Feeling like “Other” Essay Example for Free

Feeling like â€Å"Other† Essay I will be exploring a time when I felt like â€Å"other†, in this situation I was made to feel invisible, excluded and too visible all at the same time. In this situation I mainly felt excluded but nonetheless I felt all of the above. My husband is Nigerian and I am African American, he attends a Nigerian church and all of the members are Nigerian. Every time I go to church with him I feel as if I am too visible because I am the only non-Nigerian person there, yes we are all black but I know nothing about their culture and I do not speak their language. They often sing Nigerian praise songs and do traditional dances and when this is occurring I often feel excluded and invisible because it seem like it doesn’t matter if I’m included since I’m the only one who doesn’t understand what is going on. Because of this I very seldom go to church with him, it would be nice for us to go to church together all the time but it’s not comfortable to feel excluded or invisible. You wouldn’t think you could feel excluded or invisible around your own race but subgroups of the same race often have different cultures and traditions that the other doesn’t understand. In a lot of cases African’s who live in America feel that African Americans have acculturated into society which is â€Å"a form of assimilation wherein an ethnic or racial group or an individual takes on the cultural ways of another group, usually that of mainstream culture, often at the expense of traditional cultural ways†(2014). Being African American around Africans you often get a sense of ethnocentrism from this culture in regards to language, religion and behavior. Sometimes people are not aware that they are making the â€Å"other† feel uncomfortable or excluded simply because they don’t know how to include the â€Å"other†. Many people are not as culturally competent as they may think and this can cause a lot of discord between different  cultural groups. Unfortunately both groups have been marginalized, having diminished value, importance, contributions, or attributes. Because both groups notice cultural differences we feel the need to be guarded and defensive at all times. This does not help with communication and interaction between our cultures. One way for me to overcome this is exercising emotional intelligence which involves developing the ability to manage and appreciate differences. References (2014, November 1). Identity and Difference . Weekly Lecture. Lecture conducted from , . Harvey, C., Allard, M. J. (2011). Understanding and Managing Diversity, 5th Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf version]. Retrieved from http://devry.vitalsource.com/books/9781269562744/id/ch01lev2sec22

A Trek to Nowhere :: Example Personal Narratives

A Trek to Nowhere         Ã‚  Ã‚   The occasional banging of an oar on the edge of a canoe is the only significant noise that accompanies us on our way to the waterfall.   The boys had been fishing by the waterfall and mentioned its existence to us, so we've decided to check it out.   There are twenty-one of us on the Bureau Valley High School Science Club's trip to Boundary Waters, a wilderness camping and canoeing area in northern Minnesota.   A small group of us enjoys exploring the terrain, especially as opposed to the monotony of fishing, and we are now on a waterfall mission.        Ã‚  Ã‚   It is a gentle June morning, still a bit chilly for we Illinoians.   We are subject to erratic periods of sunlight, as the sun discards one garment after another, unsatisfied with her immense cumulus wardrobe.   There are only tattered bits of mist still hanging over the lake; most of it has already noiselessly dissolved.   The breeze cajoles straying wisps of my hair, and as we row steadily toward the waterfall I consider the serenity of the wilderness: the complete peacefulness.   I revel in the absence of snorting mufflers, rambunctious screeching tires, innumerable Super Wal-Marts, and ever-encroaching subdivisions.  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   My appreciation grows as I compare the previous year's vacation to this year's at Boundary Waters.   Not that the Badlands weren't a sight to see -- they were.   But the whole Badlands/Blackhills area was literally infested with tourist-related billboards (all displaying nearly the same overly-enthusiastic tidings) and informational pamphlets (in every public building, including the podiatrist's office).   And no telling which pamphlets were fact and which were part fabrication.   Wall, South Dakota, was a choice example of the tourist-nabbing chaos.   Along the interstate, approximately every five minutes, billboards would proclaim the number of miles remaining before Wall, South Dakota, as if speedometers didn't exist.   Upon arriving in Wall, one's hopes were treacherously dashed.   Wall was a tourist town like any other, only it was larger, and junk was more prolific.   It was a frail excuse after such a dramatic drumroll via the billboar ds, signs, and pamphlets.      Ã‚  Ã‚   A loon's bittersweet call imposes on my reflections, and I realize that we have reached our destination.

Napoleon: Hero Persuasive Essay

A hero is someone who has a vision for a better future, acts on their visions, and has the perseverance to get through obstacles. Throughout history there have been countless heroes: Charlemagne, Alexander the Great, and many others. In 18th century France, during the French Revolution, one of the greatest heroes in history emerged. His name was Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon Bonaparte is considered a hero in French society because he fought his way to power and protected France, Napoleon was able to create unity and stability, both political and economic, in one of the most powerful nations in Europe at the time.Napoleon was not only an excellent leader, but also a dominate war strategist. Napoleon Bonaparte is a hero because he gave people rights and freedoms, forming an amazing educational system and reconstruction of France, along with his excellent skills with militarism, Napoleon became one of the greatest if not the greatest French leaders and heroes of all time. Napoleon starte d his military career as a junior officer in the French artillery; he was well noted for his commitment to his duty and his efficiency in his work.Napoleon was a passionate man who always put his own life on the line for his fellow comrades. Napoleon’s ability to risk himself in the line of duty to his country also solidifies his heroic status. Napoleon Bonaparte was a brave man and although he risked his life for many men he rarely made a foolish decision. Napoleon was unquestionably a born leader. Often in the harshest conditions he took this role to protect his fellow comrades. This is what made Napoleon an excellent war strategist. He wasn’t the type of man to sit back and watch.He took it upon himself to fight, again he established the true antithesis of hero, and by doing this meant that he had the ability to see what excactly was happening and how to counter all in the protection of France. Later in his military career he becomes general of the forces in Italy. The French were losing the war until Napoleon came along and restored the army to its former glory. In the decisive battle with Austria and their allies the Piedmonts, Napoleon and his army were outnumbered 38,000 to 63,000 but with his superior military strategy he crushed them and liberated Italy.This is a true testament to his abilities as a brilliant war strategist as well as further indoctrinating him as a hero. Napoleon established a civil code that lives on to this day across the world. It made all people equal before the law regardless of whether someone was of royal status or a peasant. Life under Napoleon’s regime was far better than people had under various other regimes. In Napoleonic influenced areas people were citizens not subjects. The people had some power over who was elected to government positions, even if it was mostly the wealthy.Life for many was still difficult in Napoleon’s regime but the one major difference was that the people could actually make something of themselves without regard to their nobility. Napoleon Bonaparte brought the perspective of getting a job based upon being skilled in a particular field of expertise. In other countries across Europe, unless you were of noble status or were undoubtedly wealthy enough to marry into a noble blood line then you were reduced to a life of mediocrity and hard work at best. Under Napoleon anyone could achieve what they wanted based on their experience, not their bloodline.When people say Napoleon was cruel and unfair remember that without him your linage is what defined your future not what you were capable of accomplishing. The French Revolution and Napoleon each played their role in the development of France.During much of the middle and late period of the French Revolution the young General Napoleon Bonaparte had been winning battles and gaining great popularity and respect among the French citizens. This was largely due to his image as a savior of the Revolution. (In 1 799, he participated in a coup d'etat which established a three person consulate with him as first consul.Under the newly established system of government, most of the power rested with Napoleon. On December 2, 1804, First Consul Bonaparte became Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, and his control over the government became complete. ) While Napoleon is often viewed in the perspective of his military prowess, he should also be considered one of history's great governors. Napoleon set out to make France the greatest nation of Europe. To accomplish his goals in restoring France Napoleon decided to rebuild churches, make banks, remodel the roads, and rewrite the legal system of France.When Napoleon became Emperor in December of 1804, he became even more concerned in the educational system thus becoming more interested in it. It is clear that the new system of education introduced by Napoleon had more than one purpose. It was intended, of course, to bestow an educated elite class that co uld help run the country and the military. It was also designed to provide for an increased middle class; a middle class that would be successful and therefor more obedient to the law. This was one of his main concerns when taking the throne.The last thing he wanted was his people to revolt and cause more chaos then necessary. As many people believe Napoleon is a hero, there are many that consider him a tyrant. The argument can be made that Napoleon let the power go to his head.An example of this is his tour in Egypt. Napoleon invaded Egypt for much of no good reason other than to gain fame. Although Napoleon was a great leader and war strategist he went to a country that had no guns or means of making them, a place with no way to get supplies do to the fact his ships were destroyed after landing in Egypt, and this lead to his downfall.Napoleon conquered Egypt because they had no real means of fighting against guns. While Napoleon stayed in Egypt he researched its history of which i s unknown to most of Europe. Napoleon created many forms of propaganda because he brings artist everywhere he adventures. Although Napoleon ruled Egypt that didn’t mean he had the resources to keep it eventually he was forced to flee do to Turkey’s army. So, Napoleon fled leaving his army of 35,000 troops to fend for themselves.When Napoleon returned to France he displayed his works of art and made it seem as it was a victory. To most this is extremely cruel, but some will argue it was for the best because at the time Frances government was falling apart and Napoleon restored the government from going into complete chaos. This could have led to another Reign Of Terror so was it for the best? Even when considered a tyrant for these actions by some his decisions further protected France’s interest. In conclusion, Napoleon Bonaparte, was more of a hero than tyrant.His thoughtful calculations and strategies as the leader of France gave him the right to be labeled a hero. Napoleon was able to create unity and stability, both political and economic, in one of the most powerful nations in Europe, he gave people rights and freedoms, forming an amazing educational system and reconstruction of France. His actions in battle and leadership instill heroic qualities that are hard to contest. Though many know of his diminutive stature his reputation as a hero is colossal.

Superpowers in WOrld War II - 1197 Words

In World War, two great superpowers in Europe, Germany and Britain clashed through aerial warfare. Hitler planned to lead the invasion of Britain with the Luftwaffe through intensive attacks against the Royal Air Force in England. Britain was the only nation left standing against the Germans after France was forced to sign an armistice on June 22, 1940; Hitler knew that air power was the only way to reach the isolated island nation. The Battle of Britain lasted from mid-June, when Hitler launched Operation Sea Lion, codenamed as such for the invasion of England, to mid-September of 1940, when Operation Sea Lion was postponed indefinitely. The Second World War went from September 1st, 1939 to September 2nd, 1945. The German Luftwaffe had a substantial impact on the military, economic and social systems of Britain throughout the Second World War. Britain’s air force was a vital part of their military and defence when Hitler attempted to gain air superiority over England thr ough the German Luftwaffe which was led by Hermann Gà ¶ering. The radar system used to detect aerial attack in Britain was flawed in the beginning of the war and there was a shortage of anti-air craft guns. Radar could not predict the size and height of incoming enemy bombers and lacked detail that was necessary and vital for effective defence preparations. At the start of the Blitz, there were only 92 anti-air craft guns to defend London and the guns were outdated with a terrible fire control system.Show MoreRelatedHow World War II Has Affected the World as We Know It768 Words   |  3 PagesWorld War two was a massive war the was legitimately fought by every country in the world that matters. It was a blood bath, raging from europe all the way to Japan. 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