Putting the Incompatible Elements Together Avatar Meets Gladiator

The issues of power and political difference have always been of great interest for scholars, politicians and mere mortals due to the controversy around the former concepts.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Putting the Incompatible Elements Together: Avatar Meets Gladiator specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As a result, the two have spawned countless number of artistic interpretations, Cameron’s Avatar and Scott’s Gladiator being the landmarks of the XXI century take at the problem. Although the movies are based on completely different stories and are driven by seemingly different plots, a number of ideas regarding power and policy of differentiation in both movies rub shoulders. No matter what one might say about Avatar being the adult version of Disney’s Pocahontas, as well as the fact that the story of greedy invaders and poor civilian residents has been beaten to death, the movie still offer s an interesting journey into human mind. James Cameron clearly knows how to get the audience in their seats for a couple of hours, and creates a sophisticated political and cultural conflict. Scott’s Gladiator, in its turn, provides a much darker and, therefore, more adult view of the problem. Unlike Avatar, Gladiator does not pander to its audience, thus, it taps on more complex issues. In addition, Gladiator tackles the story that is arguably planted into the realm of reality, the lead character being the representation of those oppressed and rebelling against the dictatorship of Commodus. Although in no possible way can the movie claim to be historically accurate, it still represents real people and the events that, for the most part, actually took place – or, at the very least, could be. Nevertheless, what both movies are very good at is taking the evil off the political difference and power, though with rather different takes on the problem. In Gladiator, the soc ial stratification is dealt with in a very impressive way. As it has been stressed above, in Gladiator, the director and screenwriter did not actually have to come up with the political environment for the story to unwrap in – the dictatorship of the Roman autocrats and the miserable life of plebs and especially slaves, which Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius represented, was already a notorious page in the world history.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, Scott still did an amazingly good job by projecting the power abuse and policy of differentiation of the XXI century onto the Ancient Roman story. For example, the following line by Commodus points at the flaws of the ochlocracy system, in which the power belongs to few people defined as the crà ¨me of society. In Avatar, the issue concerning power abuse is downplayed compared to the Gladiator plot; however, the C olonel Quaritch is miles away from Commodus in terms of the methods exercised to seize power. Commodus acts as a power-hungry despot by demanding that Crowe’s character should be dragged through mud, enslaved and finally killed for the amusement of the Roman elite. While astonishingly diabolical, these intentions still show that Commodus is a mere mortal with his petty concerns about his status, wealth and other down-to-earth trifle. Colonel Quaritch, in his turn, clearly aims at playing God by offering Sully the ability to walk and, in fact, live a complete and different life: â€Å"A recon gyrene in an Avatar body†¦ that’s a potent mix! Gives me the goosebumps!† (Avatar 0:36:17). It would be wrong to assume that God related symbolism must have been Cameron’s intent, since the focus of the movie is not on Christianity, but on policy of difference; however, the allusions in the movie are far too strong to ignore them. Moreover, unlike Commodus, who w as born into his position and, therefore, considers his means of ruling the Empire the only acceptable methods, Quaritch knows exactly what is wrong with his strategy and openly acknowledges it: â€Å"Well, well, well. I’d say diplomacy has failed† (Avatar 0:41:03). Apart from power, both movies also touch upon the policy of difference, and they do so in a very smart and unique way. Avatar represents the clash of two different races, for the lack of a better word to describe the conflict between people and aliens, whereas Gladiator renders the issue of one social class oppressing another. However, Cameron downplays the concept of policy of difference greatly – perhaps, in attempts to get a PG-13 rating, while Gladiator does not shy away from displaying the faults of the policy of difference in the intense scenes of battles and vile treatment of slaves, thus, warranting an R-rating in some of the theaters: â€Å"They tell me your son squealed like a girl when th ey nailed him to the cross† (Gladiator 1:11:02). Avatar spares its audience the necessity to see Na’vis slaughtered in the battles and instead offers the viewers to sneak a peek at the evil masterminds, including Quaritch and the greedy government plotting to get the hold of unobtanium: â€Å"This is why we’re here. Unobtanium. Because this little gray rock sells for twenty million a kilo† (Avatar 0:23:55).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Putting the Incompatible Elements Together: Avatar Meets Gladiator specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Though the two movies belong to different genres and are set in completely different environment, they tackle the same problem of power abuse and policy of difference efficiently. Smart and sophisticated, the movies give a lot of food for thoughts. Despite having their flaws, they are clearly worth watching. Works Cited Avatar. Ex. Prod. James Cameron. Los Angeles, CA: Twentieth Century Fox. 2009. DVD. Gladiator. Ex. Prod. Ridley Scott. Los Angeles, CA: Universal Pictures. 2000. DVD. This essay on Putting the Incompatible Elements Together: Avatar Meets Gladiator was written and submitted by user Jonathon Mccall to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Killing Hitler

Killing Hitler RP CAT - Killing HitlerDear Friedrich,[Ca] I very much appreciate your request for me to take revenge on the German mass murderer Adolf Hitler. [IC] After much consideration I have come to the conclusion that I will take part in the assassination.I, similarly to Joseph Fletcher (founder of Situation Ethics) and Jeremy Bentham, am a hedonist whom attempts to bring "the greatest good for the greatest number". This means that I am a strong consequentialist and [R1] would certainly kill one man to save the lives of 6,000,000 innocent Jews. [R2] I am also a relative moralist and would do what seems the most beneficial in the long term as opposed to committing myself to a set of rules to be followed throughout my life. From this you can gather that I am undeniably a Hedonist. On the other hand I believe that most altruistic decisions are actually made for egoistic purposes and that the majority of decisions are made purely for the benefit of us.[Ex] For example, walking an old lady across the road; you are doing her a favour but thus giving yourself a feeling of pleasure and well-being.My views could then be contradicted by famous followers of the Natural Law such as Thomas Aquinas [CA] who would say that murdering a person is going against the responsibility to preserve life and say that although you are a consequentialist you may be causing more pain to more people by killing Hitler because someone, perhaps more evil than Hitler, could come into power and kill double the amount of innocent people. He would state that consequentialists cannot predict the future and therefore cannot know what will do the greatest good for the greatest number. My views could also be argued against by followers...

The Most Significant Political Development Essay

The Most Significant Political Development - Essay Example This essay stresses that the issue of civil wars has ailed the international states for quite a very long time. The civil wars emanate from several causes. Some of these causes are preventable. However, a number of the sources f such civil wars are indefinite. This follows that the major forces behind such causes of the civil wars may be unable to clearly define what their interests are. Instead, they conduct such criminal activities with the aim of getting international. Several criminal groupings have ailed most governments in the world for instance Al Qaeda and Taliban. This paper makes a conclusion that the wars in Syria have also incorporated massive use of chemical weapons that have led to the deaths of a large number of individuals. This has massively affected the foreign policy of the United States of America. It is in order to note that the foreign policy of the United States is always based on peace to the uttermost end. In this perspective, the United States always champion the use of peace in solving any international dispute, was as well as conflicts. However, in situations where the use of peace is unsuccessful, the United State always employ other means. The civil wars experienced in Syria, being a threat to the United States foreign policy, may likely lead to a change in the United States foreign policy in several ways. These threats can make the United States resort to other means that function in a slightly different manner to sole he conflicts.

Case Analysis of 'Genetic Screening' Assignment

Case Analysis of 'Genetic Screening' - Assignment Example Excessive use of chemicals caused this haemolytic anaemia. On the other hand, the cost of health insurance was also increasing. Therefore, the employees were demanding to avail a smoke-free workplace environment. Looking into this matter, the employers tried to provide routine medical screening, drug testing and smoke-free environment facilities. (B) Several critics of DuPont stated that the genetic testing allowed the organisation to transfer the workers, but it was necessary to clean up the workplace environment. It is the major solution to the problems. Nobody can work at zero emission. The organisation had to ensure the health and safety workplace aspect. However, it is not right to relocate the employees. The organization should take care of all the employees and should provide routine medical check-up to all the employees. (C) The organisation did not take any initiative to clean up the workplace environment. Moreover, it was relocating its affected employees to the smoke-free areas. First and foremost, the organisation had to solve the basic problem. Then they had to think about the good health of the employees. The organisation did nothing regarding these two aspects. Therefore, development of law was required in order to restrict it. Question 2 This question will discuss some moral aspects. ... It is their basic right (Cherrie, Howie & Semple 2011, p.51). It is the right of the employees to file legal complaints against the management of the organisation. (B) The outcome is quite serious or critical. The employees were suffering from haemolytic anaemia. According to utilitarianism theory, the organisations should provide a hazard-free working environment to the employees (Collins & Schneid 2010, p. 39). The management of the organisation needed to review the safety aspect of the workplace environment right after the incident, but they relocated their affected employees. (C) The organisation did not take care of all the employees. It has proposed genetic screening but not for all the employees. It is illegal. Attaining a safe workplace environment is the basic right of the employees. Moreover, the organisation did not compensate the affected employees or rectify the basic workplace challenges or issues (Spellman & Bieber 2011, p.87). There is a possibility for the organisati on to face legal challenges based on unethical business operations. Question 3 There are specific moral obligations for the employer that DuPont needs to assume in this case. The operation of various chemical factories such as the dynamite factory involves the emission of chemicals in the environment where the workers work in the hours of operation. Apart from the motives of earning revenues from the business, the employers also have the moral responsibility of safeguarding the health of their workers engaged in the operational work. These are business ethics and social responsibilities of the employer that fulfils the moral obligations involved in the course of work. Apart from paying monthly wages to the

NewCorp Scenarios of Workers Protection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

NewCorp Scenarios of Workers Protection - Essay Example The essay "NewCorp Scenarios of Workers Protection" talks about the employment laws that stipulate rights of workers and it is the duty of all employers to ensure that they safeguard the rights of their workers by offering good working conditions. In the case of NewCorp, Paul has been exposed to work in a dangerous environment, which has made him be claustrophobic. He explains that the condition arose because of working in the confined spaces and if this issue is taken to court and he proves this, the court will rule in his favor and compensation will have to be made. The working environment has had a case before of another worker who was injured while doing his job and this proves that the environment is not conducive. The occupational safety act requires that employers provide safe working environment for all employees. The specific duty standards set rules that guard employees from being exposed to the hazardous working environment and in this case the confined spaces. NewCorp has exposed its workers to the hazardous working environment, and this has resulted to one of the employees being injured and Paul becoming claustrophobic. The organization has the responsibility of ensuring that it sets down safety standards for all workers and failure to do this means that it has violated the set rules, which will require them to pay compensation in the event that an employee is injured. NewCorp has also violated the Occupational Safety Act that gives it a general duty to provide an environment.

Prostate Cancer and Nutrition

Prostate Cancer and Nutrition Anand Somasundaram Contents (Jump to) Plant Based Diets: Fish Oil Vitamins and Minerals Dangers of Meats, high fat diets and Nitrites Conclusion Works Cited Introduction: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer of men and the third most common cause of death from cancer. Prostate cancer usually occurs in men above the age of 50. Many men who have prostate cancer, do not show any symptoms. Screening for this cancer is usually done by a Digital rectum exam (DRE) and/or Prostate specific antigen test (PSA). Digital rectum exam is the palpation of the prostate through the anus to check the size of the prostate. Prostate specific antigen test is a blood test to check if the prostate is releasing this specific antigen in the blood stream which can be a strong indication of prostate cancer. Research has been done on preventing and reducing the risk of obtaining this cancer. In these studies, nutrition can play a vital role in reducing the chances of getting this cancer. Diets that high in fruits and vegetables, low in fat especially fat from meats are shown to decrease the risk and development of prostate cancer. Plant Based Diets: Specific food groups have shown in several studies to be a crucial tool in preventing and slowing the progression of this disease. One group of foods that have shown a significant reduction in avoiding prostate cancer is plant based foods. Plant- based foods are shown to contain high amounts of vitamins and elements known to reduce cancer cell. For example, plant- based food contains vitamins and phytochemicals such as carotenoids, flavonoids, phytoestrogens and isothiocyanates (Ma Chapman, 2009). These phytochemicals have shown to regress cancer cell development and stop tumor promotion. Furthermore plant based diets are high in antioxidant. Antioxidants are molecules that prevent the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is the reason behind the production of free radicals. In addition, antioxidants reduce the damage to DNA by binding to these free radicals and eliminating them from the body. Free radicals damage the structure of DNA which can lead to tumor growth. An important carotenoid and phytochemical is lycopene. Lycopene is found in fruits such as tomatoes. Lycopene is known to reduce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signing. IGF-1 is protein that has found to promote prostatic cancer cells and allow the prostate to be susceptible to cancer. Cruciferous vegetables such cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and bok choy all contain a compound call glucosinolate. Glucosinolate have shown in studies to reduce DNA damage, induce apoptosis and inhibit prostate cancer cell (Ma Chapman, 2009).They also possess phenethyl isothiocyanate, sulfophorane and indole-3-carbinol, which are compounds that have potential anti-cancer properties. Their mechanism of action involves the inhibition of  cytochrome P450  enzymes, which oxidize compounds such as  benzo[a]pyrene  and  polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons  (PAHs) into more polar  epoxy-diols. Cytochrome P450 enzyme is a known agent to cause mutation and cancer growth Another vegetable that constitutes an impact on tumor cells is soy bean. Soy beans contain isoflavones*. Isoflavones are organic 3-phenylchromen-4-one structure substances that natural occur in different types of foods. They inhibit enzymes associated with transmission of signals for tumor cell growth. `Tea especially green has been found to have similar effects to consuming vegetables and fruits. Polyphenol compounds in green tea have also been found to have the same effects as the cruciferous vegetables. They prevent metastases of the cancer, induce apoptosis and inhibit cell growth. Studies have shown that green tea inhibits tumor growth, therefore, leading to lower prostate-specific antigen levels and lower IGF-1 levels (Ma Chapman, 2009). One of these polyphenolic compounds is epigallocathechin-3 gallate (EGCG). EGCG is known to attach to urokinase, Urokinase is an enzyme that helps tumor cells grow. In the current market, there is a drug called amiloride and is used Amiloride can only have a maximum dose of 20 mg EGCG while normal cup of green can have upwards of 150mg EGCG. Another benefit is that green tea can be consumed at much higher rate than amiloride and not have physiological effect on the body (Jankun ,1997, p561) . Fish Oil The next groups of food that have shown to inhibit tumor cell growth are fish oils. Fish oil contains n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to reduce serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) protein expression (Ma Chapman, 2009). PSA is produced by the prostate gland and is used by the body to liquefy semen. The body uses excretes PSA in semen but sometimes in the presence of cancer, the PSA escapes to the blood stream. There two main groups of fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. , Omega 3 fatty acids protect from cancer, while omega 6 fatty acids have been found to promote cancer when consumed in excessive amounts. One reason why omega 6 promotes cancer is because of its ability to promotion inflammation. (Tandon et al., 2008). Vitamins and Minerals Another antioxidant that has shown significant effect on prostate cancer cell growth is vitamin E. Vitamin E is considered as an intracellular antioxidant and an antiprostaglandin. * Antiprostaglandins are a group of molecules that reduce the production of mediators of the inflammatory process. As with any fat soluble vitamins, too much can have harmful effect. Intake of over 400 IU can be harmful to the body (Ma Chapman, 2009). In addition another vitamin that is important in inhibiting tumor cell growth is vitamin D. In studies, vitamin d has shown in both regular cells and cancerous to convert vitamin d into an active hormonal state. In this state, vitamin D has shown to inhibit tumor grow especially prostatic epithelial cells. (Tandon et al., 2008). Another substance besides vitamins that can help in the fight against is minerals. Minerals differ from vitamins in that vitamins are organic and contain carbon while minerals do not and are consider inorganic. A particular mineral, selenium, has been proven to be a protective agent. It reduces cellular proliferation, causes apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis. (Ma Chapman, 2009). Angiogenesis is the growth of new capillary blood vessels in the body. In preventing blood vessel formation; the tumor cannot grow or spread (Li, Smith Li, 2011). Dangers of Meats, high fat diets and Nitrites All the foods discussed above have shown to decrease the instance of prostatic cancer cells. On the other hand, there are groups of food that are now known to promote prostate cancer cells. For example, meats especially cooked at high temperatures contribute to the production of cancer cells. When a meat is cook at high temperature, it releases carcinogens. Carcinogens are known to alter DNA which can lead to two results, apoptosis or promotes uninhibited cell growth. The two carcinogens that are produced during this process are Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). (â€Å"Why Carcinogens Cause Cancer†, n.d.). A way to reduce HCA and PAH formation in cooked meats is to reduce the amount of time the meat is cooked on an open flame. This can be done by continuously flipping the meat or using a microwave to shorten the cooking time on the stove. Another carcinogen that is found in meat is N-nitrosocompound. This carcinogen is found in bacon, hot dogs and anything containing sodium nitrate. Sodium nitrate is preservative added to food to not only preserve but also to add flavor to. N-nitroso is formed when the sodium nitrate combines with the amines in the meat to form this carcinogen. These N-nitroso compound attacks cells and can cause mutation to the molecule’s DNA (Mehdad, 2010). In another study, there was evidence that a high fat diet contribute to prostate cancer. In this study, men consumer high types of monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats significantly increase their chances of getting prostate cancer (Crowe et al., 2008). Men who were consuming 45 grams of total fat in a day have 10-20 percent increased risk of getting cancer (Park, Murphy, Wilkens, Henderson, Kolonel, 2007). In another study, there was a strong correlation between obesity and prostate cancer. In a study of eighty-seven men with prostate cancer, 89 percent of these men were overweight or obese. Ninety- seven percent of them had a body fat of twenty five percent or higher (Mehdad, McBride, Grillo, Camilo, Ravasco, 2010). Obesity increases the body’s production of IGF-1 which discussed early leads to cancer cell proliferation. Conclusion As with anything, specific groups of foods need to be taken in moderation. Daily activity and a balanced meal can contribute greatly to not only prevent cancer growth but living a healthy happy life. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Eating foods high in antioxidants, phytochemicals such as vegetables and fruits can lead to the reduction of prostatic cancer cell forming. In addition, avoiding diets high in preserved meats, diary and cooking at high temperature all can additionally reduce men’s chances of getting prostate cancer. Works Cited Crowe, F.L., Key, T.J., Appleby, P.N., Travis, R.C., Overvad, K., Jakobsen, M.U., Riboli, E. (2008). Dietary fat intake and risk of prostate cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 87: 1405-1413. Jankun, J. (1997, June 5). Why drinking green tea could prevent cancer. Nature, 381, 561. Li, W., Hutnik, M., Smith, R., Li, V. (2011). Understanding Angiogenesis. Retrieved from http://www.angio.org/ua.php. April 4, 2014. Ma, R.W.-L. Chapman, K. (2009). A systematic review of the effect of diet in prostate cancer prevention and treatment. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 22:187-199. Mehdad, A., McBride, E., Grillo, I.M., Camilo, M., Ravasco, P. (2010).Nutritional status and eating pattern in prostate cancer patients. Nutricion Hospitalaria,2 (3): 422-427. Park, S., Murphy, S.P., Wilkens, L.R., Henderson, B.E., Kolonel, L.N. (2007). Fat and meat intake and prostate cancer risk: the multiethnic cohort study. International Journal of Cancer, 121: 1339-1345. â€Å"Prostate Specific Antigen†. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/ prostate_specific_antigen/article.htm . April 4, 2014. Tandon, M., Siddique, R.A., Avrind, R., Singh, N.K., Ambwani, T., Rai, S.N. (2008). Anti-cancer diet: reviewing the role of nutrition in cancer prevention. Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research, 6(2): 67-82. â€Å"Why Carcinogens Cause Cancer†. Retrieved from http:// www.edinformatics.com/interactive_molecules/dna.htm. July 10, 2010. World Cancer Research Fund / American Institute for Cancer Research. Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective. Washington, DC: AICR, 2007 Jankun, J. (1997, June 5). Why drinking green tea could prevent cancer. Nature, 381, 561.

How I See Television :: Personal Narrative Media Entertainment Essays

How I See Television I love television with all my heart, I also hate it with a passion. I have many reasons for my emotional dyslexic connection to television. I love the feeling I get when Thursday rolls around and the Apprentice is on NBC. Who will be eliminated tonight? What will their task be? I love Home and Garden Television. They do home renovations in two days time, show us how to plan and carry out a fabulous dinner party in an evening, and demonstrate how to create fabulous decorations for any holiday season. DIY or Do It Yourself television is equally inspiring, though neither are actually inspiring enough for me to have attempted any of the projects I learned about, but that is beside the point. When I would talk about different shows, my friend would get a confused look on his face and say, â€Å"I’m not familiar with that show, if it’s not on PBS then I wouldn’t have seen it.† That is the defining statement of a PBS snob, he admits it. Different people could fill in the ‘PBS’ designation with the ‘History Channel’ or the ‘Discovery Channel’. At that point I knew it was futile to even attempt to convey how funny the show was that I watched, it would have been lost on him. There is a sense of superiority when people say, â€Å"Oh, I don’t watch television.† Like we immediately picture them reading War and Peace instead of watching the finale of The Bachelor. I think of them as alcoholics that don’t allow themselves to watch any television because they would soon find themselves sitting among stacks of pizza boxes and bags of trash, watching Stella plan her big day on â€Å"Whose We dding is it Anyway?† It’s on HGTV if you are interested. Last year we signed up with Dish Network and now get about four hundred channels. Part of the package includes a PVR, or personal video recorder. We can record up to 60 hours of programming and watch a recorded show while another is recording. My goal is to avoid commercials as they waste valuable time. Several months ago, actually it was four days before the presidential election, our television started acting funny with squiggly lines every so often.