Experimental economics, history of trust game Essay

Experimental economics, history of trust game - Essay Example This is why there is sometimes a collusive tendency in an oligopoly. There are four distinct models of it, namely, the kinked demand curve, cost-plus pricing, the price leadership and collusive pricing (McConnell and Stanley, p.224). The first experiment conducted relative to the Ultimatum Game was by German economists Guth, Schmittberger and Schwarze or collectively known as GSS in 1982. What they dis was to divide 42 students where one is Player 1 or the allocator and the other is Player 2 or the recipient. Each Player 1 is asked to allocate however much of the German marks to Player 2. The core of the experiment is simple, if the allocator does not give the recipient anything then they both receive nothing, after a week they were asked to return. This is the basic principle of a simple Ultimatum Game. They found that it is much easier to interpret the bahavior of the recipients. A low offer is viewed as an offshoot of a sacrifice rather than accepting the low amount. The following week, the offer of the allocators became much less while there are two motives in the offer of allocators. The first motive is simple fairness and the other is anxiety over rejection because they may see that an unfair amount may be rejected. It may be either of these reasons or both that ise moving factor for their offer (Thaler, p.196-197). Berg, Dickhaut and McCabe performed an experiment to determine trust behavior among comsumers in a controlled environment. The basis of their study is anonymity. In the presence of which, consumer behavior is reverted to nonexistent as there is no knowledge or relation between buyer and seller at first meeting. This is presupposed by Arrow’s suggestion that â€Å"transaction costs trust is ubiquitous to almost every economic transaction† (p.123). Moved by questions of factors affecting trust in economic behavior, the experiment sets out to eliminate preconceived notions and subject the participants into a trust game. The experime nt guaranteed complete anonymity and the participants only get to invest once, thereby, they controlled the setting and â€Å"eliminate(d) mechanisms which could sustain investment without trust; these mechanisms include reputations from repeat interactions, contractual precommitments, and potential punishment threats† (idem). The experiment found that there exists reciprocity and that decisions of the subjects depend upon their interpretation of each room’s behavior. If it depends upon mutual benefit, then the there is a higher likelihood to reciprocate in that scenario and it is conjunctured with trust. Social history was found to be a determining factor in this analysis. This factor inclines the person toward trusting the other. To further eliminate this fator, those who are recruited were not a part of any previous sessions and they were provided a summary a no history background affects the results (p. 124). The participants were given $10 to invest at various sta ges throughout the experiment. The experimenters expected that they will realize sending money in the first stage is risky as there is no concrete evidence of reciprocity. In stage two, it was predicted that they will release money and third where money triples, it is the ideal stage that they will send their money. As a result, they concluded that primitives trust and reciprocity are the moving facors in decision-making among the investors. â€Å"By inventing property rights and allowing social history, society stimulates norms of

Types of schools Essay Example for Free

Types of schools Essay 1. Community Schools Run by LA’s who own both the land and buildings and are responsible for employing the staff. The LA decides the schools’ admissions criteria for the allocation of places should the school be oversubscribed. These schools are supported by the community and as such the school facilities are used by local groups such as adult education and childcare classes. 2. Foundation and Trust schools Foundation schools are run by their own governing body who employ the staff and determine the admissions policy in conjunction with the LA. The governing body (or charitable foundation) owns the school and the land. A Trust School is a type of foundation school but forms a charitable Trust with an outside partner such as business or education charity whose aim is to raise standards and new ways of working. They buy in support services for Speech and Language, Educational Psychologists etc. The decision to become a Trust school is taken by the governing body in consultation with the parents. see more:examples of school facilities 3. Specialist Schools These schools operate in partnership with private-sector sponsors and within the requirements of the National Curriculum. They apply for specialist status to develop in one or two specialisms music, sport, languages, science, arts, business and enterprise, mathematics and computing, technology, applied learning, engineering, humanities and receive additional government funding for doing so. They are usually secondary schools but not necessarily SEN schools although SEN schools can become a specialist school  under one of the four areas of the SEN Code of Practice communication and interaction, Cognition (understanding) and learning, behaviour, emotional and social development, sensory and/or physical needs. 4. Voluntary-aided Religious or ‘faith’ schools but all can apply for a place. Run in the same way as Foundation schools but the land is usually owed by a religious organisation or charity. The governing body contributes to the building and maintenance costs employs the school’s staff and set the admissions criteria. These schools are funded partly by the governing body, by a charity and partly by the LA who also provides additional support services. 5. Voluntary-controlled Similar to voluntary aided but run by the LA who sets the admissions criteria and employs the school’s staff. The school land and buildings are normally owned by a charity, often a religious organisation which will also appoint some of the members of the governing body. 6. Independent Schools Not run by LA but funded by fees paid by parents and income from investments. They must be registered with the DfE and their standards are monitored by OfSTED or by an inspectorate approved by the Secretary of State. They set their own admissions policies and curriculum (they do not follow the National Curriculum). Teachers working in Independent schools do not have to be qualified. 7. Academies Sponsored, publicly-funded independent schools. Sponsors come from a wide range of backgrounds such as successful schools, businesses, charities, universities and faith bodies. Sponsors, are however, accountable for improving the performance of their schools. Although Academies have a close link with the LA they are not controlled or maintained by them and benefit from greater freedom than State schools to set their own pay and conditions for staff. They have freedom on how to deliver the curriculum and freedom to change the lengths of terms and school days. Identify the school you work in, state which type of school it is, and the age-range of the pupils. Swiss Garden, Shoreham-By-Sea is a ‘community school’ with approximately 410 pupils from the age of four to eleven years of age.

Eating Disorder Among American Teenage Girls

Eating Disorder Among American Teenage Girls Research question: To what extent has the modern media had an impact on the development of eating disorders among teenage American girls. Every society has a way of torturing its women, whether by binding their feet or by sticking them into whalebone corsets. What contemporary American culture has come up with is designer jeans. -Joel Yager, M.D. ABSTRACT The problem with eating disorders is that it is impossible to find the root cause of them; this essay focuses on the modern medias influence and the extent of it in regards to the spread of these disorders among teenage girls, in American society. I begin this investigation by defining eating disorders as a psychological disorder, after which I analyze the difficulties associated with discovering the causes. I focus on the two commonly known eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia. This essay analyses the most significant aspects of the modern media, and examines in detail the different types of it, including magazines, television and the Internet, as well as books. To be able to support the data located in this investigation I conducted a survey, where I interviewed 170 teenage girls, to deduce what causes them to diet in the first place. I conclude this essay by showing that despite the influence the modern media has on eating disorders, it is not the source of the information, but is simply used as a process to spread information. Because of this it is hard to solely blame the media for eating disorders, which also means that people may overestimate the effect that media alone has on these disorders. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT 3 INTRODUCTION 5 ROLE OF MODERN MEDIA IN SOCIETY THROUGHOUT HISTORY 6 TYPES OF MODERN MEDIA AND WAYS THAT THEY HAVE INFLUENCED 7 THE SPREAD OF EATING DISORDERS OTHER FACTORS THAT AFFECT EATING DISORDERS 10 ANALYSIS OF DATA FROM SURVEY 13 CONCLUSION 14 APPENDIX 16 BIBLOGRAPHY 18 INTRODUCTION The definition of an eating disorder according to an encyclopedia states that it is a group of psychological ailments characterized by intense fear of becoming obese, distorted body image, and prolonged food refusal and/or binge eating followed by purging through induced vomiting, heavy exercise, or use of laxatives.  [1]  From that definition an eating disorder can be categorized as a psychological disorder, which is strictly speaking common knowledge. The truth is that these disorders have become epidemic among teenagers, especially teenage girls. This has led me to focus on this particular segment, as well as to discover the medias position in this increasing problem, as the media is often accused of being the main cause of these disorders, and some would go so far as to say, the source of this disease. It is no surprise that the promotion of excessive thinness as an ideal body image, as a healthy lifestyle and as one of only ways to be happy, is bombarded at todays youth. But even though we are constantly attacked with vicious advertising campaigns to lose weight Americans health has reached a point of crisis. According to the American Obesity Association, 65% of adults and 30% of children are overweight, and 30% of adults and 15% of children meet the criteria for obesity.  [2]  Whether society likes it or not, the problem of eating disorders has get out of control over the last few decades, a sufficient amount is now consider as a social problem. This is very bad news, especially when you think that these diseases are already starting to affect girls who are still attending elementary schools, this is because they start dieting, purging or starving themselves in order to look thinner, the truly horrifying part is that these girls are not even teenagers yet. There are clear connections between eating disorders and the medias influence on it, but this is no surprise as the media already influences almost every aspect of our lives. Regardless of its i nfluences, in this essay I shall focus on another aspect of the matter, in other words to what extent is the modern media actually responsible for creating this disorder; and what else could be responsible, even if only partially, for its spread. ROLE OF MODERN MEDIA IN SOCIETY THROUGHOUT HISTORY It is not a secret that the modern media has an enormous influence on our lives and how we perceive things in our everyday life. Due to the colossal expansion of technology, information has the ability to travel from one part of the world to another in a split second. Television shows, radio stations, and the entire Internet surrounds us, everywhere we go. And this process does not seem to be slowing down or even attempt to decelerate. Now almost every teenager in America is in possession of a mobile phone, which has to have access to radio stations and Internet sites. They are immediately informed of what is new, what is or is not fashionable, what they should perceive as right or wrong, and what kind of opinions are vital to have. Even though some people still feel that they are in control over their own opinions, they are sadly mistaken, as it is virtually impossible to live in a modern world and not be affected by the media. The process is exactly the same in relation to what has happened to the perception of the body image; the modern media have created an idea of how the perfect body should look like. Perfection is the constant point the media use when showing the public a skeleton covered with a thin layer of skin. They bombard them with these images, and the group of people in American society, who are affected the most and extremely suffer because of this, are girls that are already self conscious and are at a particularly gullible age. They are led to believe that in order to be accepted by society, whether it is at school or in any other social group, girls need to meet the requirements of certain image. The media is an important and day to day aspect of the American culture; it could even be classed as an ever growing subculture that has been increasing drastically in size over past couple of decades.  [3]   TYPES OF MODERN MEDIA AND WAYS THAT THEY HAVE INFLUENCED THE SPREAD OF EATING DISORDERS I have decided to discuss the ways modern media accesses the minds of American teenage girls to influence them. After taking all of the various types of media into account, I decided to limit myself to a few ways in terms of importance, my choices include fanzines, fashion magazines, advertisements, movies, and, probably the most important and influential of all, the internet, which is fastest and the most effective in the global transfer of information.  [4]   I began by mentioning magazines; I was referring specifically to magazines that target women and girls. In these magazines it is more than likely that in every issue it is possible for one to find at least one if not many more articles about how to stay fit, how to loose few more pounds, advice regarding dieting, or even starving oneself. Most of these so called tips will not only get in the way of you loosing weight and achieving your goal, but in some cases these tips may actually be a danger to a persons health, as this advice is not recommended by doctors, but by journalists. Young girls do not realize how dangerous this advice may be, or even that it simply does not work. Because of this they become extremely unforgiving towards themselves and diet even more, and when that does not work they begin throwing up or give up eating altogether, hoping it will make the process work a little faster. This is how most of these disorders start. But this is not the only thing that forces th ese girls to consider that their beauty is not good enough for them and immediately should be changed.  [5]  These girls reevaluate their definition of beauty, because they are bombarded with images of the perfect being, starting from the beautiful and supper skinny princesses from fairytales to the photos of modern day princesses, in other words celebrities and models. These celebrities and models are shown to look wonderful in their clothes and look much better then a regular everyday person would, but naturally the magazines fail to mention that the clothes are sown especially to fit the models perfectly, and that all photo sessions are edited so that even the smallest flaws are removed. Unfortunately their prey, the young gullible teenage girls, would not even consider any of this. As the process of photo editing (Photoshop) is an inseparable part of media I consider it an important tool of manipulation. Another way to spread the image of a very unhealthy body to a wider audience is through the use of commercials. These commercials subconsciously tell us we are too fat, as almost all models in them are a size 6 or less, even when advertising something as average as toothpaste or as obviously unhealthy as McDonalds. Commercials may not be the direct cause of the insecurities faced by todays youth, and they most likely do not even realize the extent of the damage they cause as a constant reminder of the body image.  [6]  Other ways that television can cause teenagers to become more self-conscious include TV shows, or movies that show girls played by actresses, who have even been known to faint, whilst filming, due to malnutrition. For instance popular TV shows focused at teenagers, which in theory should illustrate the lives of teenagers, like 90210 or Gossip Girl, have the main cast acted by adults; therefore girls from 14 to 18 are played by 24 to 28 years old actresses, which gi ves a completely unacceptable image of a young and still developing girls body. Moreover as these actresses are terribly skinny, this causes complexes among teenagers that are trying to imitate their role models, and, among other things, look exactly like they do.  [7]   As I mentioned, the most important and the most dangerous, of all the types of modern media, is the Internet. One may ask the question: what is so horrifying about Internet? The answer is more complicated than most would actually think. The main problem with the Internet is that the flow of information is entirely unmonitored and too vast for anyone to control it even if they wanted to. This means that shocking websites can be created, that contain information on exactly how to be an anorexic, for example. Despite the information being widely available, it would be highly unlikely for one to find such advice in a magazine, as they may be sued for endangering readers lives. It is very hard to sue a website, most often because it is impossible to find its publisher. Web logs (also known as blogs) belonging to American teenage girls have in recent times been created in order to support either anorexia (known as pro-ana) or bulimia (pro-mia). This is something that I found worrying, as w ell as distasteful, not to mention the extremely questionable ethically. These websites contain information such as how to stay thin, what toothpaste covers the smell of vomit best, or that if you swallow cotton wool soaked in orange juice, you will not be hungry for hours and as an added bonus it does not contain any calories, which helps the young girls with these disorders in achieving their sick goals. Such pages also include an entire collection of photos, of literally starved girls, with comments underneath them with high regards, and by reading that you can feel jealousy and evident desire to look like them. These girls show, through these actions, that they are willing to lay down their life for this perfect figure, because as the saying goes no pain, no gain. Some of the advice on these websites is nonsense or a cruel practical joke, but the majority of it can lead to frightful consequences, including stomach ulcers, loss of hair and teeth, and as you might expect death. T here are a variety of ways and means by which these girls undertake the challenge to have a perfect body image. Of course not all of these girls have in fact anorexia or bulimia, but despite that, more often these damages they have caused on their own bodies are irreversible. This means that they have damaged their bodies for ever and will probably always have trouble with maintaining a constant weight. And what is a worst, constant improvement and breakthroughs in technology have meant that now everything can be located in the Internet, including the types of media mentioned. And from what it seems no one is able to prohibit this constant death promotion.  [8]   OTHER FACTORS THAT AFFECT EATING DISORDERS Even though the modern media seem to be responsible for the unrelenting spread of eating disorders, mainly due to the materials released for young girls to find everywhere, they are not the only explanation for the increasing sprawl of these disorders. The American society is exposing its youth through a very many different factors that may possibly exasperate the situation further. As times have changed, children have become more interested in spending all their free time in front of computers or televisions, instead of playing outdoors with their friends. Apart from the changes in their interests, children, now, see only one practical way form of nutrition, which is empty, sugar filled food. Due to these changes in lifestyle it is more than likely that the problem of obesity will occur, which, through the process of a chain reaction, will cause a lack of acceptance among society. This will lead, after a certain amount of time, to certain individuals making irresponsible decisions about dieting, exercising or even undertaking more drastic steps, such as taking diet pills. But this is only a logical succession, due to the reaction of certain lifestyle that most of teenage girls are among. A problem with this logic is that people do not always act rationally, which is why this is only a theory. Another factor that is strongly connected with the spread of eating disorders in teenage girls, and that may be contrary to expectations, are toy manufacturers. Despite their importance in the body image, they are not as closely connected with modern media as would be expected. Toy manufacturers set extremely high expectations on the way women should look by developing and marketing the Barbie doll, whose measurements are physiologically impossible  [9]  . Fortunately, the Barbie dolls figure was slightly altered by its designers in the late 1990s, into a body image that is somewhat more realistic, but still unlikely to occur naturally. Now with increased availability of plastic surgery, todays women are faced with similarly unrealistic expectations every time they open a fashion magazine1. Perhaps the most surprising of all is the next factor, which is a whole assortment of books that are meant to show girls that eating disorder is a problem. But these books ultimately end up giving girls hints on how to avoid eating, how to cover up their problems, including not being seen with food, vomiting. This is achieved by real life stories that explain in vivid detail the ordeal that sufferers have faced. Until now books have been considered to be the least likely to have a negative impact on girls and causing eating disorders, considering the lack of pictures. But nowadays even if a book is created to help and give hope to girls who were unfortunate enough to be touched by anorexia nervosa or bulimia, unconsciously the author of book gives advice on how to be anorectic, by describing the ways in which they can starve, or purge themselves so nobody will notice their problem. Despite being gullible, young girls have picked up on this and use these books for dietary advice.  [10]   One more factor that is present nowadays and is considered one of the most influential causes of eating disorders, and which is really hard to change is the fashion industry and sizes that they constantly promote. The most common problem with this as being a factor is it influences eating disorder by promoting the size zero clothing, which is widely spread among girls and is the only size they aim to achieve. All of this begs the question: how did we allow it to escalate to such an extent, to let it get to this point? It began with fashion designers who would only hire the skinniest girls around, so girls started to become thinner and thinner to reach their dreams, which led to certain image being created of what is fashionable. This situation is complicated because nobody in the industry is willing to admit fault, not the designers and not the modeling agencies, which it ultimately is. Size zero clothing is actually too small for most of the girls who work in modeling, therefore these women promote a figure that is not only unattainable for most women, but is also unattainable for them. Despite the fact that the fashion industry is impervious to almost everything, once editors began protesting, the fashion industry finally needed to respond, by employing bigger women, who are still extremely skinny.  [11]   The root causes of these diseases are quite complicated and almost impossible to deduce, mainly due to the many existing theories on the subject, each one based on another aspect of these disorders. A major role is played here by human psyche. As I have mentioned in introduction anorexia and bulimia are both psychological illnesses, which affects young girls in America. It is very difficult to draw a line that separates between a reasonable concern for a shapely figure, which is indeed affected by all factors above, and between weight loss associated with an eating disorder. It has been suggested that dieting takes the form of a disease from the moment from which the person loses control over their behaviors associated with the intake of food and the discharge of unnecessary food. People with anorexia nervosa and bulimia are characterized by a large discrepancy between what they feel and what they do. If these diseases, as stated, are in fact psychological and they start with the los s of control over ones own body the problem must be pre-existing, before all the influences of the modern media or society begin to affect these girls with their unhealthy or too healthy lifestyle, fashionable and simply unreal body image. Anorexia and bulimia are classified as a serious mental illness and should in no case, should it occur, be underestimated. Not every thin person should be suspected of anorexia and not every girl with anorexia is terribly thin. For this reason one should not judge another persons state of mind solely on their body weight. Although in such cases, when a person insists on dieting, despite their skeletal appearance, their self-destructive behavior is closely related to the appearance of their bodies. Due to the dangerous effects of these disorders, many psychiatrists have started to compare anorexia to other dangerous psychological disorders, which have the same problems of perceiving reality. Suffers from anorexia nervosa are characterized by an extreme perfectionism, these people are very systematic and critical of themselves, despite their accomplishments, and also suffers try to do physical activities as often as is possible.  [12]  They often drop out of friendships, become neu rotic and often complain, their self-esteem is very low, and they sink deeper and deeper into depression. Some of the girls that were able to overcome their disorder are proud and relieved that they have finally gained control over their own bodies.  [13]   ANALYSIS OF DATA FROM SURVEY Throughout whole essay I have tried to discover whether the modern media are actually responsible for girls, in American society, who suffer from eating disorder; of course there will be as many opinions as there are people. Because of these differences in opinion I decided to survey a number of girls, in order to find out what is the real reason for their dieting. It turned out that most of the interviewed teenagers are convinced that they are simply too fat, which clearly shows a correlation between this problem and its connection to their self- esteem. The modern media are partly at fault, as a result of the incessant promotion of skinny figures, but are not necessarily solely responsible, as it could be also be due to trends that occur in each individual society, for example at school, where it is more likely that a girl will be perceived better only because she looks thinner than one of her peers. Unfortunately there is no concrete proof that any of these factors are in any way responsible, let alone fully responsible, but at the same time there is also no solid proof that states that the modern media has an impact at all on eating disorders, as anorexia and bulimia are psychological diseases. CONCLUSION As I have shown, the problem of eating disorders among teenage girls in America is very complicated and there is no one particular factor that has influenced the spread of it. It is impossible to conclude that the modern media is for certain the blame for this spread. There is a strong cultural influence on these girls that pushes them to the point of starvation. It is now believed that society may be able to prevent the spread of eating disorders, by simply changing their eating habits. These changes could include teaching youngsters about the importance of their eating habits and the importance of having a balanced diet. They should also be taught about the ethnic differences in diet, which should not be taken lightly. Yet another strong influence on girls, especially younger ones, but not necessarily connected to the modern media as mentioned above are toy manufactures, which create unrealistic role models for young girls. Despite this, due to advertising, which is a type of moder n media, almost everything ranging from books to movies that are advertised automatically become a media influenced problem. Therefore I believe that it is safe to say that all of these factors are interdependent. And even though culture sets a certain way of living, when it is promoted by the media, it qualifies as part of the modern media sector. Following this train of thoughts it is hard to define precisely whether the media influences the spread of eating disorders, or is it just used as a way to pass on information. If this is the case it would be significant to determine what can be classed as media, and what should not be. The modern media, even though it is widely promoted through the use of advertising, television series, films or, the most significant of all, the Internet, it does not necessarily mean that they are the source of the information. In most cases the modern media are used as just a way to promote information, but are not in fact the direct cause of it, thus t he interdependence. If the modern media does not have as a significant impact as is considered, then American society should focus more on teenage girls and their welfare, and especially take care of them in a way that involves parents, as well as society, paying more attention to their development. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics current advice is that children should watch less than two hours of television a day and that parents should be involved during this time by monitoring what they are watching and later discussing and explaining the content to them. If this advise would be followed, then maybe the spread of eating disorders may be limited.  [14]   APPENDIX Questionnaire for English B Extended Essay: 1. Are you a. Female b. Male 2. Have you ever diet? a. If so, why? 3. How many times? a. once b. twice c. more than twice d. I am always on diet 4. Did you succeeded? Yes Not really Im in progress 5. Are you planning to get on a diet again? Yes No Maybe Responses: 1. Total number of female responses 170 2. 159 have already diet (93%); 11 did not (7%) In order to make it easier to analyze I have grouped answers to open question into 2 most significant groups: Girls felt they need to change 148 (Mostly because they felt fat or needed to fit their clothes) Did not have a reason 11 3. a. 23 (14,5%) b. 27 (17%) c. 78 (49%) d. 31 (19,5%) 4. a. 12 (7%) b. 44 (28%) c. 103 (65%) 5. a. 111 (70%) b. 6 (4%) c. 42 (26%)

Samuel Coleridges Poem Kubla Khan Essay -- Poem Poet Coleridge Kubla

Samuel Coleridge's Poem Kubla Khan In the poem Kubla Khan by Samuel Coleridge, language is used to convey images from Coleridge’s imagination. This is done with the use of vocabulary, imagery, structure, use of contrasts, rhythm and sound devices such as alliteration and assonance. By conveying his imagination by using language, the vocabulary used by coleridge is of great importance. The five lines of the poem Kubla Khan sound like a chant or incantation, and help suggest mystery and supernatural themes of the poem. Another important theme of the poem is that of good versus evil. The vocabulary used throughout the poem helps convey these themes in images to the reader. In the first two lines, Coleridge describes the ‘pleasure dome’ in Xanadu. In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure dome decree Kubla Khan did not merely order, but decree that a ‘stately pleasure dome’ be built. This dome is evidence of how unnatural the place of Xanadu is, it has a ruler who ignores the unpleasantness that can be found in life. The use of vocabulary challenges and teases the imagination into seeing what he, Coleridge saw in his dream. In Xanadu, there are not small streams, but ‘sinuous rills’ and wall and towers do not enclose the gardens but are ‘girdled round’. Coleridge’s use of language and vocabulary helps to convey the extent of his imagination. In the poem Kubla Khan, imagery is also important for Coleridge to convey his imagination to the reader. There are images of paradise throughout the poem that are combined with references to darker, more evil places. On example of this is the ‘demon lover’ that has bewitched the woman. Coleridge’s image of the ‘dome of pleasure’ is mystical, contradicting the restrictions of realism. Xanadu is also a savage and ancient place where pure good and pure evil are much more apparent than in the monotony of everyday living. By using images, Coleridge conveys the extent of his imagination to readers. The structure of Kubla Khan is really in two parts. The first, which contains three stanzas, describes Xanadu as if Coleridge is actually there, experiencing the place first hand. The second part of the poem is filled with longing to be in Xanadu, but Coleridge is unable to capture the experience again. The first stanza has a definite rhythm and beat and describes the beauty and sacredness of Xanadu with rich,... ...tant threat of destruction. ‘Ancestral voices prophesying war’ could be likened to God’s warning to go near the tree, as Eve fell for the snake’s treacherous charm. Coleridge describes the river as ‘sacred’ on numerous occasions throughout the poem, and to Xanadu as ‘holy and enchanted’. This is yet another contrast, how can something holy be enchanted at the same time? Coleridge talks too of ‘miracles’ but mingled with the holiness, Coleridge refers to hell with his choice of language to depict what is outside the pleasure dome. The demons described are closely related to witchcraft and the closing lines of Kubla Khan describe pagan rituals that attempt to protect not only the reader, but also Coleridge himself from the forces of evil and the extent of his imagination. Coleridge, having ‘drunk the milk of paradise’ desired and sought after the beautiful image of Xanadu and Utopia and his final stanza is his way to describe to the reader how badly he wants to go back there. By using his wide vocabulary to depict images and contrasts with the help of some literary techniques such as imagery and contrasts, Coleridge easily conveys to the reader the extent of his imagination.

Creating My Own School Essay

The benefits of education on the individual person no doubt extend beyond economic effects. Jeremy Behrman and Nevzer Stacey cited that the effects of education â€Å"spread beyond direct economic effects (1). † As such is the case Behrman and Nevser adds, benefits â€Å"include a better way of taking care of ourselves and consequently creating a better society in which to live† (1). Based on this notion, it is important to make education available for everyone regardless of race, color, social status and gender or even physical condition. Education should be a right of everyone and no one should be denied of this right. However, the quality of education has been the focal point in the educational arguments. The report of the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) cited that although teachers play an essential role in improving the students’ performance, the quality of education especially in areas where poverty is high, remains bad due to teachers’ lack of competency in the subject they teach (1). Thus it remains a burden of the government and of the society to establish schools that will cater to the increasing demand of a quality education. The No Child Left Behind Act was a response to this demand, yet it is clear that there is still a great demand for schools that would cater to the growing need of the society of a quality education for children. It is for this reason that I should like to introduce the Early College Communications (ECC) school which is designed to serve especially working class student and those with special cases. With highly competent teachers duly licensed by the states licensing board, the ECC provides quality education for grades 9-12 that would prepare students to college with a high level of competitiveness and a strong sense of achieving success in life. The school is deeply anchored on the government’s policy under No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA) which emphasized on the qualification requirements for teachers. Under this act, the GAO report stated that states, districts, and schools are â€Å"responsible for ensuring that teacher meets these requirements† (1). The GAO also stated that the NCLBA â€Å"requires teachers of core academic subjects such as math and science be highly qualified†¦. † (1) The ECC proudly announces that it meets these requirements. The ECC’s philosophy of education is based on the principle that education is for everyone and that everyone deserves quality education. The ECC adopts a method of teaching based on Ramden’s (1992) distinctive ways of understanding teaching that is applicable to high school education wherein the teacher is seen as the organizer of student activity. Kate Ashcroft and Lorraine Foreman-Peck explained that in this method of teaching, the focus of the teaching and learning situation is on â€Å"what the student does† (69) and the role of the teacher is supervisory. In this case, as Ashcroft and Foreman-Peck pointed out, â€Å"the interest of teaching methods is now focused on ensuring that students learn† (69) and the teacher’s main concern is to motivate students â€Å"to be actively engaged† (69). With this method of teaching, the ECC management ensures that all students get quality education as we are implementing strict compliance for teachers to facilitate the student’s learning through motivating them to active and lively participation in the learning activities. As the school is committed to providing quality education, we have also implemented strict guidelines on the selection of teachers. Teachers were thoroughly screened if they have genuine interests in helping students learn regardless of their color, race, social status or physical condition. Thus, we are assuring everyone that the ECC is student friendly and we are very much concern all our student get quality education as they finished their term with us. For students with disabilities, that is, those belong to section two of the definition given by the Individuals with Disabilities Education act of 2004 (IDEA) cited by Roger Pierangelo and George Giuliani which held, (ii) Disorders not included. The term does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of mental retardation, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage (1) Students with disabilities that do not include learning problems because of the reasons mentioned in the definition, we encourage them to enroll at ECC as we have highly competent teachers to handle this special class. However, we require students with disabilities to seek certification from the local educational agency whether they responds to scientific, research-based intervention as part of the evaluation procedures. With teachers’ genuine concerns on students with disabilities, their primary aim is to ensure that students with disabilities learn equally with other students. Furthermore, the school facilities are designed for the convenience of these special students. These teachers are licensed by the state to handle special classes and they are skilled in communicating with students with disabilities. Overall, the school is committed on preparing our students to become successful individual regardless of their color, race, social status, and physical condition. The student who could finish their term at ECC will have an early college credit because the school offers subjects that will provide them advantage when they go to college. Thus, with our commitment towards the future success in life of our students, and with efficient and highly qualified teachers we are confident we can lead our students to become competitive, success oriented and determined to achieve their dreams in life. For everyone out there, enroll now at Early Communication College and be assured of a quality education and of an exciting learning situation in the classroom. Work Cited Ashcroft, Kate & Foreman-Peck, Lorraine Managing Teaching and Learning in Further and Higher Education Great Britain: Routledge, 1994 Behrman, Jere R. & Stacey, Nevser The Social Benefits of Education USA: University of Michigan, 1997 â€Å"No Child Left Behind Act Improved Accessibility to Education’s Information† USA: The United States GAO, 2005 Pierangelo, Roger & Guiliani, George A. Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities USA: Corwin Press, 2008

buy custom Opiate Addiction essay

buy custom Opiate Addiction essay The paper will introduce opiate addiction and explore its important aspects such its prescription, diagnostic criteria, etiology and opiate prevalence. The paper will also survey manifestation and course of opiate addiction and its differential diagnosis. The treatment of opiate addiction through self help and support groups will be explored in this paper. Assessment of the effectiveness of the available treatment methods will be discussed in detail. The history of medical involvement in opiate addiction is depicted by political disagreements over deviance descriptions. According to Hunt, Milhet Bergeron, the description of opiate abuse has differed from a late 19th century due to lack of concern as a societal problem to 20th century as a criminal offense of those use it (2011). Opiate addiction is pathological condition although in instances where opiates leads to addiction the amount of time involved cannot be simply predetermined (Hunt, Milhet Bergeron, 2011). Prescription Opiate Addiction Worldwide there is a serious worry for opiate addiction and opiate overdose deaths. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) defines drug abuse as the use of a Schedule II through Schedule V drug in a way or quantity that is incoherent with the medical or social pattern of culture (Lowinson, 2005). Schedule V drug refers to a class of drugs that have a small prospective for abuse or addiction. Opiate dependency in the addiction field is more than taking a large quantity of opiates. Lowinson (2005) says that a patient who takes a prescribed opiate on a regular basis may become physically dependant on the medication but is hardly an addict unless the patients behaviour meets the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic criteria for opiate dependence (Hunt, Milhet Bergeron, 2011). Surveys have found fundamental increase in misuse of hydrocodone and oxycodone products. These are opiates and their availability has remained relatively stable from 1994 to 1999. Prescription opiate abuse relates to the inherent abuse liability of the prescribed opiate and its distraction from the intended route of distribution (Lowinson, 2005). Prescription opiate abuse is associated with certain pharmacologic properties. Opiates include morphine, heroin, codeine, meperidine, and hydromorphone. Heroin is available only unlawfully in the United States. Opiates are frequently used for pain control (Murphy CowanBottom of Form, 2008) Diagnostic Criteria The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM) delineates the diagnostic criteria for prescription opiate dependence and abuse. Opiate addiction is characterized by significant level of tolerance defined by the need for markedly increased quantities of opiate to attain intoxication or desired effect (DSM, 2000). For opiate dependence, tolerance is also defined by diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of opiate (DSM, 2000). Individuals also experience withdrawal which is marked by the typical withdrawal syndrome for opiates and remarkable withdrawal symptoms of dysphoric mood, nausea or vomiting, muscle aches, lacrimation or rhinorrhea, diarrhea, yawning, fever, insomnia, gooseflesh, sweating (DSM, 2000). Opiates are also taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. The central feature of opiate diagnostic criteria is continued use of the drug despite persistent and recurrent social, occupational, psychological, or physical problems caused by the use of the drug (DSM, 2000). For opiate addiction to be diagnosed at least three signs must be present. Individuals desire for the drug persists (Hunt, Milhet Bergeron, 2011). The signs include craving for an opioid drug, rhinorrhea or sneezing,lacrimation, muscle aches or cramps, abdominal cramps and nausea or vomiting (DSM, 2000). Opiate addiction is not restricted to low socioeconomic classes even though the prevalence of opiate dependence is greater in these groups than in higher socioeconomic classes (Sadock, Kaplan Virginia, 2007). Sadock, Kaplan Virginia (2007) noted that social factors associated with urban poverty possibly contribute to opiate dependence. Studies indicate that 50 percent of urban opiate users are children of single parents or divorced parents and are from families in which at least one other member has a substance related disorder (Sadock, Kaplan Virginia, 2007). Children from such settings are at high risk for opiate dependence particularly if they also evidence behavioral in school or other signs of conduct disorder (Sadock, Kaplan Virginia, 2007). Sadock, Kaplan Virginia (2007) indicated that some consistent behaviour patterns seem to be especially pronounced in adolescents with opiate dependence (p. 445). Opiate addicted individuals experience behavioral powerlessness counterac ted by disturbances in social and interpersonal relationships with peers maintained by mutual substance experiences (Sadock, Kaplan Virginia, 2007). Prevalence The prevalence of opiate addiction is determined by several factors. The first one is availability of the drugs. This implies that the greater the availability, the greater frequency of addiction (Souhami Moxham, 2002). The second factor is the accessibility of the drug. This explains the virtual commonness of drug addiction amongst doctors and nurses and in big cities and coastal areas in a certain state or country (Souhami Moxham, 2002). Souhami Moxham (2002) noted that the most important cause of opiate addiction is its availability. Availability of opiates means that susceptible individual expose themselves to the drug, either because they inhabit a subculture in which drug taking is prevalent, or because they are psychologically susceptible owing to family difficulties, dejection or boredom (Souhami Moxham, 2002). Murphy CowanBottom of Form (2008) says that opiate use and abuse are common in the United States. Prevalence for heroin dependence is about 0.1 percent, and prescription pain reliever dependence is about 0.6 percent. People who use opiates recreationally become addicted (Murphy CowanBottom of Form, 2008). Manifestation and Course of Addiction Pharmacological features of opiates tolerance and withdrawal syndrome ensure the establishment of a habit, and as well as physiological factors that enable people to maintain the addiction and make rehabilitation difficult (Souhami Moxham, 2002). Souhami Moxham (2002) indicated that it is possible that individuals susceptible to addiction may genetically be deficient in endorphins and hence opiate hungry (pg. 243). Opiates reduce the amount and effects of other cerebral neurotransmitters such as acetycholine (Souhami Moxham, 2002). In their research, Souhami Moxham (2002) also articulated that cerebral neurotransmitters has led to the super sensitivity theory of withdrawal syndrome, which postulates tha addicted individuals have reduced amounts of transmitter reaching postsynaptic receptors. Halting opiates results in a sudden increase in transmitter and stimulation of the already supersensitive receptor. Continued use of opiates causes long term transformations in the brain that can be successfully treated with prescriptions (Fulco, Liverman Earley, 1995). Opiate withdrawal occurs when an individual with a chronic opiate addict abruptly stops or dramatically reduces opiate use. Miller Gold (2011) says that although abandonment from opiates causes bodily discomfort, it is not life threatening. Miller Gold (2011) established that the most general treatment for opiate withdrawal is methadone alternative; in which methadone is replaced with the drug for the addicted person and then slowly reduced once the patient is soothed (p. 102). Since methadone has a longer half-life than other opiates, the withdrawal and threats of difficulties are reduced, creating a smoother treatment. Furthermore, methadone can be orally given since it is a long-acting agent (Miller Gold, 2011). The DSM differential diagnosis Differential diagnosis enables a clinician or practitioner to characterize a disorder from another disorder that has similar features and criteria. The diagnosis of opiate addiction is generally obvious after a careful history of mental status and physical examinations (DSM, 2000). Opiate addiction is characterized by difficulties in solving problems, focusing on reading and writing and understanding what others say DSM (2000). The symptoms of opiate-related disorders are equivalent to the substance use disorders of Nicotine dependence, Nicotine Withdrawal, Cocaine Intoxication and Amphetamine or Phencyclidine Intoxication. DSM (2000) noted that opiate addicted patients like mental disorder victims experience a maladaptive pattern of drug use leading to clinically important distress. Opiate dependence is illustrated by the incapacity to stop taking opiate drugs or medications (Junig, 2008). Opiate addicts have a fascination to use opiate prescription that persists even after months or years, when withdrawal has long passed (Junig, 2008). Junig (2008) noted that opiate addiction is infuriating to the individual addicted and to his or her loved ones. Life for an opiate addict revolves around the drug because the addict is preoccupied with finding the subsequent prescription so as to evade becoming dope sick (Junig, 2008). Stine Kosten (1997) noted that there are two imperative characteristics of opiate dependence which include; easiness, regarded as a deteriorating drug effect after frequent administration and reliance exposed by a withdrawal condition after immediate discontinuation of opiate exposure. Opiates cause both bodily and psychosomatic dependence (Stine Kosten, 1997). Subsequently, regular prescription of opiates, going over a long period of time forms a physiological need for its sustained use (Lindesmith, 2008). Lindesmith (2008) established that when regular use is bunged, a number of worrying symptoms materialize, rising in sternness in quantity to the period of dependence and depending upon the amount and regularity of the dosage (p. 28). Researchers say that sustained use of opiates leads to an episodic, synthetically produced gloominess and distress which fades away instantaneously upon reiteration of the dosage. Within a period of three weeks of daily use, the moderation symptoms apparently increase at faster tempo and swiftly become very harsh and even treacherous (Lindesmith, 2008). Opiate drugs can simultaneously interrelate with major types of receptors in the brain and act as an agonist (Fulco, Liverman Earley, 1995). The prejudiced outcomes of opiates are arbitrated through activities at mu opioid receptors, and intrusion with actions at these receptors causes a rational plan for coming up with medications for opiate dependence (Fulco, Liverman Earley, 1995). Studies show that among the numerous effects of opiate drugs on neurons are alterations in gene expression. The modifications in gene expression are identified as significant in this type of dependence because of its steady and progressive expansion and the perseverance of many of its characteristics long after discontinuation of drug exposure (Fulco, Liverman Earley, 1995). In addition, opiates can manage some transcription features that are significant in neuronal gene expression. The idea of narcotics anonymous self-help group is a traditional and a valued approach of treatment to many drug addiction problems (Ghodse, 2010). Narcotics Anonymous is a support group for individuals suffering from drug addiction. Narcotics anonymous (NA) self help groups is a group of individuals with comparable problems who meet together willingly to help themselves. Opiate self help groups help individuals become ascetic (Ghodse, 2010). Ghodse (2010) says that there is an underlying philosophy that it is impossible for an individual to overcome opiate addiction alone, but that this can be achieved with the help of the group (p. 173). Self help groups also provide mutual aid of people helping each other by offering companionship and sharing universal experiences (Ghodse, 2010). Ghodse (2010) indicated that self help groups provide group support, social recognition and social personality for individuals who may have become very isolated because of their drug problem. Opiate addicts in established groups have access to a wide range of experience and build up skills and knowledge that may be genuine and realistic help to those trying to manage with opiate addiction (Miller Gold, 2011). Since those who able to cope with abstinent continue to attend the group for a while, new members are able to meet and identify with such people (Ghodse, 2010). These groups provide a life-long supportive program for sustained recovery. This is because opiate dependence is a chronic disorder in which there are many reversions (StellmaTop of Form. 1998). Self help groups are open to everyone with any type of drug problem and the only prerequisite for membership is the aspiration to stop using drugs (Ghodse, 2010). The approach of self help groups is based on the idea of addiction as a spiritual and therapeutic disease that can be prohibited but never cured. Opiates addicts follow the twelve steps stipulated in NA and AA programme for attaining abstinence (Ghodse, 2010). Ghodse (2010) indicated that the twelve traditions of AA and NA safeguard the freedom of the group by outlining the principles that guide its organization and administration (pg. 174). The groups are autonomous, self supporting and decline outside contributions (Ghodse, 2010). The members of opiate dependence self help groups attend meetings recurrently (Ghodse, 2010). Ghodse (2010) noted that during the meetings there is often a discussion based on the Twelve Steps and huge amount of emphasis is placed on complete openness and honesty with other members of the group (pg. 174). As an approach towards individuals recovery, the single shared common issue creates a strong bond between the members (Ghodse, 2010). New members of the group are encouraged to look for a sponsor within the group, a particular person to turn to during incidents of great need. The mandate of being a sponsor can be rewarding for the person concerned (Ghodse, 2010). Support Groups Support groups differ from self help groups in the way they are organized and run (Ghodse, 2010). Support groups offer the third form of opiate addiction treatment. Ghodse (2010) noted that support groups are run by a professional but they offer similar caring and non-critical environment (pg. 175). The support groups play a fundamental role to individuals who are parents and they and their children have exceptional needs which can be taken care of to some extent in an informal group setting. For opiate addicts support groups assist in mutual support between the members by providing them with a time and place to meet (Ghodse, 2010). Ghodse (2010) indicated that for addicts who are parenting, support groups gives them a chance whereby they can chat about general child-care matters and important aspects of bringing up their families. Opiate dependence parents need this support but they may be reluctant to attend an ordinary playgroup because of anxiety about their drug problem (Ghodse, 2010). Support groups are accommodating to those who have just come off opiates and who are still at risk of going back to opiate use (Ghodse, 2010). Ghodse (2010) established that those who are near the end of a detoxification programme for example taking less than 10-15 mg methadone daily may also attend self help group (pg. 196). Support groups are regularly organized as part of the total programme of services of an expert clinic. They are also organized by voluntary agencies as one component of community response to opiate abuse problem (Ghodse, 2010). Support groups should use Yaloms principles were leaders learn the maintenance of stable groups, culture building and the use of the here and now group leadership skills (Haight Gibson, 2005). Haight Gibson (2005) noted that Yaloms principles help group leaders to carry out subgroupings, resolving crises in the groups, social reinforcement and act as transitional objects in the support groups. T Narcotics Anonymous Experience I attended a Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting so as to learn what actually goes on in such meetings. The group is well directed by a leader who ensures that no one is placed out of their profundity without intending to do so themselves. The meetings run for 60 to 90 minutes. In each meeting one of the twelve steps is read and discussed. They usually start with a word of prayer from the group leader and then afterwards Chapter 2 of the AA Big Book is read. The topics of discussion include the twelve steps and traditions of AA. Majority of the group affiliates are enthusiastically willing to read this narrative. Everyone is encouraged to get a sponsor to stand behind him or her. For example, with the analysis of the sponsor story we examined the significance of identifying a sponsor for constant support. After reading, the group member discussed about her understanding of how he or she used her sponsor over the last week. After the introduction, the group leader asked if there were newcomers or members attending the meeting for the second time. At the same time a list was passed around for anyone who intends to be contacted over the week or wanted to be a sponsor. Afterwards, one group member narrated his opiate addiction tale. The meeting was then opened for general discussion among the members. All members reviewed their weekly progress according to set procedure. During this time other group members were discouraged from commenting on the individual check-in report. The group leader made brief summary comments that recognized and positively reinforced behavioral changes that established that the group members was making an effort to achieve moderation and stability. After the break, the group members were asked to list common early warning signs of dejection, obsession and opiate addiction setbacks. Members were requested to bring in their daily symptom monitoring calculator to share what they noted about their symptoms and if they found it supportive. The whole procedure included five steps. The first step involved 15 minutes of the check-in procedure. The second step involved 5 minutes of the review of last weeks group topic and reading personal signals and early warning signs of trouble. The third step included the review of the last weeks skill practice questions on the first handout. Step four involved discussion of avoidance of high-risk situations and skills to refuse opiates if offered. The fifth step involved reviewing the skill practice for the next group and asking all members to keep developing and practicing their refusal skills. When I attended the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) group meeting I acknowledged that people experience problems while overcoming opiate addiction. This approach of treatment is good because it encourages meeting other people with similar problems helps them to realize that they are not alone (Mueser, Noordsy Drake, 2003).This models the experience of opiate addiction, resulting in social validation and acceptance of the members who attend. I realized that many people benefited from sponsorship (Mueser, Noordsy Drake, 2003). This is because new members in the group choose a mentor with some experience, from whom he or she could learn and receive individual support. Sponsors helped new members both within and outside the group meetings. In my view Narcotics Anonymous (NA) group meetings give members the chance to understand the treatment procedures and information that we obtain from books, libraries, internet and medical personnel. This is a big opportunity to confront, in a secure setting, all those detrimental opinion that we have cultivated for so long, and to generate new skills that overrun those delusions from the past. While attending the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) group meeting I noted that for people who were receiving professional care for their opiate addiction complications, self help groups are useful adjunct to their treatment (Mueser, Noordsy Drake, 2003). Self help groups promote diverse membership in that people from all walks of life attend these groups, so that a person can usually find someone with who to identify with. From the literature review it can be noted that self help and support groups play a fundamental role in the recovery of opiate addiction. The effectiveness of self help and support groups in the treatment and recovery of addicted individuals has been evaluated. It was found out that many people (35-65 percent) drop out in the first few months. Ghodse (2010) noted that those people who remain in the groups become active members. Ghodse (2010) commented that 65- 70 percent improve to some extent, taking opiates less than formerly or not at all (pg. 176). Treatment of opiate addicts is effective because during its administration it starts with a thorough assessment and detoxification if it is required. During the treatment period, patients participate in NA self help groups while in the primary stage of treatment and continue to do so when discharged to after care. Buy custom Opiate Addiction essay

Shinto and its relationship with China and Buddhism

Shinto and its relationship with China and Buddhism Buddhism and Shinto are religions which are largely practiced in the South East Asia and other countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Japan, China, South and North Korea among other countries within and outside the region. The origin of these two religions dates back to about 2,500 years (Ellwood and Pilgrim 4). The Buddhist religion and its practices such as meditation way of the religion have continued to spread across many parts of the world.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Shinto and its relationship with China and Buddhism specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Shinto practices have existed for several centuries and are common among the Buddhists. Shinto is a term used to describe a set of indigenous spirituality practices of the Japanese. The earliest records of the Shinto practices were made in the 8th century. These records are found in The Record of Ancient Things, 712 (Kojiki) as well as The Chronicles of Japan, 72 0 (Nihon Shoki). The practices are conducted to connect the Japanese people to their ancient past. Today, the term is generally used to refer to public shrines which are used for harvest festivals and war memorials among other religious practices. The word Shinto which means way of the gods (Sokyo 2) is derived from Chinese words shà ©n do. These two words are combined so that they produce â€Å"shin† and â€Å"tÃ… Ã¢â‚¬ . â€Å"Shin† means kami; which refers to innate supernatural force which includes deities, spirits, as well as, essences which occur in many forms and may exist in human-like or animistic form or in abstract natural forces (Ellwood and Pilgrim 7; and Sokyo 2). Kami can sometimes be associated with lightning, mountains, trees, wind among other natural forces. â€Å"tÃ… Ã¢â‚¬  in Chinese means a philosophical path or could also mean a philosophical study (Sokyo 2). Thus, Shinto generally means ways, beliefs and practices adopted by the Japanese p eople to worship kami. The origin of Shinto was influenced by the Japanese contacts with the Chinese religions. For example, the term itself is of Chinese origin. Besides, the codification of its mythology was done in such a way that it responds to the Chinese influence. Most mythology applied in Shinto practices were acquired from Chinese doctrines. As a result, both religions have had an influence on each other. Most people who practice Shinto rituals especially in Japan also profess Buddhism. In both faiths, one does not have to identify with a particular faith to be a believer. This means that many people who practice Shinto rituals are also Buddhists and vise versa. This includes the Chinese people who live in Japan and even those who live in China. Because of this, it is difficult to distinguish between Buddhist and Shinto beliefs regarding the world as both have greatly influenced Japanese religious culture. Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's s ee if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More While Shinto beliefs emphasize what happens while one is still alive, which is finding happiness in life, Buddhism puts emphasis on life after death (Herbert 17). Thus, although the two religions have varied perspectives on the world, they have continued to co-exist. Accordingly, it is not unusual to find people who engage in Shinto practices in life being accorded Buddhist funeral. Japanese have had an affiliation with both Shinto and Buddhism religions. Shinto religion has its origin in China and Chinese religions; however, the two religions have been blended together in practice even though have distinct differences. As such, those who identify with the two religions have continued to engage in practices of the Buddhist and Shinto faiths either knowingly or unknowingly. Ellwood, Robert and Pilgrim, Richard. Japanese Religion, 1st edition. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall Inc., 1985. Pr int. Herbert, Jean. Shinto: At the fountainhead of Japan. London: George Allen and Unwin, 1967. Print. Sokyo, Ono. Shinto: The Kami Way, 1st edition. Rutland, VT: Charles E Tuttle Co., 1962. Print.