Development can improve your work Essay Example for Free

Development can improve your work Essay ?1.3- explain how learning and development can improve your own work, benefit organisations, and identify career options. Learning and development means that you will be able to broaden your knowledge and skills in that particular aspect of your job role. This will improve your marketability in your job, meaning more people will recognize your company. This also helps you to understand your job role better and to open up possible places for future promotions. When learning new skills, you could realise that you are now able to do a job you used to think was impossible to complete. In completing a job it increases your value to your employer and helps provide that you keep your job and hopefully advance with the company that you are working for, also meaning more career offers, as people around different company’s may recognize you, meaning that they like the way your work and could potentially ask to employee you. It can benefit work as well the employee is better qualified and should have a better understanding of their job role.

Defining Racism In America

Defining Racism In America Race and race relations have been aspects of American society since the colonial era. With the exception of a handful of countries, no other nation has dealt with the struggles of a multiracial society and has had to overcome the problems created in its nations past. As a result, race in America is a complex issue with many facets and race relations have become increasingly difficult to define. Richard Thompson Ford, in examining the current race situation in America in his book The Race Card, defines the period as post-racism. Focusing on Fords ideas, as presented in his book, as well as an investigation into the Jena Six story, which is a contemporary example of racism, a more defined picture of current race relations in America can be uncovered. Fords The Race Card provides a critique on the current race situation in America. In his book, while Ford presents the idea that America is post-racism, he asserts that post-racism is not defined in the traditional way one might assume. To Ford, post-racism is a late stage of racism in which its contradictions and excesses both cancel out and amplify its original function (2008:25). To Ford, the era of post-racism allows people to have internal feelings of racism, as long as their overt actions and behaviors are not racist. Racial stereotypes may still exist, but no longer are those stereotypes defined by White Only establishments. With the elimination of the stereotypical racism, racism may now be harder to eliminate because overt racists will remain unidentified. Prior to the Civil Rights Movement, segregation laws and blatant bigotry provided easy markers to define racism and identify racists. Today there are laws preventing outward expressions of racism, making the process of defining the current state of race relations far more difficult. According to Charles Hirschman, racism is the belief that people can be divided into categories based on certain features that define a particular look (2004). While characteristics that define a person as part of a particular race are biological, race is a socially constructed concept in which people place meaning on the biological features. The seeds of racism in America were planted out of the need for a cheap and renewable labor force. When indentured servitude was no longer profitable to this countrys landowners, it prompted a needed change. Dark-skinned Africans, brought to this country as slaves, looked different from the white land owners. Based on that difference of appearance, along with the historical lack of a formal schooling, American society regarded them as inferior. This view by society eventually lead to the social construct of race, with whites seen as superior and blacks as inferior. While slavery was abolished following the Civil War, the overt concept of racial inferiority continued until the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s (Pinkney 1999). Up until the Civil Rights Act was passed, Jim Crow laws and other discrimination laws continued to segregate the races and reinforced the societal view of the inferiority of African Americans. Following the passage of the Civil Rights legislation, overt racism no longer was socially acceptable. Racism is no longer is defined by superiority and inferiority, but rather is defined as an acknowledged difference between cultures, with one no better than the other (Miles and Brown 2003). Because of the years of segregation, there are inherent differences between the black and white cultures. While segregation and discrimination no longer are a common practice, there still are differences between the groups and implicit discrimination remains. The faces of racism have changed, but racism has yet to disappear from society. Today, those who are identified as racists, under the old definition, are labeled as bigots and outsiders by society. Although there still are those who are viewed as racists under the traditional definition, there is a new form of racism present and it is much harder to define. As defined by Ford, the current state of racial affairs revolves around playing the race card. In playing the race card, people must presume that discrimination remains and it is based on ones race. More often than not, todays discrimination is a based on the many years of inferior treatment. In other words, people today claim racism because, at one point in history, it could be considered a result of racism (2008:31). There are four instances of playing the race card that are outlined in Fords book, including racism without racists, racism-by-analogy, unclear definitions of what is racism, and unclear goals for the current movement. People use the racism without racists definition because it is the easiest conclusion to use when explaining the motivations of others. There may be extenuating circumstances as to why people act a certain way, but people cry racism because it is an easy answer; they fail to see the situation from the other persons point of view. In racism-by-analogy, other groups claim that their struggles and discrimination are equal to those fought for in the Civil Rights Movement, even though they are not the same. As an example, people that are overweight or not pretty enough may make the claim that their legal rights are being violated, even though overweight is not a protected class under the legislation. Having unclear definitions of racism causes people to overuse the claim. There are many factors that motivate peoples actions, and it is not always based on race. With no clear-cut definition of present-day racism, the resulting lines are blurred as to what actually constitutes racism in todays society. Without an accepted definition of racism and no clear goals for the improvement of race relations, it is difficult to determine when playing the race card may be beneficial or detrimental to a movement. This unknown result causes internal conflict within the movement itself, preventing it from moving forward. Overall, Fords argument is correct in its assertions. The face of racism today has changed and a new era of race relations has begun. No longer are there overt forms of racism and discrimination, but rather there are more subtle situations affecting race relations in todays society. However, Fords argument is not as simple as post-racism and the race card; there still are societal and structural boundaries and obstacles that African Americans cannot seem to overcome. While legally discrimination and segregation are no longer present, there are still examples of it today. As author Shawn Utsey, et al., argues, there are three forms of racism that still exist today: individual, institutional and cultural racism (2000). Examples of individual racism include racial profiling and the lingering sentiments of the overt racism seen during the Civil Rights Movement. Residential segregation and other societal restrictions constitute institutional racism. Cultural racism refers to the lack of African American influence in mainstream American culture and history. These new forms of discrimination and segregation define the current race relations in contemporary American culture. A contemporary example to which Fords ideas of post-racism and the race card can be applied is the Jena Six incident. There are many incidents which occurred in Jenna, Louisiana, between September to December 2006, which contributed to the belief that racism and discrimination were involved in the Jena events (Newman 2007). The first incident occurred in September, involving nooses hung from a tree at the local high school. As is common at most high schools, certain social groups congregate in specific areas, though not necessarily based on race. At Jena High School, a racially diverse school, a specific tree commonly was known as the white tree. A black freshman asked the principal if he could sit under the tree and the principal assured him that he could sit wherever he wanted. The next day, two nooses were hung from the tree, though the motivations behind the hanging of the nooses were unclear. The students responsible for hanging the nooses were identified and suspended. When the suspensions were announced, the black community of Jena was enraged, insisting that the nooses were a symbol of a threat against the black students of the high school. There were two altercations between white and black students, which some claimed were a result of the events that occurred in September. At a party, five black students attempted to enter a party, but were denied entrance because they did not receive an invitation. An altercation ensued, resulting in a white student being charged with battery. The next day, another altercation occurred outside a convenience store between a white male and three black males, one of which had been involved in the previous altercation at the party the night before. One of the black students was charged with disturbing the peace, second degree robbery and the theft of a firearm. The final event, which ultimately is what led to the national publicity, was an altercation between six black students and one white student, Justin Barker. Barker was badly beaten, but was released from the hospital after three hours in the emergency room. Five of the six black students were charged with attempted second-degree murder, though the charges later were reduced to battery. Mychal Bell originally was charged with aggravated second-degree battery and tried as an adult, but his conviction later was overturned. The five who originally were charged later were convicted of simple battery (Associated Press 2007). Due to the events leading up to the attack on Justin Barker, many consider this to be a result of racial tensions in the town. This was reinforced by the filing of the charge of attempted murder to the Jena Six at the beginning of the trail proceedings, a charge many considered to be racially driven and not fitting to the crime. Many also believe that the all-white jury, which delivered the original guilty verdict against Bell, levied an unfair sentence. While on the surface these events seem to be motivated by racism, the events involving the Jena Six are more of a case of Fords racism without racists. Because the events which occurred in Jena involved both whites and blacks, people assume racism was a determining factor. However, most of the events leading up to the Barker incident were unrelated. Even when considered separately, racism is not the only motivation for the actions which occurred. The tree that was claimed as the white tree by the student body has since been refuted by the faculty and staff at Jena High School. According to later testimonies, students of all races sat under the tree at one point or another. There also was a conflict over the number of nooses which were hung from the tree on the following day, and further investigations revealed that only two were hung, not three, which is believed to be a symbol of the Ku Klux Klan. The nooses, it later was found, were a prank aimed at the rodeo team, not hung as racist symbols. As it later was learned, school administrators cut down the nooses before classes started because students were playing with them in inappropriate manners, not because of some underlying racial context. Following the Jena incident, the United States Justice Department conducted an investigation to determine if the act was in fact a racially-motivated hate crime. It was determined that the hanging of the nooses was an isolated event without lasting racial tensions at the school. As such, there is no direct connection between the events occurring in September and the Barker attack. Each event was separate and unique, yet collectively were made to seem as a cause and effect relationship by the media. Finally, the allegations accusing the all-white jury of delivering a racially-motivated verdict fails to take into account underlying causes. Due to the makeup of the town, there are only a small number of African Americans to select for jury duty. Of those summoned for jury duty, some were African American but failed to report on the day of the trial (Mangu-Ward 2007). The events that occurred in Jena led to one of the largest race riots in recent history. Sensationalized by the medias influence, the case seemed to be a series of events indicating the continued racial tensions of the South. When looking deeper into the facts, a different picture is seen. Instead, each event is isolated and unconnected. The coincidences surrounding the events seem to point to a plot against African Americans, yet the motivations had no racial underpinnings. Throughout American history, racism has played a major role in race relations. Although overt racism has become a lesser focus, examples of racial discrimination and segregation still exist in todays society. The era of post-racism has a new set of issues effecting society and the race relations within it. Until these issues are resolved, true racial equality cannot be attained.

Antony and Cleopatra Essay examples -- Antony and Cleopatra

As a onetime outpost of Rome, England was greatly influenced by Roman genealogy-ancestors that were god-like (Mars), superhuman (Hercules), fearless warriors (Pompey) who flourished in a patriarchal society (ancient 4). I would like to discuss how Shakespeare uses these characteristics in his Roman tragedy Antony and Cleopatra, as a means to express sixteenth century England's cultural upheavals, one of which was the transformation of masculinity defined in terms of power to masculinity rooted in humanism. Traditionally, the monarch of a country is the "head of the nobility"(Giddens 2) and skilled in weaponry so as to fight side by side with his soldiers. Queen Elizabeth shattered this tradition with her femininity and physical inability to fight a war. As Eugene Giddens points out, Elizabeth was viewed as "conflict-shy". Because she did not "enter war lightly", a great anxiety arose within the military and the English nobility. After all, their major source of honors and promotion in the monarch's court--great military feats--was constricted by the lack of war (Giddens 2). Shakespeare's emphasis on Rome's martial society in Antony and Cleopatra addresses the importance that a martial society held for men in England during Elizabeth's reign. Military prowess defined masculinity by power and honor. Giddens highlights a Francis Bacon quote from "Of the True Greatness of Kingdoms and Estates" in which Bacon writes "No body can be healthful without exercise, neither natural body nor politic: and certainly to a kingdom or estate, a just and honourable war is the true exercise . . . for in a slothful peace, both courages will effeminate and manners corrupt" (Giddens 13). Note the same sentiment for the relationship between war, ... ...age and Literature 15 (1990): 79-107. Carducci, Jane S. â€Å"Brutus, Cassius, and Caesar in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar; Language and the Roman Male.† Language and Literature 13 (1988): 1-19. Giddens, Eugene. â€Å"Honourable Men: Militancy and Masculinity in Julius Caesar.† Renaissance Forum 5.2 (2001): 34 pars. 6 Oct. 2006. http://www.hull.ac.uk/renforum/v5no2/giddens.htm Shakespeare, William. â€Å" Antony and Cleopatra† The Necessary Shakespeare Second Edition. Ed. David Bevington. New York: Pearson Longman, 2005. 752-800. Vaught, Jennifer. â€Å"Masculinity and Affect in Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale: Men of Feeling from the Renaissance through the Enlightenment.† 1650-1850: Ideas, Aesthetics, and Inquiries in the Early Modern Era 10 (2004): 305-325. Wofford, Susanne L. ed. Shakespeare’s Late Tragedies A Collection of Critical Essays. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. 1996. Antony and Cleopatra Essay examples -- Antony and Cleopatra As a onetime outpost of Rome, England was greatly influenced by Roman genealogy-ancestors that were god-like (Mars), superhuman (Hercules), fearless warriors (Pompey) who flourished in a patriarchal society (ancient 4). I would like to discuss how Shakespeare uses these characteristics in his Roman tragedy Antony and Cleopatra, as a means to express sixteenth century England's cultural upheavals, one of which was the transformation of masculinity defined in terms of power to masculinity rooted in humanism. Traditionally, the monarch of a country is the "head of the nobility"(Giddens 2) and skilled in weaponry so as to fight side by side with his soldiers. Queen Elizabeth shattered this tradition with her femininity and physical inability to fight a war. As Eugene Giddens points out, Elizabeth was viewed as "conflict-shy". Because she did not "enter war lightly", a great anxiety arose within the military and the English nobility. After all, their major source of honors and promotion in the monarch's court--great military feats--was constricted by the lack of war (Giddens 2). Shakespeare's emphasis on Rome's martial society in Antony and Cleopatra addresses the importance that a martial society held for men in England during Elizabeth's reign. Military prowess defined masculinity by power and honor. Giddens highlights a Francis Bacon quote from "Of the True Greatness of Kingdoms and Estates" in which Bacon writes "No body can be healthful without exercise, neither natural body nor politic: and certainly to a kingdom or estate, a just and honourable war is the true exercise . . . for in a slothful peace, both courages will effeminate and manners corrupt" (Giddens 13). Note the same sentiment for the relationship between war, ... ...age and Literature 15 (1990): 79-107. Carducci, Jane S. â€Å"Brutus, Cassius, and Caesar in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar; Language and the Roman Male.† Language and Literature 13 (1988): 1-19. Giddens, Eugene. â€Å"Honourable Men: Militancy and Masculinity in Julius Caesar.† Renaissance Forum 5.2 (2001): 34 pars. 6 Oct. 2006. http://www.hull.ac.uk/renforum/v5no2/giddens.htm Shakespeare, William. â€Å" Antony and Cleopatra† The Necessary Shakespeare Second Edition. Ed. David Bevington. New York: Pearson Longman, 2005. 752-800. Vaught, Jennifer. â€Å"Masculinity and Affect in Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale: Men of Feeling from the Renaissance through the Enlightenment.† 1650-1850: Ideas, Aesthetics, and Inquiries in the Early Modern Era 10 (2004): 305-325. Wofford, Susanne L. ed. Shakespeare’s Late Tragedies A Collection of Critical Essays. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. 1996.

Tea Party Movement Essay -- What is the Tea Party Movement

Due to the weak state our of economy over the past several years, many organizations and movements have surfaced in order to attempt to make a change to better our country. One of those organizations is the Tea Party and their movement. The Tea Party movement is an effective political force in our society because it is respectable, organized, and focused on common issues. According to the official website for the Tea Party movement, it was formed randomly in 2009 from â€Å"the reaction of the American people fiscally irresponsible actions of the federal government, misguided ‘stimulus’ spending, bailouts, and takeovers of private industry.† In an article for PBS from 2010, Dante Chinni writes that there were about 67,000 members of the movement at that time. Since the article is roughly two years old, it can be estimated that the total number of members has grown significantly, especially with the recent downfall of the economy and other political forces. Chinni goes on to state that much of the movement’s population is concentrated either in boom towns, which are towns that went through rapid population growth during the housing crash of the early 2000’s, rural and agricultural counties, or counties located near armed forces bases. As far as member backgrounds, most Tea Party movement members tend to fall into the same category. In a New York Times article by Kate Zernike and Megan Thee-Brenan, they write that those who identify themselves as apart of the Tea Party are â€Å"wealthier and more well-educated than the general public.† Zernike and Thee-Brenan also state that according to a poll conducted by the Times and CBS News, most supporters of the movement are white males who are married and over the age of forty-fi... ...bers of Congress a Well-heeled Lot." Los Angeles Times, 05 Jan 2012. Web. 20 Mar 2015. http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jan/05/news/la-pn-tea-party-members-of-congress-a-wellheeled-lot-20120105. Walsh, Kenneth. "Tea Party Presidential Candidates Flash and Fade." U.S. News and World Report, 28 Sep 2011. Web. 20 Mar 2015. http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/Ken-Walshs-Washington/2011/09/28/tea-party-presidential-candidates-flash-and-fade. Wing, Nick. "Rudy Giuliani: Tea Party 'Respectable', But Some Members, 'A Little Crazy’." Huffington Post, 25 Jan 2011. Web. 20 Mar 2015. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/25/rudy-giuliani-tea-party-crazy_n_813571.html. Zernike, Kate, and Megan Thee-Brenan. "Poll Finds Tea Party Backers Wealthier and More Educated." The New York Times, 14 Apr 2010. Web. 20 Mar 2015. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/15/us/politics/15poll.html.

The Increasing Value of Information Technology

Information technology is any field that involves computer technology. This includes hardware maintenance, software development, networking solutions and technical support. Modern businesses all over the world rely on computers to function and maintain high standards of efficiency and customer service. Without IT professionals, companies would not have qualified professionals to help maintain the technological elements inherent to their daily business needs. Why does I. T needed on Business? Speed Nowadays what the businesses need is the sheer speed at which computers and related technologies can process information. Email is a perfect example, as it eliminates the need to wait several days for a packet of documents to reach a client or business associate. IT can speed up the time it takes new products to reach the market. Computer-assisted design and manufacturing software speed up decision making. From innovations in microprocessors to efficient drug delivery systems, information technology helps businesses respond quickly to changing customer requirements. Efficiency Increased speed often leads to increased efficiency. While eliminating the need to wait for packages or sensitive materials to arrive, businesses are able to receive and respond to changes instantly. This improved response time almost guarantees a higher chance at eliminating potential issues by allowing businesses to react quickly. * Multi-Tasking Another business advantage of information technologies is the ability of computers to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Provided the hardware is ble to support it, the operator may have several different programs functioning at the same time. For example you have a client and you are making conversation with him/ her but at the same time you need to complete the financial report of the company. With the help of I. T. you may chat with your client at the same time you use the excel for the fast computation. * Low Cost IT allows companies to reduce transaction and implementation costs. For example, the cost of a desktop computer today is a fraction of what it was in the early 1980s, and yet the computers are considerably more powerful. IT-based productivity solutions, from word processing to email, have allowed companies to save on the costs of duplication and postage, while maintaining and improving product quality and customer service. Uses of I. T in Business Online Advertising One of the main advantages of information technology is the ability for companies throughout many different industries to advertise their products and services via the Internet An example of this is Facebook advertising, as of now many sellers are using this social networking site to post their adds and some of them started their business in facebook . Money Transfer Online shopping, bill payments and funds transfers are also key examples of how businesses utilize information technology. By allowing consumers to access products and services from any computer, whether at work or at home, companies have made it easier than ever for people to move money. For example; nowadays in business transferring money is not a problem anymore because of I. T with just one click in Mozilla or in Google chrome you can search any online money transfer, unlike few centuries ago you still need to go to the nearest money gram. Communication One of the most powerful business tools that technology was provided is the ability to communicate worldwide almost without restrictions. E-mail and web cameras have greatly increased the efficiency of conference calls by allowing meetings to be conducted internationally. For example; cellular phones and laptops are the most useful things that were created by the I. T. with the help of cellular phones you can call any business partner you need to make an important conversation, anytime and aywhere. Portability The development of laptop computers and cellular phones have allowed anyone to work from anywhere. As technology enables us to make powerful computers smaller, we become free to travel or even exercise while still monitoring our businesses. Data Storage Every business had to maintain enormous stockpiles of paper documents, technology has enables the modern business to minimize the amount of files they must warehouse. The first rule of Information Technology management is that one copy of business data is never enough; you have to secure your business data by backing it up. An example of this is the portable flash drives. With just one click you have double copy of your file. Ihat t give us not just hard copy but also soft copies.

Observation Sheets Essay

1. Old fire extinguisher in office area. (Fire regs.) 2. no fire alarm system in office and ware house 3. Heaps of PPE on the ground obstructive entrance to fire extinguishers and moreover fire exit. (Fire regs.) 4. Remove rods of steel being used as doorstops in office area (Tripping hazards). 5. Various tools and equipment of outdoor work put away nearby office zone and beneath counters. (PUWER). 6. No correct dispenser placement and no hand wash area near office. 7. Old printer and cartons of printer paper left on floor and right next to fixed electric heater, (Fire and manual handling regs). 8. A number of mobile chargers under office chair with tangled cables. Also connected to the power supply with no batteries charging. (Electricity and fire regs.) 9. Carton of vaporized cans put away beneath office desk nearby electrical plugs. (PUWER) 10. Outdoor Waste paper bins overflowing. (Welfare issue). 11. Various tools of outdoor work equipment being stored around office area and under desks. (PUWER). 12. Wall attached first aid kit absent, support cracked. First aid kit not in its correct placed. (MHSWR). 13. Old work walking boot and gloves in poor state lying nearby shelves. (PPE regs.) 14. Cleaning chemicals nearby the electric supply socket afterward to 6 volt batteries. (MHSWR). 15. Various swab buckets and vacuum cleaner sitting just inside store room door, not properly stored. Tripping hazards. 16. Drinking water dispenser in adjoining area is out of order, only tap water available for drinking. Welfare and PUWER issue 17. Heavy material stacked up outdoor the store at ground level.. (Manual handling regs.) 18. Shelving in the warehouse not being used appropriately with a number of  tools and equipment stacked up on the floor obstructive entrance to the shelves. (MHSWR). 19. At the entrance to the building stairs railing has turn out to be un-attached at the base. (Tripping hazard). GOOD POINTS/PRACTICES Noticeably observable fire exit signs and glow in the dark signs to walls showing sites of fire extinguishers. Safety warning sign board demonstrating HSE poster, firms’ certificate of legal responsibility insurance and all related safety notices Well lit and ventilated office area, good appropriate temperature. Wall attached hand cleaners, all kept clean and tidy. Ample shelving for accurate P.P.E. storage. Install new fire extinguisher/s in office. Assessment fire risk valuations. Install proper alarm system in office to reduce the risk of damages Remove all PPE from the floor and keep fire exit clear. Monitor the area to ensure fire exit remains free from obstructions at all times. Remove rods of steel from the office block Keep all entrances shut wherever possible and must installed proper door stops. Observe the situation to make sure no more rods of steel are carried hooked on the office block. Keep hand cleaners installed. Install correct hand wash dispenser Change old printers on top of its desk and put printer paper into paper closet. Old printers repaired or detached and properly disposed of. Remove chargers from power supply as soon as not in usage and have cables free from twisting. Similarly not to be port under chairs. Appropriate placement of chargers to be put in storage Remove spray cans from office area and into store room. Passing staff on the significance of protection vaporizers (spray can) away from electrical plugs. Empty the bins and clean the floors. Ensure bins are emptied on a regular basis. Spring-cleaning duties between supervise to make sure outdoor adjoining area remain clean and tidy. Remove outdoor work equipment from office and into the correct store. Ensure foot areas under desks remain free from obstructions. Ensure first aid kit is accessible for usage by all employees Change the support so first aid kit can be give back to its accurate location. Organize of any old idle P.P.E. Ensure all P.P.E. is kept clean and changed as and when necessary. Properly place the chemicals not near to electric supply must have a specific storing area; Batteries are not stored near any cleaning products. Arrange for a clear out and tidy of store room, removing and obstructions from the door area. Assign a cleaning schedule to staff to ensure store room  remains in good order. Arrange for water dispenser to be repaired or replaced and ensure fresh drinking water is available. Arrange for the water dispenser to be serviced by a professional to prevent future problems. Move heavy tools and material onto appropriate shelving inside warehouse and store at abdomen level to avoid labour-intensive handling injuries from bending. Make sure work tools is kept properly place at all times and not left outdoor somewhere it might reason damages. Tidying the warehouse and organize of any non-waste materials. Use the shelving for suitable storing of tools and supplies to have ground space clear. Make momentary reparation while waiting for to hire for a skilled welder to make a long-lasting renovation of the railing. No action required, very good practise for emergencies with power outage. Good put into practise. Conceivably elect a member of supervise to be in responsibility of bring up-to-date notices. Monitor temperatures and regulate timers accordingly as average temperature changes throughout the year. Re-fill all skin care slot machine as and when required. Good chosen room for P.P.E. storage, P.P.E in good condition.

Looking for Alabrandi and the Simple Gift Essay

Good morning teachers and fellow students. The idea that we continue on as we are: unchanged, unchanging is unbelievably illogical. In a time and world where things are constantly changing, it is impossible to be in existence without being affected by the process of change. Changes are inevitable, and they are happening everywhere around us. This idea is portrayed in the Prescribed film â€Å"Looking for Alibrandi† and my ORT The Simple Gift by Steven Herrick. The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances if there is a reaction, both are transformed. This quote by Psychologist Carl Jung is clearly evident in both texts looking for Alibrandi and The Simple Gift. During the opening scene of the film looking for Alibrandi there is a Qantas plane taking off or departing likewise in the Simple Gift the symbol of Change is more dramatic with Billy illegally riding the freight train out of town; he is unsure where he will end up. This is very contrasting to the symbolism of leaving in looking for Alibrandi where Josie believes she knows exactly what she wants to do, where she wants to go and who she wants to marry. Josie Meets Jacob Coote from cook high at a public speaking event, the two have an instant reaction it could even be described by chemical. Josie and Jacob are portrayed as opposites Josie’s believes that she is better than Jacob. When the Sydney schools have the first social event of the year Josie looks to John Barton (the son of the national liberal party leader) But john never asks her it is Jacob that asks her to dance, Jacob Says â€Å"It’s a pity you’re not school captain we could have been perfect† this highlights that Jacob is aware of Josie’s views towards him. In The Simple Gift Billy’s life changes significantly, as does Old Bill’s. When readers first get to know Old Bill, the technique of recounting is used as we learn why he is a homeless man. When Billy enters Old Bill’s life, he is prompted to change the way he lives. At first, Old Bill opposes these changes, as he swears â€Å"piss off kid†. He then begins to accept the changes as we observe him getting up early, having showers and quitting drinking. Old Bill’s attitudes towards change develop through the novel and by the end, he looks forward to change as he deals with his past When Billy first becomes homeless I believe that this moment is the catalyst for change in Billy’s life. Billy meets many challenges in this new place, such as where to sleep and where to find food. He meets these challenges head up, as he is determined to enter this new world and make a new life for himself. He sleeps in an old train carriage, and most of his meals are scraps from McDonalds. His attitude towards this change is enthusiastic and he feels that this change is beneficial for him. Josie meets thernominal challenges also with the death of John Barton, Josie’s world is thrown into turmoil and Josie seeks answers as to why someone like John Barton with all the things he had going for him would commit suicide. And asks the rhetorical question â€Å"I wonder what his parents will do with the sheets, will they throw them away or will they scrub and scrub so that they can always sleep on them. † Josie is in an emotional state for quite a while. One day on the train Josie and Jacob cross paths and Josie has a break down, Jacob comforts her. I believe that this is the catalyst of change for Josie between her and Jacob. Josie’s Initial reaction to her father Michael Andretti coming back into her life was nothing short of her dismissing him as a useless selfish object. This is parallel with the reaction of Billy towards his father. This is supported by the extracts ‘soulless tyranny’ of â€Å"the old bastard’ his father. This technique of expletive language is used to depict the poor relationship he shared with his father. I believe that Josie chooses to have a positive relationship with her father when she calls him after Josie hits Carly with one of her ancient history textbook. Michael gets Josie out of trouble at school and also changes Josie’s perception about fathers Josie now believes that fathers have a use, she is also growing quite fond of her father. Josie now stays at her father apartment on Sydney harbor on most weekends and enjoys spending time with her father. In the closing scene of the film it is exactly one year later on tomato day again and the picture quality is a lot sharper this conveys that Josie is clear about her decision to be there and even invites her friends over this time. The key idea conveyed in both â€Å"Looking for Alibrandi† and â€Å"The simple Gift† is quite nicely summed up by â€Å"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances if there is a reaction, both are transformed† this is clearly evident in both with Josie’s relationships with Jacob Coote and her father Michael Andretti and Also for Billy with his relationships with Old Bill and Caitlin.