2009 from fair.org/index.php?page=21extra_issue_id=138 Bryant, J. Zillman, D. Perspectives on media effects. Hilldale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1986. Carrie, P Bonds, J. Cultivations of Reality through Television. University of South Carolina Press, 1999. Entman, R. M. ‘Framing public life: Perspectives on media and our understanding of the social world’. Political Communication, 23.1(2006):121-122. Gerbner, G., Gross, L., Morgan, M., Signorielli, N. Living with television: The dynamics of the cultivation process. In J. Bryant D. Zillman (Eds), Perspectives on media effects, (1986). (17-40). Hilldale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Kester, Will. ‘Assessing the US media coverage of global warming’. Helium. 2008. Retrieved 01 April 2009 from Kiousis, S., McCombs, M. ‘Agenda Setting Study: Agenda Setting effects and strength’. MT Journal Nr (2003, March): p. 142. UCLA Center for Communication Policy. The UCLA Television Violence Report 1997. Retrieved 01 April 2009 from Wober, Mallory. The use and abuse of television: A social psychological analysis of the changing screen. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc, 1988. 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European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

European Union - Essay Example According to Templeton, the economic impetus behind the euro project can be traced from the relatively poor performance of the European economies over the past twenty years or more (8). Templeton states that Europe has, for a long time, suffered from relatively weak economic growth, persistently high unemployment and weak economic growth (8). In fact, a term, Eurosclerosis, has been coined to describe the dismal performance of the European economy which became more pronounced in the 1980s. In order to correct these problems, European policy making in the last fifteen years emphasized in launching two significant projects: (1) the single European market, with the free movement of goods, labor, services and capital , and (2) the euro project, the plan for European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Chabot pointed out that it is a common misconception that the euro, [or more generally, the European Union] is primarily an economic project (37). In fact, Chabot asserts that the project is intensely a political one that has been entangled in the history of Europe for many years. In short, the project has evolved as an essential step toward the ultimate goal of â€Å"ever closer† political integration first planned in the 1958 Treaty of Rome, and that the language of the subsequent treaties makes it clear that the euro’s introduction is based far more than economic pros and cons (Chabot 37-38). Former Germany Chancellor Helmut Kohl viewed that euro’s economic benefits are only secondary.... Chabot pointed out that it is a common misconception that the euro, [or more generally, the European Union] is primarily an economic project (37). In fact, Chabot asserts that the project is intensely a political one that has been entangled in the history of Europe for many years. In short, the project has evolved as an essential step toward the ultimate goal of "ever closer" political integration first planned in the 1958 Treaty of Rome, and that the language of the subsequent treaties makes it clear that the euro's introduction is based far more than economic pros and cons (Chabot 37-38). Former Germany Chancellor Helmut Kohl viewed that euro's economic benefits are only secondary and emphasizing instead that "the unification project is the best insurance against a relapse of national egoism, chauvinism and violent conflict" (qtd. in Chabot 38). Chabot continues on that the legacy of two world wars plays a crucial role in the process of European integration (38). Benefits of a Monetary Union In his book, Economics of Monetary Union, Paul De Grauwe asserted that whereas the costs of a common currency have much to do with the macroeconomic management of a country, the benefits are mostly situated at the microeconomic level (60). Eliminating the costs of exchanging one currency into another is certainly the most visible and easily the most quantifiable) gain from a monetary union (De Grauwe 60). The European Commission estimates that the gains derived from the elimination of transaction costs fall between 13 and 20 billion euros per year, one-quarter to one-half of 1% of the Community GDP (qtd. in De Grauwe 60). De Grauwe argues

EasyJet Airlines Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

EasyJet Airlines - Case Study Example ii. Short haul and direct trips: This feature would attract customer's attention since most of the passengers would be keen on reducing their travel time. iii. Using smaller airport as base airport: In comparison to the bigger airports, the road traffic moving towards smaller airports is less congested. This would make customer's journey to the airport shorter. (4) (a) Distinctive Competence: i. Ability to provide low cost services to its customers ii. Ability to increase number of customers by making extra rotations and effective online system. iii. Ability to manage its employees well by maintaining an informal company culture, a flat management structure and providing them effective training. (b) Operations Mission: The central mission of entire operations of Easyjet is to provide low cost air services to its customers and maintain its standards in order to win maximum possible number of customers. (5) Operational Objectives: (a) The operational objectives of Easyjet can be ranked as follows: 1. Cost 2. Delivery 3. Quality 4. Flexibility (b) Easyjet manages to achieve these objectives in the following ways: i. Cost - Easyjet has been successful in providing low cost services by taking the following steps: (a) Using smaller airports as base airport works out cheaper. (b) As the number of customers increased, Easyjet decided on using Airbus A319. This resulted in savings due to its extra seats and better fuel consumption. (c) By the year 2000 Easyjet decided to perform on its own the jobs that were outsourced until then. This too would have resulted in savings. (d) Through ticketless travelling, Easyjet has been able to reduce it's distribution costs. (e) By charging the customers separately for the food and drinks... ii. Online Discount: The online discount given in March 2000 was higher than that given by Easyjet's competitors. Though it was for just a single trip, it still would have made the impact intended. It resulted in an increase in the number of customers booking tickets online. This in a way acts as an aid for sales promotion. i. Punctuality: Easyjet gives high priority to punctuality and since it has succeeded in maintaining it at industry standards, it would induce the customers to consider Easyjet as one of the options for air services. iii. Using smaller airport as base airport: In comparison to the bigger airports, the road traffic moving towards smaller airports is less congested. This would make customer's journey to the airport shorter. (b) Operations Mission: The central mission of entire operations of Easyjet is to provide low cost air services to its customers and maintain its standards in order to win maximum possible number of customers. (e) By charging the customers separately for the food and drinks served on board, Easyjet is able to exclude the cost of food and drinks from the air fare

Secure and Architecture and Models Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Secure and Architecture and Models - Essay Example This research will begin with the definition of secure as a term used to describe a situation that is free from harm and is not exposed to any danger. In computer world secure is simply the state of the computer and other computer related devices are free from interruption risks, internal or external unauthorized entry and access and infections. Architecture is the process of defining a set of structured solutions and decisions that meet all the operational and technical requirements in an organization while optimizing common quality elements and attributes. The important part of the architecture is the structural nature. Models are clearly anything that is used as a structure to represent another thing. Models are used to represent a blueprint of an intended project or idea. Models provide an overview and a simpler way of expressing complex process or ideas. Different Components usually perform different functions in a system. A good example is the computer system components. The co mputer system component comprises of the input devices, output devices, backing stores, and the central unit. All the components have different features and perform different functions. Because of this reason, all have different security prevention measures. The system components should be compatible with each other in order to work together as a system, this means that the developers have to generate ways to get the components compatible are a middleware of networks to link the components to each other to allow communication.

Energy and Power Essay -- Natural Resources

Energy and Power Although I am surrounded by energy and power, I never really knew just how much they mean to the world. However, after learning about the fundamentals of energy, I have a much deeper understanding of their magnitude. In this paper, I will reflect back on what I have learned about energy, and how it has affected me personally. For instance, I know now that the power I am using to sit here and type is roughly equivalent to the power used by an incandescent light bulb, but that is only the beginning. Energy is all around us, but to create power, we need to harness it. I never thought about the fact that everything on earth has some type of energy, and until this course I never even knew the six different types. Now, I can make the connection between two types of energy, and know that fire requires a transition between chemical and thermal energy. Now I am able to understand that even natural processes, like photosynthesis, require multiple types of energy, and it has allowed me to think about energy on a much higher level than I used to. For instance, the fact that I know the First Law of Thermodynamics and would be able to hold an intelligent conversation about the subject has given me the type of confidence a Harvard graduate acquires upon being handed their diploma. Now, beginning to learn about coal has awakened a new curiosity in me, as this source of energy is a large part of my family’s history. I am amazed by the things I have learned so f...

Great Expectations Study Guide

Throughout these early scenes it Is clear that there Is a feeling of evil pervading. The evil comes not so much from Magnetic or even the Terrible young man' that PIP so fears as a young lad, but rather the presence of the gibbet and the nearby reference to the ‘hulks that appear â€Å"like a wicked Nosh's Ark. † It is a symbol of evil that is presently at hand as well as foreshadowing future ills. In this chapter we can see that the presence of the soldiers makes Pip ill at ease because of the guilt that he eels at aiding and abetting the escapees.He fears that they will tell of his collusion if they are captured. We know that it is their own quarrel that brings their escape to grief. We are told that they came from different class groups. The fierce young man is supposedly a ‘gentleman. ‘ This brings into doubt the definition of this term. This is important as Dickens Is most concerned in his work with defining the class groups and In fact the true definiti on of a gentleman. The evil of the convicts is contrasted with the sympathy that both Pip and Joe feel for them.Joe Is particularly selfless In is forgiveness towards Magnetic upon his admission of stealing from their household. PIP on the other hand allows this deception to pass as It favors his position. â€Å"l was too cowardly to do what I knew to be right, as I had been too cowardly to avoid doing what I knew to be wrong. † His guilt is intense and this isn't lessened by the forces around him that would condemn him and subdue him prejudicially for being young, fatherless and vulnerable. These forces ironically seem to come from his own parish and family.Joe, who is ironically not blood related is the one that he ants to impress the most and tone who he fears alienating by telling the truth. The irony is that Joe has already displayed tangible signs of being able to forgive anybody for anything on humanitarian grounds e. G. Magnetic. Magnetic himself has done a noble act In his confession. This Is In contact to Pip's cowardly secrecy. Chapter 7 Pip lacks education. This is remedied by Pip's being sent to Mr†¦ Whoopee's great aunt. Unfortunately she tends to sleep through these lessons. Fortunately, though, Pip learns to read through the assistance of Biddy, the granddaughter of this lady.Pip, who is apprenticed toes displays a very disturbing quality during this chapter that is to affect his development and the responder's opinion of him, that being snobbery. He ostentatiously offers to tutor Joe who is illiterate, but changes when Joe tells his story of how he met Mrs.. Joe and how he had cared for Pip. Joe goes further to show his magnanimous affection for all humanity as well as Pip: â€Å"l wish there warrant no Tickler for you, old chap; I wish I could take It all on myself,† He also looks at the frost on the marshes and pities all those that might be caught up In It.Pip Is Invited through Uncle Bumblebee's to visit a rich and grim lady who lived in a large and dismal house, MISS Having looms large as life at the end of this chapter. Pip breakfast for his uncle before heading to Stats house. ‘Stats' refers symbolically to the irony of being satisfied. In contrast to the name of this Manor House there is nothing that is satisfied. When Pip arrives he is greeted by a young girl who comes across the courtyard to give Pip entry and usher him through the grim house by candlelight.Her name is Estella and she seems like a shining star to Pip although ironically her spurning of Pip seems to remove much of her luster to the responder. When we are introduced to Miss Having she appears as a weird and shrunken lady who seems surreal and almost lifeless. Her watch and the clock remain at twenty minutes to nine. This is the time that her life stopped and she began to decay metaphorically and literally. She tells Pip that her heart is broken and then orders him to play. Pip is unable to satisfy this request until Estel la is ushered in once more to play cards with him. Miss Having sits acropolises during this before dismissingPip and ordering him to return in six days. He is ushered out and given something to eat before experiencing an hallucination of Miss Having being hung. He walks home with his mind buzzing with the contempt that Estella had for him. Chapter 9 This chapter finds Pip being ‘grilled' by the negative forces at home, Uncle Bumblebee's and Mrs.. Joe. He prefers to lie being embarrassed about his treatment at Stats house. He eventually owns up to his lies to Joe at the forge that night but is haunted by the fact that Estella found him coarse because of his hands and boots. He wishes that he wasn't coarse.Joe tells him that: â€Å"If you can't get to be uncommon through going straight, you'll never get to do it through going crooked. † Pip thinks about Joey's wisdom as he is going to sleep that night, however, he can't help thinking that Estella would consider Joe common and his boots thick and his hands course. It would seem that this first visit to Stats House has infected Pip psychologically and he is experiencing quite a deal of disquiet. Ironically it is his childhood innocence that has been lost. After visiting Stats house and gaining a glimpse of a more privileged lifestyle he will himself never be satisfied again.This creates a prelude to his expectations. Chapter 10 Pip is obsessed now with improving himself, presumed to make himself more acceptable to Estella and Miss Having. He asks Biddy to privately tutor him in addition to the classes that he was getting at Mr†¦ Whoopee's great aunt's school. The disquiet that Pip is increasingly feeling and that was first heralded by his hallucination of Miss Having hanging is now seen further in his dreams. This follows when he sees Mr†¦ Hopple at the public house tailing to a mysterious stranger who is stirring his rum and water with a file. It is Joey's file.Pip is further haunted by nig htmares about the convicts and the file. Most importantly he is concerned that having such secret associations with criminals might be perceived as being ‘common' and therefore unpalatable to Estella. Chapter 1 1 wonders why he doesn't cry when she slaps him. This hardens him against emotion and this suggests also what Miss Hafnium's design was in this relationship. Another foreshadowed event occurs as he enters when he encounters a strange man of dark complexion. Pip returns to Stats house on the appointed day to find that Miss Having is being visited by fawning relatives.It seems as if the responder is strangely and unexpectedly given an emotional empathy for Miss Having. We feel for this character because she is Jilted and because we know that the relatives that are fawning after her have only her inheritance in mind. The relatives are Raymond, the henpecked husband; Camilla the hypocrite; Miss Sarah Pocket the fawning woman and Georgian the quiet but slippery woman. When t hey have gone Pip is asked to play again but refuses and agrees instead to work. He is forced to walk Miss Having around the table where she tells Pip that she will one day be placed when she is dead.The Juxtaposition of this frank request and the fawning relatives brings death to the fore. Miss Having also places expensive Jewelry on Estella breasts and hair to suggest her beauty and suggested inheritance. This is to tease and taunt Pip in a way starting the process of gaining revenge on mankind through her ward Estella. The notion of Juxtaposing two different classes is also part of this process. Pip is taken outside to be greeted by a pale young gentleman who wanted to fight Pip. Pip betters him and is rewarded with a mocking kiss by Estella. Chapter 14 Pip is totally miserable in this chapter.His discontent has reached apparently unbearable levels. This content is highlighted by the Juxtaposition of the good- natured Joe. His only solace is in that he hasn't shown Joe how he fee ls about him. Nonetheless it is a point of further pain as he realizes the extent of his character flaw as it contrasts with Joe: â€Å"l know right well that any good that intermixed itself with my apprenticeship came of plain contented Joe. † This heightens his cognitive dissonance. He feels guilt and shame at being ashamed and dissatisfied with things surrounding such and amiable character as Joe. He fears that Estella and MissHaving may visit and see him in his grimiest state. He is fully aware of the level of shame that he feels about Joe and his apprenticeship as a blacksmith. Pip feels that all hope for him has been lost. It is not incidental that this has come as a direct result of his visit to Stats House. His depression is evident in his thoughts made evident in this chapter: â€Å"l have felt for a time as if a thick curtain had fallen on all its interest and romance, to shut me out from anything save dull endurance†¦ † Chapter 15 The cognitive dissonan ce or guilt that Pip felt last chapter reaches its zenith in this chapter.He is the focal point of a fight between Joe and an itinerant worker (journeyman') named Rollick. Pip decided that he would like to visit Miss Having to thank her for organizing his apprenticeship as it was the anniversary of the establishment of the same. He asked Joe for a half day off so that he could visit Stats this leads to Mrs.. Joe arguing with Rollick and then Joe feeling that he had to defend his wife, the resulting fight leads to Joe defeating Rollick. They later make up over a pint but Pip's guilt about this incident is enduring. He visits Stats House but is greeted by Miss Sarah Pocket instead of Estella.Estella is overseas to become a lady. This leads to further dissatisfaction in Pip. Mr†¦ Hopple meets Pip and leads him to Uncle Puncheons place to see a play by a young George Lillo. The play is about an apprentice who murdered his Uncle. This adds further guilt as Pip feels that this is all aimed at him because he is an apprentice. It is as if the adults surrounding him feel that he will amount to no good. On the way home they walk with Rollick before reaching the village and finding that something is wrong at the Gagger house. Pip runs home to find out that his sister has been struck on the back of the head.Chapter 16 The theme of guilt continues in this chapter as Pip thinks that he may be somehow responsible. He fears one of two sources of this crime both that would somehow be his responsibility. It could have been Rollick, in which his asking for a day off may have indirectly be responsible; or the strange young man with the file in which it would have been his fault because of his association with convicts. Meanwhile Mrs.. Joe lies unconscious and then speech impaired. She continually asks for Rollick and designs a â€Å"T† that seems to point at the assailant.Biddy comes to live with them to help nurse Mrs†¦ Joe in the light of the death of Whoopee's aunt's death. Chapter 17 Pip's life has become routine except for his annual visit to Stats House on his birthday, at which time he is given a Guiana. Each visit makes him further dissatisfied with his lot in life. After one visit he takes Biddy walking on the marshes, where all bad things happen. He is oblivious to the fact that Biddy might love him even though he does see that she is attractive on one level. He thinks that he is better than her and acts in a patronizing manner towards her.He apparently cannot get the specter of Estella out of his mind†¦ If I could only get myself to fall in love with you†¦ † This reveals how self absorbed he is as he cannot appreciate her affection for him or even her feelings. The tragedy of this scene is that his soul-mate is in front of him and he is crippled from recognizing this. On the way home Rollick confronts them but Pip dismisses him. Biddy suggests that she is uncomfortable with Rollicks manner as she fears that he lik es her. Pip wishes to get him dismissed but his new relationship with Mrs†¦ Joe prevents this action.Chapter 18 In the fourth year of his apprenticeship Pip goes with Hopple to the Three Jolly Bargeman where Hopple reads out an account of a local murder. Those around him believe the man to be guilty. A stranger chimes in asserting everyman right to be man that he met on the steps of Stats House all those years ago. Pip learns that he has ‘great expectations' from an unknown benefactor. He is to retain his name as Pip; he is to be educated and he must not seek to know his benefactor. Ironically he is more morose than ever and is sad and lonely. His emotions do not move further away than himself.He cannot fathom what Joe and Biddy might be feeling at his departure. He is to be educated by Mr†¦ Matthew Pocket, Miss Pocket's relation. This to the responder as well as to Pip seems to link this lady to his expectations. It seems unlikely that it could be anyone else respon sible. Whilst Pip counts the days down to his departure, Biddy and Joe feel the opposite about the passing of this time. Chapter 19 Pip feels satisfied and free as Joe and he burn his indenture papers. After church he goes to the marshes again and thinks condescendingly about his village and feels superior to everyone.He thinks that he would do something for the village once he has made his mark. He recalls his first meeting with the convicts on the marshes. Pip's negativity and superiority ironically has him wishing ill to these convicts that had frightened him all those years ago. Pip hopes that the convict is transported or perhaps dead. He presumes that the benefactor is Miss Having and wonders whether part of the plan for himself involves Estella. This misapprehension is encouraged by her when she says: â€Å"Goodbye Pip – you will always keep the name of Pip you know. This of course echoes the instructions given to him by Jaegers from his benefactor. This combined with the fact that Jaegers was associated with Miss Having seems to be too much of a coincidence for him and the responder. Pip snoozes only to wake to find Joe smoking next to him. Again he acts in a superior condescending manner towards him. We notice the sycophants come out of the woodwork at this point of the novel. Mr.. Tract spurns Pip until he learns of his money and expectations. At this point he starts to fawn after him, as does Bumblebee's and even Miss Sarah Pocket.Dickens, it would seem, is determined to satirist the money dominated society in which he lived. He was more concerned with humanism and the real values of human beings Great Expectations – Charles Dickens: Part 2 Chapter 20 In this chapter Pip arrives in London and finds the city dirty and revolting. This seems to represent to the responder that he is disappointed in his expectations. It certainly takes the gloss of his expectations. This can be clearly seen through the repetitious use of the word â€Å"di smal. † â€Å"Mr†¦ Jigger's room was lighted by a skylight only, and was a most dismal place. This also gives an idea about how we are to view Jaegers. He too is a dismal man with very little regard for the societal ‘garbage' that provides him with his living. They provide him with a living but he treats them in a superior way as goes his clerk Hemming: â€Å"l wondered †¦ Whether they all claimed to have the same obtains perjured witnesses for Jaegers. Jaegers tells Pip to go to Barnyard's inn where he is to meet Herbert Pocket. Jaegers ends this chapter telling Pip: â€Å"of course you'll go wrong somehow, but that's no fault of mine. Chapter 21 This chapter mostly contains information about the city and about Barnyard's Inn and its environs. We learn about the seedy nature of London when Hemming advises: Mimi may get cheated, robbed and murdered in London. † Pip begins to despair: â€Å"So imperfect was this realization of the first of my great exp ectations, that I looked in sigma at Mr†¦ Hemming. † We are told that Weenie is to be a major influence on Pip as he controls the money from Jaegers. The end of the chapter has Pip meeting Herbert who recognizes Pip as the â€Å"prowling boy. † Could things possibly get worse!Nonetheless he is to find Herbert' company a bright spot in a â€Å"dismal† London landscape. Chapter 22 Herbert and Pip become friends despite the earlier altercation. They share stories about Estella as it is obvious that Herbert too has had dealings with her. Herbert describes her as a â€Å"Tartar†: miss, Miss Having had sent for me, to see if she could take fancy to me. Despite this obvious parallel to his situation Pip does not waver from his affections for Estella. We find out that Estella is adopted by Miss Having. It would seem to reek revenge on all mankind by her â€Å"haughty and capricious† nature.We find out that Matthew Pocket is Miss Hafnium's cousin and th is coincidence is the driving force behind Pip's supposition that he must be favored by this woman and hence she must, it would seem be his secret benefactor. In this chapter the familiar relationship with Herbert is established and he is given his nickname Handel after the piece of music called the Harmonious Blacksmith. This provides a link to Pip's roots and his true personality that suggests that he is not as haughty as he aspires to be. It also suggests that whilst Herbert is of this world he also has a sense of identification with normal societal dealings.Nonetheless Herbert does try to teach Pip proper etiquette such as how to use his utensils. Chapter 23 This is a chapter where we are introduced to the strange world of the Pockets household. Mrs.. Pocket has aspirations to be royalty and is ‘precious' being removed from the upbringing of her children. We are told they are not brought up but in fact eave â€Å"tumbled up. † When they annoy her she simply has them sent inside to have a nap. We are also introduced to Matthew Pocket, Herbert father. The responder is told that he is well educated at Cambridge. His other tutees are are Drummed and Startup.These characters are also introduced here. The total impression of the scene is painted as mildly amusing and Pip feels comfortable here, probably because despite the dysfunctional nature of the relationships it is more hospitable than his variety was not possible in the country and he appreciates it and finds it interesting and amusing. Chapter 24 Pip's future is discussed whilst it seems it is still very vague and not sent in concrete. He is told that he was: â€Å"not designed for any profession. † His education therefore is to be a generic one. He wants to secure his place at Barnyard's inn and needs to get furniture.Jaegers plays with him about the sum that he will need for this. Again this suggests something about the nature of Jaegers more than anything. This is also suggested whe n talking with Hemming about this man. He tells Pip to note his housekeeper carefully when he is invited to dine with his guardian. † You'll see a wild east tamed. † This provides some foreshadowing for this scene. Hemming also invites him to Walworth to observe â€Å"†¦ Three curiosities as I have got. † Chapter 25 In this chapter we find that Pip visits Whimsies Walworth castle. This provides a contrast to the world of Stats House that is dark an gothic.Whimsies house is warm and inviting. It is personal and quirky and provides and interesting view of the lower echelons of society and how happy they can be. Perhaps this is the vision of society that finally gives Pip something to build upon for his future. Earlier in the novel he experiences such rejection and dislocation from his own sphere of influence including his sister that there is no stability other than Joe, who is himself under siege by Mrs.. Joe. We are also introduced to Startup and to Drummed a nd find out more about these fellow students.Further is said about Jaegers and the dictatorial power and influence he has over the criminal underclass of society p. 206. The aged provides an interesting sideline in the world of Hemming and this shows his concern with family and support of others. It certainly shows how he has developed a dual persona between home and work life. When I come into the office, I leave the Castle behind me, and when I come into the Castle, I leave the office behind me. † Chapter 26 Pip, Startup and Drummed head to Jaegers for dinner and gives an unusual degree of attention to Drummed.It certainly also provides a comparison with Whimsies house for the responder: â€Å"†¦ L had an early opportunity of comparing my safeguard's establishment with that of his achier and clerk. â€Å". Jaegers makes his housekeeper show her wrists to the guests after they themselves had spent a ludicrous amount of time showing off their own muscles in an absurd di splay. We are also told that her ace compared with the faces that Pip had seen around the cauldron in a play of incident : â€Å"the Spider's time with Mr†¦ Pocket was up for good, and, to the great relief of all the house but Mrs†¦Pocket, he went home to the family hole. † This suggests that his societal aspirations and ambitions are closely aligned to Mrs†¦ Pocket. This taints our feelings towards Drummed and suggests that his significance to the story will be greater than this. Chapter 27 In this chapter the country comes to the city. Biddy writes a letter in typically familiar tones as Joe suggests he wants the letter written including slang What larks. The letter discusses that Joe is coming to London and in fact Hopple is coming to London as well to make his mark upon the London stage.Pip's snobbery has developed and he is not too pleased at this news and greets it â€Å"†¦ Not with pleasure, though I was bound to him by so many ties. It seems that he is in fact embarrassed by Joe as was suggested in Pip's discussion with Biddy before he came to London. When they meet there is an awkwardness evident and they in fact have trouble finding conversation. We are even made privy to Pip's thoughts when Joe does visit about his clothes and he way that he eats: â€Å"As to his shirt and collar they were perplexing to reflect on†¦ He sat so far from the table, and dropped so much more than he ate. Joe brings news that Miss Having requires Pip to return to Stats House to visit regarding the return of Estella. Pip is mortified with the poignancy of Joey's parting comment which highlights the societal division between the two that has developed: Pip†¦ Life is made of ever so many partings welded together†¦ One man's a blacksmith, and one's a whitest†¦ You and me are not two figures to get together in London: nor yet anywhere else but what is private and Benson and understood among friends. † Chapter 28 Pip return s home but decides not to stay at Joey's, instead opting for a room a the Blue Boar.He says that he would have liked to take his servant the Avenger, Just to show off particularly to that impudent rascal, Tract's Boy. Coincidence again plays its hand as he happens to be on the same stage as two convicts are traveling. One of them Just happens to be the same convict that gave him the two one pound notes. Pip departs the carriage with haste and makes for the Blue Boar where he discovers local newspaper that tells of Bumblebee's being the founder of Pip's fortune. Pip feels self-righteous indignation about this. Chapter 29 This chapter is a study in self delusion.Despite the fact that Herbert had told him of his experiences at Stats House he feels that his situation is different and that his affection for Estella is real. He thinks about seeing Joe but doesn't, instead walks on the other side of town to avoid running into him. Whilst walking he has a daydream about his relationship wi th her. He sees himself as doing â€Å"†¦ The shining deeds of the he tells us that he â€Å"†¦ Loved her none the less. Interestingly he finds Rollick at the door and there is some banter before he is admitted to Miss Having and Estella. Later he advises Jaegers to advise the dismissal of this unsanitary individual.He also haughtily advises the dismissal of Tract's Boy after Tract's boy mocks him for his airs and graces. When Pip meets with Estella she tells him that she was the ghost that he had seen that night. P. 238. Miss having appeals to Pip to love her charge but Estella herself informs Pip how unprepared she is to love anybody. â€Å"I'll tell you what real love is. It is blind devotion, unquestioning self-humiliation, utter submission. Finally we are told that Estella in her turn would come to London and that Pip would host her. This leads to Pip's love expectations and pride: â€Å"†¦ Hat she should be destined for me, once the blacksmith's boy. † Chapter 30 This chapter is the most satirically poignant chapter in the novel. Dickens points the disapproving finger of social condescension and snobbery squarely at Pip but he is too caught up in his new superiority to take it to heart. Perhaps this is because the person who is pointing the finger is the subject of his own need to show off, Tract's boy, therefore it is too easy to shrug all of this off as Jealousy. Nonetheless from the responder's perspective there is no character that is less pretentious than Tract's Boy.Audacious †¦ Yes, irreverent †¦ Yes, but not Jealous. Coincidence is again the device of this chapter. Pip is keen to avoid running into Bumblebee's, probably because of the newspaper article that he read last chapter, so he decides to walk for a bit and meet the carriage to London, that Jaegers is also in, further down the road. This provides the circumstance for Pip to run into Tract's Boy. When Pip sees him walking towards him â€Å"lashing himself with an empty blue bag,† he deems that â€Å"a Rene and unconscious contemplation of him†¦ † Would be the most dignified thing to do.Here is Pip trying to seem dignified to the unseemly, knockabout Tract's Boy. This in itself is pure folly. It was met by Tract's trilogy of mockery for Pip's apparent snobbish and condescending demeanor. He pretends to be afraid; asks for â€Å"mercy in front of many people; then â€Å"crows† him out of town with his cry of â€Å"don't know yah, don't know yah, pony my soul don't know yah,† to mock Pip's haughty dismissal of his town and all of his previous acquaintances that now seem below his recognition. Chapter 31 The comic satire continues in this chapter as Pip visits the theatre to see Whoopee's performance of Hamlet that is poor in the extreme.Nonetheless when he is taken backstage he is complementary telling Mr†¦ Wallpapering (Hopple) that he thought â€Å"massive and concrete. † After this experi ence Pip dreams of performing Hamlet to Miss Hafnium's ghost in front of â€Å"†¦ Twenty thousand people, without knowing twenty words of it. † This again reminds the responder how much of a hold this woman and her actions have a hold over his psyche. His dreams and nightmares and subconscious desires are all caught up with the world of Stats House. Chapter 32 In this chapter Hemming invites Pip to Join him in a visit to Negate prison.The Prison is described vividly. The metaphor of the Jail as â€Å"Whimsies greenhouse† is used. Hemming is described as walking amongst the prisoners: â€Å"†¦ Much the same as a gardener might walk amongst his plants. † In this environment, his work environment, takes upon himself the same superiority as Jaegers. Pip parts from Hemming and thinks about his: â€Å"childhood out on our lonely marshes on a winter evening. † Then regrets coming with Hemming on this particular day when he is supposed to be meeting wit h Estella. He tries to â€Å"beat the prison dust off†¦ † And even to â€Å"exhale its air. Ironically he fears, but doesn't understand, the â€Å"†¦ Nameless shadow which again in that one instant had passed. † Chapter 33 Pip is more confused and dissonant regarding his relationship with Estella than ever. She arrives and tells him that she is bound for Richmond to live and that Pip is to escort her, to this end she gives him her purse to pay for the expenses. There is a strong sense that Estella is a victim of her own fortunes and that she is a cannonball in flight without control over being fired or even what she might destroy when she ands. We have no choice, you and l, but to obey our instructions. We are not fee to follow our own devices, you and l. † Then she â€Å"†¦ Drew her arm through mine, as if it must be done. † Estella recognizes Matthew Pocket's qualities but feels that she has to add â€Å"†¦ For I hate that class of man. † She also murmurs the contemptuous utterance â€Å"Wretches! † as she approaches Negate. The narrator confesses that he would never have told her of his â€Å"†¦ Visit for any consideration. † This again shows how she has been ruined by Miss Hafnium's patronage. Her superior demeanor is objectionable to the responder.Pip gives voice to his affections for her and she is dismissive Mimi silly boy†¦ How can you talk such nonsense. † Nonetheless he steals a kiss with her permission even though he recognizes that he could â€Å"†¦ Build no hope on it. † He in fact recognizes that she will probably have many admirers in his absence in Richmond. Pip thinks about confiding in Matthew Pocket and gain his advice on women, but then sees Mrs†¦ Pocket reading â€Å"a book of dignities† and concludes that perhaps his advice may not be as sound as he'd hoped. Chapter 34 Regret plagues Pip as he starts to realize the social ramificat ions of his expectations.

Essay on A Critique of Bergers Uncertainty Reduction Theory

A Critique of Bergers Uncertainty Reduction Theory How do people get to know each other? Bugs Bunny likes to open up every conversation with the question, Whats up Doc? Why does he do this? Is Bugs Bunny uncertain? Lets explore this idea of uncertainty. Shifting focus now to college students. As many other college students at Ohio University, I am put into situations that make me uncertain of my surroundings almost every time I go to a class for the first time, a group meeting, or social event on the weekend. Bergers Uncertainty Reduction Theory tackles the concept of how people meet other people. In order to explain the relationship between uncertainty and the seven key variables that Berger identifies in this area of†¦show more content†¦Do we shake hands? Should I pay for the meal? Referring to the cognition that takes place, the focus is aimed at figuring out what makes the other person unique. In both areas, an individual tries to go from uncertainty to a more comfortable place. The Prediction One thing that Berger is very clear about in his theory is the matter-of-factness of his theorems. Berger makes no attempt to be humble with his postulations. All the theorems take the form of If..., then... statements. This no holds barred approach to prediction seems to be the weakness of Bergers Uncertainty Reduction Theory. It seems that probability and/or tendency dont come into play, instead Berger tends to deal with absolute certainty. If he were to talk in possibilities, then critics wouldnt question Berger. This idea of preciseness leads Uncertainty Reduction into problems on a few theorems, especially 17 which states, The more you like a person, the less youll seek out information about them (Griffin 160). Since the theorems are based on the seven axioms, then it must mean that there is a problem with those axioms. With respect to prediction Berger seems to expect to be correct, rather than actually being right. Relative Simplicity Berger believes that our main purpose in talking to people is to make sense out of our interpersonal world (Griffin 153). This statement seems to me to be the foundation through which everything Berger bases hisShow MoreRelatedThe Communication Theory Of Uncertainty Reduction Theory3089 Words   |  13 Pagespeople will come with dealing with uncertainty jitters. This research looks at the different critiques by communication scholars on the communication theory of Uncertainty Reduction Theory. Uncertainty Reduction Theory is a communication theory that came about through the research of Charles Berger from the post-positivist tradition. Charles Berger through Uncertainty Reduction Theory proposes that the beginnings of personal relationships are filled with uncertainties. Berger suggests that anticipationRead MoreSummary Communication Theory13076 Words   |  53 PagesIntroduction to Communication Theory: Course Summary Chapter 1: Launching your study What is a theory? What distinguishes a good theory from a bad theory? A theory is a set of systematic informed hunches about the way things work. A good theory goes beyond accepted wisdom and offers explanations and speculations about phenomena. Additionally, a good theory consists of a system of concepts which means that the theorist were able to make connections among his ideas. A theory tends to shape our perceptionRead MoreSummary Communication Theory13084 Words   |  53 PagesIntroduction to Communication Theory: Course Summary Chapter 1: Launching your study What is a theory? What distinguishes a good theory from a bad theory? A theory is a set of systematic informed hunches about the way things work. A good theory goes beyond accepted wisdom and offers explanations and speculations about phenomena. Additionally, a good theory consists of a system of concepts which means that the theorist were able to make connections among his ideas. A theory tends to shape our perceptionRead MoreRelational Dialectics Theory Essay2542 Words   |  11 PagesComparing relationships to unicycles seems strange or unlikely, however the constant strive for balance against opposing forces is a perfect description for relational dialectics theory (Griffin, 2009). Barbara Montgomery, an interpersonal communication scholar, describes riding a unicycle as a task of contradicting forces, constantly pulling against each other in a tug-of-war motion. The best way to control the wheel is by the constant changes in movement, adapting one way or the other, to maintain