MTV picks up SIPA-student-designed campaign to raise public awareness to maternal mortality COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

MTV picks up SIPA-student-designed campaign to raise public awareness to maternal mortality COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog Were excited to share this story about the impact of SIPA students work (L-R: Justine LaVoye MPA-DP ’19, Jenise Ogle MPA ’19, and Maria José Diaz MPA ’19). For reference, check out Stephen Friedmans course Art of Creating Social Impact Campaign. “It gave me goosebumps.” That was adjunct professor Stephen Friedman’s visceral reaction to a pitch by three MPA students in his course on the  Art of Creating Social Impact Campaigns. The students’ ideaâ€"to raise awareness of the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality in the U.S.â€"was a “punch in the gut” Friedman was not expecting. Over a 25-year career in media and consulting that included a stint as president of MTV, Friedman has repeatedly launched innovative, socially impactful campaigns, that helped bring awareness to many critical issues, including the genocide in Darfur. The course, which he taught for the first time at SIPA in the fall of 2018, seeks to apply the principles of storytelling to, as the public policy academic Marshall Ganz has said, translate “values into action.” “The most complicated part of the class is ‘How do you translate a complicated social issue into something that gets past your analytic framework and hits you in the gut?’” Friedman said. “Because you have a lot of students at SIPA who are trying to do great things in the world, and they come at it with an analytical rigor, an important rigor, but the most successful campaigns must also appeal to your emotions and values in order to change behavior.” That fall day in class, Friedman heard a pitch from Justine LaVoye MPA-DP ’19, Jenise Ogle MPA ’19, and Maria José Diaz MPA ’19 that creatively used narrative technique to address what Harvard Public Health magazine recently called “a human rights crisis.” According to  a 2017 UNICEF report, “the global maternal mortality ratio declined by 44 per cent” from 1990 to 2015. However,  data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) showed that pregnancy-related deaths in the United States “increased from 7.2 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1987 to 18.0 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2014,” a rate  higher than any other country in the industrialized world.  A 2018 report from nine U.S. states  revealed that were 60 percent of all pregnancy-related deaths were preventable. The disparity between white and black mothers is even more staggering, according to the CDC: 12.4 deaths per 100,000 live births for white women compared to 40 deaths per 100,000 live births for black women.  A recent article in Harvard Public Health  noted that for African American mothers, the “odds of surviving childbirth are comparable to those of women in countries such as Mexico and Uzbekistan, where significant proportions of the population live in poverty.” We have black women dying all the time from this and the community doesnt really know why they are at risk, Ogle said. For someone like myself, who is African American, I didnt know this, and I think the reason to focus on the social aspect of this issue is because there is a lack of awareness. Despite the dire statistics, the health of African American mothers has been under-reported, only recently gaining some media attention because  Serena Williams’s story of a near-fatal birth experience  and Democratic presidential candidate  Elizabeth Warren’s proposal  to offer hospitals incentives to lower African American maternal mortality rates. The reasons for this crisis are wide-ranging and, according to Ogle, stem from years of systemic racism and bias. A  recent study done in Texas  found that 8 out of 10 pregnancy related deaths in that state could have been prevented “one or more reasonable changes to the circumstances of the patient, provider, facility, systems or community factors.” The studentsâ€"all of whom had career experience in public health- and gender-related policy rolesâ€"said they were astounded by the statistics. “Even at SIPA, where we are studying policy, this is still an issue that many people dont know about at all,” LaVoye said. The students researched other awareness campaigns focusing on the issue of maternal mortality, many of which targeted the medical community. They decided to aim their messaging at mothers and their support networks, emphasizing warning signs for the common causes of pregnancy-related deathsâ€"like hemorrhaging, infections, and clotsâ€"and educating about self-care once new mothers leave the hospital. “We saw in our initial research that most of the focus was on generating awareness among the medical community,” Diaz said. “It was interesting to see there was a gap when it came to the social aspect â€" pregnant women and people supporting them.” The group’s creative proposal referenced recent pop-culture touchstones that blend cinematic storytelling with social activismâ€"including  Childish Gambino’s “This is America”  and Beyonce’s “Lemonade”â€"along with powerful PSAs like “Sandy Hook Promise.” Friedman was blown away by the approach, which employed a double narrative and a surprise ending. “The creative storytelling was elevated and palpable,” he said. “We want to emphasize that even during very joyous moments, like having a baby, having a gender reveal, having a baby shower, that you also have to be wary and think about the warning signs as well. We want pregnant women to be there when their baby is born,” Ogle said. The creative concept hooks the viewer by establishing a joyful tone as an expecting couple plans for the birth of their child. As the narrative continues, it becomes more somber, implying that the child is dangerâ€"only to reveal that it is the mother who has actually died during childbirth. After flashing back through a sequence of actionable opportunities to mitigate risks for pregnant mothers, the video concludes happily after all, with the mother alive and well and holding her new baby. On the last day of the class, Friedman was talking to his successor at MTV, Chris McCarthy. He told him about the emotional student pitch he couldn’t shake. He said, ‘You never get goosebumps,” Friedman remembers. Friedman initially did not think the campaign would be right for MTV, but he had piqued McCarthys interest. With television properties like Teen Mom and Dear Mama on VH1, McCarthy felt the demographics were perfect for a campaign focused on maternal health. “When Stephen shared the creative pitch from the SIPA students, I knew it was something that would resonate with our audience because the topic intersects with so many of the issues in which our audience is engagedâ€"family, healthcare, and the life stage of young parenthood, McCarthy, who is president of the MTV, VH1, CMT, and Logo networks, said. “Stephen is a mentor and a pioneer in the field of social impact and with his guidance and the students creative campaign, I felt we had a powerful way to address this important issue facing our audience.” As the project progressed, strategic partnerships were secured with  Every Mother Counts, an organization founded by model and activist Christy Turlington Burns, and  Black Mamas Matter, a collaboration between the Center for Reproductive Rights and Black Lives Matter. Then, Lena Waitheâ€"the actress and screenwriter who  recently made history as the first African American woman to win a comedy-writing Emmyâ€"signed on to produce and narrate the PSA. The students have been on board as consultants to the project and hope to continue after the video launches during the lead up to Mother’s Day. The campaign will also feature  an online engagement platform  to encourage viewers to learn more about the issue. “Not only did the students pitch us this breakthrough idea, they joined our team throughout the development of the campaign,” McCarthy said. “They helped with research and getting to know the nonprofits working on this issue. They were in lockstep with our team and the campaign partners as key decisions were made around the messaging and call to action. Before the launch of the campaign, we looked to the students to provide feedback on the final video treatments and online resources.” “Were still those [SIPA] policy students, but now were in this fast-paced television media environment and they are looking at us as the experts on the content and theyre guiding us through this whole creative world,” Ogle said. “Its really exciting.” The students’ ambitions for the campaign’s reach has grown as it evolved from a fictional project to a reality. “I hope a lot of people see it and we can improve the community responsibility with women’s maternal health ” said Diaz. “Over half of these deaths are preventable,” said McCarthy, “and our hope is that this campaign will help sound the alarm about this serious issue and help moms receive the care, services, and support they need.” Before enrolling in Friedman’s class last fall, Diaz, LaVoye, and Ogle had never met. Now they are bound together in ways they never expected. “Learning from Maria José and her experience in Chile and throughout the different public and private sectors, and from Jenise, a woman who is from U.S. but has a very different lived experience than I do, I think thats a very powerful thing,” LaVoye said. “I know that they will be on speed dial.” Friedman hopes that the students’ maternal mortality campaign is just the beginning. “Thats what was great about the students in our class,” he said. “I think students, in every group presentation, had a creative nugget like that, which has the potential to find its way into the world and have a positive impact.” A week before the campaign was to air, Diaz, LaVoye, and Ogle had a chance to see a close-to-final cut of the video. They were pleased to see their artistic vision was intact. “I watched it, went into shock, and then cried,” said LaVoye. â€"  Brett Essler View this post on Instagram The US is the most dangerous place in the developed world to give birth, but we have the power to change this story. Watch #SaveOurMoms narrated by @LenaWaithe. saveourmoms.mtv.com A post shared by MTV (@mtv) on May 9, 2019 at 6:02am PDT

Analysis Of Octavia Butler s Dawn The Idea Of Gender

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The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 12 Free Essays

string(47) " my eyes off her, I nod my head at the garage\." Micha â€Å"Dude, where the fuck is your head today?† Ethan asks and seconds later a grease rag hits me in the face. I throw it back at him, hard. â€Å"You’re starting to piss me off with this crap. We will write a custom essay sample on The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 12 or any similar topic only for you Order Now † Ethan widens his eyes exaggeratedly. â€Å"Whatever man. You’ve been so distracted for the last two days.† He sticks his head back under the hood. â€Å"And I’m not going to say why.† â€Å"Good, because I don’t want to hear it.† I round the back of my car and eye over the tools on the wall of the garage. I grab a rusty toolbox, one of the few things my dad left behind, and toss it into the garbage can. He called again this morning, begging on the answering machine for either my mom or I to pick up. Ethan raises his head up and eyes the garbage can. â€Å"Wanna explain what that was for?† â€Å"Nope.† I pick up a wrench and start working on the car. We work on it for a while, but it’s hot and I’m getting more pissed off at my dad by the second. Finally, I move back and throw the wrench down onto the concrete. Ethan doesn’t ask questions this time. â€Å"We should have a party tonight,† I announce, unable to hold still. â€Å"A big one, like the one we had on graduation night.† â€Å"You really want to relive that night?† Ethan backs out from under the hood. â€Å"Because I’m not sure I do.† I step outside into the sunlight, determined to get my mind off stuff. â€Å"What you can’t remember doesn’t hurt, right?† â€Å"I don’t think you want to go there.† Ethan walks next to me and we stare down the driveway at an old guy pushing a shopping cart. â€Å"There are plenty of times in my life I wish I could remember – that I’d give anything to remember – but I can’t. I lost like a year of my life. It’s better to stay within the boundaries of a semi-clear head. Besides, this doesn’t sound like you at all. What’s up?† â€Å"Nothing’s up.† I sigh, raking my fingers through my hair. â€Å"I’m just thinking out loud.† Ethan returns to the garage and starts working on the engine again. Around sophomore year, he started hanging out with these kids at school, who had really heavy views on the world and liked to sit around and get high while they talked about it. Ethan somehow ended up being friends with them, and within a month, he had dropped out of school and got into some pretty heavy shit. A year later he made the decision to get some help. He cleaned up his life, cut the habits, and worked the hell out of himself to catch up in school. He was a grade behind, but managed to graduate with our year. Looking at him, you wouldn’t guess. The side door of Ella’s house swings open and Lila steps out. She looks upset, although not as bad as she did last night. She glances up the driveway at the house across the street, where there’s a very loud game of tackle football going on in the front yard. Her eyes roam to my house and then widen when she sees that I’m watching her. She gives a tentative wave from the top step. â€Å"Hey, Micha.† â€Å"What’s up?† I say with a nod of my chin. â€Å"Is Ella up yet?† Shielding her blue eyes from the sun, she looks up at Ella’s window. â€Å"Yeah, she said she’d be out in a second. She’s just talking to her brother.† â€Å"He’s not being a dick, is he?† â€Å"I’m not sure what constitutes as a brother being a dick, since I don’t have one.† A smile cracks at her lips. I walk toward the fence, pulling up my jeans that are riding low on my hips. â€Å"There’s no yelling going on?† Lila shakes her head and meets me at the fence, plucking some of her blonde hair away from her mouth. â€Å"But Ella’s not much of a yeller, is she?† I rest my arms on the top of the fence. â€Å"It depends on which one we’re talking about.† Her face falls. â€Å"How could I know her for eight freaking months and not know anything about her. It must say something about me, right?† I feel bad for her. â€Å"I think Ella kind of made it her mission to keep who she was hidden from you. It’s not your fault.† She eyes me over with this suspicious look. â€Å"Honestly, it seems like she’s that way with everyone, except for you.† â€Å"We’ve known each other forever,† I say. â€Å"We have a comfortable relationship.† Her blue eyes twinkle with mischievousness. â€Å"One where you feel her up in the car?† â€Å"It feels like you’re trying to start some trouble,† I say, liking the girl even more. â€Å"Maybe I am.† She leans over the fence to the side of me so she can get a better view of the inside of the garage. â€Å"Is that Ethan in there?† I step back so she can get a better look. â€Å"Yep, he’s working on the car.† â€Å"I think I’ll go give him some help.† A grin spans across her face and she hops over the fence, squealing as her shoe gets caught in the wire. Trying not to laugh at her, I unhook her shoe and she walks into the garage, surprising Ethan. The door to Ella’s house opens and my attention centers on her as she steps out into the sunlight. She’s wearing a tight, black and purple plaid dress, and knee high lace-up boots, but her hair is curled up neatly. It’s like a mix of her old look and her new one. Her face is guarded as she ambles across the driveway, with this strange look in her eyes, like she’s terrified yet excited at the same time. â€Å"Did Lila come out here?† She bites her lip and I want to lean over and bite it for her; taste her and feel her like I did last night. Without taking my eyes off her, I nod my head at the garage. You read "The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 12" in category "Essay examples" â€Å"She’s in there with Ethan. I think she might have a thing for him.† â€Å"I think you’re right.† She pauses. â€Å"I think I might have freaked her out a little, just barely.† â€Å"You mean you and Dean might have freaked her out a little?† â€Å"She told you I was talking to Dean?† â€Å"She mentioned it.† I extend my hand to her. â€Å"Why don’t you come over and join the party on this side of the fence?† â€Å"A party of four?† she asks, trying not to grin and looking as cute as hell. I snag her by the hip, jerk her toward me playfully, and dip my lips to her ear. â€Å"It can be a party of two. Just say the word.† She shivers from the feel of my breath on her neck. â€Å"I think we better keep it a foursome.† I press my fingers into the curve of her hips. â€Å"I didn’t know you liked it kinky.† She swats my shoulder and I laugh, my dad problems feeling less heavy. â€Å"Relax, I was just kidding, even though you’re the one who brought it up first.† â€Å"I was joking.† â€Å"I know†¦ I think I am going to have a party tonight.† â€Å"Don’t you have one of those every night?† I cock my eyebrow. â€Å"Besides the night you showed up, have you seen one going on?† She wrinkles her forehead. â€Å"No.† She sits down on the fence, swinging her legs over to my side. â€Å"Micha, what have you been doing for the last eight months?† â€Å"Pinning for you.† I avoid the truth. That I haven’t been doing much of anything besides looking for her and helping my mom take care of things. She tucks her dress underneath her legs and I get a small glimpse of the black lacy panties she has on. â€Å"Where do you work?† Against her protest, I spread her legs apart and put myself between them. â€Å"I work at the shop with Ethan a lot, but it’s not going to be forever. I have plans. I’m still working on getting everything lined up.† She places her hands on my chest, holding me back. â€Å"I think the lines between our friendship are getting a little blurred.† â€Å"That happened a long time ago,† I tell her, gliding my palms up the sides of her bare legs. â€Å"At least for me it did.† Her jaw tightens. â€Å"It’s things like that which make them blurry and things last night†¦ and things like in the car.† â€Å"There seems to be a lot of things, which I think might be a hint that you and I belong together.† Her eyes snap wide and I back off to try another tactic. She needs to smile and let those stressed lips free. I pinch her side and she squeals. â€Å"Don’t do that,† she says, holding back a laugh. â€Å"You know I hate being tickled.† I graze my fingers across her other side and she squirms, before falling over the fence and landing on her back in the grass. I leap over the fence easily as she scrambles to her feet. She narrows her eyes, backing toward her back door. I run up to the side of her and she skitters out of my reach. She glances at the door and then at the front yard, which is closer to her. â€Å"Micha, seriously,† she warns. â€Å"We’re too old for this.† I spread my arms out to the side innocently. â€Å"I’m not doing anything.† Her eyes flick to her house one last time and then shaking her head, she spins around and runs for the front yard. I give her a head start before I sprint off after her. When I round the house, she’s up on the front porch, jiggling the door knob. I laugh at her. â€Å"Is it locked?† She heaves a frustrated sigh and hops over the railing, slipping on the grass. â€Å"Dammit Micha! I’m so going to kick your ass for this.† â€Å"I’m planning on holding you to that threat.† I jog after her across the neighbor’s yard. She races across the grass, her hair falling out of a clip. She leaps over the brick fence into the next yard and smashes a row of flowers. Without using my hands, I hop onto the fence, but trip during my dismount and fall on my knees. She freezes in the middle of the lawn and starts to laugh at me. â€Å"You so deserved that.† I get to my feet, dusting the dirt off my knees, and a dark smile rises on my face. â€Å"You think that’s funny?† Her eyes sparkle and it’s worth the fall. â€Å"You look ridiculous.† â€Å"Do I?† I take a step toward her. She takes a step back. â€Å"You do.† Abruptly the sprinklers turn on, drenching the grass and her. She screams and covers her head with her arms. â€Å"Serves you right for laughing at me,† I say with a grin. She lets her arms fall to the side and smirks. â€Å"Well, at least it keeps you away from me.† Her dress is clinging to her body in all the right places and pieces of her wet hair stick to the sides of her face. She begins to twirl in circles with her hands up above her head. â€Å"You’re beautiful,† I say, unable to help myself. Ella Micha looks ridiculous and I can’t help but laugh. I haven’t laughed in so long that it feels unnatural leaving my mouth. It’s like we’re kids again, as if this moment belongs in another time where things are weightless and full of sunshine. As I’m laughing at him, the sprinklers turn on and my clothes instantly get soaked. At first I squeal, but then I let go, lifting my hands above my head and twirling in the water, figuring he won’t come in after me. He calls out something about me being beautiful and then he charges into the sprinklers, completely blind-siding me. His arms snake around my waist and we collapse to the ground but Micha holds my weight up, so I land on the wet grass gently. â€Å"Micha,† I say, trying to be serious. â€Å"Don’t do it. You know how much I hate being tickled.† â€Å"Which makes it even more appealing.† Water beads in his hair, his long eyelashes, his lips. With one hand, he pins my arms above my head and presses his body against mine. My wet clothes cling to my skin and I can feel every part of him. â€Å"I take that back. This is more appealing.† He lets his hand move up my ribs, his thumb sketching along the ridges, sending my body into a frenzy. I stop fighting him and lay perfectly still. Water sprinkles our faces as he lowers his lips to mine. Our wet tongues twine together, full of desire as they collide. A strange, unfamiliar feeling opens inside of me again and my legs fall apart and hook around his waist, requesting more of him, like they did last night. Micha draws back, looking surprised as he glances at the house to the side of us and then at the street. Then he lets out an untamed growl and deepens the kiss, thrusting his tongue deep into my mouth. I suck on his bottom lip and trace my tongue along his lip ring. It sends a quiver through his body and I’m secretly pleased, but my pleasure confuses me. â€Å"Ella,† he groans and then kisses me fiercely. His hand travels upward and cups my breasts. His thumb circles around my nipple and through the wet fabric of my clothes, the feeling is mind blowing. It’s driving me wild and my knees vice-grip against his hips. A moan laced with ecstasy crumbles from my lips. I’m starting to lose control again and it’s alarming. I try to get past it this time, but it consumes me and I have to stop. After a lot of effort, I get my arms between our bodies and I push him away. â€Å"We should get back.† I look at the brick home of the yard we’re laying in. â€Å"Besides if Miss Fenerly comes out, she’ll have a heart attack.† Micha’s aqua eyes penetrate me. There’s mud on his forehead and grass in the locks of his blonde hair. â€Å"If that’s what you want.† Maneuvering to his feet, he takes my hand and lifts me to mine. He plucks pieces of grass out of my hair and lets his hand linger on my cheek. Holding hands, we walk across the grass and down the sidewalk, leaving a trail of water behind us and something else. Something invisible to the outside eye, but to me it’s more noticeable than the sun in the sky. How to cite The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 12, Essay examples

Reaction paper to holstee manifesto free essay sample

On Holster Manifesto This is your life. Do what you love and do it often, the first three sentences in Holster Manifesto that I agree to. That statement is what Vive mostly read in social networking sites. Some of us see this statement as we can do anything we want, gaining all freedom, who cares, but some view this that what you enjoying is, do it, follow your heart, its your life. Life is simple but we people complicates it. Making life hard to live, over analyzing t. Appreciate what we have. Stop doing things thats not agreeing to your heart and mind. Love and believe in yourself. Do things accordingly and youll achieve your dreams and goals. Sometimes in our Journey we succeed sometimes we fail. Their parts of learning that will make us grow and will enable us to handle the challenges life has to offer. We will write a custom essay sample on Reaction paper to holstee manifesto or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page And to this statement If youre looking for the love of your life, stop. I agree to that for it will Just come on the right time and in the right place. Wait for it and do first what you love and eventually youll Just realize life is more enjoyable if you do your will. Trying new things isnt bad. Be open to learn, explore, and experience more life, its part of growing. Create good memories with the people around you for memories will not fade though people change. Cherish every moment and take every opportunity, as it is the last one. Do your best in everything you do. Be an inspiration to others, share what you have, help others reach their dreams. We dont do things to impress others but to express ourselves. As I reflect to this series of advice from Holster Manifesto, I realize that its not yet the end nor late to change things that I should enjoy while Im alive. I like to ponder this: Life is short. Live your dream. Ad wear your passion. We only live once, fears shouldnt come along in doing what we want. Conquer it and do your passion, your dream. Youll gain no regret if youve tried. Do things that count.

How Chinas political, religious and ideological systems allowed for both continuity and change

How Chinas political, religious and ideological systems allowed for both continuity and change Introduction China is known for its historically authoritarian political system. Nonetheless, this has not stopped them from emerging as one of the greatest national economic powers. The twentieth century was dominated by United States as the best economy but this has changed in 21st century where China is set to lead the pack of emerging economies.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on How Chinas political, religious and ideological systems allowed for both continuity and change? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More China’s situation is unique given that most powerful states draw such powers from wealth. The recent protest that was observed in Tiananmen Square conveys political repression in china as youths seek change but the government is unlikely to grant this that easily. China’s political system, which has been largely regarded as communist and undemocratic, has allowed continuity as well as change. In addi tion, its religious system has been quite instrumental in its continuity. The balance of dynamism and conservatism has ensured continuity in China. Its founder Qin Shi Huangdi who failed to establish immortality is regarded as the founding father of China’s political system as well as the world’s oldest civilization. The country is currently facing globalization and change is eminent although it is hard to come by, considering the government’s effort to ensure continuity of their ideological systems. This paper will endeavor to explore the manner in which political, religious and ideological systems of China have enabled continuity and change (Sirgo, Gleason, and Tarver 1) History of China China is regarded as one of the oldest of Civilizations in the world. Its ancient civilization extends throughout East Asia. Its civilization is estimated to have started over 4000 years ago. Its societies and economies were the best in the world before 19th century. However, they missed industrialization that took shape in 19th century leading to their decline. This was mainly because of the dynasties that ruled China, imperialism, civil wars as well as internal weakness. The country’s turmoil resulted into two states that still called themselves China. These were, Republic of China (ROC) and People’s Republic of China (PRC). The former was established in 1912 in the mainland and is currently known as Taiwan while the latter was established in 1949 and takes control of the mainland from Taiwan. Taiwan now controls the islands such as Taiwan, Matsu, Pratas, Kinmen, among other outlying islands.Advertising Looking for essay on asian? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More People’s Republic of China (PRC) remains the largest and controls the self-governing states of Macau and Hong Kong. Hong Kong was liberated to govern itself in 1997 while Macau in 1999 (U.S. Department of St ate 1). Taiwan changed its economic policies in 1950s that enabled it to be industrialized. This transformed its economy resulting in high growth and development. These changes were embraced later by the PRC, in the 70s, in which they made the famous Four Modernizations that aimed to improve agriculture, defense, technology as well as its industries. These changes led to modernization in China as it transformed into an economic giant, in the process raising their living standards. PRC has since become a powerful economic power in the world, challenging the likes of United States and traditionally known economic powers like European Union in the 21st century. The country’s culture has spread throughout the region and acquired by its neighboring countries like Japan. China is also regarded as a source of inventions and innovations throughout its history. Its language systems were the first to be written in the world. It has also been a site for archeological research as they st udy the remains of Homo erectus estimated to have lived there over 300000 years ago. China face modern challenges as other nations, the main concerns include widespread corruption, degradation of the environment as well as the increasing gap between the poor and the rich (U.S. Department of State 1). China’s political system Government China is controlled by Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which is authoritarian in both ideology and structure. This has not been easy because of the diverse nature of the country in geography and social circles. They have been restricted to building consensus in most issues with other parties, influential people, regional leaders as well as the Chinese population at large. The party has a membership of over 76 Million and dominates Chinese government. Their influences have always prevailed, except in economic issues in which external influences from non-party members and organizations have prevailed.Advertising We will write a custom essa y sample on How Chinas political, religious and ideological systems allowed for both continuity and change? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In other essential issues of culture and economy, the committees ensure that they are followed in accordance with the party’s guidance. The coastal regions usually offer great challenges to the party since their growth is rapid (U.S. Department of State 1). Legal System After the famous Chinese Cultural Revolution, the government opted to emphasize on enforcing the rule of law. This was done through the new state constitution, which was adopted in 1982. Great focus was placed on taming tyrannical rulers, who could be held responsible in the new law. Over 300 laws, most of which aimed at economic reforms have been adopted in China since 1979. This showed their efforts to restrain revolutionary leaders who overused powers. Among the innovative ways, include their use of mediation committees to solv e minor criminal cases throughout the country as well as the fact that they are well informed and take responsibility for over 90% of china’s civil cases. These committees are numerous, accounting for more than 800000 committees throughout the country. The country has made numerous reforms on law by professionalizing the whole system. These led to further amendments of criminal laws as citizens got the opportunity to sue officials who happen to abuse office. The latest advancement in China’s constitutional amendment was done in 2004 and it included fundamental human rights as well as ownership of property. These developments are however rarely practiced in some cases, and this negates the gains in handling human rights (U.S. Department of State 1). Human Rights Although changes were made to improve human rights, this has not been adequately accomplished as several human rights abuses occur in China. The year 2009 witnessed continued abuses of human rights with the lega l system being faulted for inadequacy in stemming such abuses. These were observed during the 50th anniversary in honor of Tibetan uprising as well as in the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square. The other high profile human abuse incident happened during celebration of 60th anniversary of PRC. These abuses included detention, executions that did not follow the correct process.Advertising Looking for essay on asian? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Others included extrajudicial killings, torture, forced confessions as well as severe restriction of basic human rights such as freedom of speech, privacy, religion, association, birth (birth limitation), press, among others. These presents exceedingly hash treatment of citizens as such activities rarely happen in the modern world. Nonetheless, the changes that have been realized by China in its political system have been key components of its continuity and change (U.S. Department of State 1). China’s religious system Chinese lifestyle is greatly influenced by religion. Research and surveys conducted throughout the country in the year 2007 showed that over 30% of Chinese citizens were religious believers (those aged 16 years and above). Restrictions have been placed on religious sectors even though they proclaim freedom of religious belief to all citizens. Buddhism is the most common denomination in China with Chinese news agency Xinhua estimating their number at over 100 mi llion. Other estimates show that over 20 million Chinese are Muslims, and another 20 million Protestants. Catholics are estimated to be over 5 million while there are no statistics for Taoists. More recently, several unofficial religions and unauthorized churches have sprung in China. These have led to widespread harassment by authorities in some parts of the country. Catholic’s loyalty to Vatican also triggers suppression since the government claims that Rome interferes with their internal affairs. It also brands some Christian groups as well as Falun Gong as evil religions thereby suppressing their practice (U.S. Department of State 1). Civilians in china have suffered severe human rights abuses regarding their freedom of worship. This is mainly because China only recognizes five denominations. These recognized religions are Buddhism, Taoism, Protestantism as well as Islam. The country monitors almost everything its citizens engage in, for instance, internet writing, journa lists, political rebels as well as religious activists. This does not leave non-governmental organization as their activities are monitored as well. The religious sectors that are recognized by the country are also monitored, in essence, regulating worship and religious groups. This is abuse of human rights to freedom of religion as they intimidate and harass any individual or groups that seek to worship through other denominations apart from the named. This way, the country is able to control its people from diverse ideas that they fear may lead to its disintegration. Unregistered religious groups are outlawed and are likely to cause detention, harassment or intimidation (U.S. Department of State 1). The United States has labeled China as a country with specific concerns as it restricts religious freedom. The country does not allow any spiritual movements that counter its five registered denominations. This amounts to severe abuse of human rights and religious freedom. The countryà ¢â‚¬â„¢s significant economic growth has led to improved lives. This has contributed to social mobility as people look for jobs, join institutions of higher learning throughout the country and abroad, in the process expanding the limits of personal freedom. Increased mobility has expanded freedom of travel, association, cultural mix, educational pursuit and access to information through the internet among other ways. Other freedoms achieved through economic developments include freedom to employment, personal choices and social interactions. These have enabled spread of religious practices throughout the country, effecting a gradual change in religious awareness. China’s religious system has therefore contributed to its continuity as well as change, although at a slower pace compared to political and ideological systems (Singh 1). China’s ideological system Chinese Communist Party The communist party CCP is authoritarian in its ideologies and enforces them on Chinese c itizens. Since CCP is a communist party, their structures are based on communism, focusing more on establishing and maintaining cultural values. To achieve this, they have a well-organized members committee that ensures these regulations are followed. The strong economic reforms that were implemented by PRC, in the 1970s, in which they made the famous Four Modernizations aimed at improving agriculture, defense, technology as well as its industries worked to propel china to their present position as an economic powerhouse. In these reforms, they adopted a pragmatic approach to several socioeconomic and political problems. They also managed to reduce the role played by ideology in their system to spur further economic growth. The strong ideology that founded China had to be slowed after 1978 to allow for economic growth, which had already started in Taiwan (U.S. Department of State 1). How these systems have allowed for both continuity and change Political system China’s politi cal system has an authoritarian communist party with communist ideologies in its structures, putting more effort on maintaining sociocultural issues. The government was known for its authoritarian stand on legal system. However, this had to change, as dealing with diverse communities from a central location (Beijing) became reasonably difficult. Influence from the international community as well as rise of Taiwan through economic reforms. Reforms in China’s legal system have expanded limits of freedom as basic human rights. They have also done a series of amendments to their constitution to allow for professionalization of judges, lawyers as well as accountability of office bearers. These changes have enabled China’s economic growth as well as expanded freedom. In this regard, the system allowed for change and continuity (Fenby 1). Religious system It is estimated that over 30% of Chinese are believers, meaning that religion makes a great influence on the country. The government only recognizes five denominations in the country. In addition, it monitors as well as regulates these denominations, and in the process suppresses any spiritual or religious groups that they feel are not patriotic. These include their rivalry with Vatican, which they accuse of interfering with Chinese internal affairs. In recent times, various crops of religious groups have sprung throughout the country, influencing social and cultural changes. Religious systems have therefore contributed greatly to change and continuity in China. Ideological system China has assumed new approach to numerous political hitches. They also managed to reduce the role played by ideology in their system to spur further economic growth. The strong ideology that founded China had to be slowed after 1978 to allow for economic growth, which had already started in Taiwan. This shows their soft stance on the formerly aggressive ideologies that structured its foundation. Reduction in ideological syst ems have enhanced changes and spurred economic growth (Xiaowen 1). Conclusion China’s political, religious and ideological systems have contributed greatly to continuity and change. Their society is among the first to be established in the world. They have also managed to make changes in their policies. These policies have mainly targeted the law system, which was professionalized, the four modernizations that included agricultural improvement, industrial, defense as well as technology. The twentieth century was dominated by United States as the best economy but this has changed in 21st century where China is set to lead the pack of emerging economies. These systems have therefore contributed to China’s continuity in conserving its cultural values as well as change in their legal systems, religious sectors as well as their handling of human rights (Leung 1). Fenby, Jonathan. â€Å"Continuity and Change†. Guardian. 15.11.2007.05.06.2011. guardian.co.uk/commentis free/2007/nov/15/morethantwomillenniaafter Leung, Beatrice. â€Å"Chinas Religious Freedom Policy: The Art of Managing Religious Activity†. The China Quarterly. 05.06.2011.05.06.2011. http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=onlineaid=358810 Singh, Swaran. â€Å"Continuity and Change in Chinas Political Elite†. Idsa. 05.06.2011.05.06.2011. idsa-india.org/an-nov-3.html Sirgo, Henry., Gleason, Diane and Tarver, Michael. Continuity and Change in the Chinese Political System: Why Consumerism Does Not Translate Into Democracy†. All academic. 05.06.2011.05.06.2011. allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/1/4/1/7/9/p141798_index.html U.S. Department of State. â€Å"Background Note: China†. Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. 05.08.2010. 05.06.2011. state.gov/ r/pa/ei/bgn/18902.htm Xiaowen, Ye. â€Å"Chinas Religions Retrospect and Prospect†. china.org. 19.02.2001. 05.06.2011. china.org.cn/english/ features/45466.htm

Understanding and Using Stipulative Definitions

Understanding and Using Stipulative Definitions A stipulative is a  definition that assigns meaning to a word, sometimes without regard for common usage. The term stipulative definition is often used in a pejorative sense to refer to a definition that appears to be deliberately misleading. Stipulative definitions are also known as Humpty-Dumpty words or legislative definitions. Examples and Observations Michael Ghiselin A lexical definition, such as one that occurs in a dictionary (a lexicon), is a kind of report on how language is used. A stipulative definition proposes (stipulates) that language shall be used in a given way.–Metaphysics and the Origin of Species. SUNY Press, 1997 Trudy Govier Words in a language are public instruments for communication in that language, and a stipulative definition is useful only if it sets out predictable and comprehensible standards of use that are workable for the purpose at hand. If a stipulated definition becomes popular, the word defined in its new sense then becomes part of public language, and it is open to changes and variations in use just as other words are.–A Practical Study of Argument, 7th ed. Wadsworth, 2010 Patrick J. Hurley Stipulative definitions are misused in verbal disputes when one person covertly uses a word in a peculiar way and then proceeds to assume that everyone else uses that word in the same way. Under these circumstances that person is said to be using the word stipulatively. In such cases the assumption that the other person use the word in the same way is rarely justified.–A Concise Introduction to Logic, 11th ed. Wadsworth, 2012 Jon Stratton Stipulative definitions that slant or bias meanings are called persuasive definitions. They are meant to persuade and to manipulate people, not to clarify meaning and encourage communication. Persuasive definitions are sometimes encountered in advertising, political campaigns, and in discussions about moral and political values. For example the definition, A caring mother is one who uses Softness brand disposable diapers, is persuasive because it unfairly stipulates the secondary designation Softness user. The term caring mother is much more significant than that!–Critical Thinking for College Students. Rowman Littlefield, 1999 Use in Literature â€Å"There’s glory for you!† â€Å"I don’t know what you mean by ‘glory,’ Alice said. Humpty Dumpty smiled contemptuously. â€Å"Of course you don’t–till I tell you. I meant ‘there’s a nice knock-down argument for you!’† â€Å"But ‘glory’ doesn’t mean ‘a nice knock-down argument,’† Alice objected. â€Å"When I use a word,† Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, â€Å"it means just what I choose it to mean–neither more nor less.† â€Å"The question is,† said Alice, â€Å"whether you can make words mean so many different things.† â€Å"The question is,† said Humpty Dumpty, â€Å"which is to be master–that’s all.† Alice was too much puzzled to say anything; so after a minute Humpty Dumpty began again. â€Å"They’ve a temper, some of them–particularly verbs, they’re the proudest–adjectives you can do anything with, but not verbs–however, I can manage the whole lot of them! Impenetrability! That’s what I say!† â€Å"Would you tell me, please,† said Alice, â€Å"what that means?† â€Å"Now you talk like a reasonable child,† said Humpty Dumpty, looking very much pleased. â€Å"I meant by ‘impenetrability’ that we’ve had enough of that subject, and it would be just as well if you’d mention what you mean to do next, as I suppose you don’t mean to stop here all the rest of your life.† â€Å"That’s a great deal to make one word mean,† Alice said in a thoughtful tone. â€Å"When I make a word do a lot of work like that,† said Humpty Dumpty, â€Å"I always pay it extra.†Ã¢â‚¬â€œLewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass, 1871 Use in Film Nancy: Can you, like, define the meaning of love? Fielding Mellish: What do you... define... its love! I love you! I want you in a way of cherishing your totality and your otherness, and in the sense of a presence, and a being and a whole, coming and going in a room with great fruit, and love of a thing of nature in a sense of not wanting or being jealous of the thing that a person possesses. Nancy: Do you have any gum?–Louise Lasser and Woody Allen in Bananas, 1971