Mexico in South Phoenix :: Arizona Mexican Culture Essays Papers

Mexico in South Phoenix â€Å"It’s like going to Mexico without ever leaving Phoenix.† This was a quote by Mr. Virgil, the Manager of the Ranch Market. A tour of the Ranch Market showed his statement to be true, hence the title of this paper. The following will discuss the Ranch Market and Mexico in South Phoenix. To begin, the tour was absolutely intriguing. The class was introduced to Mr. Virgil. Then we proceeded to get a really in-depth insight into what was up with the Ranch Market. While the Ranch Market is really just another store to purchase canned food, fruit, personal hygiene products, and even a meat department, the real attraction is the food service department. The class and I learned about the revenue intake of the entire Ranch Market; and as things go, the food service department accounted for over 40% of the income. I thought the food was awesome, as did the several hundred patrons. The food service department consists of several components. The most prosperous of the components is the Mexican food deli, followed only shortly by the bakery. The Mexican food that is prepared right in front of you consists of tacos, burritos, tostadas, quesadillas, nachos, and about any other type of Mexican food one could think of. The bakery is awesome. The prices are very appealing to the frugal, but the availability of all types of bread (donuts, to loafs, to cakes and pies) is appealing to basically everyone. However, the whole Ranch Market seemed to be focused on appealing to the Mexican culture. This type of environment reminded me of a reading that was assigned; it was titled American Apartheid, Segregation and the Making of the Underclass. This reading addressed the segregated society. A few sentences really interested me, such as â€Å"†¦extreme racial segregation did not just happen; it was manufactured by whites through a series of self-conscious actions and purposeful institutional arrangements that continue today.† This reminded me of how South Phoenix has been shunned by the Valley of the Sun and a haven for illegal immigrants who do not speak English. Another reference from American Apartheid is â€Å"Although poor black neighborhoods still contain many people who lead conventional, productive lives, their example has been overshadowed in recent years by a growing concentration of poor, welfare-dependent families that is an inevitable result of residential segregation.

Cultural Assessment of Elderly Chinese Americans

Management of their health and illness issues is also discussed. Cultural assessment theory and an assessment tool are used for he study, and their usefulness, strengths, and weaknesses analyzed. Demographics This cultural assessment is focused on elderly Chinese Americans in Flushing, New York where according to the revised 2010 census reported 56,355 Asians resided, comprising 70. 35% of the total population. Although the census reported on all Asian subgroups combined, it has been determined that most of the population consists of Chinese and Korean immigrants.Studies have also shown that the elderly portion of the population often faces more disparate treatment in relation to health care and that is why this population was chosen for the assessment. Ethnic and Cultural Health Practices Illness and death are usually viewed by elderly Chinese Americans as a natural part of life. Health is equated to finding harmony between the complementary forces of yin and yang. Special foods and herbs are used to restore balance between yin and yang and promote healing.Other common practices include massage, acupuncture, conferring with a medium or spiritualist, and institution, which is a traditional Chinese technique that involves burning an herb called Muggers to facilitate healing. Otherwise, Chinese Americans do not generally have conflict with Western health practices but when an illness is considered shameful, they often will not seek treatment. Bad news regarding diagnosis or prognosis is shielded from the patient by family members because they believe it will make the patient worse medically.With family having such a significant role in decision-making processes, it is imperative to explain and encourage durable power of attorney or other tool used to give power to the person making medical decisions. Religious Belief System Religious practices the Chinese may follow are Confucianism (a philosophy), Taoism, ancestor worship, Buddhism, and Christianity. At one time , atheism was encouraged in mainland China so some patients will say they do not have a religion. Generally, Chinese religion is dualistic and emphasizes yin and yang which are considered the makeup of the Tao.Tao is their ‘eternal cosmic principal'. Health and Illness Needs Common illnesses in the Chinese community include diabetes, stroke, hepatitis B, hypertension, tuberculosis, and cancers of the upper GIG tract, lung, liver, and misanthropy, and G-6-PDP deficiency, a condition in which the lack of an enzyme results in anemia. † Chinese men also have a large tendency to smoke. As noted by Eng, et al (2005-2006), â€Å"Up to 65% of men from China smoke. Although there is no true conflict with Western medicine, Chinese Americans often institute traditional remedies before trying Western treatments.That is why they may initially present to the facility in an advanced stage of illness. Management of Health and Illness When managing the health and illness of elderly Chin ese immigrants several factors are involved. Availing health care to those in need is essential to managing the health of Chinese immigrants. Understanding familial roles and relationships is another one of the most important factors because â€Å"culture emphasizes loyalty to Emily and devotion to traditions and puts less emphasis on individual feelings† (University of Washington Medical Center, 2007).Another factor is whether the patient understands their medications and the importance of following a regimen. Explaining medications fully and not Judging traditional Chinese remedies involving herbs will help build a bridge between traditional medicine and Western medicine. If the patient is not comfortable with the dosages or uses of their medication, they will most likely be noncompliance. Learning and understanding nonverbal cues will also help because out of respect, Chinese clients will not tell a actor no.Respect is shown by avoiding eye contact or giving small bows whe n authority figures are present. It is also believed emotions must be maintained in stressful times so they may appear stoic. Lastly, be aware that women are modest about being examined by a male and should be asked up front if it is alright for the practitioner to examine them. Language Language has been the crux of many of the problems elderly Chinese Americans encounter on a regular basis. The fact that many of the immigrants do not speak English and there are several dialects spoken, interpretation becomes more difficult.Mandarin is the official spoken language in China but Cantonese, Taiwanese, Taiwanese, and Fussiness are some of the other dialects to name a few. Chinese characters used in writing are the same for all the dialects, characters are used to express words, thoughts and principles. Nutrition An old Chinese saying is that â€Å"Medicine and food share the same source†. Chinese Americans tend to believe food provides certain energies for different parts of the body and grains, fruit, meat, and vegetables must be eaten to maintain a healthy balance. Pork is the preferred meat and rice is the most important food.Hot and old fluids also are considered necessary for healing based on the individual's situation. As noted by University of Washington Medical Center (2007), mirror patient may only prefer to drink only hot liquids (water or tea) when sick or postpartum†. Hot and cold energies are thought to balance yin and yang Just as light and dark energies do. Herbs are a common part of traditional Chinese diets so it is very important to question clients about their diet in the initial interview for purposes of learning interactions with possible interventions.Literacy and Education For Chinese Americans, education is the leading determinant of health status. Many elderly Chinese, especially the earlier immigrants, did not have formal education and most of them did not speak English (Pariah, et al 2009, p. 7). Compounded with language ba rriers, this group became socially isolated and lacked access to health care. They also participated less in leisure activities other than family planned functions, and had more difficulty finding employment.Thus, most live in poverty and that has harmed them drastically both in mental and physical health. Fortunately, the younger generations of Chinese Americans have been afforded more educational opportunities and help the elders understand and receive treatments otherwise unattainable to them. The Friedman Family Assessment Model The Friedman family assessment model was used in this cultural assessment. It assisted in the collection of identifying data, developmental stage and history of the family, environmental data, family structure, and family functions.Information on family stress, coping, and adaptation was also collected. Overall, the process of the family assessment using Friedman Assessment Tool was a great experience. Knowing the family and building rapport with them wh ile assessing them in various aspects is very helpful regardless of setting. This type of assessment and involvement encourages holistic care of the individual, their family as a group, and the community. The strengths of this assessment model are the in-depth questions and large amount of areas covered.The weakness is that if all parts are not completed, it is difficult to develop an accurate assessment. The lack off good rapport with the family could render the tool understanding of the culture and family functions are key to attaining desired outcomes. Conclusion This cultural assessment was developed through the use of the Friedman family assessment model. It successfully identified data on the family's development, history, environment, health and illness beliefs and practices, religion, cultural beliefs, language, literacy and education issues, and a host of other information.Although it was found that most Chinese Americans still prefer to try traditional remedies first, it w as also found that Western medicine is an option they are open to when available and all else fails. Familial influences and education are the major factors governing health status. Those who are more educated, have better overall health. Elderly Chinese Americans in Flushing, NY will probably always encounter issues with health care because most of them still do not speak English and were never formally educated.Educating this population on their medications and available interventions will improve their quality of life and possibly extend their life spans. It is time stop allowing elderly Chinese Americans to be lost in poverty and suffering needlessly. References 2010 census interactive population search.

Math Knot Theory and Celtic Knots - 943 Words

l’Ve always had an interest in Celtic culture. I love the traditional clothing and dancing, but my favorite part has always been the symbolism and beauty of Celtic Knots. I wondered where the knots originated and how they were created so symmetrically, which led me to the mathematical study of knot theory. So my question now is, â€Å"How has the knot theory in mathematics influenced and shaped the tradition of Celtic Knots?† Knots in the real world are easy to define and see, such as tying a shoelace or a rope, but knots in the mathematical world are a bit different. These knots are joined at the end, making them one continuous line, unable to be pulled apart or untied. They can be described in mathematical terms as a circle that has been embedded in 3-D dimensional Euclidean space but in a bit simpler language, a knot is created by putting a flat circle into 3-D space; therefore making it 3-D. You can not just pull the circle up; that would create a cylinder, and you can not just round it out; this would create a sphere. You must twist it until it intertwines, thus creating a knot. Knots can be described in many different ways. For example; a common method of describing a knot is called a knot diagram, which can be used to describe the many ways a knot can be drawn. A fundamental problem is presented here though, due to the fact that you must determine when a knot is represented by more than one description. A full algorithmic solution does exist to help solve the problem, butShow MoreRelatedProject Mgmt296381 Words   |  1186 Pagesgetting closer to shore. As a result, the Navy is revamping ships for near-shore duty. The Navy will select three designs for further refinement from the responses to its RFP. In general, it is expected that the new ship will be capable of at least 55 knots, measure between 80 and 250 feet in length, and be fitted with radar absorbing panels to thwart guided missiles. 2. Statement of work (SOW) detailing the scope and major deliverables. For example, if the project involves a market research survey, the

Love, Death and the Changing of the Seasons - 1077 Words

The majority of poems and sonnets we have read, starting back from the first sonnet to today’s modern writers. They can be said to describe as a moment’s monument. As they describe a time of hurt, happiness or a memory in that was once enjoyed that has been put into words. I am going to discuss the meaning behind, what a moment’s monument is. I am also going to find out between two sonnets, The Forge and Love deaths and the changing of the season. Weather they answer the question â€Å"the sonnet has been described as a moment’s monument’. What is the meaning of a moment, it can mean so many things. Mainly it is described as a setting to a time in someone’s life. A moment in time that has been remembered, it could be happy, sad moment or an†¦show more content†¦This is shown in line nine when it is said â€Å"where he expends himself in shape and music†, we know this as he references to the guy as ‘he’ not ‘I’. The monument within this sonnet could also be considered a moment the lines twelve and thirteen shows a good example when it says â€Å"recalls a clatter of hoofs where traffic is flashing in rows.† Demonstrating it’s a memory that a moment in time that he recorded of when the streets where once surrounded with horse and remembering the sound of their shoes clattering on the roads, but now it is taken over by car and traffic lights. The structure of the sonnet is a fourteen line sonnet. The rhyme pattern of this sonnet is an Italian sonnet. The Italian sonnets are in the pattern of lines that are divided into eight and six. It can be put lines one to eight is the person watching the daily routine completed by the Blacksmith and him going about his everyday activities. Then line nine to fourteen is the person watching the Blacksmith reminisce on the past and then getting upset and returning to his work. The poem is the normal iambic pentameter, but it is used responsively, for a good outcome. For example in the very first line we already get words like dark, which is a powerful word on its own Both The Forge and Love, Death and the changing of the seasons are sonnets that are a moment’s monument. The both describe a moment in time. Weather it is a loss of a lover or a working day. They bothShow MoreRelatedSonnet 73 By William Shakespeare1156 Words   |  5 Pagesa whole is an extended metaphor for the aging and process and death; however, it is broken into three smaller metaphors all supporting the speaker’s impending end of life through the process of aging. Natural aspects- winter, twilight, and fire- are presented as an extended metaphor for the the thematic undertone of aging and death. Nature alone is emblematic of the process of aging throughout one’s life. Nature is always changing, just as humans are never the same in one second to the nextRead More Essay on Metaphors for Death in Shakespeares Sonnet 73543 Words   |  3 PagesMetaphors for Death in Shakespeares Sonnet 73 William Shakespeares Sonnet 73: That Time of Year Thou Mayest in Me Behold is a sonnet that examines the fears and anxieties that surround growing old and dying -- a topic that resonates within us all. Shakespeares use of metaphor to illustrate decay and passing are striking, and sets a somber tone throughout. He uses the season of Fall, the coming of night, and the burning out of a flame as metaphors for old age and death, and then uses theRead MoreSonnet 73 And A Valediction : Forbidding Mourning1647 Words   |  7 Pagesregarding love and the death, although, it can be argued, that these ideas are portrayed in different ways. Sonnet 73 exhibits the notion of death through the natural act of ageing. As well as, highlighting death through ageing, Shakespeare highlights death through pastoral elements such as seasons of the year. However, A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning puts forth the idea regarding love through figurative language, metaphors and other imagery techniques of the i nevitability of death. Through theseRead MoreThe Poem I Have By John Keats1267 Words   |  6 Pagestrouble saying goodbye to a season? However, this makes sense because the poem goes in detail of the stages of the seasons and of how the fruit dies off. The connection I received from this was the theme of death. His parents died and he had to obviously say goodbye. This can be tough, especially on a child. In the poem, he speaks vividly of the death stage of the seasons and the attitude portrayed is sad or even angry. This could be emotions Keats’ channeled from the death of his parents, but likeRead MoreShakespeares Sonnet 181392 Words   |  6 PagesIn Sonnet 18, Shakespeare shows his audience that his love will be preserved through his eternal lines of poetry by comparing his love and poetry with a summers day. Shakespeare then uses personification to emphasize these comparisons and make his theme clearer to his audience. Shakespeare also uses repetition of single words and ideas throughout the sonnet in order to stress the theme that his love and poetry are eternal, unlike other aspects of the natural world. Using the devices of metaphorRead MoreSonnet 73 : Love, Death, And Immortality Through Words1461 Words   |  6 PagesSonnet 73: Love, Death, and Immortality Through Words Shakespeare’s sonnets portray a multitude of different emotions during different times of the narrator’s life. In Sonnet 73, Shakespeare’s main emotion is sadness because he is aging and will soon no longer be able to write the poetry about the person he is talking to throughout the sonnet. While he has many different kinds of poems with different emotions, his theme of this love for this person comes across throughout many of them. He seems toRead More My Antonia Essay: Theme of Separation1004 Words   |  5 PagesCather develops her theme of separation through death, the changing seasons, characters leaving and the process of growing apart. nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Cather sets the tone of the story at the very beginning; a young Jim Burdens parents have died leaving him to go to Nebraska to live with his grandparents. Right from the start Cather plants the seeds of abandonment, with the finality of death, in Jims life. When he arrives in Nebraska he isRead MoreComparison between Afternoons and An Arundel Tomb761 Words   |  4 Pagesdo so in different contexts. ‘Afternoons’ depicts the continuation of life and subsequent passing of time through illustration of changing roles from a relatively carefree character to a young mother who must fully adopt this new identity and the life changes the title entails. ‘The leaves fall in ones and twos’ is representative of the gradual nature of this changing identity which contrasts to the relatively significant transition the young mother experiences. However ‘leaves’ is use of naturalRead MoreAccident by Todd Davis721 Words   |  3 Pagesshowed this through a seasonal metaphor. The narrator of the poem talks about weather changing and getting better, providing the metaphor. The weather getting warmer and the arrival of spring symbolizes new life and a new start. The narrator ponders, â€Å"I’m not sure/ why he couldn’t wait,† then later talks about blossoms opening (Davis 787, 4-5). This quote and other hints about spring are discussing how the new season is bringing new hope for many. The narrator says that â€Å"we understand/ the ones whoRead More The Red Pony: Death and Rebirth Essay1473 Words   |  6 PagesThe Red Pony:   Death and Rebirth The pony still lay on his side and the wound in his throat bellowed in and out. When Jody saw how dry and dead the hair looked, he knew at last that there was no hope for the pony . . .he had seen it [the dead hair] before, and he knew it was a sure sign for death. In Steinbecks The Red Pony. death played an intricate role in the life of Jody, an adolescent farmers child. With the reoccurring theme of deaths association with violence, we are eventually enabled

Much Ado About Nothing - The Importance Of Noting Essay

Discuss The Importance Of Noting In Much Ado About Nothing Noting, or observing, is central to many of the ideas in Much Ado About Nothing. The word nothing was pronounced as noting in Elizabethan times, and it seems reasonable to presume that the pun was intended by Shakespeare to signal the importance of observation, spying and eavesdropping in the play. As a plot device, these occurrences propel the action and create humour and tension. The perils of noting incorrectly are portrayed and this leads naturally to the investigation of another major theme, the discrepancy between appearance and reality. Shakespeare uses the problems of illusion, deception and subjectivity of perception to examine the Elizabethan patriarchy, and he shows†¦show more content†¦Hero’s shame could have been avoided. Noting is one of the plays main preoccupations, and making observation integral to the plot demonstrates and emphasises its importance. Because noting/observing has such importance in Messina (and, by implication, Elizabethan society), manipulation and deception are used by the dark forces in the play to exercise power and control. Don John is a stock Elizabethan villain whose intention is to harm all those involved in his downfall – especially Claudio. Twice he tries to convince Claudio that Hero favours another. These episodes both involve deception and slander and this malevolence distorts Claudio’s perception of the events. Both times Claudio notes incorrectly and his willingness to believe falsehoods and attribute blame – first to beauty (â€Å"for beauty is a witch† 2. 1. 135), then to Hero’s base nature (â€Å"savage sensuality† 4.1. 135) – also point to self-deception about love, honour and women. Claudio’s failure to distinguish appearance from reality is brought about by his romantic idealism. Hero becomes an illusion in which all womanly virtue and be auty are contained (â€Å"Can the world buy such a jewel† 1.1.108-109). He can not note Hero’s flesh and blood humanity and, later, he can not note her innocence. His devotion to courtly ideals seems to be the real reason he can not distinguish appearance from reality and Don John’s slander only reinforces his naturalShow MoreRelatedMuch Ado About Nothing - the Importance of Noting1230 Words   |  5 PagescenterbDiscuss The Importance Of Noting In Much Ado About Nothing/b/center br brNoting, or observing, is central to many of the ideas in Much Ado About Nothing. The word nothing was pronounced as noting in Elizabethan times, and it seems reasonable to presume that the pun was intended by Shakespeare to signal the importance of observation, spying and eavesdropping in the play. As a plot device, these occurrences propel the action and create humour and tension. The perils of noting incorrectly areRead MoreEssay about Much Ado About Nothing: A Comedy with Dee p Meaning1270 Words   |  6 PagesMuch Ado About Nothing:   A Comedy with Deep Meaning  Ã‚  Ã‚      Much Ado About Nothing--the title sounds, to a modern ear, offhand and self-effacing; we might expect the play that follows such a beginning to be a marvelous piece of fluff and not much more. However, the play and the title itself are weightier than they initially seem. Shakespeare used two other such titles--Twelfth Night, or What You Will and As You Like It--both of which send unexpected reverberations of meaning throughout theirRead MoreMuch Ado About Nothing: How Comedy Is Achieved858 Words   |  4 PagesShakespeare’s famous play, â€Å"Much Ado About Nothing†, highlights the conventions of a Shakespearean comedy. Good morning teacher and students, I’m here to talk to you about Shakespeare’s clever comedy achieved by many techniques to amuse his audience. The main purpose of a comedy is to entertain the audience; Shakespeare has effectively achieved this through his ideas and techniques. The play mainly consists of conventional and satirical comedy that stems from the characterization of Dogberry, theRead MoreAn Exploration of the Use Shakespeare Makes of Misunderstanding and Deception in the Play Much Ado About Nothing1470 Words   |  6 PagesAn exploration of the use Shakespeare makes of misunderstanding and deception in the play Much Ado About Nothing Misunderstanding and deception in Much Ado About Nothing are key themes in the play. In Elizabethan times the word â€Å"Nothing† was pronounced â€Å"Noting† and so the title would have given the audience the initial clue that in this play the importance of noting, spying, appearance and eavesdropping will cause trouble throughout. It is important to define the difference between misunderstandingRead More How Does Shakespeare portray Women in Much Ado About Nothing?1928 Words   |  8 PagesHow Does Shakespeare portray Women in Much Ado About Nothing? I believe eavesdropping plays a very important role in Much Ado. Therefore, I have chosen to answer this essay question, as I feel strongly about it. In the play, Shakespeare makes use of eavesdropping by using it as a comic device, but also to sort out situations so that the play is able to go on. I will be focussing upon two events in particular to show this. Each event will present a different form of eavesdropping being usedRead More Importance of Speech in Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Nights Dream, and Richard III2277 Words   |  10 PagesImportance of Speech in Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Nights Dream, and Richard III Speech is often the strongest indicator of personality and motivation in Shakespearean histories and comedies. Each turn of phrase is a small insight into the essence of the character. Stringing together each line from the mouth of the character allows the audience to discover each nuance created by Shakespeare. By connecting the actions to a manner of speech, which mirrors those actions, ShakespeareRead MoreWomen and the Patriarchal Society in Much Ado About Nothing1413 Words   |  6 PagesWomen and the Patriarchal Society The patriarchal society is a setting of ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ that shows male domination and women suppression. Men like Don Pedro, Benedick and Claudio returns with victory from the battle. It implies the boasted male ego. Male honor serves as a crucial importance to men in the play. Leonato questions the messager that ‘How many gentlemen have you lost in this action?’ It hints that physical strength is a definition of manhood. With Don Pedro, ClaudioRead MoreBenedick’s Change of Heart by the End of Act 2 Scene 3 of William Shakespeares Much Ado About Nothing2295 Words   |  10 PagesShakespeares Much Ado About Nothing ‘Much ado about nothing’ is one of William Shakespeare’s popular comedy plays. With regards to the title of the play, the word ‘nothing’ in the title suggests it links with how characters in the play create so much bother about nothing. Speculation has occurred among people over the word ‘nothing’ in the play’s title. The word ‘nothing’ has a double meaning. Noting and nothing sounded identical in Shakespeare’s time. ‘Noting’ and ‘nothing’Read MoreThe Dramatic Importance of Act 1 Scenes 1 and 2 of William Shakespeares Twelfth Night4384 Words   |  18 PagesThe Dramatic Importance of Act 1 Scenes 1 and 2 of William Shakespeares Twelfth Night The title Twelfth Night seems to suggest that Shakespeare, who wrote the play around 1602, wanted it to be performed on the twelfth day after Christmas; the festival of the Epiphany. This day formally marked the end of the Christmas season, which at the time was celebrated as a special festival. In addition to eating, drinking and generally over indulging, the performance of plays wasRead MoreLiterature and South Africa6682 Words   |  27 Pagespoem Mending Wall. As defined by Structuralist, literary codes that matter in our analysis per se are the literary signs, their overdetermination that amount to different meanings systems. Jong (2008: 111) posits â€Å"literary codes contain information about principles of repetition, repetition with variations, opposition and other modes of equivalence in a text.† This means that literary codes in poems, and according to Lotman, are comprised of intratextual code, intertextual code and extratextual code

Elephant (2003) Free Essays

On Tuesday, April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School near Denver, Colorado, two senior students embarked on a massacre, killing twelve students, one teacher, and injuring over twenty more students. The two troubled students then committed suicide. It is the fourth deadliest school massacre in United States history. We will write a custom essay sample on Elephant (2003) or any similar topic only for you Order Now The phrase â€Å"elephant in the room† is used as a metaphor to describe an obvious truth that goes unaddressed, or simply ignored. Everyone knows it is there, but no one will say what needs to be said, or acknowledge the problem that is in front of them. Gus Van Sant’s, Elephant, is a cinematic response to the 1999 Columbine High School shootings. Van Sant’s open-ended treatment of the Columbine event is one example of how his creative strategy is able to focus the social complexity behind the incident, and stimulate curiosity from the audience. This style of film steps far past the traditional boundaries to the point, demonstrating that this is only scratching the surface, suggesting that there is much more depth than what is shown in plain view. Elephant refuses to adjust to conventional views of cause and effect, and instead weaves an inescapable spell on its audience with its distinctive long takes, diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, and an interweaving, realistic narrative structure, all contributing to its remarkable visual harmony and an everlasting emotional affect on those who witness it. One creative strategy that Van Sant employs throughout the movie’s entirety is its distinctive, but unique long takes. This unconventional way of filming helps determine the atmosphere of the film as a whole. Van Sant takes the audience on a trancelike journey as the camera follows each character around the school. The action is moved along by the continual course of the camera tracking behind different students as they navigate the school halls, cafeteria, library, and football field. During these long takes, the audience is given the perspective of a passive witness to the action as it unfolds unavoidably. As a result, it becomes a slow-moving film with a snowballing and powerful impact. As Van Sant puts it, â€Å"No cutting is better than cutting. A fabricated story isn’t as good as something that’s more organic†(Van Sant). These long scenes are repeated, but through the eyes of different characters each revealing a new perspective of the scene, which increases the sympathy for these students who have no idea what is coming, but was already revealed to the audience. With these distinctive and realistic long takes, the scenes become preserved in the audiences memory due to what seems like a first hand experience of the traumatic event. Another key component to this movies inescapable spell that it places on its viewers is the use of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. Throughout the movie there is always a constant sound, whether it is the echoes of voices in the hallways and locker room, or the sound of Beethoven playing beneath the diegetic sounds. The use of these diegetic sounds help create a more realistic perspective for the audiences. As they follow behind each character closely, Van Sant makes sure to add every little detail he can to ensure that the audience gets as raw and as authentic of a view as possible. For example, the group of young girls in the cafeteria or in the locker room, there are no sound affects added, what you see is what you hear, creating a naturalistic atmosphere. As another way to increase the tension, Van Sant strategically places the non-diegetic sound of a piano playing classical music to create an ominous mood in the selected scenes. There are only a few scenes at which the piano is played, and it easily goes unnoticed. The sounds of classical music playing beneath the diegetic sounds places the audiences in a dreamlike state, as all they can do is sit back and watch as the story unfolds. The interweaving and realistic narrative structure of this film helps show the multiple points of views of this tragedy, giving the audience the ability to become â€Å"the ideal imaginary observer† and feel as close to the real thing as possible. After reviewing the film, Manohla Dargis of the LA Times states, â€Å"Every so often, Van Sant repeats a scene from another perspective, as if he were winding back time, and decelerates the bustling to put the film into slow motion so we can pay witness to this heartbreaking animation, to the aliveness of these children. I think this is why Van Sant made â€Å"Elephant† — he wants to honor the lives of the Columbine dead, to remember all the kids in their radiant, burning life. †(Dargis). The same scenes are replayed multiple times from different perspectives to show the magnitude of the situation, and just how powerful what is taking place really is. Instead of casting big name actors, Van Sant casts regular high school teenagers, who improvise their dialogue to make it seem as realistic as he could. By keeping this narrative structure away from the glamour and artificiality of classic Hollywood films, Van Sant allows the story to unfold naturally and is able to preserve the films true meaning, which is to focus on the traumatic event that is right in plain view, but yet no one wants to address. Throughout the film, the audience is given an in depth look at what took place that tragic day. As far as authenticity, this film is as realistic of an interpretation as there can be without dipping into the glamour of Hollywood, and distortion for the sake of a better script. This film is as real as it gets, and it is because of the creative, non-traditional style that Van Sant employs throughout it. There are several different elements that go into creating this film, such as an interweaving narrative structure, or the use of creative and unique shots that help make it extremely impactful. Some elements can be seen with the naked eye; others require a little bit more intellect. Regardless of whether or not the audience can see why this film is more creative and spell bounding than the next, they at least know something is there like the elephant in the room. How to cite Elephant (2003), Papers

The Successful Flame free essay sample

The Successful Flame There was a stench when the door opened. Everything smelled like smoke. The refrigerator went from white to gray. The couches were destroyed. Windows were tinted with a smoky fog. Clothes were ruined and scattered on the floor. Everything was a disaster. The house that I once called a home was gone forever. My house was set on fire and there was no going back. There was no such thing as putting the pieces back together. The house was gone. For half of my seventh grade year, I woke up in a room that was not mine; I lived in a hotel for six months. The bills were covered by insurance. Most would say that to have the experience of living in a hotel is remarkable, but I missed my old life. I owned nothing in the hotel room. Living in a hotel is a great experience in the beginning, but after a while things can get boring. We will write a custom essay sample on The Successful Flame or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The drive to school took almost two hours. Before I moved it would take five minutes. ‘’ Everything will be fine. It will take some progress and hard work,’’ my parents said. These words were imprinted into my mind. With hard work, comes success. I started to notice that my parents were working more often. It was as if we started from scratch. With time, I noticed a change. Since my parents were working more, my sisters and I would stay at my grandmother’s house for a few days each time. When we would go back to the hotel, there would be gifts on our beds. The excitement of receiving new outfits, shoes, and games overpowered the pain that was once there. After all of the tiring nights, from working long hours, my parents were happy. Nothing came easy for them, but the smile on our faces was their reward and appreciation. My parent’s careers allowed for their hard work to pay off because after six months of living in a hotel, driving me and my sisters to school every morning , and starting from scratch, we were in a home of our own. The new home relinquished the painful memories of my old house being destroyed. The flames opened up a barrier that I had inside of me that could have held me back from reality and success. Before the fire, I expected things to be handed to me. Throughout my life, I will strive and do my best at everything so that in the end I will be fortunate. College would allow me to have a career of my own that will contribute to a lifestyle where I could handle life’s milestones. The memories of the chaos will last forever, but the outcome of the fire will be my success. Since the fire, I have been motivated to attend college. Not only will college be a great experience, college will also be a great opportunity. Attending college is my first priority in life. Once I reach my goal, to attend college, I will strive to be committed to my career. My career choice is to become a nurse. My mother was a nurse during the time when the fire occurred. My mother was prepared financially to support the family because of her career. Nurses not only make a nice amount of money, but they also help people. I would love to be in he position to be able to make someone feel better. Helping others brings joy to me. Success does not only come from college. Others find ways to become successful people. The path that one wants to take is their decision. I choose to go to college to become successful. In my opinion, college is what best fits me and the lifestyle that I lean towards.