An Overview of Social Conservativism

Social conservatism was ushered into American politics with the so-called Reagan Revolution in 1981, and renewed its strength in 1994, with the Republican takeover of US Congress. The movement slowly grew in prominence and political power until hitting a plateau and stagnating in the first decade of the twenty-first century under President George W. Bush. Bush ran as a â€Å"compassionate conservative† in 2000, which appealed to a large bloc of conservative voters, and began to act on his platform with the establishment of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. The terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, changed the tone of the Bush administration, which took a turn toward hawkishness and Christian fundamentalism. The new foreign policy of â€Å"pre-emptive war† created a rift between traditional conservatives and conservatives aligned with the Bush administration. Due to his original campaign platform, conservatives became associated with the â€Å"new† Bush administration and an anti-conservative sentiment has nearly destroyed the movement.In most areas of the country, Republicans align themselves with the Christian right refer to themselves as â€Å"conservatives† since fundamental Christianity and social conservatism have many tenets in common. Ideology The phrase â€Å"political conservative† is most associated with the ideologies of social conservatism. Indeed, most of today’s conservatives see themselves as social conservatives, although there are other types. The following list contains common beliefs with which most social conservatives identify. They include: Advancing pro-life and anti-abortion stances on unwanted or unplanned pregnanciesAdvocating for pro-family legislation and a ban on gay marriageEliminating federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research and finding alternative methods of researchProtecting the Second Amendment right to bear armsMaintaining a strong national defenseProtecting US economic interests against foreign threats and eliminating the need for trade unionsOpposing   illegal immigrationLimiting welfare spending by creating economic opportunities for America’s needyLifting the ban on school prayerImplementing high tariffs on countries that do not uphold human rights It is important to mention that social conservatives can believe in every one of these tenets or just a few. The â€Å"typical† social conservative strongly supports them all. Criticisms Because the preceding issues are so black and white, there is a considerable amount of criticism from not only liberals but also other conservatives. Not all types of conservatives agree whole-heartedly with these ideologies, and sometimes denounce the vigilance with which hard-line social conservatives choose to advocate their positions.The radical right has also placed a large stake in the social conservative movement and has used it in many cases as a way to promote Christianity or to proselytize. In these cases, the entire movement is sometimes censured by mass media and liberal ideologues.Each of the tenets mentioned above has a corresponding group or groups which oppose it, making social conservatism a highly criticized political belief system. Consequently, it is the most popular and most scrutinized of the conservative â€Å"types.† Political Relevance Of the different types of conservatism, social conservatism is by far the most politically relevant. Social conservatives have dominated Republican politics and even other political parties such as the Constitution Party. Many of the key planks in the social conservative agenda are high on the Republican Party’s â€Å"to-do† list.In recent years, social conservatism has taken repeated hits thanks in large part to the presidency of George W. Bush, but its network is still strong. Basic ideological affirmations, such as those espoused by the pro-life, pro-gun and pro-family movements will make sure social conservatives have a strong political presence in Washington DC for many years to come.

Essay about The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood

In The Handmaid’s Tale, much use is made of imagery; to enable the reader to create a more detailed mental picture of the novel’s action and also to intensify the emotive language used. In particular, Atwood uses many images involving flowers and plants. The main symbolic image that the flowers provide is that of life; in the first chapter of the novel Offred says â€Å"†¦flowers: these are not to be dismissed. I am alive.† Many of the flowers Offred encounters are in or around the house where she lives; it can be suggested that this array of floral life is a substitute for the lack of human life, birth and social interaction. The entire idea of anything growing can be seen as a substitute for a child growing. The Commander’s house contains†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"The tulips are too red in the first place, they hurt me.† â€Å"Their redness talks to my wound, it corresponds.† â€Å"A dozen red lead sinkers round my neck.† The mention of tulips in â€Å"The Handmaid’s Tale† also includes somewhat violent imagery; the shade of red is likened to something â€Å"beginning to heal†. However, it is soon mentioned that â€Å"The tulips are not tulips of blood† – Offred soon removes herself from her neurotic state. In direct contrast to the fiery red of the tulips, the bathroom of the house is â€Å"papered in small blue flowers, forget-me-nots, with curtains to match.† This time, not only the colour but also the name of the flower is relevant. The calming, feminine pastel blue contrasts with Offred’s red clothing, but the name† forget-me-not† is also relevant, as Offred is reminiscing of her former life with her husband andShow MoreRelatedThe Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood954 Words   |  4 PagesImagine growing up in a society where all women are useful for is to reproduce. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is an excellent novel of what could potentially be the fate of the future one day. The main character, Offred, moves into a new home where she is there to perform â€Å"rituals† with the Commander, head of the house, so she can hopefully reproduce herself. Basically, she is a sex slave and birthing a healthy child is all she is wanted for. A lso if she does have a child then she will beRead More The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood583 Words   |  2 PagesMargaret Atwoods novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, satirizes the movement of religious conservatives that was occurring during its time of publication in the 1980’s. The beliefs expressed by these conservatives are taken to the extreme in the book when a totalitarian government creates a new society that reverses all advancements of women. Through these reversals and formed hierarchies, Atwood creatively makes a statement about the unfair molds in real life that both genders try to break free from. Read MoreThe Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Essay2490 Words   |  10 Pagesfrom. In the days of anarchy, it was freedom to. Now you are being given freedom from,† (Atwood 24). The Handmaid’s Tale, written by Margaret Atwood, is a novel set in the near future where societal roles have severely changed. The most notable change is th at concerning women. Whereas, in the past, women have been gaining rights and earning more â€Å"freedom to’s†, the women in the society of The Handmaid’s Tale have â€Å"freedom froms†. They have the freedom from being abused and having sexist phrases yelledRead MoreSurrogacy In The Handmaids Tale By Margaret Atwood746 Words   |  3 Pages Throughout The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood there begins to become a clear difference in the personal attitudes the Handmaids have towards surrogacy compared to attitudes of modern day surrogates. In modern day society, Americans are very proud of the free will they have, giving them the ability to choose endless possibilities of who and what they want to be. Becoming a surrogate is a choice made 100% by women, offering their wombs to couples who may be experiencing fertility complicationsRead MoreAn Analysis Of Margaret Atwood And The Handmaids Tale843 Words   |  4 Pagessituation, they may be effective in avoiding possible plights. Likewise, the Xinjiang region of China and the plot of â€Å"The Handmaid’s Tale† by Margaret Atwood, explores this dilemma as both government systems employ regulations, which may seem excessive to some but considered as necessary to the governments present in Xinjiang and the republic of Gilead in â€Å"The Handmaid’s Tale †. Moreover, the conflict occurring in Xinjiang is similar to the governmental system in Gilead because of the abundance ofRead MoreCultural Criticism In The Handmaids Tale By Margaret Atwood1011 Words   |  5 Pagesrange of topics to analyze literature. Cultural criticism considers a variety of perspectives and branches of knowledge to discover the compilation of beliefs and customs that characterize a group of people. For a cultural reading of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, a cultural critic would consider the historical background paired with theories such as Marxism and feminism to make assumptions about what culture engendered the creation of this novel. (104 words) Cultural criticism is oftentimesRead MorePower Struggle In The Handmaids Tale By Margaret Atwood1373 Words   |  6 PagesRenowned playwright William Shakespeare, and contemporary novelist Margaret Atwood both explore power struggle from a feminist perspective. Shakespeare in ‘King Lear’ and Atwood in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ explore varying power struggles and their correlation to gender through their respective texts. Shakespeare and Atwood use the genders of their central characters to focus on power in historical and dystopian settings. Both authors explore religious frameworks, the types of power in a patriarchalRead MoreTotalitarian Society In The Handmaids Tale By Margaret Atwood934 Words   |  4 PagesIn the book The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood, the story’s setting takes place in a totalitarian city, in which the government forces their will upon on the citizens and chooses what they will do in the future, especially for wome n. The decreasing birth rates causes the formation of this civilization, but the reader soon learn that the way the government tries to fix this problem is wrong, as it leads to more problems such as trust issues, and the inability to see others as equal. The charactersRead More Society in The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Essay2519 Words   |  11 PagesThe novel, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, by Margaret Atwood focuses on the choices made by those controlling the society of Gilead in which increasing the population and preservation of mankind is the main objective, instead of freedom or happiness. The society has undergone many physical changes that have extreme psychological consequences. I believe Atwood sees Gilead as the result of attitudes and events in the early 1980s, which have spiralled out of control. ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ reflects Atwood’sRead MoreCompare And Contrast The Handmaids Tale And Margaret Atwood1659 Words   |  7 PagesA dystopia is a common genre among many novels and all novels are able to capture the problems within the current society. These problems can vary and each different setting has different problems than the other. Margaret Atwood wrote The Handmaid’s Tale in an effort to capture problems going on in real life: abortion and women’s rights. Another author that captures a similar essence to Atwood’s is Suzanne Young in her novel series The Program. Although both authors emphasize different problems that

The Value of Discipline †Short Essay Free Essays

The Value of Discipline Discipline is the process of training oneself in obedience, self control, skill, etc. The controlled, ordered behaviour results from such training. Discipline is the basis of the whole universe. We will write a custom essay sample on The Value of Discipline – Short Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now The solar system is governed by certain laws to maintain perfect harmony and beauty. Without this order, there would be utter chaos. Discipline is a basic requirement of a civilized society. Citizens of a disciplined nation work with a spirit of cooperation and unity. Aristotle has rightly said, â€Å"Discipline is obedience to rules formed by the society for the good of all. Discipline should be inculcated from a very young age. Talent and genius alone are not enough to achieve success. Discipline has an equally important role to play. Talents blossom in a disciplined person. Discipline in schools may reduce the violence and vandalism and help the students to focus better on their studies and career. Discipline is important even in the family. Parents must raise their children in a pleasant and disciplined atmosphere. They should teach them the right values. They should themselves lead an orderly life so that their children can learn from their example. Children growing in disciplined and happy homes become responsible adults. All should follow the rules and regulations laid by law. Discipline means full realization of the sense of responsibility. This will bring progress and prosperity in the society and the nation. A proper and reasonable balance has to be stuck between liberty and discipline. The restraints or discipline must course be designed for the social good and it is obvious that excessive restraints will inevitably lead to the erosion of human liberties. MY ROLE AS A STUDENT My role as student in a society entails various things. Firstly, to concentrate on studies so that I develop into well-educated individual that make significant contributions to the society in the future. Secondly, to pass on whatever knowledge I have to others. This can take on many forms ranging from helping your siblings to creating awareness about environmental issues such as global warming. Thirdly, to act as responsible youth. This means to steer clear of any unlawful activities. It also involves not damaging the society and avoiding acts of destruction. As a student I shall try and refrain myself from all such activities for my benefit as well as the society’s. Fourthly, to do what I can to protect my environment and society. As a student I shall avoid litter places and should try to invest a few hours into community services if possible. As student I will also try to behave respectfully to the elders of the society and take care of their needs i. e. help an elder to cross a road; stand up and make space for an elder to sit if there is none. This list shows about 200 common phrasal verbs, with meanings and examples. Only the most usual meanings are given. Some phrasal verbs may have additional meanings. | | | 1. | | | 2. | | | 3. | | | 4. | | | 5. | | | 6. | | | 7. | | | 8. | | | 9. | | | 10. | | | 11. | | | 12. | | | 13. | | | 14. | | | 15. | | | 16. | | | 17. | | | 18. | | | 19. | | | 20. | | | 21. | | | 22. | | | 23. | | | 24. | | | 25. | | | 26. | | | 27. | | | 28. | | | 29. | | | 30. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | How to cite The Value of Discipline – Short Essay, Essay examples

Changing World and Changing Roles of Higher Education. free essay sample

Changing World And Changing Roles Of Higher Education Introduction It is very necessary to change world and change the roles of higher education. Education is must for all. Education Education in the general sense is any act or experience that has a formative effect on the mind, character, or physical ability of an individual. In its technical sense, education is the process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills, and values from one generation to another. Etymologically, the word education is derived from the Latin educatio (â€Å"a breeding, a bringing up, a rearing) from educo (â€Å"I educate, I train†) Higher Education Higher education, also called tertiary, third stage, or post secondary education, is the non-compulsory educational level that follows the completion of a school providing a secondary education, such as a high school, secondary school. Tertiary education is normally taken to include undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as vocational education and training. We will write a custom essay sample on Changing World and Changing Roles of Higher Education. or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Colleges and universities are the main institutions that provide tertiary education. Collectively, these are sometimes known as tertiary institutions. Tertiary education generally results in the receipt of certificates, diplomas, or academic degrees. Higher education includes teaching, research and social services activities of universities, and within the realm of teaching, it includes both the undergraduate level (sometimes referred to as tertiary education) and the graduate (or postgraduate) level (sometimes referred to as graduate school). Higher education generally involves work towards a degree-level or foundation degree qualification. In most developed countries a high proportion of the population (up to 50%) now enter higher education at some time in their lives. Higher education is therefore very important to national economies, both as a significant industry in its own right, and as a source of trained and educated personnel for the rest of the economy. Importance Of Education Education is very important for an individuals success in life. Education provides pupils teaching skills that prepare them physically, mentally and socially for the world of work in later life. Education is generally seen as the foundation of society which brings economic wealth, social prosperity and political stability. Higher education helps in maintaining a healthy society which prepares health care professionals, educated health care consumers and maintaining healthy population. Education is major aspect of development of any modern society since if there is a deficit of educated people then society will stops its further progress. Changing Of Higher Education A power shift is occurring in higher education, driven by two trends: (a) the increased freedom of learners to access, create, and re-create content; (b) the opportunity for learners to interact with each other outside of a mediating agent. Information access and dialogue, previously under control of the educator, can now be readily fulfilled by learners. When the essential mandate of universities is buffeted by global, social/political, technological, and educational change pressures, questions about the future of universities become prominent. The integrated university faces numerous challenges, including a decoupling of research and teaching functions. Modern education is an assembly education in the future to be learner centred, controlled and personalised line – a sausage factory, churning out shrink-wrapped uniform graduates, with a GPA stamped on their forehead, in the name of quality and standards. The role of higher education as a major driver of economic development is well established, and this role will increase as further changes in technology, globalization, and demographics. Higher education has the capacity, knowledge, and research necessary to help achieve these goals Instructional Programs Teaching excellence is the key to a strong and growing regional economy. Higher education offers quality programs and services and continually improves these programs to ensure teaching and learning excellence. Instructional programs can be traditional credit programs or non-credit programs. Identifying Needs of Business and Industry Higher education connects workforce development to the economic development of the region by matching instructional programs to the needs of business. Efforts include working with business to identify specific needs, providing work-based learning opportunities for students, offering and supporting apprenticeship programs, and convening and being responsive to advisory committees with representatives from business and industry. Once needs are identified, higher education and industry work together to attract students into critical programs. Support to Current Business and Industry Current business and industry receives support through the customized services offered by higher education. As technology and the economic climate change, higher education can be a valuable resource to businesses in these ways: identifying employee skills gaps and providing customized training †¢ conducting organizational assessments and providing management development †¢ providing technical assistance, industrial liaison programs, and support centers †¢ assisting in the identification of new markets for products †¢ offering specialized help for small-to-medium sized businesses for planning, resource acquisition, and marketing, e. g. , entrepreneurship training and assistance †¢ providing customized research and data †¢ procuring grants which support current business and industry †¢ providing co nference and meeting facilities Enhance the Technology Infrastructure Higher education can be a technology driver and instrumental in raising the economic development of the region by doing the following: †¢ designing cutting-edge technologies which result in new products, businesses, and jobs †¢ supplying advanced technology for use by the region †¢ providing technology instruction to create a skilled workforce †¢ addressing the digital divide for targeted areas and populations †¢ creating e-learning and innovative delivery to expand access to education Livable Communities Livable communities are viewed as great places to live and work. Higher education institutions provide instruction and training, but they also provide arts, entertainment, sports, and recreation programs that attract and retain a quality workforce. Professional-quality events are available to the public free or at reasonable costs. Higher Education as Employer The role of higher education as a major employer of a diverse pool of workers cannot be ignored. As a basic, revenue-generating industry, higher education directly, and through related multipliers, impacts the economy of the region. The Alliance institutions in Rockford have an annual payroll in excess of $66 million, which generates an additional $24. 8 million income in Winnebago County. Summary James B. Stockdale said †¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"A liberally educated person meets new ideas with curiosity and fascination. An illiberally educated person meets new ideas with fear†. So new changes are necessary in modern education†¦ .. †¦Ã‚   â€Å"To learn is to change. Education is a process that changes the learner. †