Minority Groups Issue in Modern World

Introduction Minority groups have always been part of every society. In any given society, there are those people who are considered weak or lesser by virtue of one aspect or another most of which are natural.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Minority Groups Issue in Modern World specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Women have for a long time considered as minority groups in many societies; always taking the second place after men and always being denies opportunities which they deserve just by the mere fact that they are women. However over the years, the situation has changes and most minority groups and especially women have come out strongly to defend their position in the society. They have formed unions under whose umbrella they fight for their rights ensuring that they are not discriminated against just by the mere fact that they are women. Women have also managed to fight for a level paying ground and an equal platform just their male counterparts so that positions of leadership and other influential positions are given by merit and not based on gender or any other consideration. This discussion looks at the range of actions that minority groups are taking to advance their interests within the union movement and what other actions they could take to further their cause. Special attention will be paid to the different strategies and methods that minority groups are currently using or might use to further their goals. Who is a Minority Group? A minority group is segregated group in a society which always small and hence the name minority which is hardly incorporated or recognizes as part of the society. More often, this people are ignored or sort of disregarded and they are not sufficiently involved in social matters especially those that regard development.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is the continued sidelining of minority groups over the years that has resulted to the minority groups coming up with various strategies so as to advance their interests and ensure that they also participate actively in various developmental issues and other issues that are of societal concern. Minority groups are based on a number of factors mainly gender, age, sexual affiliation or general perceptions held by an individual (Simpson Yinger, 2005, p. 43). In the modern society, the most common minority groups include women based on their gender, children based on their age, lesbians and gays based on their sexual affiliation and other people who hold views that are not very popular with the rest of the society. As experience may have proven, it is not always easy to live under the umbrella of stereotype that most minority groups have to contend with. It is as if you do not belong in your very own society. It is a stereotype that has seen most of those belonging to minority groups a ttempt to break away if only to be treated in more â€Å"normal† way. However, with the strategies discussed below, it has become easier for these groups to find a place in the society where they could lead a productive life in the society and prove to the rest of the society that they are no different and can do equally good if not better just like everybody else. Strategies Used One strategy that has proven successful in helping minority groups advance their interests is joining union movements. Usually, a union movement is a group of people who come together with the main goals of ensuring that their interests are taken care of.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Minority Groups Issue in Modern World specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Union movements are common especially among workers in different sectors who come together to ensure that all their rights are respected and that they are able to advance othe r common interests they may have. It has also been noted that unlike in the past where most minority groups considered themselves lesser in their manner and behavior, this has since changed as most minority groups now consider themselves equal with other people (Whitley Kite, 2009, p. 65). In the past, most minority groups seemed to agree with the rest of the community that indeed they were lesser and did not have as equal rights as the rest of the people to access opportunities in different aspects of life. Minority groups have now come out strongly to show the rest of the world that being small in number of holding a view or perception that is not as popular does not make them any less. They have therefore become more assertive than they were previously and this has by and large helped them advance their interests. Unity is another aspect that has helped minority groups thrive and advance e their interest in the increasingly hostile society. Minority groups have been teaming up t o form groups of their own with vested interests. For instance, women who have for a long time been considered as minority in many societies have found ways of empowering themselves by coming together to form groups which they use to come up with projects that are highly beneficial to them and to the society in general. Women for instance perhaps due to the fact that it is one of the minority groups that has been with the society for years has become more vocal than any other minority groups.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Women have come out strongly to assert their positions and there are now more women in positions of leadership and power more than there were a couple of years back. Women have also formed various help groups and have come up with very successful projects most of which are income generating. Thus, besides providing a steady income to these women, they are also beneficial to the society and they have helped the general society change their general perception about women. Another strategy that most minority groups are using to advance their interest and further their goals is by teaming with non-governmental organizations who provide funding that is required to help kick start their projects. The non governmental organizations have been very instrumental especially in supporting women groups implement their projects thus making the society a better place. Another strategy that has helped minority groups come out from what is seen as cacoon is by actively participating in forums of nat ional issues and general societal concern. Women for instance have been participating in religious issues and some are already holding positions of importance in the religious domain. About a decade ago, women could not be allowed to hold such positions. Women and other minority groups have therefore come out to show the rest of the society that indeed they have equal potential and can equally perform well when given an opportunity. Minority groups have also been holding demonstration in an attempt to have the voice heard. These peaceful demonstrations have helped a great deal because even the government listens to these groups when they demonstrate. The essence of these demonstrations is to make an assertive voice to the government, policy makers and the society in general that the minority groups also have a right to be involved and adequately so in the participation of making decisions. Of all the minority groups that there are, the women and the young people can be said to be th e most successful. Perhaps this is because the basis on which they are considered to be a minority group is not controversial. Lesbians and gays have not been having to easy in trying to find their position in the society. Perhaps due to the fact many people in the society based on their upbringing do not consider these practices correct, the minority groups may be said to be finding it even more challenging than women and young people have. They have however continued to hold peaceful demonstrations asking the society to view them as normal whose sexual affiliation should not be used to alienate them. Unlike when these practices first merged, the society seems to be slowly accepting this group of people although there is still a tendency to look at this group of people as though they are not normal. People suffering from disabilities are also part of minority groups and they have also had a fair share of challenges in having the society accept them and consider them as equally pote ntial people who can deliver when given an opportunity to (Sproule, 1989, p. 123). The media has played a major role in highlighting the plight of minority groups and influencing the society to start viewing these people from a different angle. Currently, there are several people with disabilities who are holding managerial positions and this goes to show that the society is changing positively and learning to accept that disability is not inability. Other tactics that minority groups may use to further their goals and ensure that they have an impact in the society is by ensuring that they are more united than ever before ( Pentassuglia, 2009, p. 54). It has been noted that while segregated groups form unions to represent their rights and interests, the majority of people are left out and this means that there are many people belonging to the minority groups especially at the grass root level who do not have any support. It is important therefore for the lobby groups to ensure that all persons falling under the category of minority groups are well represented. Collaboration with civil rights movements is yet another strategy that will work well in helping the minority groups further their goals. Conclusion Women are perhaps the best example of a minority group that has managed to liberate themselves using most of the above discussed tactics. In the modern world, the woman is holding just as good a position just her male counterpart. In this century, minority groups have risen to show the rest of the society that they are equally part of the society and that they also have a big part to play in making the world a better place. If the trend that most minorities groups are taking is anything to go by, then it would be correct to say that in a couple of years to come, there may in fact not be any minority groups in the society. Instead, there will be many different groups with different agendas but bring considered as rightfully belonging to the larger society. Re ferences Pentassuglia, G. (2009). Minority groups and judicial discourse in international law: a comparative perspective. LA: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. Simpson, G. Yinger, J. (1985). Racial and cultural minorities: an analysis of prejudice and discrimination. London: Springer. Sproule, W. (1989). Minority Groups. New York: Gage. Whitley, B. Kite, M. (2009). The psychology of prejudice and discrimination. New  York: Francis and Taylor. This essay on Minority Groups Issue in Modern World was written and submitted by user Forge to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Concentrated Media Ownership and its Implications Essay Example

Concentrated Media Ownership and its Implications Essay Example Concentrated Media Ownership and its Implications Essay Concentrated Media Ownership and its Implications Essay Most industrialized societies understand that monopolies are generally harmful to the average consumer, and many have taken steps to protect the consumer from price gouging and other related misbehaviors of monopolistic companies.   Unfortunately, the media can also be a monopoly.   If a range of media providers is controlled by a small number of companies or individuals, the result can be equally as damaging to readers and viewers, the consumers of media.   Thus, this type of concentrated media ownership in Australia severely limits the type of programming available to the readers and viewers. Concentrated media ownership in Australia affects consumers in two realms:   the entertainment industry and the information industry.   The content in both of these realms is severely limited by concentrated media ownership.   With television programmers vying for ratings, the stations are going to give people a big dose of what sells.   The diversity of programming will suffer, with shows that focus on education, the arts and social issues suffering in lieu of violent crime dramas, sexual sitcoms and other â€Å"saleable† programs.   According to Ted Turner, a media mogul himself, â€Å"Media companies have gotten so large and concentrated that an independent voice has an almost impossible time getting started in any kind of meaningful way, and thats a great tragedy for our country† (Lieberman, 2003).   The result is a whole lot of the same old thing. With an even wider impact is the news media.   The news media has become the 4th estate in the eyes of many, as it is present to watch and report issues of political and social concern.   According to media analysts, the media plays â€Å"a vital role in linking citizens and the state† (text, 2006, p. 41). Unfortunately, when the media companies become monopolistic or oligopolistic, these wide ranges of news coverage diminish.   Political affiliations become more important than objective reporting while sensational, dramatized news becomes the norm because it is what sells advertisements. Ralph Nadar, a prominent economist, fears that this trend, which is the norm in Australia, especially after the amendment to allow companies to own multiple stations or newspapers in a single market, will lead to a dumbing down and eventually to censorship of certain content.   â€Å"It will lead to more absentee, remote, syndicated, and automated control of local TV stations, warns Nader† (Benjamin, 2003).   The frightening thing is that media can even affect policy because the elected officials, with the support of the TV stations, ultimately pass the laws for the state (text, 2006, p. 32). At its worst, the media can actually determine what people believe.   This happens for two reasons.   First, if the media does not report news, then the public does not know the facts.   Secondly, the way the media spins the news via the reports it airs affects the interpretation of the events.   This has horrible implications for all viewers.     Ã¢â‚¬Å"The nations most powerful media companies are trying . . . to gain total control over the news and information that Americans are allowed to read, see, and hear† (Benjamin, 2003).   Once this occurs, the public will be at the mercy of the media companies. Sadly, this type of concentrated system simply feeds on itself.   It does not provide any means for competition or even dissenting viewpoints.   The public broadcasters or independent companies cannot compete for the advertising dollar or even afford the technology that the larger companies can; they are effectively edged out of the market, if they even have a foothold at all.   The politicians, through the support of the media, even affect the policies and laws that people have to live by.   This situation is not amenable for the viewing and reading public.

SAT Score Range The Complete Story

SAT Score Range The Complete Story SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips What is the range for SAT scores? How do your scores stack up? In this article, I’ll give you a basic rundown of the range of scores you can expect on the SAT and help you put your scores in perspective if you’ve already taken the test. SAT Score Range: The Basics The SAT is scored on a 1600 point scale, and composite scores range from 400 to 1600.You composite score represents the combined scores of two test sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, scored from 200 to 800, and Math, also scored from 200 to 800. You get three test scores in Reading, Writing, and Math on your score report, but they range from 10-40 and will not be a concrete aspect of your final composite score.The SAT score reportalso includestwo cross test scores and seven subsection scores that are designed to give you a more complete picture of your strengths and weaknesses based on which questions you answered correctly. The essay is optional (like it currently is on the ACT) and does impact your composite score; the essay score is reported separately. Want to learn more about the SAT but tired of reading blog articles? Then you'll love our free, SAT prep livestreams. Designed and led by PrepScholar SAT experts, these live video events are a great resource for students and parents looking to learn more about the SAT and SAT prep. Click on the button below to register for one of our livestreams today! Average SAT Scores The national average for composite SAT scores is around a 1500.For 2014, these were the average section scores: Critical Reading: 497Math: 513Writing: 487 Total: 1497 If you’re scoring above a 1500, you’re already doing better than half of the country.If you’re scoring above an 1800 you’re in the top 25% of scorers, and if you're scoring below a 1260 you’re in the lowest 25%. In the end, you shouldn’t worry about these averages nearly as much as you should worry about averages for your particular college.Some schools don’t even consider the Writing Score, like schools in the public university system in Massachusetts.Admitted students to UMASS Lowell last year had an average combined Critical Reading and Math score of 1150, meaning they scored slightly higher than average on each test. If you want to have the strongest chance of getting into a school, you should aim for the 75th percentile score (a higher score than 75 percent of admitted students).If you’re hoping to get into schools in the Ivy League and other top schools like MIT and Stanford, you will be expected to have scores that are in the 2200-2400 range.To use Stanford as an example, the 75th percentile composite score for applicants this past year was a 2360! To learn more about what scores you should aim for, check out our article on figuring out your target score. Ugh Stanford get over yourself. NO PLEASE TAKE ME YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL. Studying for Your Score Goals Now that you have a better sense of the possible score range on the SAT, you can take a practice test (or take a look at scores from an SAT you’ve already taken) and see where you fall in the rankings.If your scores aren’t where you need them to be yet, that’s ok! You will just have to plan out your studying time accordingly. I’ll outline some brief guidelines below, but for more information read my article on how long you should study for the SAT and our complete study plan for the SAT. I’m Looking to Improve 100-200 Points This will require about 40 hours of studying on average.Plan ahead a couple months or so before your test date - if you give yourself two months, five hours of studying a week should get you up to speed.If you prefer to spread out your studying more, you might start studying six months in advance and schedule out one or two hours a week for SAT prep. I’m Looking to Improve by Around 300 Points This will require about 60-80 hours of studying on average.You should plan out your studying at least three or four months in advance and be prepared to study for five hours every week.In this case it would probably be easier to start studying six months or more before the test. If you think you might need longer study time because you often get distracted or have difficulty learning quickly from your mistakes, you should definitely plan on starting six months in advance and studying at least two or three hours a week. I’m Looking to Improve by 500+ Points This is a big goal, so you should be prepared to study for 150+ hours to reach it.If you start six months before the test and study for five hours a week or so, that should be enough to get you close to a 500 point improvement. Remember, though, if you want to improve by this much, yourstudying has to be super high-quality!Mark any questions you don’t understand on practice tests and figure out what the problem is that’s causing you to make mistakes.Fully understanding your mistakes and figuring out how to correct them is the key to making significant improvements! Summary Here are some of the main points you should know about SAT scores: Composite scores range from 600 to 2400 Critical Reading, Math, and Writing are each worth 200 to 800 points Nationally, the average SAT score is about 1500 You should check the average scores for the schools you’re applying to, and try to aim for the 75th percentile score as a goal for yourself.Everyone has a different target score!You can make a study plan depending on how much you need to improve, so your scores will be in the right range by the time you take the real test. What's Next? Trying to decide when to take the SAT? Read this article to find the best test date for your situation. If you plan on taking the new SAT but have been practicing with the old SAT, take a look at the charts in this article to convert your scores and see where you might fall within the new 1600 point score range. Score choice and superscoring are two policies that might impact your test taking and studying plans for the SAT. Read more about these policies and the difference between them. Disappointed with your scores? Want to improve your SAT score by 160points?We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Design and the New Ornament Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Design and the New Ornament - Case Study Example The Latin term memento mori stands for - remember that you must die. They remind that everyone is mortal. 'Memento' also stands for 'a point of departure'. A deviation. Perhaps even signifying unfaithfulness. 'Memento Mori' is also the title of a story written by Jonathan Nolan. The complex story is centered around a man named Leonard in a mental institution. Leonard has problems with his memory and so has to depend on notes and pictures to daily remind himself about what he has to do, even simple chores like brushing his teeth. The extend of his brain damage could be gauged from the scenes of Leonard trying to cope with his daily life. The main cause of his problem is the rape and murder of his wife. This is all he can think of, and he carries on with notes written in italics to himself stuck all over the ceiling where he stoically explains why he could never lead a normal existence. He seeks revenge for his wife's murder knowing he cannot get over it. This is the only scene fresh in his mind and memory. The story is interspersed with five brief scenes in Leonard's life - waking up in a mental institution, trying to go through the process of brushing his teeth, waking up fully clothed in bed, and then reading the note on the ceiling telling him he must escape the institution to find his wife's killer.He opens his eyes to find himself getting a tattoo, waking up in a hotel room, and examining all his tattooed facts and instructions, including a sketch of a man's face; looking out a car window at a dead man on the sidewalk with a face matching his tattoo, then finding that he is handcuffed and can't find a pen as the car pulls away from the scene.The human mind, conditioned largely by what we read, learn and are told, is rather crazy. The images it creates in people's minds, seen or unseen, largely influences the person to go in for a particular tattoo design at a specific spot in his or her body. Earlier, tattoos were largely used by ruffians, outlaws and biker gangs. But now even ce lebrities sport tattoos and complement their piercings. (www.tattoos-the.com). History of the tattoo The word 'tattoo' comes from the Tahitian word tatau. In the 1800s tattoos were particularly popular in England where sailors would get them as permanent souvenirs of their travels (www.tattoos-the.com). Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. They have been found in 3,000 years old Egyptian mummies. They are sported in designs of all kinds, plain, elaborate, colorful, almost always personal. Permanent once etched, they serve as amulets, status symbols, love emblems, adornments, and even signs of religious beliefs. Joann Fletcher, research fellow in the department of archaeology at the University of York in Britain, describes the history of tattoos and their cultural significance to people around the world, from the famous " Iceman," a 5,200-year-old frozen mummy, to today's Maori. www.smithsonian.com1. If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, make sure you are up to date with your immunizations, and plans about where to go for medical care if your tattoo becomes infected.Added to these, you have to take the precaution of consulting your doctor if you

Adaptive Optics for Vision Science Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Adaptive Optics for Vision Science - Term Paper Example Astronomers have come up with a system that improves on the optic systems; used to study space that can counter this distortion brought about by the front waves, a system known as â€Å"Adaptive Optics†. Adaptive optics refers to an astronomy technology that improves the performance of optical systems through reduction turbulence of the earth’s atmosphere distortions. Adaptive optic system purposes to correct deformations Caused by the turbulence of the earth’s atmosphere. This correction happens by using deformed mirrors that are controlled by a computer so as to compensate for the distortion by the incoming wavefront. The image obtained through this system is usually as sharp as the ones taken in space. The system allows observation of dimmer (faint) astronomical details of the corrected optical system that would possibly be observed from the ground. For the system to work effectively, it requires a bright reference star located close to the object being studie d. Astronomers do create artificial stars by shining a very strong laser beam into the upper atmosphere of the earth, in cases where an appropriate natural star is not available around the object of study (Hardy, 2010). Normally, light gets distorted as it passes through the wavefront thus preventing the formation of sharp images by a telescope placed on earth’s surface. The adaptive optic system eliminates this blurring effect of the atmosphere. The adaptive optics works by measuring atmospheric distortion in the light coming from the star or the other artificial source of light. Electronic signals are then sent to a deformable mirror that rapidly changes its shape to correct this distortion. This system has the ability to see hundreds of separate beams of light while looking at a single beam of light from a star even those that have been deviated due to atmospheric turbulence.

Analysis of Africas Economy

Analysis of Africas Economy Several economists around the world are wondering whether the majority of Africans are benefiting from investment and profits originating from the continent. African leaders have been in the media claiming that Africa is experiencing one of the highest economic growth rates in the recent past. However, a growing gap between the rich and the poor, increase in cost of living and cost of consumer goods has disproportionate effects on working people as well as the poor. Countries such as Nigeria and Ghana that have reported to be undergoing economic growth are experiencing internal crisis linked to a rising cost of living and need to increase government expenditure on infrastructural development (Ndulu 5). Despite the fact that Nigeria was named as the largest economy in Africa, its women, youth, farmers and workers are increasing their demand for access to quality life, resources and wealth. Furthermore, several alarming reports indicate that the economic growths in various parts of Africa are more complicated than the leaders’ indicate. As result, a research was conducted to unearth the issues behind the economic problems, how African governments and leaders can address them (Ndulu 37). The major problem investigated is the interconnection between economy, social and political leadership with the current economic situation across Africa. It was crucial to analyze case studies and literature reviews containing information on African Economy. They analyzed relevant trade publications, annual economic reports, newspapers, magazines and on-line databases. Because of the time factors, the researchers relied mostly on web for data because it is faster and economical. Volunteers from public and private sectors, African economists, workers, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and African Development Bank provided necessary literature through the publications. The large pool of participants allowed the researchers to obtain wide range of data that was then crosschecked against other data to ascertain its validity. It was necessary to analyze data from various African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa. Nigeria was preferred because it is the economic powerhouse of Africa while Ghana is on the right path to democracy in Africa. Kenya seems to growing both democratically and economically while Democratic Republic of Congo was considered because it has vast natural resources. It was also necessary to compared the economies of such countries, analyze the various natural resources found in those countries, evaluate various sources of income. Finally, analysis of the relationship between democracy and economic growth, natural resources and economic growth and the relationship between economic growth and living standards of individuals was crucial (Ndulu 179). The research process indicates that African economy is likely to grow up to 4.7% during this year and accelerate to 5% in 2015. However, the growth in economy does not translate to infrastructure development, job creation, improved standards of living as well as reduction of high poverty level as well reducing inequality in Africa (African Development Bank 1). West African countries like Nigeria and Ghana continue to experience highest levels of economic levels ranging between 6.7% 7% and are likely to increase further by 2015. The economic growth is due to investment in minerals and oil, democratic governments and good leadership. East Africa is equally experiencing economic growth that has increased up to 6% from last year (Economic Commission for Africa 39). Kenya’s economy has grown due to increased consumer spending; Tanzanians economy has grown due to higher consumption and investment in natural gas. Lastly, Uganda economy is being enhanced by development in telecommuni cations, transport, construction as well as construction of burgeoning oil industry. In the southern region of the continent, the growth is likely to go up from 3.6% to 4.2% due to increased investments and rising mineral mining in South Africa. Economic growth in Africa will be weakest in North Africa due to political instability in the regions and fleeing of investors (Ndulu 193). The research notes that Africa economy is driven by exports, mineral exploitation and commodity production, but the rate is not yet optimal. This is because job creation is weak and the growth has not addressed poverty issues, poor living standards and rising inequality(Westenholz-Bless Achola 97).. The informal sector is still very large yet opportunities remain limited for those seeking employment. This is evident by high rates of youth unemployment as well as wide gender disparities in employment and earnings. Furthermore, increased pressure on labor markets due to increase in population pressure means no any sufficient impact can be felt by the majority citizens. The researchers established that weak job creation is brought about by overreliance on agriculture and mining as source of employment. Overreliance on farming leaves various countries susceptible to weather-related shocks. In addition to this, civil wars continue to pose a huge threat to economic activities in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Somalia (Ndulu 200). Though Nigeria is believed to be the economic powerhouse of Africa, the country has serious unresolved problems linked to distribution of wealth and living conditions of the majority Nigerians. According to the graph below, most Nigerians are unsatisfied with their government because the rates of poverty and unemployment are highest in Nigeria compared to other African countries despite the fact that it is the economic power house of Africa (see figure 01). Furthermore, the rate of employment seems to be increasing yearly. Unequal distribution of resources in the country has led to an internal conflict in northern part of the country. The conflict was associated with the majority northerners, who are poor, led to stagnated economic growth in the region. There has been other instances of bombing and abduction of schoolchildren in Nigeria as way of protesting against unequal distribution of resources and declining job opportunities. This has compelled most youths to engage in criminal activities to obtain money to cater for their expenses. Source: University of Twente. Nigeria Energy Study Report, Enabling Urban Poor Livelihood Policy Making: Understanding the Role of Energy Services. May 2014, Figure 01. Africans must rise up and determine their own destiny without any fear. From the results of the findings, there is a clear relationship between a peaceful democratic country and economic growth. Countries like Ghana and South Africa have experienced economic development due to peaceful elections and responsible leaders who encourage investors to invest in the countries. Rwanda that was on brink of self-destruction due to civil war in 1994 is now experiencing high rates of economic growth due to good leadership. This is a clear indication that security of a country is directly related to economic growth. Security ensures everyone gets an opportunity to go to work, students go to school and other economic activities take place. In addition to this, it gives the country a humble time of producing quality goods to sell abroad. As result, the country obtains revenue from the economic activities that lead to economic growth (Hughes, Mills Street, 01). Africans must also avoid overreliance on minerals and farming as the main source of livelihood. Countries like Uganda and Kenya have created job opportunities in sectors like road construction, trade activities, and telecommunication sector and transportation industry. The situation shows various job opportunities that can be created outside the traditional ones. In order to avoid uncertainties that come with climatic changes, Africans should utilize their rivers and lakes to create irrigation schemes. They should borrow irrigation technology from Israel that is a desert country yet it produces more food than it can consume. Lastly, Africans should observe family planning methods. The report indicated that most parents give birth to more children than they can take care of. This increases pressure on the limited resources in the continent (Hughes, Mills Street 1). Works Cited African Development Bank. Nigeria Economic Outlook. 2014. Web. 15 May 2014. Economic Commission for Africa. Economic Report on Africa 2008: Africa and the Monterrey Consensus: Tracking Performance and Progress: Overview. Addis Ababa: Economic Commission for Africa, 2008. Print Hughes, Ian. Mills, Greg. Street, Michael. â€Å"The solution to Africas woes lies with Africans, not the west.† The Observer mag. 10 March 2013. Web. 12 May 2014. Ndulu, B J.The Political Economy of Economic Growth in Africa, 1960-2000. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. Print. University of Twente. Nigeria Energy Study Report 2005, Enabling Urban Poor Livelihood Policy Making: Understanding the Role of Energy Services. 2005. Web. 12 May 2014. Westenholz-Bless, Claire. Paul P. W. Achola.Fundamentals of Social Research Methods: An African Perspective. Cape Town, South Africa: Juta Legal and Academic Publishers, 2007. Print.

College Pressure Essay

William Zinsser’s in his essay â€Å"College Pressure† published 1979, describes the pressures Yale students have economic, parental, and peer/self- induced. He says that these pressures make students afraid to take a risk and to try to take different paths. He wants them to believe in themselves and to try to enjoy their time in college. I have been a student at Reedley Community College for two years and the pressure I experience as a student and a mother are different from that the Yale student experienced. The first pressure that Yale students and I experience is economic pressure. Zinsser explains that in the 1970’s â€Å"tuition, room, and board at most private colleges comes at least $7000† (par.12).He also explains how much pressure Yale students are under, that â€Å"even if the [student] works part time during school and full time during the summer†, but accrue $5000 in loans after four years, loans that the [student] must start to repay w ithin one year after graduation† (par.13). Then, Zinsser goes on to say that no matter how hard the student works he or she will be under pressure to pay back all the money he used. I relate to this pressure, but in a very different way. Although the cost of school for me is relatively low, I have four kids that are away at college. Having four children needing help with tuition and books puts a lot of financial pressure on me as a parent. Also, having six kids in general, three of which are girls, is expensive regardless. The country’s economic disparity has left personal finances tight and puts me under a lot of pressure to make sure my kids have everything that they need and that all bills are paid. Another pressure William Zinsser’s mentions is parental pressure which Yale students and I feel but slightly different .It refers to the amount of pressure students get from their parents. The students are being torn between pleasing their parents and pleasing themselves. Zinsser’s mentions that â€Å"often times students are walking to labs as though they are walking to the dentist.†(par.15) Students are taking on majors in a course of study that they do not necessarily like, however, in order to keep their parents happy they take them on. They are under pressure because they want to please their parents but they’re unhappy they want to do. Because they aren’t doing what. Because I am an adult this pressure does not really apply to me. However, I do feel the pressure from my children. My children expect me to get good grades, as well as maintain everything in the house. When dinner is not made on time because of my homework, my children get upset. They also complain about laundry not being done quickly enough. Although they support me, their expectations of me put me under a lot of pressure. The final pressure that Zinsser mentions is Peer/ self-induced pressure which are a pressure that Yale students and I apply on us. Students apply unnecessary pressure on them by comparing themselves to their peers. Zinsser mentions that a student he calls Linda â€Å"who came in and said she was under terrible pressure because her roommate, Barbra was much brighter and studied all the time.† This student is a perfect example of making an unnecessary comparison which stresses her out. This pressure leads to students over work them-selves. â€Å"A professor will assign five-page papers†. â€Å"Several students will start writing ten-page papers to impress him.†(par.27). Instead of just following the guidelines of an assignment they are trying to shoot above and beyond the requirements. I can really relate to this pressure because I do add a lot of stress on myself. I immediately assume everyone is doing better than me which makes me work harder, but at the same time it causes me to over work myself. I have to make sure all my kids need are done, and then I stay up late to make sure all my school work is done. This pressure affects me negatively because I add a lot of stress on myself that does not need to be added. Instead of focusing on my growth academically. I am always worried about who is doing better than me in class. A couple of ways I am trying to manage my stress is by making daily and weekly to-do lists and putting the most important at the top and working my way down. It’s a great way to manage my time as well. Being that I am a mother of six, my stress level seems like it’s multiplied by seven and I need to be able to put some of that stress aside and finally focus on my schooling since my oldest is twenty-two and my youngest is thirteen. Another great way I make stresses more manageable is by keeping procrastination to a huge minimum. If work that is assigned gets gradually done before the due date, it won’t all pile up the night before causing you to panic. Stress always piles up and it occurs more than any of us would like, but it shouldn’t be a reason to fail. By overcoming these pressures, we become stronger at the end.