Personal Analysis on “the Step Not Taken” by Paul D’Angelo

An essay that I will be examining through the framework of a monomyth archetype is â€Å"The Step Not Taken† by Paul D'Angelo in which he recollects his thoughts and emotions after a Toronto-based event in which he is faced with a young man in an elevator who suddenly and without provocation breaks down in tears, thus putting the author's public persona that he carries for strangers at odds with his inner ego and sense of social self-worth. The questions that the author has explored in the essay were â€Å"Why has the man started crying? , â€Å"What should or could have the narrator done to help? † and â€Å"What might the man's reaction have been if the narrator have done anything differently? †. In this essay, I will assign the author a role of a classic archetypical hero and explore his inner journey that began due to broken social behavioural norms through the grander prism of a monomyth – first paragraph will shine a light on author's separation fro m the ordinary, the sudden actions of a stranger that have unwittingly propelled the hero to partake an deep inner journey and re-examine his inner values.In the second paragraph I will examine author's inner struggle that is present throughout the entire essay and lastly, Next, I will overview author's return and self-balancing reintegration during which he has time to reflect and ponder what could have gone differently in the aforementioned encounter. The closing paragraph will deal with more personal aspects of the essay and examine author's thoughts and epiphany when viewed through a humane and empathetical social position rather than a tale of an archetypical grandiose hero on a spiritual and emotional journey. Also read The Story of an Eyewitness Essay AnalysisThe initial story begins with a quite an ordinary event that is common to all city-dwellers – an elevator ride with a stranger. The author at first assumes a role of a neutral observer in ordinary realm, perhaps maybe with a gist of Sherlock Holmes-like ability to notice finer details on strangers. After a description of the fellow elevator rider, we are introduced to the event that thrusts the narrator in the realm of adventure or uncertainty.While it would be rather rude to perceive a sad and emotional non-fictional encounter in which a grown man suddenly breaks down into tears as a call for an adventure, the narrator has positioned himself as a hero of the story who is faced with a certain emotional obstacle that he must overcome. We, as impartial readers, may assume that as soon as the hero has in any way, shape or form internally accepted the event that has thrust him out of his ordinary environment into the realm of new experiential learning, a quest to return home with some sort of new knowledge or experience has begun.As soon as the hero has accepted his quest, we can fully affirm that the monomythical act of separation has occurred and the hero has began his experiential journey. In Paul D'Angelo's essay, his initial â€Å"benevolent guide† that has placed him on his journey, and the one that he chose to call upon when faced with an unusual circumstance, is surprisingly enough, a set of ephemeral rules and regulations that he called â€Å"typical Toronto elevator etiquette†. These guidelines, if personified, would perfectly fill the niche of a magical goddess being or a guide that many classic heroes would rely upon in their decision making process.After the initial unspoken interaction between two strangers in the elevator, the narrator has been tasked with accepting his quest of something I would call a â€Å"reactionary†, as in, the person who reacts to an irritant, if I were to use a scientific lingo. At this point, whether the narrator liked it or not, he has fully accepted his quest of deciding which social role he would play – a good Samaritan who expresses some sort of empathy to a fellow human being in distress or an actor who chooses to pretend that nothing unusual is happening and carries on with his â€Å"act† that he has planned beforehand – leaving the elevator car at floor ten.That is, in many ways, his first and final test on his very short journey from floor one to floor ten. In the timespan of seconds, the hero had to decide whether or not he will give in his â€Å"shadow† and will play it safe by ignoring the troubled man or whether he will become an empathetical being who would share the pain of a stranger. Lastly, we are presented with myriad of questions that the author has posed to himself throughout and after the entire ordeal. It would seem to me that it is at this stage the author has entered his â €Å"inner sanctum† where he could reflect on his social quest.Halfway through the essay the narrator states that â€Å"the few people I have told about the incident all say I did the proper thing† which suddenly shifts the entire story away from the elevator scene and somewhere safe where our hero had time to think and reflect on his experience. This is the end point of his journey, as he has returned home where he he had assumed a position of a more experienced individual who has acquired new social wisdom and has shared his knowledge to others, a final part of the monomythical cycle.This entire journey and reflective questions has reminded me of a inner journey undertaken by Jack London's White Fang, where the story follows a wolf pup who explores his surroundings and when taken into care by humans, tries to learn the humans ways and similar to our elevator hero, tries to figure out whether to show empathy to another being's suffering or stay safe and at home. While there is no question that a emotional journey did take place, it is hard to say whether the protagonist has actually completed his social quest or not.Sure, there were many questions that he has raised to himself, but they were never fully answered. To me, numerous questions without clear answers show that the narrator has not fully integrated the experience that has caused him to raise the concerns about himself or the weeping stranger. Author's final epiphany regarding doing the â€Å"right thing† and not the â€Å"big-city thing† reflects back to the idea of taking the â€Å"elevator etiquette† as his guide at the time of need.Sure, there are time where one needs to play the ignorance card, but thinking that feeling unempathic towards your fellow commuter is something that big cities are abundant with is a very wrong stance to take, in my opinion. Perhaps, it is a â€Å"men don't cry† stereotype that was at play here and it is very much debatable wheth er one should keep up the image or try to break down such notions.While such stereotype is still relevant to today's world, I disagree with the author that there is a clear cut answer as to what he should have done in his encounter, but the fact that he did write his essay shows to me one important thing – he did want to show some sort of support to the stranger in need. It is just that in modern day and age, we more often than not have too little time and disposition to thoughtfully and timely react to an event that might be only several seconds long, but may haunt us for a lifetime.

Hopi Indians Essay

The name â€Å"Moqui,† or â€Å"Moki,† by which they have been popularly known, means ‘dead’ in their own language, but as a tribal name it is seemingly of alien origin and of undetermined signification Bandelier and Cushing believed the Hopi country, the later province of Tusayan, to be identical with the Totonteac of Fray Marcos de Niza. The Hopi first became known to white men in the summer of 1540 Located in Arizona Buildings like steps Natacka Festival: This festival is somewhat like Halloween, only the trick and treaters are adult men. During the 9-day Hopi purification ceremony, giant Natackas (men in costume) go from house to house, begging. The Natackas hoot and whistle if they are turned down. Jewelry: The southwestern tribes used turquoise to make jewelry, and still do. They believed turquoise was the stone of happiness, health, and good fortune. Before kids could become adults and marry, they had to pass a test of courage. Girls would go off with the women, and boys with the men. The actual coming of age ceremony for each individual was secret. But all ceremonies were tests of courage. Infants: A blanket and a perfect ear of corn were given to an infant child. Parents couldn’t name the babies, the village leaders had to. Naming a baby was very important to the Hopi. Everyone in the village made suggestions. The parents would not be the ones to finally name the baby. That honor was reserved for the tribal or village leaders, not the parents. But everyone in the family could come with blessings and give suggestions of names for the baby. Have their own reservation called Hopi Reservation The Hopi Way is one of peace and is holistic; their name Hopituh Shi-nu-mu, can be interpreted as â€Å"The Peaceful Little People.† All of daily life is part of their religion, and their belief is to help others improve their life. Twelve clan groups, called phratries, have many clans within them, each with its own ceremonies and sacred fetishes. Though men are the religious leaders, the children inherit the clan of their mother. Though the men own the livestock and the fruit trees, the women own all the land, even that under the fruit trees. As many as 24 varieties of corn are grown and due to arid conditions the roots may grow 20 feet down. Each plant has many ears of corn. To supplement the staple of corn the Hopi gather more than 100 wild plants. Kivas are the center of religious life and are mostly used by the men. Stone walls line the underground chambers and a hole sipapu in the floor of the kiva symbolizes the exit from the ant people’s domain. Religion is life for the Hopi and binds the village into a solid community. Most ceremonies relate to rain. Katsinas or kachinas, of which there are about 350, are the guarding spirits that come down from their world at winter solstice, remaining in the people until summer solstice. Saquasohuh is believed by some to represent the Hale-Bopp comet. The Wuwuchim ceremony includes a song that tells of this, and this song was sang in 1914, preceeding WWI, in 1940, pre WWII, and again in 1961. The Hopi say that the emergence into the Fifth World of the future has begun. The sacred clowns of the Hopi have a unique function in their society and the religious right to enact by negative example what should not be done. Humiliation and ridicule are their methods, and no one is immune to their rudeness. Stripping another naked is not going too far. Misbehavior of people in the community is dramatized, and the culprit takes the hint. The clowns are the ultimate tradition keepers. If work needs to be done the clowns recruit the workers. They cannot be denied. White ways, such as money, missionaries, and teachers sent to the Hopi have been the subject of the clowns’ derision. The Hopi are skilled in weaving, dyeing, and embroidering blankets, belts, and kilts. Their textile work is durable, and shows a great variety of weaves. The dark-blue blanket of the Hopi woman is an important article of commerce among the Pueblos, and their embroidered ceremonial blankets, sashes, and kilts made of cotton have a ready sale among neighboring tribes. Although the Hopi ceramic art has somewhat deteriorated in modern times, fair pottery is still made among the people of Hano, where one family has revived the superior art of the earlier villagers. They weave basketry in a great variety of ways at the Middle Mesa pueblos and in Oraibi; but, with the exception of the familiar sacred-meal plaques, which are well made and brightly colored, the workmanship is crude. The Hopi are clever in making masks and other religious paraphernalia from hides, and excel in carving and painting dolls, representing kachinas, which are adorned with bright feathers and cloth. They likewise manufacture mechanical toys, which are exhibited in some of their dramatic entertainments. Nowhere among the aborigines of North America are the Hopi excelled in dramaturgic exhibitions, in some of which their imitations of birds and other animals are marvelously realistic. Most ceremonies relate to rain. Katsinas or kachinas, of which there are about 350, are the guarding spirits that come down from their world at winter solstice, remaining in the people until summer solstice. White ways, such as money, missionaries, and teachers sent to the Hopi have been the subject of the clowns’ derision. The clowns are the ultimate tradition keepers. If work needs to be done the clowns recruit the workers. They cannot be denied. The sacred clowns of the Hopi have a unique function in their society and the religious right to enact by negative example what should not be done. Humiliation and ridicule are their methods, and no one is immune to their rudeness. Stripping another naked is not going too far. Misbehavior of people in the community is dramatized, and the culprit takes the hint.

Ethical Theory of Karl Marx Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ethical Theory of Karl Marx - Term Paper Example A significant portion of the great ethical theories developed by Karl Marx, were the reflection of the social environment, and were directly related to the manner in which the society functioned during those times (Truitt, 2005). The views of Marx with regard to ethics and morality have been an issue of debate among researchers and scholars alike, since a considerable period of time. Various researchers have debated Marx's preference for ethics, and have rejected the claims suggesting that he had no ethics or morality. In fact, he is known to have developed a scientific approach, which seeks to achieve the desired objectives in a morally neutral manner. However according to some others, he pioneered and conceived the idea of ethics based on his observations in the society. The same can be documented with the help of the following: "The ideas of the ruling class are in every epoch the ruling ideas: i.e., the class, which is the ruling material force of society, is, at the same time, i ts ruling intellectual force. The class that has the means of material production at its disposal has control at the same time over the means of mental production so that, thereby, generally speaking, the ideas of those who lack the means of material production are subject to it. The ruling ideas are nothing more than the ideal expression of the dominant material relationships grasped as ideas". (Truitt, 2005, Pp. 42) According to some authors, Marxism is starkly different as compared to other socialist systems, which is highly synonymous with its anti-ethical approach. They believe that there is no mention or presence of ethics in his ideologies, and hence no form of ethical judgment (Tucker, 1971). The ethical ideology as proposed by Karl Marx has become obsolete today, due to the application of historical materialism in a socialist society. The laws governed by morality and ethics were introduced to resolve issues related to social antagonism, but at the same time retaining the b asic objectives through moral intimidation. The demands related to ethical doctrines, symbolizes the acknowledgment that the said perspectives do not lead to / encourage social antagonisms. Marx’s revolutionary ideologies with regard to philosophy overtly rejected the conventional normative philosophical ethics and at the same time, asserted the legacy of a constructive science (Hodges, 1962). Thus on the basis of the facts presented by several authors, it was claimed by many that Marx did not endorse ethics in his theories, as the basic element of ethics was missing in most of his works. Moreover, according to them the theories put forward by Marx, hardly reflected his preference to and attitude towards ethics and morality. This perspective was also challenged by several authors. They believed that the instances quoted by other authors to reject Marx’s attitude towards ethics and morality, and dismiss the same on those grounds, reflected a highly empiricist notion of science. However, it is highly doubtful to assume that Marx indeed in fact, endorse such a notion of science. In order to better understand the claims made by Marx, they could be studied in the light of those made by Hegel, with regard to science, since his views were largely influenced by those of the latter. Also, it was argued that Marx was not a scientist but a philosopher, and hence expecting him to be impartial and unflustered in his writings and observations would be a far-fetched idea. This claim could be

Fluid mechanical Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fluid mechanical - Coursework Example Looking at those pipes, you might notice that they have different diameters creating an illusion (Kezerashvili & Sapozhnikov 2000, 1). This causes an imbalance when water is put in the thick end, and no water in the thinner opening of the pipe. The construction made in the pipe make the liquid not to come to equilibrium; as a result, the water in the thick end exert weight pushing the water down the thick pipe. The kilogram of water that was situated at the most elevated point on one end moves in the opposite direction to the following side, precisely as a pendulum would when swigged (Kezerashvili & Sapozhnikov 2000, 1). The overbalancing mass of water getaways from the slight end because the channel is so short, it is impractical hold 1 kg of water. On the peculiarity, you comprehend that the surge is redirected to the thick end of the channel, where it extends the measure of time required for the liquid to accomplish concordance while encountering the tight end. The structure will accomplish amicability in the unmistakable measure of time that it takes for the water to pass through the restricted tube. Note: This charm Fountain examination will certainly for two reasons: at first, it relies on upon pneumatic power, which runs out once the first holder gets filled.  Furthermore, the fundamental thing that goes to the second compartment is vaporous pressure and not water. In this manner, it moves the water in the second compartment to the third, yet nothing refills the second holder! No water ever moves into that holder. Munson, B., & Okiishi, T. (2009).Fundamentals of fluid mechanics  (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: J. Wiley & Sons. Kezerashvili, R., & Sapozhnikov, A. (2000). Magic Fountain. Retrieved November 13, 2014, from

How the relationship between the U.S. and Israel has effected Research Paper

How the relationship between the U.S. and Israel has effected relations with Iraq, Palestine, Iran, AndAfghanistan - Research Paper Example How the relationship between the U.S. and Israel has affected relations with Iraq, Palestine, Iran and Afghanistan America’s relations with Israel have significant effects on its relations with other countries in the Middle East. Arabs generally have a feeling that America is supporting Israel blindly and keeps a blind eye towards the massacres conducted by Israel against the Arab world in general and against Palestine in particular. America’s foreign policies towards Middle East are influenced by its historical and cultural relations with Israel. Israel’s relationships with America are so strong because of the cultural similarities of these two countries. No other country in the world has ever succeeded in maintaining such a strong and long relationship with US as Israel does. Moreover, no other country in the world is getting such big financial and military aids from America as Israel does. Mearsheimer & Walt (2008) have pointed out that â€Å"As of 2005, dire ct US economic and military assistance to Israel amounted nearly to $ 154 billion, the bulk of it comprising of direct grants rather than loans† (Mearsheimer & Walt, 2008, p.24). Moreover, â€Å"Israel's bombing of Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor in 1981—despite formal criticism—was enthusiastically supported by the Reagan administration† (Zunes, 2006). Because of the strong relations with Israel, America never criticizes Israel even if Israel engages in illegal activities against the Arab world. ... They encouraged Taliban and Osama led Al-Qaida to fight against Soviet Union. They taught the Islamic fundamentalists that communism is against the religious beliefs and teachings of Islam. The rest is history now. America succeeded in expelling Soviet troops from Afghanistan; however, they forced to give huge prices for that later. The 9/11 incident and the current war on terror which destroyed the financial back bone of America were the outcomes of America’s injudicious efforts in Afghanistan earlier. â€Å"Despite the widely-held tail-wagging-the-dog assumptions, history has shown that the United States has frequently used Israel to advance its strategic interests in the Middle Eastern region† (Zunes, 2006). Neutral political observers quiet often confused to give proper answer to the question why United States is sacrificing its interests for Israel. In most of the issues in the Middle East region, America is playing its cards staying at the back drop. US donâ€℠¢t like the involvement of any other super powers in this region since the Middle Eastern region is blessed with immense natural resources like oil and fresh water. America is exploiting Israel-Arab enmity to block the interference of other superpowers in this region. However, America’s efforts are affecting them as a boomerang. â€Å"If the United States had not been a strong supporter of Israel, it would have been very difficult for Soviet Union to win friends and allies in the Islamic world†(Sheffer, 1997, p.32). At present most of the Arab countries like Iran, Palestine etc are in good relations with Russia. Moreover, America is facing stiff challenges in Afghanistan and Iraq. After the end of cold war and the defeat of

Canadian Local Governments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Canadian Local Governments - Essay Example This paper seeks to analyze the operation of local governments in Canada and try to answer the question of whether they should have recognition in the Constitution as a distinct level of government with guaranteed functions and sources of funds based on various schools of thought advanced by different scholars. Canadian local governments Canada as a country has different distinct levels of government that include the federal government, provincial governments, territorial governments, and local governments1. The federal government is the central governing organ, popularly known as the government of Canada, and works hand in hand with the territorial governments. It performs the roles of a state with such institutions as the prime minister’s seat, considered the country’s top leadership organ, and the legislature both of which are responsible such issues as national security, foreign relations, citizenship matters and law. The provincial level has a similar structure to the federal government with its own independent jurisdiction entrenched in the country’s constitution. It includes provision of health services, education, transport and the associated infrastructure, civil and property rights. The last level is the local government, which is generically responsible for policy matters that directly relate to the local grass root communities, whether in the rural or urban areas2. Just like the other upper levels of government, it has its own leadership structures comprising of commissions, boards, agencies, and political institutions with leaders like mayors, directors, and councillors. The local governments have varying roles depending on the province and the characteristics of the region under which they fall. For example, their role in a rural area is naturally different from those of an urban centre. However, their functions generally revolve around similar responsibilities. To begin with, they offer security to individuals and their prope rties including policing, emergency response, fire fighting, management of local transport that includes construction of local roads and their maintenance. They are also responsible for development planning, which entails zoning and provision of public utilities like electricity, sewerage services, water, and their maintenance. Other crucial roles of the Canadian local governments include provision of social welfare services like health, education, places of recreation and culture services at the local levels. Local government administrative structures Canadian constitution gives recognition to the independence of the federal and provincial governments, conferring to them the power and policy authority that require their approval for any changes. This is direct opposite to the local governments, which are organs of the provincial government, obtaining their power from municipal Acts formulated by the provincial parliament. This implies that they are under complete control of the pro vincial government, which has all the rights to change their jurisdiction without seeking their consent. This has seen major changes in the local structures, including abolishment and amalgamation of municipalities, as well as creation of new ones without their involvement3. Financial structures, powers, leadership selection criteria, and duties of local governments are also subject to decisions made at the provincial level. Provinces Influence their day-to-day operations significantly since the by-laws within which they

Jordanian cuisine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Jordanian cuisine - Essay Example Lamb and chicken meat is the most preferred choice of meat. Men and women do not dine together and eating with the right hand is the preferred method. The flavors include grains, cheese, herbs, fresh and dried fruits, yoghurt and spices. A team of professional chefs and local women camp at Petra kitchen in Petra to offer cookery lessons in making traditional Jordanian cuisine. Though the menu varies with seasons, a wide range of delicious dishes, mezze plates, a main dish, dessert or fresh fruits, bread (Shrak), and coffee dominates a Jordanian cuisine. The staple food of Jordan is Mansaf that takes hours in preparing and feasting. It consists of a lamb cooked in yoghurt, lightly spiced, seasoned with aromatic herbs, and served with rice. They reserved Mensef that is a Bedouin feast and the pride of Jordanian cuisine for special occasions like weddings. The preparation of Mensef entails the roasting of a whole sheep, serving huge chunks of the roasted meat with rice, yoghurt, and fried nuts on a huge plate. They also reserved a delicacy of softly cooked eyes for the guests of honor. Stuffed baby Lamb is also a popular dish in the traditional Jordan enjoyed as a main meal. It comprises a roasted lamb, nuts, rice, raisins, and chopped onions (The Hashemite kingdom of Jordan Web). There is a variety of kebabs in the Jordanian cuisine. Knafeh is the main dessert in a Jordanian cuisine and comprises of white cheese covered with sweet syrup and gooey. Jordanian wine is also acceptable in a Jordanian cuisine (Responsible travel Web). Cooking a Jordanian Cuisine is however easy and fun and requires no special equipment. Due to its delicious nature and simplicity in cooking, the Jordanian Cuisine has spread in Europe as well as maintaining its traditional aspects in