Cultures in the World Essay Example for Free

Cultures in the World Essay To define culture is not easy because culture means different things to different people. Hence there many definitions of culture as there are many different cultures in the World. Anthropologists define culture as social behaviour of human beings. To others dance, music, theatre, artifacts and fashion constitute culture. On the other hand, fashion is a style characteristic of the social elite and is mainly associated with social class and is highly dynamic. Hence fashion should be in current mode for instance a garment. Fashion, style, vogue or even mode are used interchangeably to refer to a preferred type of dress, behaviour, adornment or a way of life at a given time span. In broadest terms fashion usually refers to conventions which are generally accepted by a society or by any culture or even a subculture. Style like mode often stresses the adherence to standards and elegance and should be socially accepted. For instance miniskirts were the mode in the late sixties. Vogue is applied to style or fashion that prevails widely but often suggests enthusiastic but short lived acceptance (The American heritage 2003). Wilson, further states that fashion is always in a continual change and sets the terms for all sartorial behaviour (Wilson 2003). The importance of fashion can never be overemphasized in the current world since fashion now is always around us from media to our daily lives in clothing and even automobile sector. Let it be clearly noted that fashion is for aesthetic as well as societal class, elegance and modesty. In the current years fashion has become a major factor affecting the psychosocial wellbeing of major cultures and subcultures in the world. This influences the life of people both in style and preferences and their economical sphere. The growth of fashion is linked with the development of cities and urban centres in the 14th century and the growing sophistication of the courts. But it is only in 15th and 16th centuries when people developed the culture of fashion and class such that they felt shameful to wear outdated clothes (Wilson 2003). The entrance of fashion led to increased spending on clothes and a clear cut class differences. The rise of bourgeoisie became so much crucial in the development of fashion and style. The poorest class received the cheapest clothing with the people in the highest level in class ladder wearing the most expensive clothes. With the rise of Industrial revolution came capitalism hence new markets for clothes in fashion and fashion became more and more important with the circulation of images in mass communication. GENDER AND FASHION In the current contemporary world, fashion has become the order of the day. Media houses and world class beauty and model centres have been developed all over the world especially in Europe and U. S. A. However, unlike the past where fashion was associated with female, this industry welcomes both genders nowadays. But because of the past skewed interest of ladies in the industry they are still the major players. Nevertheless, almost every one in the current society setting especially in urban areas appreciates fashion and style and is a product of the same in one way or another. People are more conscious when it comes to fashion and no one is willing to be left behind in the outdated world hence consumption of these fashion products has tremendously risen. ‘Dress is a practical negotiation between the fashion system, the social conditions of everyday life such as class and gender as well as rules or norm governing particular social situations. The outcome of this complex interaction cannot be known in advance precisely because the habitus will improvise and adapt to these conditions’. Thus dress is a personal attempt to orientate ourselves to particular circumstances and thus recognise the structural influences of the social world and the individual on the other (Entwistle 2000) FASHION AND MODERNITY Fashion has kept pace with modern life. It has followed every step the global world is making and is by itself part and parcel of the globalised world. From North to South, West to East fashion is seen to influence the global ways of life. However, this is bringing about similarity and extinction of cultures since fashion and culture are linked and the change of one leads to change of the other. Since fashion is dynamic it follows that the fashion of yester years is different from the fashion of today hence today’s fashion is new and can be termed as modern. Modern fashion has greatly been affected by the present technological advancement and the entrance of new marketing approach. For example, the use of internet has revolutionized this industry. It is not a wonder therefore what is considered modern in London today is even being used the following day in Washington. This has promoted customized fashion products to promote what many fashion stars look for in fashion; uniqueness and class. Fashion and style industry has in the recent decades been well established with increased sales as many people go for class and fashion. Also, the quality of the products has greatly developed thus fashion has become our way of life. FASHION, SUBCULTURAL YOUTH STYLES It is important to distinguish between the concept of youth culture and youth subcultures. In general terms youth culture is more homogenous, doing similar things and being treated in the same way playing down aspects of differentiation. This idea was much popular with U. S sociologists in early 1960s. In modern youth culture emphasis is more on subcultures. Unlike the 20th c where fashion was highly linked with class, in 21st c the line of demarcation has narrowed and the mode of classification is not only on class lines but across a wide plane of social and cultural identities. Hence the youth even in ghettos are coming up with their modes of fashion. The issue of subcultures within the large framework of culture in a society is a major phenomenon. Hence these subcultures act as the seed bed for fashion that is embraced by the larger society. The link between class and identity is far less apparent in the 20th c, in particular since high fashion is democratised and not longer the prerogative of a small elite. In contemporary culture distinction does not run along class lines alone but across a wide plane of social identities. Thus, rather than being only imposed from the top, fashion is also ‘bubbling up’ from the street and youth cultures (Entwistle 2000). The use of style brings across clear identity within the youth and serves to sometimes oppose dominant values within the society. Youth tend to solve their problems of culture and fashion in their own unique understandable way hence they act against the main stream fashions of the old. However their fashions and style are dominantly affected by the media and celebrities entertainment industry. Fashion trends brought forward by top musicians come fast and go quickly. These fashions and styles linked with subcultures are known to be diverse as the youth are dynamic. Therefore the rate of change of any fashion within a subculture is higher than in the dominant cultures. The youth also customise fashions by either adding or removing some parts from the original fashion to create a different identity. And for sure youth have revolutionised the world of fashion and culture, in the contemporary world. Therefore fashion is regarded as a mode of identity by the youth and serves as the avenue through which the youth express themselves. EFFECTS OF FASHION ON CONSUMERISM The cycle of fashion in the modern times has been found to influence the level of consumerism in the current world. Fashion is fueled by change and conversion. Designers always persuade their customers that their new fashions are everything they need. In the next season the same designers convince their customers to bade farewell to outdated designs and instead embrace the new trends in their latest collections. Western societys culture of mass consumerism has widely been influenced by the fashion cycle. Sociologist Stella C. (1993) likens fashion cycle with the rolling waves of the sea. As one fashion gains popularity and is outdated another style is gaining momentum and this change our modern culture. Today’s fashion is not only placed on the contest of youth, sexuality and historicism, but also previous culture movements and shows fashion reflects its surrounding, its subjects but ultimately itself. FASHION AND CLASS Fashion is known to influence lifestyle and how people relate within the society. However this relationship is both on the individual and societal levels. Fashion is a product of class division since many people want to be seen in a unique way within any given society and societies also show their class differences using fashion hence affecting the culture of present societies. CONCLUSION It is true that fashion and culture are highly interlinked. A culture that appreciates fashion is a culture that is dynamic and ready to follow where its fashion leads it to. Modern culture is hinged on the fashion of each passing day and unlike the past psychosocial behaviour is influenced by fashion on a larger scale. Youth subcultures promote their own form of fashion which may be interlinked with fashions within the larger sphere of culture. These fashions serve to show their rebellious identity. The cycle of fashion has seen unnecessary changes of fashion due to designers who look forward to make profits and are out to change fashions as quickly as practicably possible. Hence the world is supposed to be aware of these uncalled changes in fashions. Unethical issues are also related to fashion and culture. Therefore, some people see it like their religious and spiritual beliefs are affected by fashion. However on a global perspective fashion has promoted the entrance of more products in the world market leading to increased competitiveness. Modern global culture is a mirror of fashion and design. REFERENCES Bruzzi Stella, and Patricia Gibson, 2000, Fashion Cultures: Theories, Explorations, and Analysis. London; New York: Routledge. Craik, Jennifer, 1993, The Face of Fashion: Cultural Studies in Fashion. London; New York: Routledge. Entwistle, J. 2000, The Fashioned Body: Fashion, Dress and Modern Social Theory. Cambridge: Polity Press. Malossi, G. 2000, Material Man: Masculinity, Sexuality, Style. New York: H. N. Abrams. The American Heritage, 2003, Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition by Houghton Mifflin Company. U. S. A.

The Critical Period Hypothesis of Language Acquisition Essay -- Neurol

The Critical Period Hypothesis of Language Acquisition "Ahhhhh!" I yell in frustration. "I've been studying Spanish for seven years, and I still can't speak it fluently." "Well, honey, it's not your fault. You didn't start young enough," my mom says, trying to comfort me. Although she doesn't know it, she is basing her statement on the Critical Period Hypothesis. The Critical Period Hypothesis proposes that the human brain is only malleable, in terms of language, for a limited time. This can be compared to the critical period referred to in to the imprinting seen in some species, such as geese. During a short period of time after a gosling hatches, it begins to follow the first moving object that it sees. This is its critical period for imprinting. (1) The theory of a critical period of language acquisition is influenced by this phenomenon. This hypothetical period is thought to last from birth to puberty. During this time, the brain is receptive to language, learning rules of grammar quickly through a relatively small number of examples. After puberty, language learning becomes more difficult. The Critical Period Hypothesis attributes this difficulty to a drastic change in the way that the brain processes language after puberty. This makes reaching fluency during adulthood much more difficult than it is in childhood. The field of language acquisition is very experimental because scientists still do not completely understand how the brain deals with language. Broca's area and Wernicke's area are two parts of the brain that have long been identified as areas important for language. Broca's area is the left frontal cortex, while Wernicke's area is the left posterior temporal lobe. These areas are co... ...ar [Part 1] Forum area of Gene Expression websight. http://www.gnxp.com/ 5) The Biological Foundations of Language, Does Empirical Evidence Support Innateness of Language? by Bora Lee. http://www.duke.edu/~pk10/language/neuro.htm 6) Evolution of Universal Grammar by Martin A. Nowak, Natalia L. Komarova, and Partha Niyogi. http://www.ptb.ias.edu/nowak/pdf/Science01.pdf 7) Universal Grammar by Charles Henry. http://www.ptb.ias.edu/nowak/pdf/Science01.pdf 8) A concept of 'critical period' for language acquisition, Its implication for adult language learning by Katsumi Nagai. http://www.tsuyama-ct.ac.jp/kats/papers/kn7/kn7.htm 9) Brain signatures of artificial language processing: Evidence challenging the critical language hypothesis by Angela Friederici, Karsten Steinhauer, and Erdmut Pfeifer. http://www.giccs.georgetown.edu/~steinhau/pnas2002.pdf

The Burning of Rome Literary Analysis

While reading The Burning of Rome, any person with simple observation skill may perceive Tacitus’ purpose. The readers should take what he says against Nero, and try to believe everything he says so they turn against Nero. Tacitus believes the readers should think that Nero started the fire that engulfed Tome. He wants reader to think of Nero as a corrupt, manipulative human being, and overall the worst, most evil leader that ever ruled over Rome. Tacitus uses the rhetorical strategies of pathos, description, and narration as ways to help him persuade readers to believe his point. Tacitus puts pathos to good use on a number of statements and explanations. To turn readers against Nero, Tacitus evokes the emotions of hatred, pity, and sympathy when he says â€Å"The shrieks of panic stricken women, the weakness of the ages†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Tacitus 327). Writing that and other sentences, the author targets the audience’s emotion of pity. He wants them to feel piteous toward the women and old men; by feeling that way, they feel hatred against Nero and somewhat convert against him; therefore they will more readily believe that he started the inferno. Tacitus also uses pathos when he says â€Å"†¦The most cruel tortures upon a body of men.† (Tacitus 327). This sentence and the more descriptive details appeal to the reader’s emotion of sympathy. The readers should feel terrible that he punished the Christians merely because they follow a disliked new religion; Nero merely used them as a scapegoat, as an effort to try and take some blame off of him. In addition to pathos, Tacitus also uses this plentiful description to influence readers to think of Nero as a corrupt, manipulative human being. He writes small stories with such vivid images, such as â€Å"†¦so much as lawn and lawns and mock wilderness.† (Tacitus 324). The author portrays Rome in all its beauty in effort to give the reader an idea of what was lost. Although mainly description, it also incorporates pathos. The readers should imagine how beautiful and lovely Rome looked before the fire, and then believe that Nero burned it down and destroyed everything they had. Tacitus’ narration of the story is more effective than his descriptions. He tells the story of the burning of Tome, while explain to reader why exactly Nero should take the blame. For example, he says â€Å"Furiously the destroying flames swept on†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Tacitus 327). Tacitus narrates the burning of Rome so that the readers actually know what happened, and don’t guess at any details. He effectively tells how the fire destroyed Rome using description. The readers can imagine the entire city up in flames, and it makes them even more so against Nero, the only one accused in Tacitus’ writing. Tacitus effectively uses the rhetorical strategies such as pathos, description, and narration to persuade readers to fall into his writing objective of making readers believe that Nero started the fire. He effectively appealed to emotions, created vivid images, and told stories to move the readers on his side, making his point.

The Choice Of A Person s Life - 1685 Words

Rebecca Huss Professor Terrell English 102 1 October 2015 The Right to Choose Society loves choices. But when it comes to one of the most important decisions in a person’s life, the right to live or die, we only have a select few choices and some of them cause more harm than good. The choice here is whether or not a person should have the right to end his or her life in a safe, peaceful manner when the quality of life is no longer the same quality it once was. Currently only a few states give people the right to choose a peaceful way to end their lives. People should have the right to choose to end their pain and suffering when diagnosed with a terminally ill condition by legalizing physician-assisted death in every state. People often link the terms euthanasia and suicide with physician assisted dying. However, there is a huge difference between these. An informational article by Compassion and Choices explains that aid in dying is the process that allows a mentally competent, terminally ill adult to legally request a prescription for a life-ending medication from their physician. The medication must be self-administered (4). Euthanasia is a physician giving a person medication, mainly by lethal injection, to him or her requesting death. The difference between suicide and aid in dying is simple. Suicide is a physically healthy person choosing death for personal reasons while aid in dying is choosing death sooner instead of later when death is inevitable. KnowingShow MoreRelatedThe Choice Of A Person s Life1685 Words   |  7 PagesHuss Professor Terrell English 102 1 October 2015 The Right to Choose Society loves choices. But when it comes to one of the most important decisions in a person’s life, the right to live or die, we only have a select few choices and some of them cause more harm than good. The choice here is whether or not a person should have the right to end his or her life in a safe, peaceful manner when the quality of life is no longer the same quality it once was. Currently only a few states give people theRead MorePro Choice Is Not Murder968 Words   |  4 PagesDon t Bring Someone Into Suffering: Pro-Choice is Not Murder Out of 55 million Americans who live in food insecure homes, about 16.7 million are children. Almost 5.5 million children live in families who have lost their home. In Maryland alone, there are currently 250,000 children going hungry each day (Raphel). As we carry our lives day to day , many children are suffering due to hunger, the loss of a home, abuse, and many other causes. This issue has bothered me for as long as I can rememberRead MoreThe Matrix, By Keanu Reeves1120 Words   |  5 Pagessimulation, and every person around him is just asleep believing what they see is real. Anderson meets Morpheus, who believes it has been prophesied that his coming would hail the destruction of the Matrix, end the war; bring freedom to our people.(Matrix Wiki, 2016). Anderson will be the one to free everyone from the Matrix, and find ultimate freedom. Immediately, the ideas of free will versus determinism are demonstrated as Morpheus has been searching for Neo for all his life, and it was pr ophesiedRead MoreAbortion Is Not Justifiable?855 Words   |  4 PagesAbortion Every human being is a person. Every person has the right of life here on Earth. Abortion kills an innocent human being. Abortion by definition means the deliberate termination of a human being. Deliberate by definition means intentional. Abortion is the killing of innocent people who have no say in the ending of their life. Why are 42 million human beings deliberately killed worldwide each year? How is this be justified? It’s not justifiable! That baby feels the pain of the abortion. ThatRead MoreExistentialism : A Philosophical Theory Essay1551 Words   |  7 Pagesemphasizes the existences of one against it s freedom of choice and will. It is also interpreted that humans come into the world without a nature. Humanity has no universal established in advance principles or ethics common to all of humankind. Since there is no preformed essence or definition exists of what is means to be human, a person must form its own conception of any existence by maintaining the actions of and responsibility for its actions and choices. Consequently, a human being gains his/herRead MoreEssay on Abortion: A Freedom of Choice865 Words   |  4 PagesAbortion: A Freedom of Choice During the last twenty-five years, abortion has been one of the most heated topics being debated the world. The only topics that equal the abortion debate are race and war. Abortion is a discussion of human interaction where ethics, emotions, and law come together. People have different opinions usually only have two choices when confronted with abortion. They are either for it or against it. There is the pro-choice and the pro-life. These are the only two categoriesRead MoreThe Pro Life Supporters Believe Abortions1602 Words   |  7 PagesAbortions is one of the most controversial topics in today s society; however, it s not usually discussed, which makes it hard for people to express their opinions on the topic. Growing up in a Christian family, I was always told that abortions were not a good thing. However, I also grew up being told that god did not want us to judge anyone because that was his duty not ours. So, as I got older and realized I wanted to become a doctor, my views changed on this topic because I now knew I wouldnRead MoreWithin On Liberty By John Stuart Mill1312 Words   |  6 PagesWithin On Liberty by John Stuart Mill, the notion of individuality and one s abilities to make choices for himself contradicts the notion of evolution within Edward O. Wilson’s Consilience. Mill’s beliefs derive from social interaction and experience in which the individual can decide for himself what is right versus what is wrong and can act upon what he believes to be the best option. Whereas, Wilson’s views coincide with the idea that individuals generate decisions based off of historically discoveredRead MoreIs Being Gay A Choice Or Nah?1264 Words   |  6 PagesIs Being Gay a Choice or Nah? â€Å"According to the APA today, there is little scientific consensus about the exact factors that cause a person to be gay, but most people don t experience a choice about their sexual orientation.† (Megan Gannon) In our society, arguing about whether or not a person was born homosexual is very common. You have people who claim that homosexuality is something that person chooses to be, and then you have people who claim that homosexuality is something that they were bornRead MoreLife Is Broken Down Into Stages901 Words   |  4 Pages Life is broken down into stages. From conception to birth a person is at their most vulnerable point. Developing into a toddler and growing up into a child is when a person s life beings to take shape. Adding to this shape is the growth into a teenager making important choices and an adult to figuring out who you are leading on to a senior and the elderly having went through these stages now old and back to their fragile state. Ultimately lif e ends in the unavoidable outcome, death. From conception