Swan Lake Higher Learning by John Singleton Essay Example For Students

Swan Lake Higher Learning by John Singleton Essay In the 1995 movie, Higher Learning, John Singleton gives evidence to numerous sociological issues. In which, Singleton emphasizes that our society needs to be re-socialized, so that society as a whole can overlook all of our preconceived stereotypes and norms, and pass judgement on people not based on the color of their skin or beliefs. As such, three major, and five minor sociological issues arise in the film. The major sociological issue is the use of symbols. Symbolic Interaction asserts that society is composed of symbols, which use to establish meaning and relationships, to coordinate actions, and to develop a view of the world and the self Henslin, p. 15. Singleton uses many examples of symbols throughout the film. For example, the statue of Columbus signifies the need for a global change in attitude. Disproving the common theory that the world was flat, Columbus revolutionized societys outlook on their contemporary lifestyle. Singleton uses this revolutionary figure to signify that universities and other such institutions can also be used as avenues for a global mindset change, by learning. We will write a custom essay on Swan Lake Higher Learning by John Singleton specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Another symbol used throughout the film is the act of running. Malik is portrayed throughout the film as running, signifying a progression from a typical gangbanger to an educated athlete. Conversely, periods throughout the film where Malik is off the track team or not running, Singleton digresses Maliks education and reverts the character back to a hoodlum. Evidence of this is when Malik is kicked off the track team, and Dr. Phipps informs Malik that his paper is not up to university standards. Another symbol strongly used in the film is the character Deja. Dejas character exemplifies tolerance and innocence lost. She dedicates her efforts on studying, yet manages to fulfill her role on the track team; whereas, Malik loses his motivation for schooling after being depicted as just a thoroughbred. Deja throughout the film encourages Malik to make use of his opportunity and not to succumb to his pride. Likewise, the ending of the film would not have brought forth the same emotions in the audience if any of the other characters had died. Deja represented the studious and hard working pupil, and her death signified an innocent lost. Another major sociological issue arising in the film is the role of groups. Groups mold basic perception and ideals, and these groups become part of each members identity and the lens through which a member views society Henslin, p. 101. An example of this from the film is when Fudge categorizes the student body. Fudge enlightens Malik to the fact that all the Asian students socialize with each other, all of the white students socialize with each other, and how Malik being a black student, should congregate with the rest of the black student body. Even though all of the students preside on the same campus, or a secondary group, the general student body breaks down into more individual primary groups. Moreover, Singleton illustrates how peer pressure affects individuals in these primary groups. For example, Remys skinhead friends coerce him into beating people up on Halloween. At first Remy seemed shocked by the actions of his friends, but Scott assures Remy that they are just ethnically cleansing society. As such, Remy soon partakes in the assault on the fellow students. Another group example Singleton uses is the process of groupthink. Irving Janis coined the term, groupthink, as a narrowing of thought by people, leading to the perception that there is only one correct answer and that they suggestion of alternatives is a sign of disloyalty. Singleton provides a good example of groupthink when Fudge sets off to vindicate Monets honor after having been called a black bitch. Fudges friends need no explanation on what was said, or by whom, only that there was an injustice done. The last major sociological issue arising in Higher Learning is the Authoritarian Personality. .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 , .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .postImageUrl , .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 , .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:hover , .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:visited , .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:active { border:0!important; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:active , .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Learning Styles (3167 words) EssayTheodor Adorno used the term authoritarian personality for people who are prejudiced and rank high on scales of conformity, intolerance, insecurity, respect for authority, and submissiveness to superiors. The character of Remy, is a classic example of having an authoritarian personality. Remy is in desperate need of attaching himself to something or someone. Throughout the film, Singleton depicts Remy as a loser who says inappropriate things at the wrong time. For example, after Kristen rushes out of the fraternity, Remy walks over to Billy and congratulates him on gettinglaid. However, Remy misinterprets the scenario and is deemed an outcast by the majority of the fraternity brothers. Another example of Remys insecurity is when he blames the minorities in his class for his failure at becoming an engineer. Another character with authoritarian characteristics is Kristen. She too seems desperate to fit into the college lifestyle. Singleton exemplifies this when Kristen is talking to Dr. Phipps about her term paper. Phipps informs Kristen that her work lacks an argument, and she should argue on her beliefs and not what she thinks her professors want to hear. Soon there after, Dr. Phipps states a thesis statement that Kristen could have argued, and Kristen thanks the professor for the idea. Phipps informs Kristen that is his argument, and encourages her to generate her own ideas and not to argue someone elses beliefs. The final character Singleton portrayed with an authoritarian personality is Malik. Numerous times during the film, Malik is shown asking for someone elses opinion on what course of action he should take. For example, at the end of the film, Dr. Phipps tells Malik on how impressed he is on the improvement of Maliks paper, especially through all of the tragedies. Malik asks Dr. Phipps on what does he think the right course of action would be regarding Maliks future. Malik is characterized as a person who needs the reassurance of someone else to ensure that he is on course. Singleton also sheds a light on some minor sociological issues. One example is deviance. Deviance is the violation of rules and norms Henslin, p. 126. An e xample of deviance from the film is the date rape of Kristen. Although Kristen seems to originally give consent to have sex, she asks Billy to stop and put on a condom. Since Billy showed no signs of succumbing to her wishes, she insisted that he stop. This disregard for Kristens welfare, not to mention the possibility of transmitting numerous sexually transmitted diseases, constitutes rape. An additional minor issue is social status. Social status is the position that someone occupies in society or a social group Henslin, p. 83. An example of a social status originating from the film is the change in attitude in Remy upon joining the skinhead group. Before joining this group, Remy seemed to lack confidence and self-awareness; however, after joining the group his confidence seemed to grow as did his self-awareness. Further minor issues arising from Singletons movie is subcultures. A subculture has values and related behaviors of a group that distinguish its members from the larger culture Henslin, p. 43. An instance from Higher Learning is Scotts group. Singleton illustrates this particular group to be either a skinhead or neo-nazi group. Either of these groups believes in white supremacy, and wishes to achieve an Aryan race. Scotts group shows numerous signs of deviance against minorities and ascribes to hate literature. An additional minor issue emerging from the dramatization is gender. The term gender infers those social characteristics that a society considers proper for its males and females Henslin, p. 229. Singleton provides an example of this when Kristen is raped. Singleton shows Kristen as a weak, helpless woman unable to defend herself. Conversely, Singleton shows how this weak female needs a strong male to defend her honor. .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 , .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .postImageUrl , .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 , .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:hover , .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:visited , .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:active { border:0!important; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:active , .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The butterfly effect EssayThis is illustrated by Fudge going over to the fraternity house and dragging Billy out by the scruff of his neck and forcing an apology out of him. The movie, Higher Learning, is a not-so-subtle movie illustrating numerous sociological issues. John Singleton is trying to show how societys preconceived notions affect the world we live in, and how society at large should unlearn; however, this task is not easily achieved. Only through learning can individuals shed some light on creating a socially responsible society. Unfortunately, there are too many people who would rather live in the dark.

Definition of Gerrymander

Definition of Gerrymander To gerrymander is to draw the boundaries of electoral districts in an irregular way so as to create an unfair advantage for a particular political party or faction. The origin of the term gerrymander dates back to the early 1800s in Massachusetts. The word is a combination of the words Gerry, for the states governor, Elbridge Gerry, and salamander, as a particular electoral district was jokingly said to be shaped like a lizard. The practice of creating oddly shaped electoral districts to create advantages has endured for two centuries. Criticisms of the practice can be found in newspapers and books going back to the time of the incident in Massachusetts that inspired the term. And while it has always been viewed as something done wrongfully, nearly all political parties and factions have practiced gerrymandering when given the opportunity. The Drawing of Congressional Districts The United States Constitution specifies that seats in Congress are apportioned according to the U.S. Census (indeed, thats the original reason why the federal government has conducted a census every ten years). And the individual states must create congressional districts which will then elect members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The situation in Massachusetts in 1811 was that the Democrats (who were political followers of Thomas Jefferson, not the later Democratic Party which still exists) held the majority of seats in the state legislature, and could therefore draw the required Congressional districts. The Democrats wanted to thwart the power of their opponents, the Federalists, the party in the tradition of John Adams. A plan was devised to create Congressional districts that would divide any concentrations of Federalists. With the map drawn in an irregular way, small pockets of Federalists would then be residing within districts where they would be heavily outnumbered. The plans to draw these peculiarly shaped districts were, of course, highly controversial. And the lively New England newspapers engaged in quite a battle of words, and, eventually, even pictures. The Coining of the Term Gerrymander There has been dispute over the years of who exactly coined the term gerrymander. An early book on the history of American newspapers stated that the word arose from a meeting of the Boston newspaper editor Benjamin Russell and the famed American painter Gilbert Stuart. In Anecdotes, Personal Memoirs, and Biographies of Literary Men Connected With Newspaper Literature, published in 1852, Joseph T. Buckingham presented the following story: In 1811, when Mr. Gerry was governor of the commonwealth, the legislature made a new division of the districts for the election of representatives to Congress. Both branches then had a Democratic majority. For the purpose of securing a Democratic representative, an absurd and singular arrangement of towns in the county of Essex was made to compose a district. Russell took a map of the county, and designated by a particular coloring the towns thus selected. He then hung the map on the wall of his editorial closet. One day, Gilbert Stuart, the celebrated painter, looked at the map, and said the towns, which Russell had thus distinguished, formed a picture resembling some monstrous animal. He took a pencil, and, with a few touches, added what might be supposed to represent claws. There, said Stuart, that will do for a salamander.Russell, who was busy with his pen, looked up at the hideous figure, and exclaimed, Salamander! Call it Gerrymander!The word became a proverb, and, for many years, was in popular use among the Federalists as a term of reproach to the Democratic legislature, which had distinguished itself by this act of political turpitude. An engraving of the Gerrymander  was made, and hawked about the state, which had some effect in annoying the Democratic Party. The word gerrymander, often rendered in hyphenated form as gerry-mander, began to appear in New England newspapers in March 1812. For instance, the Boston Repertory, on March 27, 1812, published an illustration representing the oddly shaped Congressional district as a lizard with claws, teeth, and even the wings of a mythical dragon. A headline described it as A New Species of Monster. In the text below the illustration an editorial said: The district may be exhibited as a Monster. It is the offspring of moral and political depravity. It was created to drown the real voice of the majority of the citizens in the country of Essex, where it is well known there is a large federal majority. Outrage Over the Gerry-Mander Monster Faded Though New England newspapers blasted the newly drawn district and the politicians who created it, other newspapers in 1812 reported the same phenomenon had occurred elsewhere. And the practice had been given a lasting name. Incidentally, Elbridge Gerry, the Massachusetts governor whose name wound up being the basis for the term, was the leader of the Jeffersonian Democrats in the state at the time. But there is some dispute whether he even approved of the scheme to draw the oddly shaped district. Gerry had been a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and had a long career of political service. Having his name dragged into the conflict over the Congressional districts seemed not to harm him, and was a successful vice-presidential candidate in the election of 1812. Gerry died in 1814 while serving as vice president in the administration of President James Madison. Gratitude is expressed to the New York Public Library Digital Collections for the use of the early 19th century illustration of The Gerry-Mander.

Observations and child interactions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Observations and child interactions - Assignment Example He would pull himself up on couches, chairs and tables and very quickly do a scramble from one edge to another, but when he was about to stand without support, he would totter and fall quickly to his bottom. Sometimes this upset him and at other times he would just try again. The observations took place on two different days. Interpretations The first observation was made over the course of about five minutes. When the mother sat on the floor with her child, their bond was clear by the way he would respond to her movements. He understood her cues just like she could anticipate his movements. They had played this game on many occasions. She would hold out her hands with the palms up which would get him excited. He would slap at them until he placed his hands in hers, sometimes scooting a bit towards her on the floor. Pulling himself up by holding onto her hands, he would stand while making eye contact with his mother. She sucked in her breath and make a unique repeating blowing sound between her lips as she stood up on her knees, and then rose to her feet. Bending over with his hands in hers, she would then kiss his forehead and then say â€Å"so little man, where do you want to go?† The child responded by taking steps towards her, moving more quickly until he started to fall forward at which point she scooped him and swung him around as he laughed. The practice of walking was a game with a chronology that they both seemed to expect. This same ritual happened on both occasions when they were observed. This interaction was highly interactive with the child and the mother watching each other intently. She spoke in warm, happy tones as they both prepared for the end of the ritual. The relationship with the grandmother was a little different. The interactions between the grandmother and Kyle were done also on two occasions for about five minutes. The grandmother took Kyle’s hands rather than waiting for him to give them to her. She pulled him to his fe et, and then led him walking from one place to the other. Although Kyle was energetic and was enjoying moving from place to place, his focus was on his feet and where he could run, but he was not focused on his grandmother’s face. She eventually picked him up and kissed his neck, making him laugh and then clap. The second time I observed them she pulled him to his feet and let him around the room, but he tripped and fell, falling to the ground. She tried to sooth him but his mother came to intervene. The second interaction happened three days later in about 5 minutes each. The grandmother, the mother, and the child were all in the room. This time the grandmother went first. She lifted Kyle to his feet and began to walk him around the room, his feet stepping over one another as he pulled and she pulled in different directions. Kyle became frustrated and it ended with him in tears. His mother picked him up and soothed him. Eventually, she sat on the floor with him, kissing him and laughing with him, keeping her eye contact with him during the prelude. Eventually she put her hands out, but he did not immediately put them into hers. He did within a minute, however, and then they stood together. He took more tentative steps at first, but when he realized that he was in control of where they would go he began to step in different directions. He tired more quickly than he did than during the first observation,

Caffeine Addiction (energy drinks) of College Students Term Paper

Caffeine Addiction (energy drinks) of College Students - Term Paper Example This sets it apart from other psychoactive drugs. It promotes alertness and wakefulness. However, it is also said to have side effects such as increased heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and insomnia, which are the most common. Rare side effects include abdominal bloating, dehydration and bloody diarrhea. Energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster, are a popular beverage among college students as they are believed to give energy and boost performance while studying or working on major course projects, driving for long periods of time, to treat hangover and when drinking alcohol during partying. Energy drinks have also been marketed to aid in weight loss, maintain alertness, mood and cognitive enhancement, performance in athletics and concentration. The beverages stimulate the central nervous system and the users expect performance improvement physically and mentally (Hoyte, Albert, & Heard, 2013). Combining energy drinks and alcohol has dangerous effects since they enhance stimulation and promote behavioral inhibition. Most people tend to undermine their levels of alcohol intoxication since the symptoms of alcohol have been reduced. Energy drinks also increase the alcohol absorption rates and have also been associated with the use of marijuana, consumption of alcohol, aggressive behavior, risky sexual behavior and driving under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol related deaths are on the increase due to dampened intoxication levels (Velazquez, Poulos, Latimer, & Pasch, 2012). In addition, most people have very minimum knowledge regarding the ingredients found in energy drinks and their potential harmful effects both physiologically and psychologically. The drinks contain sugar, caffeine, vitamins, carbohydrates, guarana, taurine and ginseng, which are herbal supplements. Kola nuts and cocoa are additives that may be added to increase the caffeine content in the energy drinks. Varying ingredient combinations are common and thus they

Globalization and the United States Military Policy Essay

Globalization and the United States Military Policy - Essay Example The US military troop has also observed same lines of objectives. The varied policy of the US government in controlling and setting guideline for operation has been dealt differently by different leaders. Some of the policies have undergone criticism, while some have been appreciated, in context of global as well as the sate framework. The impact of US military troops on globalization will not provide much help to revive its dominant nature and reflect its strength. US Military policy: Off late US military is away from campaigns and battles and have indulged in peace enforcement. The preponderance of US military seems to degrade in matters of exercising powers with the arsenals like missile and the Nuclear weapons. The significance of the United States as a military power seems to dwindle. The employment of the US forces is used in areas to augment social integration, in handling events of natural disaster. American military is experiencing a new era in the advent of globalization. S ignificant changes in the mission of US military have been observed with change attitudes. The change in US policy of military administration was observed in the Weinberger- Powell doctrine in 1984. The doctrine specified circumstances where the US forces are to be deployed. The main objective of the doctrine was to prevent the catastrophe which occurred in Vietnam. It specified that Americans should indulge in fight or war only at times when the countries interest is at its stake. The missions should been undertaken only if it has similar political and military objectives. The deployment should only be done when all the measures undertaken have failed. (Preble, 2011)The Weinberger- Powell doctrine seems to vanish with the beginning of the Bush era in The United States. George Bush deployed The US forces in the northern Iraq and Somalia and also carried air attack in parts of Iraq. The policy of US president Bill Clinton was also transparent. His doctrine signified the priority towa rds avoidance of any casualty and the use of force to cause absolute minimal damage. However the temptation to put the strongest military force of the world into action was also hardly resisted by him. Under his regime attacks against Iraq for punishing Saddam Husain was also carried out. Besides, Serbia was also subjected to daily bombings by the US military force. Clinton government was however strategic in the use of forces. Forces were deployed in specific targets which had lesser probability of causing bloodshed and slaughter, and had limited capability to retaliate. A fair distinction was drawn between the terms war and attacks in the backdrops of national sacrifice. US military and globalization: With Globalization creeping in and the world experiencing an open economy, America still persuades to showcase its global power. America aims to set up an international order with openness as its primary characteristics. The emergence of an open world will create opportunities for ne w military requirements. The proper functioning of the open economy will require rules to be framed. United States aims to impart discipline and cohesion to the system. The rules framed by the US government needs to be maintained by the nations and they have to abide by the fundamental economic importance of the global market. President Clinton had the view that without the presence

Thailand Monarchy and Government Overview

Thailand Monarchy and Government Overview BACKGROUND OF MONARCHY The current king of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, is part of the Siamese-cum-Thai monarchy and has reigned since 9 June 1946. This has made him the world’s longest reigning current monarch and the world’s longest serving head of state ( ). In accordance with the constitution of Thailand, most of the king’s power is divulged to his elected government whereby the king is considered above partisan affair and uninvolved with the decision-making process ( ). As ceremonial head of state, however, the king still retains power in being the head of the Royal Thai Armed forces, the prerogative of royal assent and also in having the power of pardon. The current concept of Thai kingship has evolved through 800 years of absolute rule. The Siamese-cum-Thai monarchy dates back to the founding of the Kingdom of Sukhothai, by the first king of a unified Thailand: King Sri Indraditya in 1238 ( ). This early kingship showed signs of the religious influence that is still present in today’s monarchy and was said to be based on two concepts derived from Hinduism and Theravada Buddhist beliefs: the Vedic-Hindu caste of â€Å"kshatriya† (â€Å"warrior-ruler†) and the Buddhist concept of â€Å"Dhammaraja† (â€Å"kingship under Dharma†) after Buddhism was introduced to Thailand somewhere around the sixth century A.D ( ). â€Å"Kingship under Dhammaraja† essentially means that the king should rule his people in accordance with the Dharma and the teachings of the Buddha, thus showing early signs of the stronghold that Buddhism has had over the Thai monarchy from such an early stage. In 1279 the concepts behind Thai kingship were somewhat altered at the entrance of King Ramkhamhaeng to the throne ( ). The past traditions were replaced by the conept of â€Å"paternal rule† in which the king governs his people â€Å"as a father would govern his children ( ). However these changes lasted briefly as the Kingdom of Sukhothai was eventually supplanted by the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, which was founded in 1351 by King Ramathibodhi I ( ). The Ayutthaya period of kingship brought with it changes, re-establishing the former Hindhu and Buddhist concepts along with a third, older concept of â€Å"Devaraja† (â€Å"Divine-King†) borrowed by the Khmer Empire from the Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms of Java ( ). The concept was based on the idea that the king was an incarnation (Avatar) of the god Vishnu and that he was a Bodhisattva (enlightened one). This essentially meant the king had religious and moral power and purity of blood. State interests portrayed the King as a semi-divine figure which started to develop his image – through rigid cultural implementation – as an object of worship and veneration to his people. This broke away from the early concepts of kingship which emphasized strong bonds between the king and his subjects ( ). The monarchy from then on was largely removed from the people and became an absolute ruler and universal lord of his realm ( ). Kings demanded that the universe be envisioned as resolving around them, and expressed their powers through elaborate rituals and ceremonies. Although far less exaggerated, this notion of divinity and higher status of the monarchy is still present in Thailand today, where the king remains widely revered and serves as a spiritual leader to the state. Despite this seemingly ludicrous adoration of the monarchy in these early periods however, the kings that ruled over Ayutthaya for four centuries experienced some of the greatest periods of eco nomic, cultural and military growth in Thai history ( ). King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (or Rama I) established a new dynasty in 1782 and moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. King Rama I also founded the House of Chakri, the current ruling house of Thailand ( ). During this Rattanakosin period the Chakri kings tried to re-establish the concepts of the Ayutthayan kingship and emphasize the connection between the sovereign and his subjects, but at the same time would not relinquish any power or authority from the throne. Most notably, Kings Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II) and Nangklao (Rama III) created a semblance of a modern administration by creating the supreme council and appointing chief officers to help with the running of the government ( ). This was a turning point in Buddhist influence within the monarchy and government giving the religion a firmer grip on the decision making processes ( ). BACKGROUND OF THE GOVERNMENT In June 1932 the influence and power of the monarchy was eventually challenged. After 150 years of absolute Chakri rule, King Prajadhipok was confronted with a group of foreign educated students and military men called â€Å"the promoters† who carried out a bloodless revolution, seizing power and demanding that the king grant the people of Siam a constitution ( ). The king agreed and in December 1932 the people were granted a constitution in which the power of the monarchy was divulged to the elected prime minister and national assembly, removing the political authority of the crown and founding a nascent ‘democracy’. ( ). 1946 saw the first direct elections held in which the people of Thailand voted for members of a bicameral legislature (Senate and House of Representatives) to be presided over by a Prime Minister representing the executive branch ( ). The Judiciary, including a Supreme Court, acts independently of the executive office and the legislature, though it was not until the 1996 constitution that more effective checks and balances were instituted ( ). From its inception â€Å"democracy† in Thailand has been turbulent, with 17 coup d’etats passing power back and forth between leaders of the military and an elite bureaucracy that borders on plutocracy ( ). Seventeen different constitutions have governed the country; the Kingdoms current constitution the result of the most recent coup d’etat; a bloodless overthrow of then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawattra in 2006 ( ). Currently, Thailand is embroiled in political wrangling over the implications of that coup and the subsequent legislative shake up caused by mass protests both against and in favour of the former Prime Minister. Nevertheless, the Thai people are extremely politically active and value their freedom regardless of their tenuous democracy ( ). Under the 2007 Constitution (drafted by a military appointed council, but approved by a referendum) the present structure of the Government of Thailand was established ( ). Despite the seventeen constitutions, the basic structure of the government has remained the same. The government of Thailand is made up of three branches; the executive, the legislative and the judiciary, a system of government similar to that of the Westminster system of the United Kingdom. Along with the monarchy, this essay will pay special attention to both the legislative and judicial branches of this political system, and how they interact with Buddhist influences in the form of the sangha council.

Thinking and Enquiry Skills in Global Education Essay -- Global Educat

To examine and explore what is global citizenship? This essay will look at the importance of becoming a global citizenship, the role we, as educators play in this development and how the curriculum frameworks and associated learning emphases for global education assist in the development of a global citizen. What is global education? â€Å"Global citizenship would seem a recent concept, but its origin can be traced back to at least 4th century Greece when Diogenes declared himself a cosmopolitan – a citizen of the world† (Hower, 2010, p.1). The idea of global citizenship, then, emerged even before there was a clear understanding of just what the globe entailed or who populated it, Hower, 2010, although different people and cultures were unknown to anyone. Oxfam (1997) believes that global citizenship goes beyond knowing that as citizens of the world there is a need to acknowledge our responsibilities towards each other and the earth. It is about the need to solve inequality and to work actively in achieving these needs. It can be just a matter of looking after the earth for our future generations and to have a belief that as individuals or as a nation can make a difference. â€Å"Twenty-first century Australians are members of a global community, connected to the whole wor ld by ties of culture, economics and politics, enhanced communication and travel and a shared environment† (Curriculum Corporation, 2008, p.2). The importance of becoming a global citizen is paramount for us as humans as there is a need to develop a sense of identity and self esteem Oxfam 1997. In addition being a global citizen gives us an awareness of what it means to be a member of a community and how this can influence responses to global issues. Hower (2010) p... ...ademics/.../Making_of_a_Global_Citizen.pdf Curriculum Corporation, (2008). Global Perspectives: A framework for global education in Australian schools. Carlton South, Vic. Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (2009). Education for Global and Multicultural Citizenship. A strategy for Victorian Government Schools, 2009-2013. Retrieved December 26th, 2010 from: www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/.../multicultural-ed-strategy.pdf Opotow, S., Gerson, J., & Woodside, S. (2005). From Moral Exclusion to Moral Inclusion: Theory for Teaching Peace. Retrieved December 31st, from: http://proquest.umi.com.ezproxy.utas.edu.au/pqdweb?RQT=318&pmid=27912 Victorian Essential Learning Standards, (2005). Civics and Citizenship – Level 1. Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. Retrieved January 1st, from: http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/