Missing (1982) Film Review Essay Example

Missing (1982): Film Review Essay Missing is a classic American Drama film, released in the year 1982. The film is directed by Costa Gavras and it stars Jack Lemmon, Sissy Spacek and Melanie Mayron in lead roles, ably supported by John Shea and Charles Cioffi. The film is produced by Edward Lewis and Mildred Lewis; its script is handled by Donald Stewart and Costa Gavras. The music (which received wide appreciation), was composed by innovative Greek composer Vangelis. Distributed by Universal Pictures, the film runs to two hours. The script is based on the true story of an American scribe Charles Horman, whose mysterious disappearance in the wake of the Chilean coup of 1973 sets up the crux of the narrative. In this US supported coup, incumbent President Salvador Allende was overthrown by Right-wing forces and the military. At the time of its release, the film attracted controversy due to its honest handling of political realities. Although Chile was never directly referred to in the film, the mention of major cities like Vina del Mar and Santiago surely gives away the identity of the country. Since it portrayed the United States of America in a negative cast, it met with stringent criticism in the Western press. Since the film is an adaptation of a real life story, it contains elements of both drama and documentary genres. We will write a custom essay sample on Missing (1982): Film Review specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Missing (1982): Film Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Missing (1982): Film Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Barring the controversies and lawsuits that it attracted, the film is a successful product overall. Director Costa Gavras’s chief intention in the film is not so much to make political statements as it is to convey the human drama surrounding the disappearance of journalist Charles Horman. The script closely adheres to the factual details presented in the original book verstion of the name, ‘The Execution of Charles Horman: An American Sacrifice’ first published in 1978. There are hints left by the director that the indifference of the American government in taking swift search and rescue operation had perhaps caused his ultimate demise. Such an assessment certainly did not go down well with officials in Washington D.C., it triggered a debate in media outlets across the country. The film also shows the nature of major bureaucracies and how they can frustrate and disappoint legitimate concerns of citizens. The father and mother of the missing journalist, played by Jack Lemmon and Sissy Spacek respectively, deliver a stand out performance in depicting their anxieties and apprehensions in the wake of their son’s sudden disappearance. It was Beth Horman, who first makes a vain attempt by contacting the American consulate in the hope of locating her son’s whereabouts. Later, Charles travels all the way to New York to persuade the authorities to pursue their son’s case. In the end, it turns out that Beth’s sceptical attitude with authorities and government institutions is closer to truth than that of Charles’. The latter, for example was shown to be naive in trusting official utterances and promises. Their unsuccessful search to locate and rescue their son makes the story a tragedy. But credit has to be given to director Gavras in not stretching a genuine tragedy into a melodrama. The film also implicitly exposes the powerlessness of individual citizens in a population in dealing with major governmental institutions. Individuals confronting personal losses easily grow disgruntled with their own governments. And the United States is shown to be no exception to this rule, as both Beth and Charles find it near impossible to get their requests heeded. The fact that Charles Horman was ‘executed’ Chilean authorities with the complicity of American diplomats validates citizens’ grievances against governments. As movie reviewer Vincent Canby notes in his article for the New York Times, â€Å"It is the belief of Mr. Costa-Gavras, as well as of Thomas Hauser, the lawyer who wrote the book on which the film is based, that young Mr. Horman was executed by Chilean authorities, probably with the tacit approval of some United States representatives on the scene, because he had knowledge of United States involvement in the military coup that had overthrown the Marxist government of Dr. Salvador Allende Gossens, the Chilean President† (Canby, 1982) It is a genuine reflection of the merit of the film that it was nominated under several categories in the year’s Academy Awards. It rightly won the award for best Writing Adapted Screenplay and richly deserved nominations in Best Actor (Jack Lemmon), Best Actress (Sissy Spacek) and Best Picture categories. More importantly, it on the Golden Palm award in Cannes Film Festival of the same year. The other technical aspects of the film, such as cinematography or editing are nearly not as perfect. But the strong script line and emphasis on right areas compensate for these small shortcomings. Works Cited: Movie Review, Missing (1982), NYT Critics’ Pick, ‘MISSING’ BY COSTA-GAVRAS’ By VINCENT CANBY, Published: February 12, 1982, retrieved from on 25th June, 2011 Missing (1982), A review by Damian Cannon., Copyright  © Movie Reviews UK 1997, retrieved from on 25th June, 2011

The Health Benefits of Tanning

The Health Benefits of Tanning Free Online Research Papers The therapeutic exposure to sunlight has origin in ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine. Recently, however, there has been much controversy as to whether or not tanning is a good idea, whether or not it is healthy. The popularity of tanning beds has greatly risen with adults, yet skyrocketed with image-obsessed teens. Although many warn it against, people are starting to urge others to tan, stressing the numerous benefits, for both health and self-esteem. Tanning in and of itself is not unhealthy; contrary to what many think, tanning is very healthy for you in a number of ways. â€Å"Tans are natural shields against the suns ultraviolet radiation, which can damage skin tissue in the form of a sunburn (as well as cause cancer in the long-run). Exposure to ultraviolet rays causes certain skin cells to produce the pigment melanin, which darkens through oxidation. Enough beach bumming and those cells will migrate closer to the skins surface and produce more melanin, further darkening the skin into a suntan. Its no wonder our bodies have developed the ability to produce melanin. The pigment absorbs ultraviolet radiation and defends against further penetration of skin tissue.† (8) Tans are great because they are our body’s natural protection against sunburns, and without them we would be much more susceptible to burns and skin cancer. This is why, during the summer, people get burned the first time they go into the sun – because their bodies are not yet prepared to fight sunburns. Tanning is necessary to prevent against burning and hu rting the skin, and tanning beds are great and easy ways to tan in a controlled atmosphere. Beginning with physical appearance, tanning adds a young and healthy glow. In addition, a tan makes one look more muscular and defined, and will help hide visible veins, body hair, and impurities in or on the skin. With the intense pressure to look one’s best, many resort to tanning to give themselves a young and healthy look, but do not completely understand its full effect. Tanning has proven to help many skin conditions, from acne to eczema, and even psoriasis, â€Å"a fairly common and extremely persistent skin disease †¦ the typical lesion of psoriasis is a red, sharply circumscribed patch with silvery scales.† (11) In fact, eighty percent of psoriasis sufferers who tan show improvement as a direct result of their exposure to the ultraviolet light. â€Å"The skin disease had plagued Candy Knox since childhood. Each winter, the red, scaly patches indicative of psoriasis would reappear on her arms and Knox would once again contend with discomfort and feel ings of insecurity. But a few years ago her dermatologist recommended a surprising treatment that has helped Knox cope when cold weather hits: indoor tanning. ‘My doctor said my best bet was to move to Florida or go tanning when I needed it,’ said Knox, who now makes periodic trips to the tanning booth. ‘It really seems to help whenever I have a breakout.’† (5) Sunlight has proven to affect over one hundred of the body’s function. Exposure to light has proven to lower the resting heart rate and blood pressure. It also lowers cholesterol because the body uses the liver’s cholesterol as raw material to produce vitamin D. Sunlight reduces stress and can help the immune system, as well as increase the skin’s resistance to infections. With exercise, sunlight has many beneficial results, as it heightens physical performance. Sunlight can increase cardiac output, as well as increase energy, endurance, and muscular strength. Lastly, it is proven that â€Å"sunlight stimulates the thyroid gland, which boosts your metabolism.† (9) Seasonal Affective Disorder is also known as winter depression, an affective mood disorder that stems from lack of sunlight. Most SAD sufferers experience regular mental health throughout most of the year, but experience depression symptoms during the winter months. Dyane Riel, for example, was born and raised in a small Canadian village where it snows in October and stays dark for almost half the year. Riel said many of the locals experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. â€Å"A lot of people I knew were depressed all the time† Says Dyane. â€Å"They opened tanning shops in town and everyone uses them. Many people go south for vacations as well. These things are great therapy for them.† (5) Also, exposure to bright light has been found to alleviate some symptoms of Pre Menstrual Syndrome, or PMS, such as mild depression, mood swings, physical discomfort, irritability, and social withdrawal. Looking at other health benefits, tanning has been shown to release endorphins, a chemical that produces a happy, pleasant feeling. It also produces vitamin D, a vitamin many people are deficient in, which is necessary for calcium absorption in the body. Tanning beds are great because one can go at any time they are available and get that sunlight they have been lacking. One of the benefits of going tanning is that the exposure to UVB light is the bodys natural way to produce vitamins. A great percentage of today’s population is vitamin D deficient. People get between ninety and ninety-five perfect of their vitamin D through sun exposure, and people are going outdoors less and less as the years go by. For example, the vast majority of people works indoors, drives cars instead of walking or biking, and exercises inside a gym as opposed to running or working out outside. One of the greatest benefits of tanning is the increased production of vitamin D, which is an excellen t vitamin for a number of reasons. Research has recently shown that individuals with healthy vitamin D levels are much less likely to develop certain forms of cancer, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. These life-threatening cancers are much more common in those who do not receive regular sunlight, as vitamin D plays a role in slowing the growth of the cancer cells in these kinds of tumors. When vitamin D is missing, your body releases another hormone, parathyroid, to pull calcium out of the skeleton. One result of this is osteoporosis, a bone-brittling disease which leads to approximately one million hip or bone fractures a year. â€Å"[Boston University medical school professor Michael] Holick believes the high rates of osteoporosis among the elderly can be partly traced to the fact that many spend little time outside and theyre diligent sunscreen wearers. Indeed, studies suggest that 30 to 40 percent of American and British elders with hip fractures were low on [vitamin] D. The problem could be remedied with the same ultraviolet lights that iguana owners use for their pets. ‘We dont do this for nursing home residents,’ Holick says, ‘but we’ll spend 40 bucks for lights for an iguana.’† (10) Osteoporosis and cancer, however, are not the only health risks from vitamin D deficiency that we should worry about. â€Å"Current research indicates vitamin D deficiency plays a role in causing seventeen varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, and periodontal disease. (7) In Finland, where the sun shows for only a few hours a day during wintertime, natives have the world’s highest incidence of Type 1 diabetes. In a study tracking ten thousand children, researchers discovered that those who had regular doses of vitamin D as infants were approximately 80 percent less likely to develop Type 1 diabetes than those who did not get enough of it. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is more common the farther one is from the equator. Aforementioned Professor Holick â€Å"recruited 18 volunteers with mild hypertension and put them under UVB lights for at least six minutes three times a week. After six weeks, the amount of D in their systems had more than doubled and their blood pressure had dropped significantly to normal for some.† Tanning is undoubtedly good for ones health and appearance, as mentioned before, but many people question why tanning beds are so popular when the sun is free. However, there are a great number of reasons why tanning beds are superior. First of all, there are parts of the Earth that do not always receive as much sunlight as needed during the day for people to remain healthy. Professor Holick joked, â€Å"you could stand outside naked from the time the sun rises till it sets and you won’t make any [vitamin] D.† (10) The vast majority of people that do not already tan don’t realize that tanning salons have different strengths of beds, and customers can choose how long they are exposed to the UV rays. Tanners can use either the lotions sold at the store to enhance their tans or a light sunblock to lessen it, however exposure to UV rays from either tanning or the sun is greatly recommended by many doctors to treat skin conditions and prevent a vast number of hea lth risks. In conclusion, tanning is best in small doses, almost deemed necessary for a multitude of reasons. From the prevention of cancers, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness or wasting, birth defects, and periodontal disease to just wanting to look and feel better, tanning is a great way to stay healthy and look good. WORKS CITED 1 http://beauty.expertvillage.com/experts/tanning-benefits.htm 2 protanusa.net/22880_24831.asp#0 3 tantalk.com/think-positive-about-uv/2358089-what-benefits-tanning.html 4 http://tanningtruth.dynedge.com/page.php?pid=16 5 tnhonline.com/user/index.cfm?event=displayregistrationpromptrequiredregistration=1thereferer=http%3A//media.www.tnhonline.com/media/storage/paper674/news/2004/10/25/News/Tanning.The.Dermatologist.Approved.CureAll-780596.shtml 6 totaltan.net/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000000/000038.htm?748 7 vitamindcouncil.com/ 8 livescience.com/mysteries/070803_llm_tan_body.html 9 sun-rayz-tanning.com/tanningtips.php 10 ultimatetanoc.com/knowledge/benefits.asp 11 â€Å"Psoriasis.† Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica. Volume 20. Chicago: William Benton, 1970. Research Papers on The Health Benefits of TanningMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyGenetic EngineeringAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XThe Spring and AutumnCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite ReligionTwilight of the UAWCapital Punishment

Food and beverage management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Food and beverage management - Case Study Example The restaurant is also renowned for its Franconian food, which is presented with the Franconian dialect. Dishes such as organic beef in buttermilk or sausages with kraut, among others, tend to entice and retain customers. This provides a unique and unforgettable experience to those experiencing it. ‘s Baggers also capitalize on their marketing strategies, which is often with the help of customers. They tend to do advertising through the word of mouth, and recommendations to the outside market, thus attracting more potential customers. This is evident from the distribution of 1500 loyalty cards or friends’ cards within the first four and a half months of the restaurant operations (Broom, 234). Perform a SWOT analysis of ‘s baggers restaurant technology. Strengths Use of technology and innovation in its operations is a major strength. This has led to efficiency in delivery of dishes and beverages to the customers. Such aspect as queues, has been eliminated. Dishes ar e easily identified through colour codes that correspond to each and every customer. This translates to good service, and customer satisfaction. Market penetration is also a major strength of the restaurant. Through recommendations and feedback from customers, the restaurant can be able to determine the level of satisfaction from their clients. Customers act as a major advertising element in terms of marketing. Word to word promotions, as well as loyalty cards, has proven to be effective, as this can be seen with the distribution of 1500 loyalty cards or friends’ cards within the first four and a half months of the restaurant operations. This has led to increased sales and returns (Genna 218). Image branding of the restaurant is also another vital strength. Being the first and only fully automated restaurant in the world, it attracts more customers, who tend to seek a different experience from the norm. This has led to the raising of requests and inquiries of creating franchi ses in Germany, Europe, Canada, Australia and even Korea. This will translate to more sales, and a larger market for the restaurant.License and patent rights are also a major strength of the restaurant. With full rights to this patent and licenses, the restaurant can be able to regulate and influence competition from other dominant food chains, as well as upcoming ones. This means more market and an even greater influence in customer loyalty (Mages 291). Weakness Technology can be considered as a weakness due to its dynamic nature. The Electronic Point of Sale software might change and become obsolete with time, and this means lower productivity, and inefficient delivery. Overall customer satisfaction will diminish, and customer loyalty will decrease. Customers may also find it hard interacting with the computer interface of these systems. Waiters will have a burden in ensuring that all customer needs are met, and this might be overwhelming considering they have other tasks to perfo rm. This may also discourage customers who prefer a more popular way of service delivery, in this case interaction with waiters (Steinhoff 389). Threats Technology can also be considered as a threat. Due to its dynamic nature, technology tends to become outdated and obsolete in a rather fast way. This might prove to be expensive in terms of upgrades and

Statement of Goals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Statement of Goals - Essay Example Through this was I determined how my professional career would shape up. I have ample experience in this field that might be helpful for our future generations hence I decided to join assistantship with a master's degree teacher. Currently I am doing my Masters Degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration. This will surely help me in achieving my goal that is of an assistantship with a teacher relevant to my field. This position is related to my personal goal that comes from my inspiration of eradicating crime from our country, which can only be done by professionally involving myself to Law. I therefore see myself correctly and effectively trying to achieve an assistantship in the courses related to Law enforcements and justice management and pass on my personal experience and knowledge to the young generation. The drive or decision to do this comes from my personal thinking, that is I am an integral part of the society and its my responsibility to save guard the interest of every person who is a part of this society. The natural interest in this field helps me in thinking broadly about the related topics and trying out effective and efficient techniques to master the subject.

San miguel background Essay Example for Free

San miguel background Essay INTRODUTION Eduardo Cojuanco, a CEO of San Miguel Corporation is having a hard time in making his decision about the risk he will take for his product know as the San Miguel Beer. He is currently re-assessing his marketing strategies to known if he can expand his plans and make it a success. His current flagship product is well known as the ‘San Miguel Beer’, is taking its slow growth rate because of its large market share. Because of this he then decided to engage in business not in line with his profession. These businesses are energy, mining and infrastructure. There’s more but these are what he chose to look real close. But we all known that San Miguel Beer is a long time-time product that was already familiar and be loved by the Filipinos. So, what would be the best decision for Mr. Conjuangco’s Company? History of the company La Fabrica de Cerveza de San Miguel, the Philippines’ first brewery – establish in 1890 with 70 employees – produced and bottled what would eventually become the country’s best selling beer. Within a span of generation, San Miguel in its familiar amber Steinie bottle would become a Filipino icon and a quintessential part of Filipino life. By 1914 San Miguel Beer was being exported to shanghai, Hong Kong and Guam. Hong Kong would later become a site of san Miguel’s first offshore operation in 1948 While brewing beer is San Miguel’s heritage and the focus of much of its expertise, the company subsequently branched out into soft beverages, food and packaging. Diversification characterized the 1920’s, with the company expanding its product line to include soft drinks and ice cream. In 1938, San Miguel began producing its own bottles. By the 1950’s, the company expanded into poultry and livestock feeds processing. From the original Cerveza that first rolled of the bottling line, San Miguel Corporation has gone to produce a wide range of popular beverage, food and packaging products which have catered to generations of consumers’ diverse and changing tastes. San Miguel Beer, the company’s flagship product is one of the world’s largest selling beers. San Miguel is the Philippine largest food, beverage and packaging company and packaging company and the one of the country’s biggest private employers. The company’s manufacturing operations extends to Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia and its products are exported to over 40 countries around the world. San Miguel partnerships with major international companies have given the company access to the latest technologies and expertise. Partners include the Coca-Cola Company, Hormal Foods Corporation, Hormel Foods Corporation, Kirin Brewery, Yamamura Glass and Fuso Machine and Mold Manufacturing of Japan. Industry Definition COMPANY PROFILE San Miguel Corporation is the largest food, beverage and packaging company in the Philippines, employing more than 26,000 employees in over 100 facilities in the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and Australia. Our enduring brand, quality products, unparalleled distribution, responsiveness and innovation have enables us to become among the best company in Asia. Our company has been in the business of building brands for years. Our name is among the most recognized and trusted in the Philippines, appearing on more than 300 products. MISSION San Miguel Foundation, Inc. is committed to the empowerment of San Miguel host communities and various take holders by harnessing corporate social responsibility among the various San Miguel business in pursuing mutually beneficial programs that lead to self-reliance and sustainability. VISSION Vision SMC’s fundamental and historical philosophy — Profit with Honor. The following are SMC’s objectives: To provide an environment which is conducive to the development of the individual and which encourages employees to realize their full capabilities. To generate a return on funds employed sufficient to ensure an adequate rate of growth for the Corporation, and to provide satisfactory returns to stockholders. To seek and develop export markets for new products as well as for those already being produced by the Corporation. To diversify into fields which will ensure optimum utilization of management resources and a substantial contribution to corporate profits? To manufacture, distribute and sell throughout the Philippines food products, beverages, packaging products and animal feeds, being ready at all times to add, modify or discontinue products in accordance with changes in the market. To be constantly aware of the aspirations of the people and of the nation, and to ensure that San Miguel continues to make a major contribution towards the achievement of these aspirations. VALUES San Miguel is Strongly oriented towards achieving results but firmly believes that these results be achieved in a manner that uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical practice. These are exemplified in our core value, which each and every San Miguel employee should strive to uphold: Passion for Success We will constantly strive for excellence. We will be the best we can be and create value in everything we do. We will be proactive and entrepreneurial, propelled by a sense of urgency, competitiveness and total dedication to results. Teamwork With trust and respect for each other and with unity in purpose, we will work toward our shared aspirations, transcending boundaries along functional and organizational lines. Respect for Our People   We recognize our employees as individuals and are committed to nurturing their individual capabilities. We will uplift the dignity of labor by encouraging our people to be the best in their fields. We believe their growth and the growth of the organization go hand in hand. We are committed to creating a work environment that encourages open communication, camaraderie and professional growth. Customer Focus We will be our customers’ preferred choice. They will choose our products and services above others because we provide them with products and services that exceed their expectations. Innovativeness We will encourage creativity and ingenuity in our processes and systems, products and services. We will be forever looking for ways to outdo ourselves, always striving to be the first to anticipate consumer needs and deliver something better. Integrity In the conduct of our business, we will be guided by what is ethical, fair and right. We believe in profit with honor and are committed to good governance and the highest moral standards. Social Responsibility We believe social responsibility and corporate citizenship are integral parts of our business. We are committed to improving lives of people in the communities in which we live and work. AWARDS 2012 San Miguel Community Clinics Anvil Award of Merit, 47th Anvil Awards SMPF Handog Lusog Para sa Nutrisyon ng Nasyon Finalist, IABC Philippine Quill Awards 2012 San Miguel Community Clinics Award of Excellence, IABC Philippine Quill Awards 2011 Anvil Award of Merit, 46th Anvil Awards Tulong-tulong para sa Tullahan Project II Anvil Award of Merit, 46th Anvil Awards Tulong-tulong sa Tullahan 2002 Anvil Award of Excellence (Public Relations Society of the Philippines) Coca-Cola’s Mission P.E.T. 2002 Anvil Award of Excellence (Public Relations Society of the Philippines) Coca-Cola’s Mission P.E.T. 2002 Gold Quill Award (International Assn. of Business Communicators) Distileria Bago, Inc. 2002 Anvil Award of Merit (Public Relations Society of the Philippines) Distileria Bago, Inc. 2002-2003 Certifi cate of Recognition as Healthy Workplace Regional Winner (Provincial Category) San Fernando Brewery 2001 Healthy Workplace (Department of Health-National and Regional Level) Davao Brewery’s EMS and Adopt-a-River Project 2000 Mother Nature Award (Pollution Control Assn. of the Philippines, Inc.) San Fernando Brewery 1999 Employer of the Year Award (Social Security System) Polo Brewery/Bacolod Brewery/Davao Brewery/CTS-EMG 1997-2000 Ten Outstanding Pollution Control Officers (Pollution Control Assn. of the Philippines, Inc.) WARRANTY OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY Established in 1890 as a single-product brewery, San Miguel Corporation (San Miguel) is the Philippines’ largest beverage, food and packaging company. Today, the company has over 100 facilities in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and China. One of the country’s premier business conglomerates, San Miguel’s extensive product portfolio includes over 400 products ranging from beer, hard liquor, juices, basic and processed meats, poultry, dairy products, condiments, coffee, flour, animal feeds and various packaging products. For generations, the Company has generated strong consumer loyalty through brands that are among the most formidable in the Philippine food and beverage industry – San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Ginebra, Monterey, Magnolia, and Purefoods. Flagship product, San Miguel Beer, holds an over 95% share of the Philippine beer market. In addition to its leadership in the Philippine food and beverage industry, San Miguel has established a significant presence overseas. The Company’s operations extend beyond its home base of the Philippines to China (including Hong Kong), Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Australia. Through strategic partnerships it has forged with major international companies, San Miguel has gained access to managerial expertise, international practices and advanced technology, thereby enhancing its performance and establishing itself as a world-class company.

Biblical Allusions and Imagery in Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath :: Grapes Wrath essays

Biblical Allusions and Imagery in Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck always makes it a point to know about his subjects first hand. His stories always have some factual basis behind them. Otherwise, he does not believe that they will be of any value beyond artistic impression. Therefore, most of his novels take place in California, the site of his birth and young life. In preparation for writing his novels, Steinbeck would often travel with people about whom he was going to write. The Grapes of Wrath was no exception to his other works. To prepare for it, he joined migrants in Oklahoma and rode with them to California. When he got to California, he lived with them, joining them in their quest for work. By publishing these experiences and trials of the migrants he achieved an effect that won him the Nobel Prize for literature in 1962. The writing of The Grapes of Wrath coincided with the Great Depression. This time of hardship and struggle for the rest of America gave Steinbeck inspiration for his work. Other peoples' stories of everyday life became issues for Steinbeck. His writings spoke out against those who kept the oppressed in poverty and therefore was branded as a Communist because of his "voice." Although, it did become a bestseller and receive countless awards, his book was banned in many schools and libraries. However, critics never attacked The Grapes of Wrath on the artistic level and they still consider it a beautifully mastered work of art. More than any other American novel, it successfully embodies a contemporary social problem of national scope in an artistically viable expression.1 In The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck utilizes Biblical imagery and allusions to illustrate the struggle of the Joad family as a direct parallel with that of the Hebrew people. Steinbeck bolsters the strength of structure and character development in the book through Biblical allusions and imagery. Peter Lisca has noted that the novel reflects the three-part division of the Old Testament exodus account which includes captivity, journey, and the promised land.2 The Joads' story is a direct parallel with that of the Hebrews. Just as the Hebrews were captives of the Pharaoh, the Joads' are captives of their farm. Both make long and arduous journeys until they reach their promised land. Israel is the final destination for the Hebrews and California plays the same role for the Joads. Hunter mentions several of the parallels in the novel. When the Joads embark on their journey, there are twelve members which corresponds to the twelve tribes of Israel who are leaving the old order behind.

The Stereotypical Image of the American Soldier

Military supremacy is what makes a nation a superpower—with the fall of the Soviet Union, the United States of America is undeniably the only superpower left in the world. No other country at the present world can come close to America’s military prowess.Because the foot soldier is the basic unit of the military, their image is of utmost importance. However, like most professions, there are stereotypes related to the American soldier. These stereotypes, used as propaganda to intimidate the forces of the enemy, may be traced back to the Second World War or maybe earlier (Snellman).Since wars are not that â€Å"encouraged† anymore, the image of the American soldier has been shaped mostly by media, which also paved the way for stereotypes on the American soldier to develop. Stereotypes Because the world has not a seen a major, full-scale, and closely contested war since Vietnam or Korea (Wars after those were mostly one-sided), the image of the American soldier has not been covered as much as they were during times of major conflicts. Movies provided the civilians with an alternative into developing their perceptions regarding the American Soldier.Sadly, these perceptions that the public has come up with are stereotypical and sometimes offensive. The American Soldier as a White Male When we first think of the visual image of the American soldier, the first thing that we would imagine is that of a white male.An American soldier is usually visualized as white, standing bravely with a gun on his hand. This is the case because of two things. First, the whites are considered as the majority race in the US, so the chances of a soldier being white are quite high.Second, the American soldier is also thought to be white most of the time because of the history of the US—In the past up until the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and maybe until now, the blacks were discriminated greatly.This translated into the white soldier as the image of the American so ldier, even if the African-Americans played an important role during the Civil War. The American soldier is also stereotyped as a male simply because our society is generally a patriarchal society despite the rise of feminism. The American soldier is thought (and should be) to be strong physically.Being physically strong is not an attribute that is associated with women, thus creating the image of the American soldier as masculine. The American Soldier from the Lower Class A job in the army has never been a glamorous or desired job for the public.Enlisting in the army is stereotyped as a last resort to earn a living because the person cannot afford to go to college or get a high paying job. There is some element of truth into this stereotype because this scenario is usually the case. However, that does not mean that all soldiers are from poor economic backgrounds.Some of them may really want to join the army despite having other bigger opportunities as a civilian. This stereotype ma y also have surfaced because the army does not even require a high school diploma (Army. com). The American Soldier as an Independent, Self-reliant, and Assertive Individual Despite being part of the most powerful (in force and number) and advanced army in the world, the American soldier, when he or she is by him- or herself, is stereotyped as independent, self-reliant, and assertive, as they ought to be.The strength of the army is measured by the strength of its soldiers. If even one of its soldiers does not possess the said traits, the strength of the army maybe compromised. Therefore, the public thinks highly of our soldiers as having all those traits mentioned.Sometimes, while practicing their independence or by trying to assert themselves, soldiers may be branded as aggressive, but it is only their eagerness to be independent and assertive that they become stereotyped as aggressive.The public expects the American soldier to be aggressive because they are supposed to be combat-r eady all the time. The American Soldier as a Strict, Stiff, and too Disciplined Person Discipline is one of the core values of the military. Army personnel are expected to conduct themselves properly at all times, but that does not mean that they are always like that even when they are not on duty. Media have portrayed our soldiers as being too strict, too conscious about discipline, and stiff in their movements, even (or especially) the retired ones.This is not a realistic portrayal of the soldiers because it is highly doubtful that they are like that to their families. Although we could expect military men referring to civilians as â€Å"Sir† or â€Å"Ma’am,† the chances of father and mother soldiers barking orders at their children and making them do push-ups, crunches, and all those military punishment are slim. The American Soldier as a Grown Man Pictures of American soldiers in the news and especially depictions in movies are almost always a picture of a m ature man. Rarely do we see young soldiers slugging it out on the screen.This stereotype of the American soldier is partly true and partly false—true because today, even if the army does not even require a high school diploma, it is mostly the experienced men that go out into the field, and false because during the previous wars, a lot of young men were forced into battle because of the scarcity in military personnel. Now, young men are no longer forced into action because the army has a lot of experienced men ready to battle all the time. Conclusion The American soldier is one of the enduring images of patriotism in the United States.The American soldier’s image has developed stereotypes through the years because of media coverage and portrayals in films. This has led the public into coming up with stereotypes that are now synonymous to the term American Soldier.Works CitedSnellman, Pekka. â€Å"The Grunt: Analysis of a Stereotype. † Power Pride and Politics in American English. 22 March 2006.University of Tampere. 27 March 2009. . Army. com.Requirements to Join the US Army. 27 March 2009 .