Thursday, January 30, 2020

Blood Diamond Essay Example for Free

Blood Diamond Essay Africa was known as â€Å"The Dark Continent† during the Victorian Era, believed by Europeans to be a land where even the slightest trace of civilization tends to collapse under madness and savagery. It seems especially common for Europeans to assume that anyone who ventures into Africa would then sink into an irrevocable state of delirium. Such notion was amplified by Joseph Conrad, who, in Heart of Darkness, took Africa as a land so free from moral restraints that no civility could stand from being pulverized by its darkness. Blood Diamond, dating a hundred years after Heart of Darkness, presents a different view. Although the film seems to faithfully support the conventional view of Africa as a place that forces its inhabitants into madness, a closer examination of Blood Diamond shows that, quite the opposite of depicting Africa as The Dark Continent, the film actually rebuts the view by emphasizing the underlying grace of the land. Blood Diamond sends out the message that rather then being the other way around, it is the colonizers of Africa who are forcing the continent into its present state of violence and madness. Through contrasting between parts of Africa with assorted degrees of western influence, director Edward Zwick shows that Africa without colonization would be a land of peace and grace. This contrast is established between the depiction of an RUF (Revolutionary United Front) headquarters and an elusive school that lies within the immutable jungles of Africa. Zwick uses costume to represent western ideals brought to Africa through colonization when portraying the RUF headquarters. When Danny Archer first gets off the plane to do business with Commander Zero, the audience is introduced to a group of African teenagers dressed in shockingly familiar looking attires. Indeed Captain Rambo, a member of the RUF, is dressed in no way different from any North American boy. His clothing without doubt emulates the fashion of North American hip-hop generation. His wide sunglasses, baggy pants, and chain necklace all too well indicate western influence. It is only when he holds up a gun that the audience senses a strong odour of irony. The gangster image that prevails this RUF headquarters contrasts with a peaceful African community in the midst of the jungle, a community in which the effect of colonization is less apparent. In fact, Zwick speaks of this community as an â€Å"island of sanity†. The term â€Å"island† denotes not only a sense of isolation from the atrocity of the surrounding world, but also a sense of isolation from western influence. It is within this community that a group of child soldiers are carefully returned to life. Of these two African communities, the one that displays a crave for western ideals is the one that rears violence and madness, whereas the primitive jungle described as the very medium of suffocation in Heart of Darkness becomes the place where sanity is restored. Through contrasting between a world greatly influenced by colonization and a world that is not yet penetrable to its grasp, Blood Diamond clearly conveys the idea that it is the white people who are jeopardizing Africa’s graceful soul with their intrusion, and it is the colonizers of Africa who are ultimately responsible for any violence seen there today. Zwick also uses various types of shots to establish Africa as a graceful land. Although scenes of RUF troops committing heinous violence are omnipresent in Blood Diamond, Zwick does not forget to show what Africa was like before war and colonization. The use of master shots often precedes any scenes of violence in the film to constantly remind the audience of the majestic panorama of Africa. Shots of grand canyons, peaceful sunset, and misty cities again and again take the audience’ breath away. These shots are images of Africa entirely different from those underscoring problems of poverty and hunger commonly seen in media, thereby are all the more shocking. It is indeed hard for one to find a trace of savagery or madness in this landscape. Without these shots, one would laugh with an air dismissal when Dia says to his father â€Å"teacher says our country (Sierra Leone) was built to be an utopia†. But with these breathtaking images, the audience cannot help but to ruminate over Dia’s belief that â€Å"when the war is over, our country will become a paradise. Apart from using master shots, Blood Diamond also employs wide shots to convey similar ideas. The film opens with a wide shot of fishermen working against sunrise. In the shot, the black silhouettes moving quietly yet arduously against the breaking dawn of the sky effectively convey a sense of peace. By integrating various types of shots into the content of the film in a meaningful manner, Zwick successfully delivers his desire to show what Africa was like before colonization. These shots are key to establishing Africa as a land of peace before its colonizer’s arrival. Zwick also conveys the idea that it is the Europeans who are responsible Africa’s present chaotic state by probing the different meanings of diamond in Africa and in Europe. A character responsible for this layer of the film is a sadistic RUF mine general– General Poison. Following after the priceless diamond like an animal after the smell of carcass, General Poison is depicted as the very heart of distortion and madness throughout the film. In the prison scene, Zwick’s use of lighting and colour effectively turns General Poison into the icon of animosity similar to that described in Heart of Darkness. The prison scene is dominated by a sickly luscious combination of brown, green, and red, creating a canvas that is hunted by greed and fear. Here, Zwick plays around with the employment of fluorescence light to give General Posion the aura of a mad dog as he barks at Solomon Vandy. Yet General Poison reveals something rather astonishing near the end– he craves for that diamond not because of greed, like the diamond dealers in London, but because he wants to escape his own cruelty. â€Å"You think I am a devil, but it is only because I have been in hell. I want to get out, and you will help me†. This is what the general says to Solomon, and the audience learns that he too is a prisoner suffering from the effects of colonization. General Poison craves for that priceless diamond not because of the wealth it shall bring, but because it is his only ticket out. As soon as this is revealed, the audience learns that his devilish behaviour is not the result of his native instinct; rather, it is the result of having to cope with the values of white men. It is white people, the colonizers, who are forcing him into madness. Suffocated by the atrocity of colonization, he must act cruelly to free himself from his own madness. This internal irony shows that Africa is not a continent with the natural tendency to drive its inhabitants into madness; rather, the madness seen in the film is only the result of Africans trying to cope with the values of their colonizers. In Blood Diamond, Zwick effectively combines style and content to show that Africa is not a continent of darkness and savagery; rather, the moral dilapidation seen there today is the result of colonization. Indeed instead of pushing those who venture into its land beyond the boundaries of civilization, Africa is itself a prisoner and a sufferer. It is with productions like Blood Diamond that the images outlined in Heart of Darkness become increasingly relegated from the status of a journal to that of a fiction. It is with productions like Blood Diamond that the truth about Africa is slowly revealed. In a way, Blood Diamond has given Africa a testimony of its grace that is rather long overdue.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

The Mexican War as an Exercise in American Imperialism Essay -- Papers

The Mexican War as an Exercise in American Imperialism The US government believed firmly in the doctrine of Manifest destiny, the government argued that they had the right and duty to expand through North American because it was necessary and inevitable. During the 19th century Mexico dominated a large amount of North America which was inhabited by American settlers and the American government aimed to expand the USA from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and were ready to achieve this by any means. The American government saw the lands of Texas and California as grand prizes with the opportunity of lush agricultural prospect and the possibility of a gateway to the Pacific Ocean. The lands though belonged to the nation of Mexico, which seen by the Americans was a backward nation and did not deserve to have the lands. President James Polk intended to use full extent of his power to expand America and he devoted his time during his reign as President in negotiations with Mexico over the lands of California. Yet Mexico refused to give away the land and yet it had such a weak economy and could use the money that President Polk was offering them to rebuild the economy and develop the nation. But the Mexican government still did not intend to sell the land because it would not be popular with the people if the nation shrink half in size and also because of the rivalry that was associated with Americans and Mexicans. So President Polk was left with no choice but to provoke the Mexicans to war, General Zachary Taylor was sent to a disputed region between Mexico and US with 4000 troops. Polk was anxious to start war but did not intend ... ...the Mexicans had attacked his country and in order to defend his nation he needed to attack Mexico. Thus it can be said that America did not force Mexico into war but Mexico forced America to war and thus America reacted to the Mexican aggression by taking the lands of California and Texas justly. Although it is easy to see that America did in some way force Mexico into a war the Mexicans did attack first and the Americans had the right to wage a war upon Mexico. Thus concluding the statement it can be said America did use the Mexican war to show off their military power and policy of Manifest Destiny and thus was an exercise in American imperialism. Yet it was the Mexicans who attacked first and who forced America to fight back thus the Mexican war was not an exercise in American imperialism but in American defence.

Monday, January 13, 2020

A Family Play Essay

Robert: If you don’t like what I’m watching then go and watch the other TV. Mary: No! Why don’t you just put it on something that we both like? Mum and Dad are watching the other TV anyway. Robert: Because I like this. Mary: Well you need to go to bed soon. Robert: Well when I do then you can watch what you like. Mary: Why do you always need to be so selfish? I hate having a younger brother like you. (Short pause of silence) Shelly: (shouting) Robert it’s time for bed now. Robert: Alright I’m going, I’m going. (Robert stands up) Mary: Can I have the remote control, Robert? Robert: If you say please. Mary: Don’t be such an idiot and just give it to me! (Robert leaves the remote control where he’s sitting smiles sweetly at Mary and leaves the room) Robert: G’night Mum, G’night Dad. Shelly and Colin: Goodnight Robert, sleep well. (Next day and Robert wakes up very excited because it’s his birthday, he gets dressed and goes downstairs where his parents are eating breakfast. ) Robert: (happily) Good morning! Shelly: Morning Robert, you seem very cheerful today? You’re usually half asleep at this time in the morning. Robert: (laughing) Am I not allowed to be cheerful on my birthday? – When can I open my presents? Colin: (looks extremely worried) Well†¦ Robert: Can I open them now? Where’ve you put them? Shelly: Hmm†¦ Well†¦ Robert I think that we both kind of forgot what the date was. Colin: (convincingly) It’s not that we forgot when your birthday was! – It’s just that we’ve both been so busy with work recently we haven’t been keeping track of what the day is. Robert: (shocked) You mean†¦ you forgot my birthday?! Shelly: No! We just haven’t had the time to get you a present yet. Robert: I can’t believe it! My own parents forgot my birthday! (Shelly walks over to Robert to try and comfort him but Robert shrugs her off) Shelly: I know, why don’t we all go a shop now and we can buy you a present? Robert: Because its Sunday and all the shops are closed. Shelly: So it is, I forgot what day it was. Robert: (angrily) I noticed! Colin: We’re really sorry Rob, you know how busy we’ve both been. (Mary enters, having heard the noise) Mary: What are you shouting about?! Robert: Don’t tell me you forgot too! Mary: Forgot what? Robert: It’s my birthday! Mary: Is it? I thought it was the 8th today? Not the 9th. Robert: Well it’s the 9th, and you all forgot! Mary: Oh, sorry Rob, I didn’t realise. Robert: Don’t expect me to remember any of your birthdays! (small awkward silence) Colin: I know we’ll take you out to the pub for a Sunday lunch, and I’ll buy your present tomorrow. Robert: (sulkily) Fine. (Later that morning the doorbell rings and Mary goes to answer it) Mary: (shocked) Hi Uncle Craig! Craig: (Australian accent) Hello Mary, how are ya? Mary: I’m fine thanks! (louder) Muuuuum uncle Craig’s here from Australia! (Shelly comes to the door) Shelly: Who? I thought you said Craig! (laughs to herself) Craig: (smiling) She did. Shelly: (shocked) Oh my god, Craig! Wh†¦ Wh†¦ Why are you here? Craig: Well for Roberts birthday of course! Where is he? Shelly: He’s in his room. But he’s going to be so pleased to see you! Have you come all this way just to see Robert on his birthday? Craig: That’s right! I thought I’d surprise you all. Mary: Well you’ve definitely done that! Shelly: Well come in, have a drink, make yourself at home. (They all go into the living room to join Colin) Colin: Hello Craig, how are you? This is certainly a surprise! Craig: I’m doing great thanks, how ’bout you Colin? Colin: Not bad. Not bad. Mary: I’ll go and fetch Rob. . (Mary leaves to get Robert) Craig: So what present did you get Rob? Shelly: (sheepishly) Oh, we haven’t got it yet. Colin: Were getting it tomorrow though. Craig: Oh alright then, I hope he likes the present I got him! Shelly: I’m sure that he will. (Mary and Robert come back downstairs) Robert: (very excitedly) Hi uncle Craig! (gives him a hug) what are you doing here? Craig: For your birthday of course! Did you forget? (laughs) Robert: (sarcastically) I didn’t, but I know somebody who did. Craig: What do you mean? Robert: Didn’t they tell you? They forgot that it was my birthday today! Craig: (looks at Colin in surprise) Really? That’s terrible! Colin: We lost track of what day it was. Craig: I’m sure he won’t mind if you get a present tomorrow then. Will you Robert? Robert: No, I suppose not. Craig: Now, do you want to see what I got you? (Robert suddenly seems more excited again) Robert: oooh yes please! (Craig hands Robert a long wrapped up present, which Robert begins to unwrap) Robert: Wow! A didgeridoo! Thanks Craig, that’s amazing! Craig: Glad that you like it Rob.

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Gender Identity Protection Helpful or Hurtful to All

Gender Identity Protection: Helpful or Hurtful to All? For decades there have been federal laws in place to help protect people trying to get a job, rent an apartment or simply join a club. The laws that are in place prevent discrimination as to race, creed, religion, age and sex. The thought of adding another change to accommodate people who have gender identity issues could cause heartburn on all levels of life. Everyday businesses and educational entities are adding gender identity protection to their platform as a protected class. The faculty council at University of Georgia has recommended to the school president Jere Morehead to add gender identity as a protected category. There are people up in arms about the situation and more than likely there will be heated debates on this issue. If you have ever seen a person going through the sex change process it is quite confusing to the onlooker. You may see a strong frame body of a male, however if you look closer and listen you may see this person wearing make-up, wearing women’s clothing and speaking in a higher tone. I would dare say that a person looking like that would go very far in any application process. Issues that would arise in colleges would be challenges in academic achievement since girls learn different than boys as well as personal relationships in the classroom and faculty. However, there are people who have problems adjusting to seeing a transgender person up close and personal without someShow MoreRelatedThe World Of Reproductive Justice And Politics Essay1166 Words   |  5 PagesWithin the world of reproductive justice and politics, there is no such thing as â€Å"choice†. Every â€Å"choice† is intimately tied to a person’s class, gender, sexual orientation, and even geographical location. Choice is not something made by a person, but by the society they exist in. In mainstream America, having a baby naturally is an expectation while adoption is an unwanted backup choice. For these middle to upper class, predominantly white families, adoption means plan b, never the original andRead MoreDevelopmental Psychology Notes7715 Words   |  31 PagesDevelopment Sex – sexual anatomy and sexual behaviour Gender – perception of maleness or femaleness related to membership in a given society Week 8 Growing brain The brain grows at a faster rate than any other part of the body. By age 5, child’s brain weighs 90% of average adult brain weight, whereas total body weight is merely 30%. One reason is due to increase in the number of interconnections among cells. These interconnects allow for more complex communication between neurons, permitRead MoreUnifying Principles of10026 Words   |  41 Pagesintroduced which, while certainly part of the fabric of organizational life, appears only loosely tied to prior topics. Even within a weekly topic, such as motivation or leadership, it is often challenging to find a single model that links together all the disparate theories. Thus, a course on organizational behavior and management is unlike a course in mathematics or physics, where the early principles provide a foundation from which more complex models emerge. This is both a blessing and curseRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesCredits and acknowledgments borrowed from other sources and reproduced, with permission, in this textbook appear on the appropriate page within text. Copyright  © 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall. All rights reserved. Manufactured in the United States of America. This publication is protected by Copyright, and permission should be obtained from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in anyRead MoreFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 Pagesinteractive visual and audio resources, WileyPLUS gives you everything you need to personalize the teaching and learning experience.  » F i n d o u t h ow t o M A K E I T YO U R S  » www.wileyplus.com ALL THE HELP, RESOURCES, AND PERSONAL SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS NEED! 2-Minute Tutorials and all of the resources you your students need to get started www.wileyplus.com/firstday Student support from an experienced student user Ask your local representative for details! Collaborate withRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 Pagessources and reproduced, with permission, in this textbook appear on appropriate page within text. Copyright  © 2011, 2007, 2005, 2002, 1998 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458. All rights reserved. Manufactured in the United States of America. This publication is protected by Copyright, and permission should be obtained from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any