Structure and Agency in Media and Culture Essay

Structure and Agency in Media and Culture - Essay Example The paper tells that a debate, ongoing for decades is persistent in determining the relationship between structure and agency. There is a constant struggle to bridge the structure-agency relationship void and many approaches and theories have been presented in this regard. This paper suggests that Critical Realism Theory offers a solution by presenting a practical way to encounter the problem of structure- agency relations and contexts. Whether considering the voluntary or planned actions of subjects, or micro/macro analysis of a society or individual, the debate on structure and agency relationship keeps recurring. This critical realist approach contends that structure and agency relationship must be studied in order to better understand and explain society or social actions. This ought to be accomplished to achieve a stable state of society and also to accommodate positive social change encompassing individual innovation. The Critical Theory is born with the assumption that social world needs improvement and reforms, as it is deeply flawed. This theory also refutes prediction and explanation to control the social world. The sole aim of this theory is to study the social world in order to change it for the better. It criticizes and seeks to change the imposing social order. Critical theory is political in nature as challenges and confronts the way people are ruled. It is also critical of the organizations that exercise unleashed power to obtain their goals. The theory believes that the social world is the result of interaction between structure and agency.... In order to get close to the solutions of agency-structure problem, we ought to consider the evolutionary cycles of behavior for each ontological position (Hay). The intertwined relationship between agency and structure presents many solutions in a coherent and systematic manner. Taking a different discourse to the assumption that agency and structure clearly differentiated domains and each action requires a pre-existing structure (Archer, 198), whereas the critical realist theory asserts that condition and medium of agency conduct are necessary pre-requisites for the constitution of structures. Their existence is relationally dialectical and neither can exist in isolation from the other (Hay). We are not in substantial control of the social contexts in which we live in, however it definitely requires the exercise of agency to become someone and be labeled as such (Agency Textbook, 2). The agent’s particular decisions and acts are influenced by contexts in which the decision i s made. Engaging in certain acts is a result of contextual factors and our choices are a by- product of the uncontrollable contexts as we learn to want the things in relation to the contextual surroundings. Rather than an inborn source, our dreams, aspirations, and agency are intertwined with the contextual sources (Agency Textbook, 2). The dynamics of power determine the enabling and constraint of agency as one has to demonstrate a certain amount of power to exercise agency. Power is continually negotiated and shifts frequently with a multiple, decentralized, and diffused structure (Agency Textbook, 3). The complex structure of power influences agency significantly because how power is exercised on us and how we demonstrate power,

Rap and Hip-Hop Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Rap and Hip-Hop Culture - Essay Example The conclusion section summarizes the main ideas of the paper and further confirms that the rap/hip-hop culture tends to contain adolescent themes of autonomy and rebellion. Rap music has particularly been known to make provocative remarks towards women. Rap and hip-hop refers to a cultural movement and genre of music developed in the 1970s in New York. This was mainly among Latino Americans and African Americans. Hip-hop has four major elements namely break-dancing, graffiti writing, and rapping. Other elements are slang, hip-hop fashion and beat-boxing. Since its first emergence in the Bronx in the 1970s, rap/hip-hop culture has spread to many parts of the world. When hip-hop first emerged, its basis was around disc jockeys creating rhythmic beats through looping breaks on two turn tables, and was later followed by rapping. Then there arose particular dress styles and form of dancing among the new music followers. The emergence of rap and hip-hop music in the 1970s came with a lot of fear. This was because many parents and other stakeholders thought that this new rhythms and lyrics would negatively affect the listeners, most of whom were adolescents. This fear was carried on into the 21st century. Many critics of this genre of mu... This fear was carried on into the 21st century. Many critics of this genre of music are of the view that it promotes homicide, drug use, violence, suicide, deviant sexual activity, bigotry and aggression (Ballard and Dodson, 1999, pp 476). This is a significant topic since this issue has sparked a lot of debate among parent groups, censorship supporters, artists, record companies and even the United States federal government. The same issue also crops up in the medical arena, with the American Pediatrics Association expressing fear that rap and hip-hop lyrics threaten the well-being and health of adolescents. According to Mendelson (1989, pp 314-315), the greatest concerns include suicide, accidents, sexually transmitted diseases, drug use and pregnancy. Many physicians perceive the adolescent period as a very difficult period due to the rapid psychological and biological changes occurring during this period. Furthermore, the society expects these young people sound moral values through the way they perceive adult behaviors and standards. A number of physicians use their adolescent patients' music preferences to get a clue to their mental and emotional health. Music that contains explicit lyrics is capable of skewing and misrepresenting the world's realities. Rap and hip-hop music tends to represent adolescent themes of autonomy and rebellion. Rap music has particularly been known to make provocative remarks towards women. Hence the most popular music forms for adolescents must revolve around such themes as sexual imagery and disrespect (Brown and Hendee, 1989, pp 1659-1663). Moreover, many have questioned what effects music lyrics have on stereotyping, aggression, suicidal ideation and mood. According to a study conducted on the

Determinants for the Exchange Rates in Long Run

Determinants for the Exchange Rates in Long Run Table of Contents (Jump to) 1. Introduction 2. Determinants can affect the foreign exchange value of a currency in a long term 2.1. Purchasing power parity (PPP) and inflation rates 2.2. Growth rate of the economy 2.3. Interest rates 2.4. Commodity prices 2.5. Foreign direct investment and international speculation 2.6. Exchange rate expectations 2.7. Intervention into the foreign exchange market from authorities 3. Conclusion Reference list Introduction The foreign exchange market is primarily a wholesale market, where transactions are of the order of hundreds of thousands of dollars or even greater. The marketplace can consists of a telecommunication network and a range of information technology system, which help provide a mechanism for the exchange of currency around the world. The retail market where small volumes can be handled is often at a shop front location, such as an exchange bureau, a bank. In fact, the currency exchange rate is not only impacted by the law of demand and supply but also other determinants. The paper identifies and evaluates many determinants for the exchange rates in long run. These determinants are (1) purchasing power parity and inflation rates, (2) growth rates of the economy, (3) interest rates, (4) commodity prices, (5) foreign direct investment and international speculation, (6) exchange rates expectations, and (7) intervention into the foreign exchange market from authorities. The relative impact of structural shocks on the movement of exchange rates after the Bretton Woods period has examined multivariate processes. Determinants can affect the foreign exchange value of a currency in a long term 2.1. Purchasing power parity (PPP) and inflation rates If a domestic economy has higher inflation than the rest of the world, a decrease in demand for exports will result in the local currency exchange rates, which become less competitive in world market. Accordingly, there will be less demand for the local currency. On the other hand, when an increase in demand for imports as overseas goods become cheaper, compared to the domestic market, there will be an increase in supply of the local currency exchange rate. The PPP theory is based on traded goods and services. The determination of the exchange rates has sustained the maintenance of purchasing power parity between currencies. ‘PPP is indeed an important determinant of nominal currency valuation. ‘The law of one price’ asserts that, absent impediments to free trade, goods and services should have the same relative price regardless of the country in which they are sold.’[1] Which goods and services are cheaper in one country than another will be brought where they are cheap, and then to be sold where they are more expensive. From the viewpoint of exchange rate determination, PPP is useful as a reminder that the monetary policy has no long-run influence on the exchange rate. ‘When PPP diverges more than 15-20 per cent from its historical mean, that has proven to be among the most accurate indicators of a pending change in currency trends,’ [2] observed Mr. Eric Lonergan, global strategist for Cazenove in London. Nevertheless, the exchange rate can stray away from its PPP. In fact, PPP exchange rates are determined by comparing the national prices for a large volume of goods and services. A weaker PPP has contented in inflation rate, rather than actual prices of goods. The fall in the value of domestic currency results in reducing local currency rate, compared to the rest of the world. This phenomenon can offset the pricing impact of inflation. As a result, nations with different inflation rates can expect their exchange rate to adjust to offset these differentials in long run. ‘Real exchange rate movements do not completely coincide with perceived changes in competitiveness, reflecting a basic flaw in the PPP approach. Instead, the likely effects of exchange rate changes on the trade balance are often difficult to predict without further information regarding the source of the shock.’[3] The theory seems to equalize interdependence between the exchange rate and inflation rates. It seems impossible to have inflation, if the domestic market value of the currency exchange is increasing. On the other hand, it is also impossible to avoid inflation if the market value of the currency is decreasing. 2.2. Growth rate of the economy If a nation experiences higher economic growth rate than its major trading partners, the income and demand for import-export goods and services will grow at a faster rate. As a result, paying for the growth of imports will consequently result in an increase in the supply of the local currency in the foreign exchange world. ‘Productivity differences were found to have a negative and statistically significant effect both in the short-run and the long-run. This suggests that if the US becomes more productive relative to its major trading partners, incomes and imports rise, causing depreciation of the US dollar.’[4] ‘In particular, structural components in both the current and capital accounts underlying each countrys net trade and net foreign asset positions are shown to influence the path of the long-run real exchange rate for each country.’[5] The supply impact is to reduce the price of the local currency exchange while the demand impact is to increase the price of local currency. The net impact will depend on the strength of each separate cause. 2.3. Interest rates Fiscal considerations become fundamental determinants of the decision of different foreign exchange regime. ‘In the long run, in contrast, exchange rate movements are driven by the fundamental, leading to a relationship between interest rates and exchange rates that are more consistent with UIP [Uncovered interest parity]’[6]. What has happened in foreign exchange market might not accord with what happens a country where experiences higher interst rate and a fall in the value of its currency. If interset rates are constant, a country which has higher interest rate will result in higher inflation. Higher inflation will cause a depreciating currency. The relationship between the impact of distinguishing interest rate movements on exchange rates can provide different impacts in terms of local currency exchange rate experiencing higher interst rates than the rest of the world. In fact, higher interest rates will encourage capital inflow to the domestic economy and discourage capital outflow. This phenonmenon will result from oversea investers who have tried to place funds in dosmetic market in order to take advantage of higher returns. As a result, a domestic buyer can invest in a greater proportion of funds in domestic financial markets. 2.4. Commodity prices If export from a nation becomes more expensive due to inflations, oversea importers will turn to other nations. As a result, the value of the exporting nation will fall, together demand for and the value of the domestic currency. On the other hand, if particular goods and services in a nation become more expensive because of the growth in commodity prices, the importers cannot choose other suppliers since commodity prices are a worldwide incident. As a result, the importers will continue to import commodities from that nation. The total value of the exports will go together with the demand for the domestic currency. The value of domestic currency will increase. The relationship between the trade balance and the exchange rate might not reveal the whole picture of the impacts of real depreciation on the trade balance and import-export flows. ‘There exists a significant long-run relationship between the-dependent variables and their determinants in most cases. A real depreciation of US dollar will decrease US imports and increase US trade balance overall in the long run.’[7] The import-export trading functions have shown that currency depreciation has different impacts on imported-exported goods; the authority should take into consideration in a nation’s trade policy. 2.5. Foreign direct investment and international speculation Foreign direct investment and international speculation can drive the domestic economy changes. Capital inflows to strong economies and outflows from weaker economies depend on how foreign investors speculate the perspectives of a domestic economy. Likewise, a recent decline in domestic currency as its economy becomes less attractive for investment compared to that of world’s largest strong economy. ‘Determinants of the equilibrium real exchange rate also include factors that affect the net trading position of the home country in world markets, as well as the underlying propensity of the home country to be a net lender or borrower of capital. In other words, the interaction between the permanent structural components in both the current and capital account jointly determine the sustainable real exchange rate.’ [8] Globalization has increased the differential between growth of world trade volumes and growth of world GDP as well; thereby enhance import-export activities of a nation. ‘The Brazilian real displays useful information about the long-run path of other currencies in the region. In terms of volatility dynamics, while most currencies display evidence of time-varying variance, the volatility movements in the foreign exchange market seems to be mainly country specific.’ [9] Evidence of common elements in the foreign exchange markets becomes substantial applications. From a macroeconomic standpoint, the movements have been towards financial integration; from the investors’ standpoints, the implications have in term of the assessment of risk and hedging strategy development. 2.6. Exchange rate expectations One of primary impacts on exchange rate movement is the exchange rate expectations. Speculators have formed expectations about the future exchange rate movements and then will take action to fulfil the impact. If participants in foreign exchange market have expected the future value of domestic currency to reduce, they will sell domestic currency. This phenomenon will increase its supply in the foreign market which then causes a fall in its value. On the other hand, if participants speculate the value of domestic currency to increase, they will buy domestic currency, increasing demand for that currency and bring about an appreciation. ‘The exchange rate expectations are incorporated into a switching cost model via the method of exchange rate pass-through on product-specific and country-specific approach.’[10] Foreign exchange traders shift the demand for a currency in expectation of making profits. These traders’ expectations might be wrong sometimes, and thus they might disturb the foreign exchange market ‘unnecessary’. However, they have to speculate correctly on average; otherwise they would lose their money and close their business. 2.7. Intervention into the foreign exchange market from authorities Government or central bank can intervene into foreign exchange markets. They can exert a significant impact on the value of that country’s currency. Official intervention can happen through the activities of central bank, or directly regulate the foreign exchange market by rules, regulations or laws. For instance, the authority can choose a number non-bank authorized foreign exchange dealers. ‘A disequilibrium in the money market significantly affects the level of the reserves in each country. The impact differs in magnitude from country to country depending on the degree of sterilization and the exchange rate regime.’[11] The central bank can intervene by establish to ‘buy time’ for the participants in the currency market. ‘If inflation is 10 per cent higher in Mexico than in the US, the peso would be expected to depreciate against the dollar by 10 per cent to maintain PPP. However, the success of central bankers in controlling price inflation over the past decade has drastically cut inflation differentials between countries to the extent that PPP has only a minimal impact now on nominal exchange rates.’[12] A government has been challenged by a time consistency phenomenon and commitment in technology that results from uncertainty and fixed cost. It will have to look for its choices to optimize the exchange rate arrangements by depending on past currency movement history for a given set of fiscal conditions. That is why with the same basis, some nations sometimes experience fixed or low inflation and other time confront the floating or high inflation in exchange rates. 3. Conclusion Many determinants have impacts on the currency exchange in the long run. Sometimes, these determinants have mutually influenced on the currency exchange system. These determinants among the markets are pronounced in the long-term, where the short-term movements are usually in line with the long-term adjustments. The effects of these mentioned determinants are not uniform among nations. In fact underlying the movements in price, money and currency exchange rates are mutual and complex. Reference list Al-Salem, H., Ph.D. 2005, ‘The demand for international foreign reserves of energy-exporting countries’, Clark University, 222 pages; AAT 3163350 Chinn, DM Meredith, G 2004, ‘Monetary Policy and Long-Horizon Uncovered Interest Parity’, IMF Staff Papers, Washington, vol.51,no.3, p.409,viewed 12 May 2007 http://edoc.hu-berlin.de/series/sfb-373-papers/2000-44/PDF/44.pdf> Faruqee, H 1995, ‘Long-run determinants of the real exchange rate: A stock-flow perspective’, International Monetary Fund Washington, vol.42,no.1, March, p.80, viewed 12 May 2007 http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-9370615_ITM> Huang, JC Brahmasrene, T 2003, ‘The effect of exchange rate expectations on market share’, Managerial Finance, Patrington, vol.29,no.1, p.55, viewed 12 May 2007 http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/mcb/009/2003/00000029/00000001/art00003> Ruiz, I. Ph.D. 2006, ‘Essays on the Latin American foreign exchange market’, Western Michigan University, 145 pages; AAT 3243164 Trygubenko, VO 2006, ‘Effect of oil prices and other determinants on the United States dollar effective exchange rate’, Southern Methodist University, 81 pages; AAT 1430298 Uhlfelder, E 2005, ‘Riding the dollar roller coaster For eurozone investors, the weak US currency could provide an opportunity to profit from individual securities,’ Financial Times,London (UK), 4 April, p. 5. Wang, Yongqing, Ph.D. 2005, ‘United States-China commodity trade and the Yuan/dollar real exchange rate’, The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, 111 pages; AAT 3185620 Woolfolk, M. 2005, ‘Why Dollars’s trend has been downward’, Financial Times. London (UK), 10 January p.12, viewed 12 May 2007 http://search.ft.com/search/article.html?id=050111001040> Page 1 [1] Woolfolk, M 2005, ‘Why Dollars’s trend has been downward’, Financial Times.London (UK) 10 January, p.12 viewed 12 May 2007 http://search.ft.com/search/article.html?id=050111001040> [2] Uhlfelder, E 2005, ‘Riding the dollar roller coaster For eurozone investors, the weak US currency could provide an opportunity to profit from individual securities,’ Financial Times,London (UK), 4 April, p. 5. [3] Faruqee, H 1995,’Long-run determinants of the real exchange rate: A stock-flow perspective’, International Monetary Fund. Washington, vol.42,no.1. March, p.80, viewed 12 May 2007 http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-9370615_ITM> [4] Trygubenko, VO 2006, ‘Effect of oil prices and other determinants on the United States dollar effective exchange rate’, Southern Methodist University, 81 pages; AAT 1430298 [5] Faruqee 1995, p.80 [6] Chinn, DM Meredith, G 2004, ‘Monetary Policy and Long-Horizon Uncovered Interest Parity’, IMF Staff Papers, Washington, vol.51,no.3, p.409,viewed 12 May 2007 http://edoc.hu-berlin.de/series/sfb-373-papers/2000-44/PDF/44.pdf> [7] Wang, Yongqing, Ph.D. 2005, ‘United States-China commodity trade and the Yuan/dollar real exchange rate’, The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, 111 pages; AAT 3185620 [8] Faruqee 1995, p.80 [9] Ruiz, I. Ph.D. 2006, ‘Essays on the Latin American foreign exchange market’, Western Michigan University, 145 pages; AAT 3243164 [10] Huang, JC Brahmasrene, T 2003, ‘The effect of exchange rate expectations on market share’, Managerial Finance, Patrington, vol.29,no.1, p.55, viewed 12 May 2007 http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/mcb/009/2003/00000029/00000001/art00003> [11] Al-Salem, H., Ph.D. 2005, ‘The demand for international foreign reserves of energy-exporting countries’, Clark University, 222 pages; AAT 3163350 [12] Woolfolk, 2005

home school Essay -- essays research papers

Home schooling is another way for a child to receive his or her education. It is one of many alternatives to regular schooling (classrooms and schools). It is the oldest alternatives to regular schooling and one of the most effective. There are many true stories proving that home schooling is an effective and often successful way to teach you child. But first lets talk about home schooling began in the U.S. Home schooling started in colonial America, (around 1777 to 1783) for most colonial homes, home schooling was the only thing available. According to the Texas home school coalition, our founding fathers had a strong conviction that children should be able to read for the very important reason of reading the Bible for the spiritual benefits and truth it contained (Texas home school coalition 1997). Sometimes parents would hire a tutor to teach their children subjects in which they did not feel qualified (Texas home school coalition 1997). It wasn’t till later that education developed into religious training in the universities in the Ivy League. These universities were strictly there to train ministers. According to the THSC (Texas Home School Coalition), the entrance requirements often included being able to read and translate Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. Eventually, communities and states began to establish schools funded by the government however, these schools still had a strong religious up bringing. Home schooling has been around for a long time. But most people won’t know the steps it takes to successfully home school a child. But, to fully understand these steps one must first learn the basics of home schooling. Home schooling means to teach or be taught at home. Home schooling is to teach children at home, or be taught at home rather than in the public school system, using an approved curriculum. Of course the parents have to have a degree to teach their children (except in New Jersey). According to the New Jersey Education laws all high schools in New Jersey will accept students who were taught by their parents. The parents have to bring proof of the child’s progress and the names of the textbooks the child has used (NJ Education Laws 1). I do not think many colleges can accept students that went through home schooling at a high school level. These laws differ from state to state. California's Department of Education maintains that you can't hom... ...com. 2002 30 Mar. 2003 Rasicot, Julie. â€Å"College without a campus.† Good Housekeeping. Sep. 1997: p156 Academic search premier. EBSCOhost. Middlesex County College Library, Edison. 20 Mar. 2003 Texas home schooling coalition. â€Å"A home school history lesson.† Texas Home Schooling Coalition. 1997 3 Apr. 2003 Kendler, KS. â€Å"Social Phobia† Psychology Today. 1995 3 Apr. 2003 Wilkes, Byron. â€Å"If all you have is a hammer†¦can you build a solid foundation for your child’s learning?† The Old House. 2000-2003 Hallowell, Edward M. â€Å"What I’ve learned from ADD.† Psychology Today. May/Jun 97 15 Apr. 2003 Ray, Brian D. â€Å"Home Schooling: The Ameliorator of Negative Influences on Learning?† PJE: Peabody Journal of Education. 2000 Academic search premier. EBSCOhost. Middlesex County College Library, Edison. 15 Apr. 2003 New York Education laws. â€Å"NY education code for homeschooling.† Gomilpitas.com. 2002 16 Apr. 2003 California’s Education laws. â€Å"NY education code for homeschooling.† Gomilpitas.com. 2002 16 Apr. 2003 Bruner, Kimberly. â€Å"Homeschooling: A natural.† Countryside & Small Stock Journal. 2001 Academic search premier. EBSCOhost. Middlesex County College Library, Edison. 15 Apr. 2003

An Inspector Calls, Social Responsibility Essay

An Inspector Calls was written by J. B. Priestley after the Second World War. It is set in the spring of 1912 at the Brumley home of the Birlings, a prosperous industrial family in the North Midlands. When the Inspector Goole first enters the scene, Mr. Birling is giving some ‘good advice’, as he calls it, â€Å"A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself†¦The way some of these cranks talk and write now, you’d think everybody has look after everybody else, as if we’re all mixed up together†. Collectively, the Birlings had been celebrating, rather decadently, a celebration of Gerald and Sheila’s engagement and Mr. Birling had also been talking about there being a good chance that he will be in the next honours list. There is also an interesting point when Mr. Birling talks openly of Gerald and Sheila’s social divide, â€Å"Your mother†¦feels you might have done better for yourself socially [than Sheila]†. This shows that the Birlings and the Crofts, both rich families, opinion that social class is everything and cannot be overlooked. Overall, the evening is almost entirely focused on society itself and how to ‘properly’ act in it. When the Inspector comes in, his manner is completely different and, as we find out later in the play, his opinion of society too. He is reserved, inquisitive and not afraid to ask impertinent questions to those who may be of higher social ‘standing’ than himself. Even more significance is shown later on in the play when the characters of Mr. Birling and that of the Inspector are found to be polar opposites. The set for â€Å"An Inspector Calls† Source: Wiki Commons Whenever you refer to text in the book, remember to put in the page number so that the examiner knows you are not â€Å"making it up. † It also shows you have more confidence in the points you are writing about. In his notes J. B. Priestley describes Inspector Goole as â€Å"a big man† but â€Å"creates an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness. † (p. 11). The stage directions repeatedly show him â€Å"cutting through, massively† (p. 12), â€Å"massively taking charge† (p. 28), â€Å"with authority† (p. 34), â€Å"cutting in, sharply† (p. 45). The director should take advantage of these stage directions and use them to make him seem larger than life and in full control of the situation in order to mimic the â€Å"character† of Inspector Goole, Goole behaves like a police inspector in that he remains in control, he dominates the other characters including Mr. and Mrs. Birling, who are used to dominating others and being obeyed: â€Å"(As Birling tries to protest, turns on him) Don’t stammer and yammer at me again, man. I’m losing all my patience with you people† He has no respect for them and this comes as a shock to the Birlings who are very highly respected throughout society, Mr.  Birlings only reply being, â€Å"what did he say? †, after this outburst Mrs. Birling is â€Å"rather cowed. † Aside from a few uncontrolled outbursts, Goole is constantly calm and unruffled and speaks â€Å"firmly† (p. 51) and â€Å"imperturbably† (p. 31). Goole is unusual and intriguing, however, in that he makes his close, personal feelings known to the Birlings. He represents Priestley’s moral view, the moral dimension of allowing others to see they can find forgiveness though future good behavior makes him different from a normal police inspector because he is more concerned with morality rather than legality. Furthermore he is outraged and disgusted about what has been done to Eva Smith and he lets the Birlings know this throughout the play, â€Å"She died in misery and agony hating life† (p28). His language is sometimes blunt, deliberately harsh and he defies Birlings attempts to rebuke him. Goole reminds Mr. Birling that he has responsibilities, â€Å"Public men, Mr. Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges† (p. 41), this shows Goole’s feelings towards the upper class which we learn a lot more about further on in the play. Goole is also unintimidated when Mr. Birling tries to worry him by telling him that Colonel Roberts is â€Å"an old friend of mine. † (p. 16). The inspector, however, is unaffected and continues determinedly, refusing to be misled or diverted form his aim: to get each person to admit their part in Eva’s death, â€Å"it’s the way I like to work, â€Å"One person and one line of enquiry at a time. † (p. 12). It is because of his unusual qualities that the audience is led to suspect that Goole is not a normal police inspector. The Birlings also come to a similar conclusion and Mr. Birling and Gerald believe the whole affair to be a hoax. The audience is not so sure and we are left to reconsider when the phone call at the end of the play suggests the real inspector is about to arrive. This leaves us with the question that if the inspector isn’t real, then who is he? J. B. Priestley was very clever in the way he created the character of the inspector, he used Goole as a â€Å"tool† to represent his strong moral view of society and the way people think and do things. Priestley had strong socialistic views, and firmly believed that â€Å"we are all members of one body,† he saw the world as a community where everyone should be helping each other. An Inspector Calls is an informative play with a clear moral and political message which Priestley wanted the audience to accept. He effectively used Goole to voice the views he had. Mr. Birling says the inspector was â€Å"probably a socialist or some sort of crank- he talked like one† (p. 60) This tells us a lot about what message Priestley was trying to give to the audience as he himself was a socialist. Before the inspector tells us we are all links in the chain and we should look out for each other, the audience sees enacted before us exactly what might happen if we choose to ignore this view of society. Each of the Birlings is a link in the chain of events that lead to Eva Smiths suicide, even Gerald who has only just recently been engaged to Sheila. When Priestley, quite suddenly, reveals exactly how all the Birlings and Gerald are interconnected in Eva Smith’s suicide, he communicates immediately his message that: â€Å"We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. † This sudden revelation is very effective because it makes the audience themselves aware that even they could have brought about similar tragedies without even knowing it, or at least become aware that there are â€Å"Millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left†, meaning that there are a multitude of people in the world to whom similar circumstances have transpired, people that are so often forgotten in modern society, the audience suddenly becomes aware of these people, a revelation no doubt infinitely given weight and significance by the sudden manner that the Birling’s involvement with Eva Smith is made clear. Furthermore, this rather socialist concept and the fact that if it is ignored, â€Å"the time will soon come when, if men do not learn this lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish. † is very relevant since An Inspector Calls was released in 1945, the end of the Second World War, therefore much of the original audience might have been able to identify with the â€Å"fire and blood and anguish† because of the rather turbulent past six years. As can be seen, Priestley uses Eva Smith as a representative character type for the forgotten of society, the millions of individuals who are ignored and shunned through a series of misfortunes, disdain from others and more likely a lack of capital or means of support, generally ‘down and outs’. The fact that a World War had just ended also emphasises the pain and anguish these ‘Smiths’ suffered and are still suffering. Additionally, the fact that this could happen to anyone, even the very fact that it did happen, gives weight to Priestley’s views about looking out for each other, since a series of arguably negligible things lead the horrific suicide of a young girl. The Inspector as the questioner is a device used by Priestley to both convey his ideas about society and to build up dramatic tension, to make the play intriguing to the audience. One way in which he does this is the way in which he contrasts with Mr. Birling. Mr.  Birling is extremely confident and, some would say, arrogant at the beginning of the play, dismissing the possibility of a war based on his belief in progress an, ultimately, greed: â€Å"Nobody wants war except for some half-civilized folks in the Balkans†, â€Å"The world’s developing so fast that it’ll make war impossible† which, as the audience discovers later, contrasts strongly with the Inspector’s own views. Also, the Inspector arrives just after Mr. Birling had finished giving his ‘good advice’ to Gerald and Eric, that â€Å"A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own†. The dramatic timing here is obvious, and the two characters continue to contrast throughout the play. The Inspector’s character gains weight, charisma and power, and therefore tension is built, throughout the play. The Inspector belittles and erodes the confidence of Mr. Birling, a man that is supposedly a powerful figure, and he is brought first to self-justification in defense of his actions, then eventually to anxiety, and this too builds tension by making the audience realise the Inspector as a formidable character, his power is such that they wonder what he will do next, what his next line of enquiry will be. One other obvious way tension is built is the way in which gradually the characters are all found to have played a part in the alleged murder of Eva Smith, though the separate showing of the photograph to each character. Obviously, if all the characters had been shown the photograph there would have been little if any dramatic tension and not much of a plot either. Finally, dramatic tension is built up through the use of dramatic irony. The audience instantly knows that Mr. Birling is wrong and his awe misguided when he talks of the Titanic: â€Å"TheTitanic†¦ orty six thousand eight hundred tones – New York in five days†¦and unsinkable†. We also know he is fatally inaccurate when talking of war: â€Å"Just because the Kaiser makes a speech or two, or a few German officers have too much to drink and begin talking nonsense†¦you’ll hear some people say that war is inevitable†. This gives the audience and advantage over the characters and espec ially Mr. Birling, which also builds tension because it makes the audience more involved by them being in possession of knowledge that the characters are not. Priestley’s decision to set his play in 1912 when it was written in 1944 is an interesting one. He does this for a number of reasons. For example, in Act 1, the beginning of the play, talks about how war is impossible â€Å"The world’s developing so fast it’ll make war impossible†. Before the arrival of the Inspector, Mr. Birling also states: â€Å"In twenty or thirty years time†¦in 1940†¦you may be giving a party like this†¦by that time you’ll be living in a world that’ll have forgotten all these Capital versus Labour agitations and all these silly little war scares. There’ll be peace and prosperity and rapid progress everywhere† The audience, of course, knows this to be untrue. In 1940 the Second World War was raging and after the war there most certainly was not â€Å"progress everywhere† and â€Å"Capital versus Labour agitations† were rife, especially in Eastern Europe where Labour (Communism) was taking hold and there would be the long lasting stand off known as the Cold War between Capitalism and Communism for many years to come. This quote, and many other extraordinary pearls of ignorance on the part of Mr. Birling, makes the audience again more involved in the play because they know more than the characters. This also gives the Inspector more credibility because he contrasts so much with Mr. Birling. The setting of the play also allows for the Inspector to better deliver his message. Priestley uses the Inspector to communicate his ideas of socialism and social equality, and when near the end of the play he states: â€Å"We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other†¦And the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they taught it in fire and blood and anguish† The timing is crucial. Priestley communicates his message very well by setting the play in 1912 because two years later, The Great War, or World War One, occurred, and in 1939 a Second World War occurred. The â€Å"Fire and blood and anguish† almost certainly refer to these wars, in which millions of lives were lost because, arguably, nations were acting like Mr. Birling, with greed, and ignorance to the â€Å"Eva and John Smiths† of the world. I believe An Inspector Calls to be a very effective play indeed. JB Priestley communicates his ideas and beliefs of social equality and collective responsibility through his character, Inspector Goole, who with the help of other characters in the play, shows the audience just what can happen if one chooses to ignore others and deny responsibility for one’s own actions and their consequences. In my opinion, the showing of the photograph of Eva Smith to only one character at a time is an extremely effective way of progressing the play, ensuring smooth continuity, because it is subtle. It is probable that the audience does not, and did not, notice the possibility that the characters were being shown different photographs. So in this way, JB Priestley makes the characters believe, makes them know, that they are each implicated in the suicide of a young girl. Subsequently, when the characters realise that the murder of the girl was not, in fact, their fault, the fact that Mr. Birling, after saying he â€Å"would give thousands, yes thousands† for Eva Smith to be alive again, celebrates again along with Mrs. Birling and Gerald Croft cements Priestley’s ideas of socialism by making clear the spinelessness of the upper class, and making clear the social divide that exists. The very fact that the characters can brush off the responsibility if the murder and ignoring that each of them actually had treated the ‘Eva Smiths’ badly is meant to shock the audience and in my opinion, this has, is and will work in JB Priestley’s An Inspector Calls.

What Brought to the French Revolution

Loreen Jill Ramirez Catubay 12 September 2010 HSS1C. 01 Miss. Erickson FRENCH REVOLUTION DBQ â€Å"The French Revolution. † What pops up in your head? Probably a plethora of ideas. Images of riots, nobles, monarchy and such. So many mistakes and so many achievements has come out of the French Revolution. Many failed policies, laws and many inspirational and influential ideas has come of the French Revolution. The important causes of the French Revolution has changed France.The French Revolution had many causes which lead to the outbreak of the revolution such as heavy taxes, extreme poverty and the ideas of the Enlightenment. During Arthur Young’s travel through France from 1787 to 1789 he stated â€Å"There is an injustice levying on the amount of each person must pay† (Document 1). One Cause that brought of the French Revolution is the inequality of the levy and taxes on the among the 3 estates. The first estate which is the body of all people ordained for reli gious duties most commonly in the Christian Church was called the â€Å"Clergy†.The Clery had no taxes on them but they, The Clergy could collect tithes or taxes from people who are living on churches land. The Clergy owned 10% of the countries land but shockingly the Clergy consist of 1% of the countries population. The second estate which is known as belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status is called the â€Å"Nobles†. The Nobles had very few taxes on them while they collected taxes and rents from peasants while the peasants worked for both higher classes, the first estates and the second estate.The second estate, Nobles consisted of only 2% of the population but owned 35% of the countries land. Last but not least, This brings us to the third estate of peasants. Peasants are either Middles class, peasants or city workers. These people consisted of 97% of the countries population. They owned only 55% of the land. The third estate was treate d very unfairly in both land and taxes. Peasants earned the least but paid the most taxes. This made them very mad about the injustice of the heavy levying as stated in the quote.During the Arthur Young’s stay in France he has observed a lot of things about France as a country. Arthur Young stated on September 5,1788 that, â€Å"The poor people seem very poor indeed. The children are terribly ragged† (Document 1). Due to the heavy taxes on the peasants who work the longest and hardest jobs yet earn the least they had very little money lift for themselves and their families. Arthur Young also noticed that , â€Å"The price of bread has risen above the people’s ability to pay†.The people were so poor that they did not even have enough money to buy bread for themselves to eat while the people in the first and second estate were eating steaks, cakes and many luxurious foods. This situation of unfairness and inequality made the peasants anger towards the other estates and the monarchy grow. Historian Albert Mathiez claims that leadership fell into the middle class in which he stated that, â€Å"The middle class†¦.. was sensitive to their inferior legal position. The Revolution came from them-the middle class.They were just beginning to learn to read† (Document 4). Through this the middle class gained knowledge and ideas of the Enlightenment. They became philosophers. They started to believe and realized many things. Voltaire believed in freedom of speech but gone thrown in jail for making fun of a rich baron. This made the rest of the citizens to wonder about what they could say and why weren’t they allowed to talk about whatever they wanted?. John Locke was a believer of natural rights from birth and is famous for his writings on rights of life, liberty and property.His writings made people have an â€Å"oh yeah! why NOT?! † moment and questioned their rights and the other estates rights deciding that this was unfair and unjust. These people started to believe and agree with what these philosophers thought than what the king or the clergy thought. The 3 situations that helped caused the revolution. Heavy taxes were unjust as the peasants who earned the least, paid the most taxes while the other estates lived a luxurious life. The extreme famine which of left the peasants stomach digesting in nothing but anger towards the onarchy while the higher estates had tea parties and buffets and ideas of the Enlightenment which opened the eyes of many others about how much unfairness, inequality and injustice they have been treated with and that this was not tolerable as they philosophers encouraged them for they believed that everyone should have rights, liberty and freedom. The citizens years of suffering, inequality, injustice, unfairness and anger were the causes that had lead to the French Revolution.