Morality is timeless Essay Example for Free

Morality is timeless Essay Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird highlights examples of heroism and courage in a small Alabama town plagued with racism and poverty. The novel focuses on the experiences of the Finch family which consists of Atticus, Jem, and Scout. Scout serves as the narrator of the book; her story is based on her recollections of the events leading up to, during, and after her father’s defense of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping Mayell Ewell, a white woman. To Kill a Mockingbird is not only a critique of racism, but teaches valuable life lessons about moral courage and standing up for what is right. The protagonist, Atticus, displays both moral and physical courage throughout the novel. He is committed to instilling in his children the importance of living an ethical lifestyle regardless of the circumstances. For example, he explains to Scout that he accepted the Tom Robinson case because it is a moral obligation for equal representation. Specifically, he clarifies to Scout that the primary reason is if I didnt I couldnt hold up my head in town, I couldnt represent this county in the legislature, I couldnt even tell you or Jem not to do something again (Lee 83). Atticus believes that it is only fair to judge one in terms of that individual’s moral caliber not by the color of their skin. Furthermore, he does not condone retaliation. Even though Mrs. Dubose, a morphine addict, is prejudice and unkind, Atticus reprimands Jem for behaving heartlessly towards her. Atticus never loses his composure even when Bob Ewell maliciously spits in his face. He rationally explains, â€Å"He had to take it out on somebody and Id rather it be me than that houseful of children out there. You understand? (Lee 218). Harper Lee’s lesson is that a person’s morals should not be affected by other’s behaviors or beliefs. Honor Above All 1 Steiner 2 Harper Lee creates the narrator, Scout, to demonstrate that morality is not necessarily instinctive but can be taught. As the novel progresses, Scout realizes that moral courage is more difficult to carry out than physical courage. No one in the community wants to associate with Boo Radley; however, Scout comes to recognize his compassion and returns it with civility. Although initially fearful, Scout welcomes Boo’s gifts and embraces his differences. Again, Scout demonstrates that morality can be learned when a potentially violent situation arises at playground with another classmate; she refrains from using force. Her calmer nature proves effective at the courthouse. She harmlessly inquires about Mr. Cunningham’s family, â€Å"Hey Mr. Cunningham. I know your son, Walter he is a nice kid. We go to school together†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Lee 81). Her kindness results in the scattering of the angry townspeople. Scout witnesses that kindness is effective tool to avert violence. The minor characters of Calpurnia, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley are symbols of decency and respect regardless of their backgrounds. Calpurnia chastises Scout for mocking Walter’s unsophisticated eating habits. Hush your mouth! Dont matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this houses yo compny, and dont you let me catch you remarkin on their ways like you was so high and mighty†¦! † (Lee 33). Calpurnia is a maternal figure for the Finch children as she too, similarly to Atticus, helps them to differentiate right from wrong. Tom Robinson exhibits courage when he volunteers to help Mayella Ewell with household chores even though he is aware of his inferior social standing. His decision to speak only the truth in court by stating, I felt right sorry for her; she seemed to try moren the rest of em. ,(Lee 197) further demonstrates his caring demeanor and commitment to behave courteously. Lee includes the character of Boo to Honor Above All 2 Steiner 3 depict another type of prejudice: social discrimination. Despite his social alienation, Boo courageously abandons the safety of his home to help ‘his kids. ’ Boo is guided by his sense of what is right and puts aside society’s rejection. Calpurnia, Tom Robinson, and Boo are guided by morality. Courage can be defined as the ability to face fear, pain, uncertainty, and the unknown. Harper Lee effectively uses her characters to demonstrate moral and immoral choices and consequences. Atticus and Scout respond to the town’s racism with a resolute sense of purpose. Through her father’s and Calpurnia’s guidance she becomes more refined and tolerant. She averts physical confrontations at school and understands that morality should not change with each situation. The character of Tom Robinson symbolizes what it truly means to be a caring human being. Regardless of the racism that he endures, he is honest and compassionate. While racism plays a significant role in Lee’s novel; the importance of moral courage cannot be understated. As Atticus profoundly advises, â€Å"You’ll never know really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view † (Lee 65). Harper Lee conveys that since justice is blind to race, gender, and differences a moral code is the only hope for equality. Unfortunately, as exhibited in the novel, adhering to one’s moral code does not always guarantee the desired or just outcome. Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. London: Vintage Classics, 2007. Print. Honor Above All 3.

Redux: A new Weight loss Medication :: Dieting Health Essays

Redux: A new Weight loss Medication History of Redux Dexfenfluramine is the first new anti-obesity drug to be approved by the FDA in 23 years. Although the drug was just recently recommended by an advisory panel for sale in the U.S. by a narrow 6 to 5 margin, it has been available in Europe for the past decade and it is sold in 65 countries (http://wsfl.usatoday.com/life/health/lhs484.htm). It is being marketed under the name "Redux" and its purpose is to help people lose weight by suppressing appetite. Who can use Redux? Redux is appropriate for people with a BMI (body mass index) of at least 30, or someone who is 30 percent over his ideal body weight. For example, if a 170 pound woman has an ideal body weight of 130, then she is a candidate for Redux. It may also be prescribed to someone with a BMI of 20 or greater in the presence of other risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidema). Denfexfluramine should not be prescribed for or taken by anyone who casually wants to lose 10 or 15 pounds (http://www.pharminfo.com/pubs/msb/dexfen2.html). How does Redux work? Redux, which from this point on will be referred to as denfexfluramine, is taken in the form of two 15 milligram capsules daily at the cost of approximately $2.40. The drug works by convincing the brain that the stomach is full. Denfexfluramine triggers the release of serotonin in the brain which depresses appetite and calms anxieties. Patients will eat smaller than normal size meals without feeling hungry, thus aiding them in their quest to lose weight. The drug is designed to be taken in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet to maximize its benefits. Deborah Wesley, a Redux user, attests to its effectiveness. "Once you take the pill and you sit down to the table all those cravings and those urges for out the window. You start to eat and you feel full really quickly" (http://www.wraltv.com:80/features/healthteam/1996/1106-weight-partl/html). How effective is Redux? Weight loss with denfexfluramine appears to be relatively modest for most patients. In addition, the majority of weight loss occurs within four to six months of initiating use, with weight loss declining after this period. If no weight loss occurs after one month of use, the patient and doctor must re-evaluate this drug therapy.. There have been several studies which attempt illustrate the potential weight loss for denfexfluramine users. Interneuron Pharmaceuticals of Lexington, Massachussettes reported that denfexfluramine helped 40 percent of people studied lose up to 10 percent of body weight -- double the amount of weight lost through diet alone (Seachrist 358).

Observational Stages of Piaget/Erikson

CDC Observational Experience, 1-2year old room 1) Age: 22 months, male * Physical Growth and Development Milestones 1. Physical Characteristics- More well-balanced appearance as compared to the wide-based, top heavy appearance of younger toddlers (also present in the group). 2. Gross motor ability- Walked and ran with ease as compared to the younger children. More normal, less â€Å"waddling† gait. Fell 1 time. 3. Fine motor ability- Manual dexterity development shown when turning pages of a book that I was holding during â€Å"circle time†. Observed making a circle on the water table with a smaller wand- shaped toy. . Sensory Ability- Able to verbally identify colors, shapes, animals (and animal sounds). * Developmental Level of the Child- The observed child was in the â€Å"Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt† stage of Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development. His language was more improved as compared to the limited words of the younger children. He was able t o speak in very simple sentences. I first observed autonomy when looking at what he was wearing, a Batman outfit with a cape! The caregivers told me that he likes to wear those things and also has a Superman cape that he chooses to wear.When given a simple command such as â€Å"Come and sit down at the table†, he replied â€Å"NO! † and kept playing. The caregivers allowed him a few times of defiance, then picked him up and put him in the chair for lunch. The child was fussy for a few minutes in the chair, but did cheer up when given his lunch. He was given a small amount of several different foods and chose only a few to eat. The child fed himself. He was not toilet trained yet. He seemed to be right in the middle of this stage, which is from 1 ? to 3 years. In reference to Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development, the child was in the† Mental Combinations† sensorimotor stage.This was evident in reading our picture book, which had illustrations of d ifferent animals and vehicles. He spanned from naming colors in the book, to identifying a truck/bus/etc. , to expressing a â€Å"roar† for a picture of a lion. * Psychosocial Development- 1. The child played with different toys on the water table, including buckets, cups, and brushes. He laughed at himself spinning a toy around very fast and watching the water spray around. He did seek approval for this. As he was doing it, he looked at the caregivers and repeated it as we laughed.He seemed to like playing with two other boys around his age (23 and 21 months). 2. As stated before, the child’s communication was much more diverse than the 1 year olds. He spoke in small sentences and was able to identify shapes, colors, and familiar objects. With the above statements, I feel that this child falls within the growth and developmental norms for his age group. 2) The CDC staff encouraged growth in the above areas by allowing the child to make his own choices without repriman ding, but maintained the normal daily routine (example: sit down for lunchtime). Related essay: Shame is Worth a TryThey gave the child praise for following rules. Appropriate toys and play ideas were provided for the child. 3) The water table activity enhanced fine motor skills and imagination. A book and song â€Å"circle time† enhanced pre-reading and routine. The children participated in many sing-a-long songs with fine motor skill commands such as â€Å"put your finger on your nose†. 4) I was not present for the separation process between the parent and child (was doing presentation with 4th floor CDC children). However, this child had an extremely hard time falling asleep for nap time. He cried incessantly and was very restless.The CDC employees patted the child’s back rhythmically until he finally fell asleep. 5) Five safety rules were as follows; put away toys (â€Å"clean up time†), sit when eating, â€Å"Nice touches† (No hitting or pinching), shoes are always on, and everyone takes a turn with a toy. 6) I observed a s ituation where the child pinched another boy around his age. The other boy pinched him back. The caregivers positively reprimanded the child by saying â€Å"nice touches† and distracting both children with a new activity. The technique did work, but both of the children did it again about an hour later.

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