An Analysis Of The Video Like A Prayer By Madonna :: essays research papers

An Analysis of the Video "Like A Prayer" by Madonna Madonna first arrived in the national popular culture in 1984 with her song "Borderline". She moved very quickly in the ensuing years to make several records (many of which have gone multi-platinum) and to take several world tours with sold-out concerts, and has caused quite a bit of controversy in what she has done in the public eye. Examples include posing nude for Penthouse magazine (and announcing afterwards that she was not ashamed for doing it), marrying (and subsequently divorcing) actor and media-avoider Sean Penn, creating a fashion trend (which was primarily popular with teenage girls), and making truly atrocious movies which the critics hated and the people refused to see (the only two exceptions are Dick Tracy and Truth or Dare, her controversial yet fascinating self-documentary about her tour of the same name). It seems that Madonna seems to enjoy attention, good or bad, and it seems like she feeds on her own controversy. Her songs, and the music videos which accompany them, are no exception to this. However, the things she does and the images she projects requests contemporary society to reflect on itself, and to possibly re-create itself in innovative and inventive styles. Perhaps she always breaks with convention because she sees things in a different light than the rest of society. This essay shall focus on the video which accompanies the title track from her 1989 album, "Like A Prayer," which certainly had its share of controversy. Probably the most startling image in the music video was that of several burning crosses on a lawn or a hill. These crosses were in the background, while Madonna was facing the camera and singing. When I saw the music video for the first time, this particular section of the video made me sit up and intently watch my television screen. The first things I thought about were, "She's a very outspoken woman for doing this! Boy, she's got a lot of nerve! I believe she was raised Catholic, and she's making a mockery of the Catholic Church by doing so! The Pope would be offended, to say the least!" The radical approach to dispose of any religion (or a person's religious or pious fervor) is at least shocking. The cross is the symbol of Christianity and all it stands for. Seeing the cross engulfed in fire -- which symbolizes (and is) a destructive force -- would be very disturbing for anyone to see, Christian or not. I sat up and took notice, and I'm not even Christian -- I am Jewish. Furthermore, the fact that

A Path to Education Essay example -- Teaching School Philosophy Essays

A Path to Education Life is unpredictable and there are an infinite number of paths for one to choose from as they journey through life. One â€Å"trail† that seems to be a popular choice to travel is that of an educator. Why is this? What makes the sharing of knowledge so special? Perhaps there is an unparalleled joy in enlightening someone else. Perhaps it is a combination of unlimited elements that drives individuals to be educators. And perhaps there is no one sure answer to these questions. One thing is for sure, our world has seen its share of tremendous and inspiring teachers come and go with the passing years and generations of people. Unfortunately, this world has also seen its share of educators who were not so noticeable and effective. Again, I ask why is this? What makes some teachers more effective and inspiring than others? Could the difference be discovered through viewing their individual philosophies on education? My personal conclusion to this question is a resounding YES. It is an educator’s philosophy on teaching that makes the difference. Up to this point in life, I’ve simply been a student of this world, but as I move forward in life I aspire to cross the line that all before me have crossed to become educators. How will I achieve this? More importantly, will my personal philosophy elevate me to become an inspiring and encouraging teacher? And most importantly, what exactly is my philosophy on education? In a general sense, I simply hope to look at each child I teach as an individual and to make the best situation for each child. I will achieve this goal by developing my own views on the nature of students, the nature of knowledge, the purpose of public education, teaching met... ... relative to that time period. No two educators are the same, and no two students are the same. Somewhere in the balance of teaching and learning there is a place where educators and students can come together and pass and receive knowledge in a creative and fun way. I feel that my personal philosophy can take my students and I to that place. Being an educator is the road I have chosen, and while the path I will walk will be unique it draws from the successful paths of educators that have come before me. I realize my philosophy is not set in stone and will change as I am exposed to yet more teachers. More importantly, it may change as I, myself, begin to teach. There is no hard and fast evidence claiming that my philosophy is better than any others, but I truly feel it provides a model that will enable me to be the best teacher I can be.

Domestic Violence Is Mainly Caused by Poverty

Domestic violence is widely interpreted as a form of disparaging actions carried out by either one or both parties in a relationship such as marriage, siblings, friends or any people who essentially live together. Some forms of domestic violence include domestic abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse and intimate partner violence (IPV). They who tend to be hostile by being physically aggressive, sexually or mentally abusive, intimidating or neglecting, etc. towards the other party are the one carrying out domestic violence (Wikipedia).Although this matter may not have enacted a crime but this matter is on its increase and has given nuisance to many that are involved. Domestic violence is found all throughout the world no matter what the country, race or class. I disagree with the fact that domestic violence is mainly caused by poverty because there have been cases of domestic violence found in the upper class as well. Although domestic violence does occur in poor households; other reasons that domestic violence occurs include drug and alcohol abuse, a household filled with self-esteem issues and the absence of God.Alcohol and drug abuse is another reason why domestic violence exists in our world (All About Life Challenges n. d. ). The most prominent form of domestic violence is male-to-female violence. This can be either husband to wife, husband to children or husband to other members of the family living under the same roof. Alcohol and drug abuse definitely adds another dimension to this violence. Heavy alcohol use makes users rowdy and willing to wreak havoc even without a valid reason.Alcohol has always been a root cause of many problems mainly because of the fact that it leads to out-of-control behaviour. A person is very different from himself when he is under the heavy influence of alcohol. Fathers who drink liquor every night are much more prone to domestic violence than a father who is not an alcoholic. Drugs such as crack, cocaine and methamphetamine make users aggressive and also cause dependence. People high on crack think that they can do anything and heavy users start experiencing paranoia (Drug Intelligence Centre n. . ). This paranoia causes the user to make a problem out of nothing and the aggressiveness of the drug initiates the violence. Drugs and alcohol do contribute heavily to domestic violence but another very big reason is self-esteem issues. A lot of domestic violence issues always have something to do with self-esteem issues. A child growing up in an environment where he is regularly beaten and put down will have psychological problems when he/she grows up. The hidden burning anger of that child will stay inside him until he grows up.When that child, who is now a man, has a family of his own it is very likely that he will take out all his childhood frustrations on his family. This might be caused by stress or even the willingness to show power and control (All About Life Challenges n. d. ). Sometimes a family will exp erience domestic violence because the violator feels the need to show that he is the boss of the house. The father who has been battling self-esteem issues all his life regularly violates his family to convince himself that he is the boss of the house.This might be because that person has never been in a position of power all his life and has been regularly put down by society. This person will most likely have difficulty coping with stress, be unwilling to take responsibility of his own actions and experience extreme jealousy and possessiveness among other alcohol/tobacco/drug problems (Domestic Violence). People who believe in God tend to stay away from evil thoughts and doings. Domestic violence is mostly taking place in homes that are without God’s guidance. Most religions around the globe are against any type of violence.The Bible, for example, encourages its followers to be at peace with all mankind (All About Life Challenges n. d. ). Homes where domestic violence occur s have very little or no faith in God. Islam is known as one of the most peaceful religions in the world. The Quran, which is the holy book of Muslims, preaches that conflicts should be solved using communication rather than violent actions. Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism and many more religions follow the same code of ethics. When child abuse occurs there is obviously an absence of religion in the home.For the counter argument, domestic violence does occur in homes rued with financial crises. According to a recent survey, domestic violence has been more prevalent in low-income families compared to middle and upper class families. Experts state that there tend to be more abuse cases in poor families that are reported to ER staff, police and social services. Violators from the lower class are more likely to be apprehended by the authorities because they do not have the power or influence which is prevalent in the upper class families (Domestic Violence Tips).To conclude this essay I wou ld like to state that domestic violence does occur in areas affected by poverty, but that is not the only factor which contributes to this violence. Domestic violence is prevalent in families that are ridden with alcohol and drug abuse problems. As stated before an alcoholic father will beat his children for matters which do not require punishment. A family which has a history of self-esteem issues is also extremely prone to domestic abuse because they tend to feel inferior among the other members of the family whether in economic, education or status prospect.Children who grew up in a family or community with history of abuse may think that violence is a reasonable way to solve conflicts between people. The other reason why domestic violence is on a rise is because of the absence of God in certain households. A household which follows the religion of choice will abstain from violent behaviour of any kind. Domestic violence is a crime which is on the rise especially in developing co untries. One way to reduce these crimes is to educate the youth. Hopefully in the next few years domestic violence will be a thing of the past.

Comparison between cat and human skeleton Essay

At first glance, it might look as if there are very few similarities between a human skeleton and a cat skeleton, However, when you look a little deeper, you find many similarities in shape, structure and function. Evolution has shaped the cat as a hunter and predator. Everything about a cat has been formed to shape a leathal, agile fighting animal. In contrast, the skeletons of humans have formed to provide strength and stability. There are many similarities between the modern-day cats and humans. Like nearly every land mammal, both cats and humans have a well-formed skull and jaw, a vertebral column and four appendages. The most obvious difference between a cat and human skeleton is the size. At nearly 20 times the size of the average domestic cat, a human is a lot larger and way more powerful. Humans are built to walk on two legs. Therefore, their hips and backbone are shaped much differently and are much more solid than those of the four legged feline. Although humans are much larger, a cat has roughly 250 bones in its skeleton, compared to the 206 bones of the human skeleton. The extra bones in the cat’s skeleton are found mainly in the backbone, which gives the cat its extra flexibility and agility. A cat has 52 or 53 vertebrae; humans have 32 to 34. These extra bones are spaced out and have more padding, giving the cat flexibility and the ability to twist, turn and spring. Humans have collarbones, while cats do not. However, cats do have a free-floating set of bones in their shoulders that allow them to squeeze into tight spaces. In both cats and humans, the skeleton provides the same basic set of functions. Because of the density and hardness of bone, the skeleton provides the rigid framework to which other body systems attach. The skeleton determines the basic shape of a body. The skeleton also serves as protection for vital organs, such as the brain, heart and lungs. Because of the structure of the skeleton, it is the basis of all movement. Functioning as an attachment point for all muscles, the skeleton serves as a series of levers and pulleys to push and pull the body into place. Far from being dead, the skeleton houses tons of things that help with production. Human bone marrow produces millions of red blood cells a second, and forms the  basis of the immune system. The skeleton of both cats and humans acts as a storage facility for minerals, such as calcium and phosphate. In the end, cats and humans may seem different but we have more in common than you might think. Stem cells are cells that can grow to become almost any type of cell in your body. They can be taken from different parts of your body and put to use wherever they’re needed. Since they are your own cells there is no chance of rejection. There are two types of stem cells, Adult Stem Cells (somatic stem cells) and Embryonic Stem Cells. Adult Stem Cells can come from the umbilical cord or cells found in bone marrow. Embryonic Stem Cells come from undifferentiated inner mass cells of a blastocyst. These cells are pluripotent, which means they can grow into any cell in your body. Stem cells are able to repair nerve fiber. Tests on rats have been proved successful. Scientists are trying to figure out how to make stem cells more potent. Experimental surgery has helped thousands on their quest to better health. Umbilical cord blood can be used just the same as regular stem cells. Stem cells can also be used to repair cardiac tissue after a major heart attack. Stem cells have endless potential with very low risk. I think you should be able to receive stem cells if you want. Anyone who needs it should have them readily available. There is basically zero risk and tons of benefit. Stem cells should be used by everyone.

Wal-Mart Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Wal-Mart Case - Essay Example China benefits heavily from this since almost all consumer goods sold at Wal-Mart stores are made in China. This increases employment in China. However, government deregulation of the retail industry has led to increased retail giants that charge lower prices just like Wal-Mart. This implies that its cost leadership assertion is neutralized. China is a booming economy with a high potential courtesy of its high population. Wal-Mart can utilize the advantages by easing its struggle for cost leadership and adopt a more diverse mechanism of boosting its market. This can be done by cultivating good will from the community in which it operates by fair remuneration of workers and better working conditions in stores and also by its suppliers. This would boost its image thus increasing sales. Wal-Mart uses a number of strategies to maintain low prices. First, Wal-Mart contracts suppliers from China who provides relatively cheap products. Second, the retail giant employs some staff on part tie basis to reduce costs of operations. Third, most stores in the US are located installer towns to boost its

MUTUAL FUND (SLP) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

MUTUAL FUND (SLP) - Essay Example This paper will discuss as to which mutual funds to be purchased from the available funds of $95000 and what criteria is used to purchase the same. Mutual Fund Purchase Decision One of the funds to be purchased with the available funds is High Dividend Equity Fund which tracks the performance of Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index.1 This fund is a relatively new fund and was launched during March 2011 however; one of the key reasons at to why this fund is picked is its low expense ratio. The overall expense ratio is 0.4% with no acquired fees and expenses. A low expense ratio is one of the key criteria to decide about purchasing a mutual fund though it is not the only criteria. (Barker, 2011). Further, the overall holding of the funs is in sectors which are relatively stable and provide regular dividends. Since its inception, fund has earned a total return of 4.39% whereas index returned 4.52%. 50% of the funds will be used in the purchase of this fund. Another fund to be purchase d with the available funds is the MSCI BRIC Index Fund which tracks this index2.

Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Religion - Essay Example â€Å"All civilizations were founded with religious underpinnings. Of course, religions, like civilizations, grow and sometimes die; forming an intellectual and ontological compost from which new civilizations often sprout. Often, these new civilizations are more complex and take root in earlier ideas while expanding them to meet new conditions† says awaretek.com Every individual is bound by his society and customs, each society has its own religion, rituals are conducted according to their religious instructions, and as far as the myth related to related to religion is concerned, we could trace out the starting point of our belief to have a basic influence by the myths. For example, we have been told by our ancestors the story of Jesus Christ and his birth, we believe that the star that shines during the month of December indicates the birth of Christ, and similarly when we consider other religious beliefs such as Hindu or Muslims, they too have their own rituals having a background story form the myth. could understand that majority of people accept a moral standard on the basis of their brought up and values that were taught to them by their elders. So religion is said to have a constructed meaning, ethics, rituals and myths, all are found in a society in a combined form, the influence of each could be felt in every aspect of the society. The argument that If we start analyse what the universe mean to us, we should take into account the contribution of man. It is an accepted and universal statement that God created every thing. Man is the most intelligent of all his creations as he possesses the additional sense of reasoning and speaking. He is still in the process of finding out the meaning behind every aspect of God’s creation. Though some might argue this as scientific, the fact that science is an expression of God’s creation needed to be accepted. Man can only analyse the reason for any natural calamity but he could not