Consider the theme of loneliness Essay Example for Free

Consider the theme of loneliness Essay Steinbeck employs character are restrained by the rules of society and through them, to convey the characteristics of American society in the 1920s:a society based on physical strength and individualism. The unusual pair, Lennie and George, seemed incongruous in their situations and by comparing and contrasting their relationship to the others, the reader is given a further understanding to the theme. The entire novel is full of references to this theme. In Soledad, also the Spanish word for loneliness, situates the ranch where the majority of the story is set. It is an ordinary ranch with ordinary people doing monotonous, meanual work such as bucking barley. The nature of this work suggests the kind of lifestyle the characters on the ranch lead. The ranch also represents a microcosm of the outside world. Here in this close community, a range of characters, each identify by their own personality, are required to work closely together inorder to achieve their own, individual dreams. When George and Lennie first enters the ranch, they are greeted by an old swamper by the name Candy. A fragile old man with only one hand, he is used by Steinbeck to demonstrate the cruelty of society towards elderly and the disabled. In a society that emphasis physical strength, Candy is clearly at a disadvantage. However, he does not attempt this disadvantage but rather expose the more feminine and sensitive side of him to others to reinforce this weakness. His domestic role in the bunkhouse and part as the gossiper again is an expansion of his at5/9/00titude towards the rest of the male in the ranch. Candy separates himself from the rest of guys and has only the company of a dragged-footed sheep-dog. When Carlson demands the killing of this dog, although disapproves of it, does not retaliate but instead looked hopelessly at Slim and asks for his assistance. His reaction to Carlsons demand is passive in the way that he only watched uneasily and tries to delay the killing by suggesting may be to-morra. His deep-rooted relationship with the dog is shown in this intensely emotional part that explicitly dissects his sensitivity. At the sound of the shot, he appears lost and all he manages to do is to stare into the ceiling blankly. Similar to this, at the end of the story, George too has to face with the death of his love ones. The difference however lies in the reason behind the killing. George justifies the killing and does it out of his concern for Lennie and not out of pressure from others. Curley is the second character appearing on the scene. A thin young man wearing high-heeled boots, he is clearly no ordinary labouring man. He is the boss son and is determine to show his status and authority using this kind of symbolism. However, by doing so, he achieves exactly the opposite. The other men do not acknowledge his authority and even Candy thinks of him as a scrappy little guy. His method of trying to gain respects by false image works against him and isolates him from the others. Curley also has a wife who is the only female in the ranch. This arrangement and character of his wife can only encourage the insecurity he feels anyway. Although he has a wife, she appears more a possession to show off rather than a company. Their relationship is equivocal since they appear to spend all day looking for each other. His stature also becomes a great encumbrance to him. With a personality that is completely obsess with self-image, Curley is deeply disturb by his height and to resolve this, he translates his anger towards himself onto others. To him, Lennies physique is a challenge of authority and because of this, he wants by prove himself by defeating Lennie. This transference accounts for his cynical nature and isolates him from everyone else. Although desperate to participate, his character and fear for judgement are essential ingredients for his desolation. Curleys wife is too refereed to as a destitute character. Even before her appearance, the reader is given a pre-conceived image of a lousy tart by the introduction from Candy. Her dramatic entrance and physical appearance appears to fit the image: full rouged lips and heavily made-up, clearly she is not a simple country girl by any mean. From her playful action and twitchy body language, George immediately recognize her as the femme fatale and warned Lennie not to talk to her. This warning is a pre-echo to the trouble Lennie will get in for her later on in the story, a build up to the final tragedy at the end. Even at first sight she gave the reputation of a tramp and jail-bait. At a primary level, her action can be explained by boredom and experiment. She is the only in the ranch and clearly has no one to relate. However, from her past experience, Steinbeck implies that Curleys wife dream about being in the movies all day. By flirting and making sexual suggestive message to others, she attempts to achieve the glamorous and danger feel of affair that she imagined they do in the movies. An alternative explanation to her action would be that she is another victim of loneliness, desperate to establish relationship with others. She dislike Curley for when Curley crushed his hand she even suggested to Lennie that she would have liked to done it herself. When she eventually discovers that Lennie is a good listener, she unburdens herself with words in a passion of communication, as though she hurried before her listener could be taken away. She is a highly ambivalent character because although the reader feels sympathetic towards her for her past cast- couch experience, her seduction that lead to the murder at the end is almost entirely her fault. One may argue that she had no knowledge of Lennies past and receives the punishment harsher than she deserves. More over, the price for her innocent mistake is on the destruction of the hope of three blameless people: George, Lennie and Candy. Similarly, George and Lennie have a dream, the American dream of living off the fatta the lan . This phrase followed by a description of their future house is a leimotif representing the birth and rebirth of their hope. This hope is the source of energy and once shattered, unlike Curleys wife who was then able to found a less satisfying alternative: George can find no other replacement like Lennie. Crooks the Negro stable buck is presented as another victim of loneliness. Due to his colour and disability, he is separated with the rest of the male community in everyway. This is shown in the examples that the boss gives him hell whenever he is mad and only in special occasion such as Xmas is he allow into the bunkhouse. In this highly racist period, Crooks role as the nigger stable buck meant he is at the bottom of the hierarchy and therefore ostracized by the rest of the community. Due to this inferiority, Crooks feels even stronger about protecting himself in territorial terms and by isolation. Nonetheless, he does not enjoy this solitude but instead, quite prefer the opposite. This is best shown when Candy and Lennie enter his room, which no one but Slim had done before, Crooks finds it difficult to conceal his pleasure in anger. Although he would rather play card in the bunkhouse with others, since he stink and aint wanted there, instead, he has to sit out here and read books. This shows that he has adapted to loneliness using other means but although he knows nothing can replace a real company. In the scene which he unburdens himself to Lennie, the situation becomes parallel to that of Lennie and Curleys wife. Not only are they both absurd and have difficulty in relating to others on the ranch due to society boundary based on racism and sexism, they both confide in Lennie because he would not go on blabbin to others. With Lennie they do not feel under threat and therefore do not have to protect themselves with masks of imagery. In comparison, George and Lennie are always at ease at the company of each other. Apart from Slim, they appear to be the only gu ys on the ranch to manage this. Slim the jekline skinner is the touch stone character in the novel used to reflect morally and decency. Although with a common appearance, every movement and air of his is described with royalty and achieved only by master craftsmen. However, his title as the price of the ranch is not self-given. His authority is acknowledge by the other males on the ranch and so great the his word was taken on any object. His power appears to go beyond the system at the time. Even in this image-ridden macho culture, Slim does not needs to prove his position by creating illusion using force, yet with quite the opposite: gentleness and sense; elements of human quality that are most required in this imbalance situation. Apart from Lennie, Slim appears to be the only one who George is willing to confide. During the talk, they touch on the subject of loneliness, a sensation that grins a normal, respectable person to nothing but a mean guy who wants to fight all the time. In this part of the novel, George explains his relationship with Lennie and why they had traveled together. In a deeper sense, the phrase got kinda used to each other implies a long-term relationship which neither of the can live without now. Other minor characters in the novel such as Carlson and Whitney represent transaline people who best demonstrate the majority of the society at the time. They aint got no people so they move around the country as Crook states: they come, an they quit ango. Their life style is monotonous and they aint have no fun. Their few entertainments include the horseshoe game and cards, which again are reference to competition and individualism. Nonetheless, it is only in these games they make allowance for their guard and relax into the company of each other. In conclusion, Steinbeck presentation of the theme of loneliness is reflected in the actions of his character. Although desperate to make contact, their concern for reputation and nature of the machismo culture in society isolate them from one another. The end tragedy then attracts sympathy from the reader by shattering the hope of few exceptions that appeared to have survived.

Risk Factors for Solitary Seizures

Risk Factors for Solitary Seizures DISCUSSION The aim of this study is to find out the underlying risk factors involved in recurrence of solitary seizure in patient with normal neuroimaging, in patients in whom treatment is not initiated. This will help to guide the patients who are at risk for recurrence. After the detailed history and clinical examination, laboratory and electroencephalogram and imaging, we analyzed the similarities and differences which will help in making conclusions from this study. Comparisons were done with other studies conducted related to this study. In present study total number of 110 cases from OPD (Medicine) and those admitted in wards, Command hospital, southern command, Pune with history of solitary seizure was taken after satisfying the inclusion criteria. In a study by Mussico24 in 2002, subjects less than 25years constituted 48% as compared to 50% in present study i.e 55 cases were < 25 years. Mean age at the time of seizure was 32 years in study of Von Donselaar23 in 2000 and 24.8 years in the study of Mussico24. The mean age at the time of seizure in our study is 29.62 years. The youngest patient was of 18 year and the oldest patient was 70 year old. Hopkins25 in 1998 conducted a study in which most frequent age range was 16-29 years. . This is similar to result of Von Donselaar23 (2000) concluded from his study of subjects who are 20 years or more, in which the most frequently affected age group is 30 years. Study regarding duration of new onset seizure showed that out of 60 cases, 38 cases (63.33%) had seizure for 10 Min. Mean duration of seizure was 5.11 min in our study as compared to 6.23 min in a study by Bernal B, Altman NR58 (2003). Maximum patient (30 cases; 60%) had seizure duration less than 5 min which is similar to the study done by Benbadis SR 59et al. (1995). Male to female ratio is 11:1 in present study. Annegers26 (1996) and Bora27(1995) found a slight preponderance of female cases in their study. Many authors(Von Donselaar23 2000, Mussico24 2002, Hopkins40 1998) report a mild to moderate preponderance of males in their studies. Imaging was done in all 110 cases. It was abnormal in 34 cases (31%) and normal in 76% cases. In patients with with abnormal neuroimaging, antiepileptic treatment was started and remaining cases were followed up for 12 months for recurrence. Bernal B, Altman NR58 (2003) found 37% CT head abnormality in patients presented with single seizure. Wallace60 (1974) conducted a study in which imaging revealed abnormality in 51 out of 132 subjects (38%). But reports in various study varies from 19% (Young34 et al 1982) to 51% (Rogel Ortiz50 F, 2006). CT was diagnostic in 34% case of generalized seizure shown in study by Scolloni Lanzurri G72 (1977) In present study, abnormal EEG was seen in 14 cases (12.73%) out of 110 cases. A Berg and D. Bettis et al98 (2000) found abnormal EEG in 42% of cases of singles seizure during post ictal period in their study. In study done by Van donselar 23(2000), EEG found epileptiform discharges in 29% subjects. In present study, all patient with abnormal EEG or imaging were started on antiepileptics and remaining patient with normal EEG/ imaging were not given antiepileptic treatment (60 cases) and followed up for 1 year for recurrence. Risk factors were studed in recurrence and non recurrence group. Various risk factors such as family history of seizures, childhood convulsion, past history/ evidence of tuberculosis, developmental delay, history of alcohol intake, head injury and sleep deprivation, abnormal neurological examination were studied and were compared with different studies. Family history was present in 3 cases (5%) out of total 60 cases which were followed up in our study, out of 3 cases(5%) with family history of seizure, 1 case has shown recurrence, while Shinnar S and Berg AT 41(1998) found positive family history in 5% of cases which is similar to our study. History of developmental delay was present in 2 cases (3.3%), and history of febrile convulsion were present in 4 cases (6.67%) among the untreated follow up group. Annegers26 (1996) and Bora27 (1996) have shown that neurologic deficit from birth was more common in association with seizure in males as compared to females in their studies. . 3 cases (5%) had history of Alcoholism. (Alc E 1997) shown that alcohol use has been to be a powerful risk factor for a first generalized tonic clonic seizure. Out of 60 cases which were followed, 24 cases had one or more of the above mentioned risk factor. Out of these 24, 4 cases recurred ( 17 %). While in patients without these risk factors i.e in 36 cases only 6 % cases (2 cases) recurred. Hence, presence of these risk factors increases the rate of recurrence in cases of single seizure. American College of Emergency Physician Policy (2004)38 also state that rate of recurrence is more in those patent who has one or more of these risk factors and should be treated with antiepileptic treatment irrespective of CT head and EEG. Out of total number of 6 recurrence, 1(16.7%) occurred within 7 days, 3 (50%) occurred within next 21 days of first seizure, 1 (16.7%) occurred within 1 to 3 months of first seizure. Hence, risk of recurrence decreased with passage of time. Scotoni49 et al (1999) and Das46 et al (2006) has also reported recurrence rate to be much higher in first three months. Rate of recurrence was 10 % in our study i.e. out of 60 patients with solitary unprovoked seizure with normal neurological examination and normal neuroimaging which were followed up for 12 months, 6 cases has shown recurrence, and almost all cases recurred in first 3 months. In previous studies done, rate of recurrence varied from 16% to 71 % (Treinman DM55, 1993), but follow up duration was different. In a study by D. Chadwick48 et al (Lancet 2006), recurrence rate was 21% in follow up of 1 year, most cases recurred within 3 months which is comparable to our study. Scotoni AE et al49 (1999) conducted the study rate of recurrence was 18%, duration of follow up was 6 months in this study. Out of 60 untreated cases 6 (10.0%) had recurrence in next 12 month. 3 cases in 18-25 age group (10.34%),1 cases in 26-35 age group (5.88%),1 case in 36-45 age group (12.50 %),0 case in 46-55 age group and 1 case in >55 age group(50.0%) had recurrence. In study by Mussico 24(2002) in which less than 16 years age group has double the recurrence risk of seizure as compared to 16-60 years age group. 6/ 60 cases had recurrence out of which 4 cases were male and 2 were female, total cases in male group were 55 and in female group were 5, hence recurrence rate was 7.3% in male and 40% in female. This sex difference in our study is due to cases were taken in military hospital, male population is more In study by D. Chadwick 18et al (2006), sex difference in recurrence and non recurrence group was not very significant. Study regarding duration of new onset seizure showed that out of 60 cases, 38 cases (63.33%) had seizure for 10 Min. The mean duration of seizure in recurrence group was 8.17 Â ± 4.44 min as compared to 4.7 Â ± 3.0 min in non recurrence group. Incidence of seizure recurrence is more in patients with longer duration of seizure. Duration of seizure at initial presentation was 10.1 + 5.2 min in the recurrence group and 6.5 + 4.1 min in the non recurrence group in a study by Das C.P.46 et al (2006). Martinovic and Jovic et al 51(2004) conducted a study in which the mean duration of seizure was 26.4 min in recurrence group and 4.6 min non recurrence group in a study. In one of 6 patients(16.6%) in recurrence group, family history of seizure was present compared to study conducted by Das46 et al (2006) and Hauser 43 (1998) repoted that sibling affected with epilepsy is a risk factor for recurrence of seizure in patients with solitary seizure. In our study, history of alcohol intake was present in 16.6% cases in recurrence group as compared to 3.70 % in non recurrence group which is same as those of alcohol and epilepsy study group (1997). Earnest and Feldman et al61 (1988) found similar results history of alcoholism in 12% of recurrent cases after single seizure.

Image as Icon: Recognising the Enigma’ by Tracey Warr

Image as Icon: Recognising the Enigma’ by Tracey Warr In Tracey Warr’s essay, ‘Image as Icon: Recognising the Enigma’, she identifies and discusses four discourses of performance photography–the document, the icon, the simulacrum and the live act–and what is at stake in these discourses is the ‘truth’. What she describes as ‘contradictory’ and contentious between the discourses, I believe what she has shown is the different ways in which photography is utilised and read as a medium for documenting and presenting a live performance. Although these photographs may offer themselves as an accurate record of the event, or the complete ‘truth’, Warr shows how incomplete, though necessary, photography is in depicting the experience of the live performance. Adrian George offers a loose definition of live performance art as primarily consisting of a living ‘human presence–a body (or bodies) in space and at a specific moment, or for a definite period’. What is difficult about performance art is that most people expect to see ‘art’ in a traditional sense, which is an art object. Performances do not have a ‘fixed referential basis’, much like Robert Smithson’s earthwork, Spiral Jetty 1970, whose spiral formation no longer exists physically due to erosion by the sea. Because performances and works like Spiral Jetty ‘continue to exist only through an accumulation of documentation and discourse’ documenting these works become very important in placing them in a historical context. In Warr’s discourses of performance photography as the document and the simulacra, we have what appear to be two polarising discourses–the ‘real’ evidence and the simulation; however, her development of both discourses arrives at similar conclusions about truth telling. Warr defines the discourse of the document as ‘the image perform[ing] the role of materialist evidence and proof–showing us exactly what happened so we can ‘know’ it’ while the discourse of the simulacra ‘explores fakery, the performative and representation’. According to Susan Sontag, unlike writing or even paintings and drawings which are perceived as ‘interpretations’, the photograph is perceived not so much as ’statements about the world so much as pieces of it, miniatures of reality that anyone can make or acquire’. However, both Warr and Sontag debunk the myth that the photograph is objective or factual. The perfo rmance is filtered through the photographer and camera through the process of framing, cropping and composing the photograph. Then there is the process of choosing the best photographs to represent the entire performance, which Warr points out are usually the most composed photographs. In addition to this process of reduction, the experience of ’sound, time, space, [and] often the audience’ are missing from the photograph. The photograph as document is exposed, so to speak, as being like the simulacra, a mere representation or a simulation–the document is a construction. In reference to Hans Namuth’s photographs depicting Jackson Pollock painting, Fred Orton and Griselda Pollocks’ pose the question: ‘how far does the photographer document what happened and how far does he or she create the ‘documented’ phenomenon?’ Although Namuth’s photographs can be read as historical documents of the painter, Warr points out that these images are actually ‘Namuth and Pollock staging Pollock’. Another question that could be asked is how much does the artist perform for the audience and how much does the artist perform for the camera? Many performances during the 60s and 70s are ‘hybrid performance photography’ which were performed especially for the camera as opposed to a live audience. This kind of performance photography subverts the function of the photograph as an objective, unobtrusive document as the hybrid performance photography blatantly uses the camera as an accomplice to stage its performance. Hybrid performance photography also subverts the central idea in the discourse of the live act. In this discourse, documentation is relegated to a mere ’subsidiary status’ while the live performance itself is ‘primary, cathartic, witnessed and ontological’. Here, documentation is supposed to be as ‘unobtrusive’ as possible because the most important aspect is the interaction between the performer and the audience, an aspect that comes from the traditions of the theatre. However, trying to capture the experience of the interaction between the performer and the audience is problematic as not only is the photograph incomplete as a truth teller as mentioned already but the viewer of the photograph cannot intervene with the performance. During the live performance, there is an opportunity for the audience to react ‘with a corporeal response’ but when viewing the performance through a photograph, the viewer is ‘already in interpretation mode’. Trying to decipher whether or not the photograph of Chris Burden’s nail-scarred hands in Trans-fixed 1999 is real or staged is an example of being in the interpretation mode. Because the live performance lacks a fixed referent, the performance photograph itself is liable to become an icon. Here, the photograph functions beyond just a mere document or a staged image. In this discourse of performance photography, the ‘icon presents us with a manifestation of the unknowable and an encounter with that manifestation in a state of belief’. Warr points out that the role of the photograph as an icon is riddled with contradictions and compromise. The icon ‘is both indexical and documentary’, presenting itself as tangible evidence but in doing so it also ‘compromises it status as a manifestation of an unknowable to be believed’–conjuring up issues of fakery. The icon is a paradox because the iconic ‘must be universally familiar and †¦enigmatic’, or ‘the known and the unknowable’. In the world of art, the photographs of Jackson Pollock and Joseph Beuys–images of two famous and well-k nown artists–are as much icons as are their artwork. Warr’s exploration of the four discourses presents contradictions between the discourses but at times they also complement each other. However, all four discourses point to the conclusion that even performance photography, like the art object, has no fixed meaning nor is there a fixed relationship between photography and performance. As Warr has shown us, it is a relationship that is highly complex.

Special Needs in the Classroom :: Education Disabilities Essays

Special Needs in the Classroom Virginia teachers face many challenges when trying to meet the needs of special needs students in their science classrooms. The most difficult task at hand for Virginia teachers is making sure that all students (general education and special education) learn the content outlined by the Virginia Standards of Learning. These standards "set reasonable targets and expectations for what teachers need to teach and students need to learn" (Virginia Standards of Learning, 1995, foreward). These targets and expectations are in the four core subjects, including science, however, no accommodations have been made in the SOLs for special needs students. All students, regardless of ability will need to know the same material in order to pass and graduate. One way that Virginia teachers meet the challenging needs of students is through the use of special strategies. Much research has been conducted which supports the use of special strategies to teach science content to students with special needs. Research has shown that some strategies to help special needs students in science are to prioritize materials in order of importance, pre-teach vocabulary that may be difficult for students, paraphrase passages, provide study guides, graphics, and organizers, or provide audio-taped texts (Munk, Bruckert, & Call). Other research suggests that teachers should, "employ strategies that emulate the principles of inclusive education (for example, outcome-based education, multiple intelligence theory, constructivist learning, cooperative learning, use of technology in the classroom, and peer-mediated instruction)." (Norman, Caseau, and Stegfanich, 1998) Gallas (1995) writes that it is important to build on students’ prior knowledge, so that they can use that knowledge to explore theories and construct other ideas and explanations. Methods of evaluation are also a concern and challenge for educators of special needs students today. Finson & Ormsbee (1998) argue that, "rubrics are effective methods for objectively and individually assessing the achievement of students with learning and behavior problems in inclusive science classrooms†¦." Rubrics are especially useful because they are written as a specific outline of the skills or knowledge that the students are to master after the lesson and points are awarded in a systematic and objective manner. To further explore the realm of special needs students and their education in science classrooms in Virginia today, we interviewed two educators from Central Virginia. "There simply is never enough time in the day to meet the needs of all students. And, when you think about it, they all have special needs†¦" Anne, a fourth grade teacher remarked when asked how she finds time to attend to both her general education students and special education students.

Criminal Justice System :: essays research papers

I do feel that they will be effecitve and in the next few pages I will explain why I feel this way and why I have taken this stand. First of all I read through the whole charter and as boring as it was I made it through unscaved. Just like anything in order to have something you need a purpose. A reason for doing something. The reason why this charter was brought forward was because that they realized that during that century millions of children, mean and women have been victims of unimaginable atrocities that deeply shock the conscience of humanity. That sounds like enough for me. When I read that, I was think â€Å"Oh my God†, I mean come on unimaginable atrocities. It is obvious that something that to be done and even the littlest change would make a difference. The first thing they did was establish a â€Å"Court†. This court was permanent and had the power to exercise its jurisdiction over people for the most serious crimes. What I like about this and a reason why I feel it will work also is that in the beginning of the charter is that they have a relationship with the United Nations. This relationship only makes this court stronger. Part III of the charter looks a lot like a military code of justice. It set’s principles to be followed by the court or in the military a Commander if you will. It appears to me that this charters strength is in Part III, because here is where all the rules or articles are that explain what can be done by the court and what can not be done. It breaks it down to the core, including what to do with someone under 18 years of age. I feel that this is where the strength of the court lies. It defines who is a criminal and who is not, it tells us when the court can pursue a criminal or when a crime is not comitted. The further I got into the parts, the more I strongly I feel about saying they will be effective. It seems as if this court is no different then another court we have in the USA. Part four set’s up the membership. It states who is in charge of what and what their responsibilites should be. When you have people who know what they are supposed to do and that they are held accountable to their jobs then failure is not an option.

Going Against the Grain: “Updike a&p”

Going Against the Grain: â€Å"Unity of Effect† in Updike’s â€Å"A&P† â€Å"A&P† is a short story by John Updike that tells the story of three girls who enter a grocery store and attract quite a bit of attention from: Stokesie, the manager; Lengel, a checkout clerk; and – most of all – Sammy, also a checkout clerk. The story follows the thoughts and actions of Sammy as he observes the three girls who are only dressed in bathing suites. The notable points are Sammy’s interaction with another customer, the interaction with his fellow checkout clerk Stokesie, and ultimately his boss and manager Lengel.The story comes to an unexpected climax after Lengel tells the girls to leave the store because of their indecent clothing and as a result Sammy decides to quit. Throughout this short story, John Updike works towards the reader realizing the negative connotations of rebellion and conformity; this is accomplished through several different na rrative devices including – but not limited to – â€Å"first person narration† and â€Å"the unreliable narrator. The first noticeable narrative device utilized by John Updike is that of â€Å"first person narration† where the voice that is created for Sammy is poetically graphic and intentionally provoking; this is clear when one observes how Sammy’s internal narration switches between sharp wit and common slang. This is also proof that Sammy is capable of clear, intelligent thought even though he is merely nineteen years old. The way he chooses to describe things in his mind is truly remarkable as he refers to one of the girls’ hair as â€Å"oaky† and that the light from outside seems like it is â€Å"skating around† the parking lot.It is interesting, however, how Updike continually refrains Sammy’s language by beginning his sentences with phrases like â€Å"You know† and â€Å"Really† which, in effect, keeps the overall language of Sammy seemingly natural. It would make sense to assume that during the course of the story, Updike is deliberately making Sammy use this â€Å"natural† language mixed with sharp wit in order for the reader to be able to distinguish Sammy’s voice from that of Updike himself.Indeed it would ruin the story if Updike used Sammy’s voice to be a stand-in for Updike, or a spokesman for the â€Å"authorial† point of view. Another narrative device that Updike makes use of during this story is that of an â€Å"unreliable† narrator, which essentially means that Sammy voice, which narrates the entire story, should not be simply accepted as infallible, but rather that Sammy’s narration should be thoroughly analyzed.This concept of the â€Å"unreliable† narrator is made clear when one looks at Sammy’s comment on the female mind and how it is completely unknowable; this needs to be taken not as Updike’s ge neral feeling on the particular topic, but rather an account in the characters voice. The device of â€Å"unreliable† narrator can be made even more clearly in the example where Sammy says that â€Å"once you begin a gesture it’s fatal not to go through with it† (343). This can absolutely not be a statement that Updike intended the reader to think he himself was saying.Updike put these words in the mouth of Sammy because they represent an idea that is highly debatable which is coming from a nineteen year old who just might have reason to regret the actions he completes. Understanding this narrative device in Updike’s story is essential to being able to grasp the true plot of â€Å"A&P,† which is the slow revelation of a young man’s character. The final narrative device that will be described here is that of John Updike’s excellent use of â€Å"symbolism† throughout the entire short story that gives rise to the originality of Sa mmy’s thinking and the town in general.One notable use of â€Å"symbolism† within Updike’s story is that of colors. â€Å"Holding a little gray jar in her hand† (341), â€Å"Stokesie with his usual luck draws an old party in baggy gray pants† (341), â€Å"Lengel sighs and begins to look very patient and old and gray† (343). With the above examples pointing towards Updike’s use of the color gray, it is even more important then to notice that the only things that are described in color are the three girls.It could be interpreted that the fact of everything being gray besides the girls shows how the only things important to Sammy at that moment are the girls. In order for Updike to characterize the town, he decides to use animals. â€Å"The sheep pushing their carts down the aisle – the girls were walking against the usual traffic† (339-340). The symbolism is fairly obvious as sheep are known to simply do what the group doe s and not to change their routine; they don’t think on their own, they just follow each other.This could possibly symbolize how tight knit the community was, or how these three girls were an unwelcomed break in the towns routine. Through these three narrative devices, it is clear to see that in Updike’s telling of Sammy the checkout clerk, the reader is supposed to get a sense of the negative connotations of rebellion and conformity. The reader is forced to critically analyze the decisions and thoughts that Sammy makes as a result of the three girls entering â€Å"A&P†, as well as notice the downfalls of stringent, unwavering conformity.

Breastfeeding in Public

Breastfeeding in Public: A Woman’s Right or Crime Women were born blessed with the ability to offer the most natural and beautiful act a mother can do for her child. Breastfeeding is a treasurable bond shared between mother and child. Controversy arises when nursing mothers choose to perform feedings in public areas. Select groups of people view breastfeeding in public places as indecent and offensive. It is to be determined if it is a women’s right to breastfeed her child anywhere she deems suitable. According to the medical dictionary, breastfeeding is defined as feeding a child human breast milk (â€Å"eMedicineHealth. om†). A lactating mother produces this milk. Lactation is the process of producing milk. Human milk is secreted by the mammary glands, which are located within the fatty tissue of the breast (â€Å"eMedicineHealth. com†). Mothers unable to produce adequate amounts of breast milk are in the minority. Most women begin to lactate before the birth process takes place. After a baby is born the mother is able to immediately begin nursing. The number of women that choose to breastfeed their children has begun to dwindle significantly over the decades. Is this because society as a whole has become lazy?Is it because breastfeeding does not have enough proven benefits over formula? Or is it because society does not approve of women breastfeeding in public, making it increasingly more difficult for nursing women to continue their lives after giving birth? It would be impossible for every individual in America to agree on any one subject. The topic of breastfeeding is not excluded. Advocates turn a cheek at the sight of a bare breast or smile in the beauty of the natural gift. Anti-breastfeeding individuals frown upon the sight due to morals, beliefs, and preference.The issue comes down to whether breastfeeding should or should not be allowed in public. Those who whole-heartedly believe in breast milks benefits support mothers being allowed to breastfeed in public places and those that disagree view breastfeeding as non-necessary, unimportant, and disturbing. Both of these groups not only include the average citizen on the street, but also the business owners of America. Breastfeeding mothers may have a need to feed their child in a park, airplane, retail store, grocery store, restaurant, and even one’s office.How do we deem areas as appropriate or inappropriate when babies rely on the breast of their mother for their nourishment? Should mothers be restrained to their holms until the breastfeeding has ceased? There must be solutions to these questions. The facts and myths of breastfeeding need to be clear and known by the citizens of America. Mothers around the world make the decision everyday to breastfeed or bottle-feed their newborn babies. The factors that help them in the decision making process are not always well-defined.Dying of Breast Cancer in the 1800sWomen must know the reality of the b eauty and harshness of breastfeeding. The ease of being able to carry on with their daily lives is a chief factor. Therefore breastfeeding in public must be contemplated. The practice of breastfeeding originated when the first woman gave birth to a baby. In earlier times, breastfeeding was the only source of food and nourishment for babies. What was a common practice has changed dramatically over the generations. In history breastfeeding was as necessary as going to the restroom. Human breast milk was the only food accessible for babies.It was, and still is in many poverty-based communities, crucial to breastfeed young children. According to Wikipedia Encyclopedia, before the 20th century breastfeeding was the most common form of nutrition used for infants (Wikipedia). Lactating women are not only crucial to their own children, but to offspring of others as well. These women are referred to as wet nurses. A wet nurse is a woman who breast-feeds and cares for another's child (â€Å" Wet Nurse†). It used to be fact that if a mother died then the child was left to die due to starvation.This is unless another lactating woman is able to assume the duties. Wet nurses are commissioned when a mother is unable or chooses not to nurse the child herself. In the case that other lactating women were not available, the motherless baby would perish. When necessary, a baby’s milk was substituted with the milk of an animal such as a goat or cow. In the 1800’s doctors, scientist, and other researchers began investigating what ingredients were indispensible in food mixes for babies to grow. In 1867, the first commercially available baby food was created by Justus von Liebig â€Å"breastfeeding-mom. com†). Following this development, various other kinds of baby formulas were made. Numerous women around the world began using these formulas in place of breastfeeding. Manufacturers promoted the use of baby formulas as a modern way to feed babies. By 1950, more than half of the babies in the USA were fed some form of baby formula (â€Å"breastfeeding-mom. com†). Trends began to change back in the 1970’s. Women felt the need to go back to the fundamentals of feeding their babies as done in history.Public pressure has urged health departments to recognize the significance of breastfeeding and encourage mothers to do so. There are now laws in place to protect the rights of a breastfeeding mother when feeding her child in public. A baby's need to eat cannot be determined by a set schedule. There are laws that make public breastfeeding legal and prohibit companies from banning it in the workplace. A United States House of Representatives appropriations bill with a breastfeeding amendment was signed into law on September 29, 1999 (â€Å"History and Culture of Breastfeeding†).It specified that no government funds may be expended to enforce any bar on women breastfeeding their children in Federal buildings or property. A majority of states have enacted state statutes specifically permitting the exposure of the female breast by women breastfeeding infants, or exempting such women from prosecution under applicable statutes, such as those regarding indecent exposure (â€Å"History and Culture of Breastfeeding†). Breastfeeding babies in public is legal in all 50 states. The controversy on breastfeeding in public has no true beginning.It would be impossible to determine who first opposed the act and when they did so. Though breastfeeding was essential in early history, there was bound to have been individuals who did not enjoy seeing the exposed breast of a nursing mother. As our society has evolved the issue has grown to be a larger dispute. Americans have begun to put expectations and standards on what is deemed apt to be viewed in public. Free speech is a right and morals are a personal preference. History proves that what was common and natural has ecome less and less so in the birth of new ge nerations. Breastfeeding played a big part in historical times by nourishing the men and women who grew to be the founding fathers and mothers of America. Todays leaders could have been breastfed or bottle-fed. Did Obama’s mother feed him human breast milk or formula? Does it really matter? The answer is no. The nourishment we are given as children determines our future health, but has no standing otherwise. Yet, it is our mothers’ choices on how we receive our nourishment.I am left to wonder if breastfeeding will diminish entirely in the future for the simple fact that the opinions of our fellow peers are beginning to determine much more than they should. Breastfeeding in public was accepted in history, but now it is frowned upon as much as divorce and tattoos. Our society may never return to making its own decisions and not having to worry about the feelings of those around us? It might be a blessing that there are many options available other than breastfeeding beca use options allow ease and freedom.With all the diseases and cancers striking women these days, options allow them to do everything from artificial insemination to adoption. The availability of options has the capability to cause unwanted stress. If breastfeeding in public grows to be a larger issue, what once was a natural given ability and blessing might become a mute subject. Therefor it must be determined if it is a woman’s right to breastfeed her child wherever vital or if it is a crime to breastfeed in public areas. In the beginning it was the only option. Today it is one of many. Actions will decide what it will be tomorrow.Breastfeeding has many benefits. In addition to being packed full of nutrients and vitamins, breast milk can help prevent and/or lower the risk of many illnesses for both mother and baby. Along with the protection against a long list of illnesses, breastfeeding can protect your baby from developing allergies, becoming obese, lower the risk of SIDS ( sudden infant death syndrome), and much more. It often reduces a mothers stress levels, chances of developing postpartum depression, and risks of acquiring some types of cancer. Breast milk is specifically customized and tailored to every baby.Your body responds to pathogens (virus and bacteria) that are in your body and makes secretory IgA that's specific to those pathogens, creating protection for your baby based on whatever you're exposed to (â€Å"babycenter. com†). Studies have been done that present findings showing that breastfeed boosts a child’s intelligence. In a study of more than 17,000 infants followed from birth to 6 1/2 years, researchers concluded from IQ scores and other intelligence tests that prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding significantly improves cognitive development (â€Å"babycenter. com†).Most importantly breastfeeding creates a special bond between a mother and a child. Dan Hurley, medical journalist, argues that breast fed babies a re at a much lower risk for developing type one diabetes. The author asserts that cows milk is the culprit due to it cultivating an attack on the immune systems that results in diabetes in the future. Hurley promotes his thesis by giving the results of both his own studies on rats and those of other experts. He claims that babies who are breast fed for at least 6 months before being introduced to cows milk have enough time to build up a strong enough immune system.Hurley directly connects diabetes to cows milk in order to promote breastfeeding infants and a decrease in the statistics on diabetes in the future. Like everything in life, where they are positives, there are bound to be negatives that come along with them. Breastfeeding brings on copious amounts of pain in a woman’s breast. The entire breast becomes sore, hard, and warm. Creams must be applied often to prevent cracking and bleeding. The secretion of milk is uncontrollable and often a nuisance. The amount of leakin g is different with every woman, yet never the less undesirable.Special pads must be worn at all times to prevent the obvious show of a woman’s leaking breast in public. When or if a mother returns to work or is away from her child for a length of time, she must use a breast pump to prepare milk for these absences. This requires her to pump on the baby’s normal feeding schedule. Breastfeeding also prevents a mother from drinking alcohol, smoking, and even taking certain medications. Some are completely against breastfeeding. Zoe Williams, British columnist and journalist, concludes that the benefits of breastfeeding are questionable and unproven.She faults the zealot advocates that see breastfeeding as the only option. Williams fosters her thesis be referencing many authorities on the lack of proven benefits of nursing. Her research is aimed towards the women considering other options besides breastfeeding. Williams stresses that there are an copious amounts of parents who love their children unconditionally without breastfeeding in order to challenge the orthodoxy of the breast being the best. Naomi Wolf, feminist author, implies that due to feminism placing women in the workforce there is no time for mothers to take breastfeeding as a serious option.The author blames the grueling work schedules of modern times to be the cause of the reduction in nursing mothers. Wolf supports her thesis by citing case studies, using examples, and telling of her own personal experience. She suggests that stay-at-home mothers are more inclined to breastfeed their children. Wolf relates nursing to be a drug of choice in order to convince readers that most mothers choose to breastfeed for the natural high and not for the benefits. Mothers who choose to breastfeed feel the positive effects out weigh the negative aspects of breastfeeding.So if they are strong enough to endure the pain and irritations that breastfeeding brings them, they certainly take their job as a mother as a high priority. These women should be praised and not frowned upon. They made the ultimate decision to nourish their children with the milk the naturally produce; which does not make them the out casts of our society. These women have lives just as the rest of us do. If they choose to put their life on hold to nurse their children, it should be a reminder as to how important life is.This is the main reason breastfeeding should be condoned in public and not shunned. Life is a beautiful thing and the women who give birth to life and choose to continue their lives with having a child that is dependent on them in such a major way are a strong and powerful part of our society. We are accepting of the victoria secret models on TV who are half naked. Why are we not acceptable of the average mother who exposes her naked breast to feed her own child? I propose we help promote breastfeeding in public.If the stamp of approval is given to the models in lingerie that appear in TV comm ercials, magazines, and ads on billboards, we must give nursing mothers the same. Our children have the opportunity to see much more vulgar images at home and in public. Therefore why are the women with the important job of nurturing their offspring with their own natural ability being asked to leave public places if they attempt to breastfeed? In many eyes, including mine, it is hypocritical and a crying shame. These strong women deserve respect for what they are doing.The looks of disgust by the lack of understanding from those uninformed cannot cause such a amazing gift to be any more of a hard task than it already is. America is not accurately informed or equipped with the information and utilities for nursing mothers. My proposal is that business’ open to the public and those with employees of the female gender designate private areas for breastfeeding or provide disposable drapes for the mothers not already equipped with such. The intent is that mothers not feel like th e elephant in the room while nursing their children.This proposal would allow business’ to either utilize pre-existing space that is not being used or create a comfortable area for mother and baby to sit and feed that is out of the public eye. Many business’ already have this plan in effect, therefore the second part of my proposal is that stations be placed in parks, malls, places of business, and etc. that contain disposable drapes that mothers may place over themselves while their bare breast is exposed. In the case of business’ designating areas for nursing to take place, the cost could be minimal by using existing rooms.These rooms could be an extra janitor closet or office that is enhanced with a chair or sofa, small table, diaper changing station, and possibly a sink. Another area might be a section of a bathroom. With an adequate chair, most bathrooms would be sufficient for breastfeeding. The other part of my proposal involving the drapery stations migh t be easier on mothers, yet more costly. I believe our government could afford to place these stations in public areas around our cities. The drapes being disposable would allow them to be made out of cheap material.Many public parks already have stations such as these for our pets. Restaurants could supply the drapes just as they do plastic bibs for children. In conclusion, I strongly believe breastfeeding is not vital, yet it is a great source of nutrition for babies. After giving birth to my daughter in December of 2011 I made the decision to breastfeed her. Though it was not always fun, I enjoyed having someone so dependent upon me. A week after she was born I had to return to school to take my first college finals. Somehow I made it through it, but it wasn’t long before the spring semester was going to be in session.I was going to have to return to work to support us, stay in school to better our future, and manage to be the best parent possible. The day before my first spring class I made the decision that it would be near impossible to pump enough milk in the 15 minutes between classes while walking from building to building. I knew that the looks I would receive from students if I exposed myself on a bench outside Patterson Hall would be not be ones of approval. Let alone I am quite certain that the University of Memphis would promote me doing so.I considered informing my teachers that I would not be on time to class each day and explain why, but opted out. After researching this paper, I feel remorseful that I did not continue to breastfeed. She is a winter baby and is in and out of the hospital with RSV quite often. I have to ask myself if her receiving my breast milk instead of formula could have prevented this. Though I will never have the answer I vow that I will breastfeed my next child despite any circumstances. My hope is that by then there will be more adequate resources for me to do so.Odds are I will be out of school by the time this occurs, but many moms will not be. The University most likely does not wish to promote girls having children at early ages, yet it is being an epidemic. My last proposal is that women on campus that wish to breastfeed be provided with support by the faculty and staff. This would entail a special spot on campus in such a place like the University Center be designated for nursing mothers and more leniency on tardiness to class. A doctor note should be provided and kept on file. Breastfeeding in public should not be the issue that it is.Maybe formula is just as sufficient, but facts have shown that breast milk is an outstanding resource for babies to be provided. If a mother is capable and willing, it is not the right of anyone else to discriminate. Breastfeeding is not a crime. It is the right given to every woman and a blessing to babies across the world. Works Cited â€Å"Breastfeeding Glossary of Terms. † eMedicineHealth. com. WebMD, n. d. Web. 22 November 2012. â€Å"brest feeding-mom. com. † brestfeeding-mom. com. (2012): n. page. Web. 8 Nov. 2012. . â€Å"Definition of Breastfeeding . † eMedicineHealth. com. WebMD, 27 2011.Web. 22 November 2012. . â€Å"History and Culture of Breastfeeding. † Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. . â€Å"How breastfeeding benefits you and your baby. † babycenter. com. BabyCenter, L. L. C. , n. d. Web. 1 December 2012. . Hurley, Dan. Diabetes Rising. New York: Kaplan Publishing, 2010. 109-126. Print. â€Å"Wet Nurse. † Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. . Wikipedia contributors. â€Å"Breastfeeding. † Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. . Williams, Zoe. â€Å"The Guardian. † Guardian. (2012): n. page. Web. 15 Oct. 2012. . Wolf, Naomi. Misconceptions. 1st ed. New York: Doubleday, 2001. 266-297. Print. Breastfeeding in Public Breastfeeding in Public: A Woman’s Right or Crime Women were born blessed with the ability to offer the most natural and beautiful act a mother can do for her child. Breastfeeding is a treasurable bond shared between mother and child. Controversy arises when nursing mothers choose to perform feedings in public areas. Select groups of people view breastfeeding in public places as indecent and offensive. It is to be determined if it is a women’s right to breastfeed her child anywhere she deems suitable. According to the medical dictionary, breastfeeding is defined as feeding a child human breast milk (â€Å"eMedicineHealth. om†). A lactating mother produces this milk. Lactation is the process of producing milk. Human milk is secreted by the mammary glands, which are located within the fatty tissue of the breast (â€Å"eMedicineHealth. com†). Mothers unable to produce adequate amounts of breast milk are in the minority. Most women begin to lactate before the birth process takes place. After a baby is born the mother is able to immediately begin nursing. The number of women that choose to breastfeed their children has begun to dwindle significantly over the decades. Is this because society as a whole has become lazy?Is it because breastfeeding does not have enough proven benefits over formula? Or is it because society does not approve of women breastfeeding in public, making it increasingly more difficult for nursing women to continue their lives after giving birth? It would be impossible for every individual in America to agree on any one subject. The topic of breastfeeding is not excluded. Advocates turn a cheek at the sight of a bare breast or smile in the beauty of the natural gift. Anti-breastfeeding individuals frown upon the sight due to morals, beliefs, and preference.The issue comes down to whether breastfeeding should or should not be allowed in public. Those who whole-heartedly believe in breast milks benefits support mothers being allowed to breastfeed in public places and those that disagree view breastfeeding as non-necessary, unimportant, and disturbing. Both of these groups not only include the average citizen on the street, but also the business owners of America. Breastfeeding mothers may have a need to feed their child in a park, airplane, retail store, grocery store, restaurant, and even one’s office.How do we deem areas as appropriate or inappropriate when babies rely on the breast of their mother for their nourishment? Should mothers be restrained to their holms until the breastfeeding has ceased? There must be solutions to these questions. The facts and myths of breastfeeding need to be clear and known by the citizens of America. Mothers around the world make the decision everyday to breastfeed or bottle-feed their newborn babies. The factors that help them in the decision making process are not always well-defined.Dying of Breast Cancer in the 1800sWomen must know the reality of the b eauty and harshness of breastfeeding. The ease of being able to carry on with their daily lives is a chief factor. Therefore breastfeeding in public must be contemplated. The practice of breastfeeding originated when the first woman gave birth to a baby. In earlier times, breastfeeding was the only source of food and nourishment for babies. What was a common practice has changed dramatically over the generations. In history breastfeeding was as necessary as going to the restroom. Human breast milk was the only food accessible for babies.It was, and still is in many poverty-based communities, crucial to breastfeed young children. According to Wikipedia Encyclopedia, before the 20th century breastfeeding was the most common form of nutrition used for infants (Wikipedia). Lactating women are not only crucial to their own children, but to offspring of others as well. These women are referred to as wet nurses. A wet nurse is a woman who breast-feeds and cares for another's child (â€Å" Wet Nurse†). It used to be fact that if a mother died then the child was left to die due to starvation.This is unless another lactating woman is able to assume the duties. Wet nurses are commissioned when a mother is unable or chooses not to nurse the child herself. In the case that other lactating women were not available, the motherless baby would perish. When necessary, a baby’s milk was substituted with the milk of an animal such as a goat or cow. In the 1800’s doctors, scientist, and other researchers began investigating what ingredients were indispensible in food mixes for babies to grow. In 1867, the first commercially available baby food was created by Justus von Liebig â€Å"breastfeeding-mom. com†). Following this development, various other kinds of baby formulas were made. Numerous women around the world began using these formulas in place of breastfeeding. Manufacturers promoted the use of baby formulas as a modern way to feed babies. By 1950, more than half of the babies in the USA were fed some form of baby formula (â€Å"breastfeeding-mom. com†). Trends began to change back in the 1970’s. Women felt the need to go back to the fundamentals of feeding their babies as done in history.Public pressure has urged health departments to recognize the significance of breastfeeding and encourage mothers to do so. There are now laws in place to protect the rights of a breastfeeding mother when feeding her child in public. A baby's need to eat cannot be determined by a set schedule. There are laws that make public breastfeeding legal and prohibit companies from banning it in the workplace. A United States House of Representatives appropriations bill with a breastfeeding amendment was signed into law on September 29, 1999 (â€Å"History and Culture of Breastfeeding†).It specified that no government funds may be expended to enforce any bar on women breastfeeding their children in Federal buildings or property. A majority of states have enacted state statutes specifically permitting the exposure of the female breast by women breastfeeding infants, or exempting such women from prosecution under applicable statutes, such as those regarding indecent exposure (â€Å"History and Culture of Breastfeeding†). Breastfeeding babies in public is legal in all 50 states. The controversy on breastfeeding in public has no true beginning.It would be impossible to determine who first opposed the act and when they did so. Though breastfeeding was essential in early history, there was bound to have been individuals who did not enjoy seeing the exposed breast of a nursing mother. As our society has evolved the issue has grown to be a larger dispute. Americans have begun to put expectations and standards on what is deemed apt to be viewed in public. Free speech is a right and morals are a personal preference. History proves that what was common and natural has ecome less and less so in the birth of new ge nerations. Breastfeeding played a big part in historical times by nourishing the men and women who grew to be the founding fathers and mothers of America. Todays leaders could have been breastfed or bottle-fed. Did Obama’s mother feed him human breast milk or formula? Does it really matter? The answer is no. The nourishment we are given as children determines our future health, but has no standing otherwise. Yet, it is our mothers’ choices on how we receive our nourishment.I am left to wonder if breastfeeding will diminish entirely in the future for the simple fact that the opinions of our fellow peers are beginning to determine much more than they should. Breastfeeding in public was accepted in history, but now it is frowned upon as much as divorce and tattoos. Our society may never return to making its own decisions and not having to worry about the feelings of those around us? It might be a blessing that there are many options available other than breastfeeding beca use options allow ease and freedom.With all the diseases and cancers striking women these days, options allow them to do everything from artificial insemination to adoption. The availability of options has the capability to cause unwanted stress. If breastfeeding in public grows to be a larger issue, what once was a natural given ability and blessing might become a mute subject. Therefor it must be determined if it is a woman’s right to breastfeed her child wherever vital or if it is a crime to breastfeed in public areas. In the beginning it was the only option. Today it is one of many. Actions will decide what it will be tomorrow.Breastfeeding has many benefits. In addition to being packed full of nutrients and vitamins, breast milk can help prevent and/or lower the risk of many illnesses for both mother and baby. Along with the protection against a long list of illnesses, breastfeeding can protect your baby from developing allergies, becoming obese, lower the risk of SIDS ( sudden infant death syndrome), and much more. It often reduces a mothers stress levels, chances of developing postpartum depression, and risks of acquiring some types of cancer. Breast milk is specifically customized and tailored to every baby.Your body responds to pathogens (virus and bacteria) that are in your body and makes secretory IgA that's specific to those pathogens, creating protection for your baby based on whatever you're exposed to (â€Å"babycenter. com†). Studies have been done that present findings showing that breastfeed boosts a child’s intelligence. In a study of more than 17,000 infants followed from birth to 6 1/2 years, researchers concluded from IQ scores and other intelligence tests that prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding significantly improves cognitive development (â€Å"babycenter. com†).Most importantly breastfeeding creates a special bond between a mother and a child. Dan Hurley, medical journalist, argues that breast fed babies a re at a much lower risk for developing type one diabetes. The author asserts that cows milk is the culprit due to it cultivating an attack on the immune systems that results in diabetes in the future. Hurley promotes his thesis by giving the results of both his own studies on rats and those of other experts. He claims that babies who are breast fed for at least 6 months before being introduced to cows milk have enough time to build up a strong enough immune system.Hurley directly connects diabetes to cows milk in order to promote breastfeeding infants and a decrease in the statistics on diabetes in the future. Like everything in life, where they are positives, there are bound to be negatives that come along with them. Breastfeeding brings on copious amounts of pain in a woman’s breast. The entire breast becomes sore, hard, and warm. Creams must be applied often to prevent cracking and bleeding. The secretion of milk is uncontrollable and often a nuisance. The amount of leakin g is different with every woman, yet never the less undesirable.Special pads must be worn at all times to prevent the obvious show of a woman’s leaking breast in public. When or if a mother returns to work or is away from her child for a length of time, she must use a breast pump to prepare milk for these absences. This requires her to pump on the baby’s normal feeding schedule. Breastfeeding also prevents a mother from drinking alcohol, smoking, and even taking certain medications. Some are completely against breastfeeding. Zoe Williams, British columnist and journalist, concludes that the benefits of breastfeeding are questionable and unproven.She faults the zealot advocates that see breastfeeding as the only option. Williams fosters her thesis be referencing many authorities on the lack of proven benefits of nursing. Her research is aimed towards the women considering other options besides breastfeeding. Williams stresses that there are an copious amounts of parents who love their children unconditionally without breastfeeding in order to challenge the orthodoxy of the breast being the best. Naomi Wolf, feminist author, implies that due to feminism placing women in the workforce there is no time for mothers to take breastfeeding as a serious option.The author blames the grueling work schedules of modern times to be the cause of the reduction in nursing mothers. Wolf supports her thesis by citing case studies, using examples, and telling of her own personal experience. She suggests that stay-at-home mothers are more inclined to breastfeed their children. Wolf relates nursing to be a drug of choice in order to convince readers that most mothers choose to breastfeed for the natural high and not for the benefits. Mothers who choose to breastfeed feel the positive effects out weigh the negative aspects of breastfeeding.So if they are strong enough to endure the pain and irritations that breastfeeding brings them, they certainly take their job as a mother as a high priority. These women should be praised and not frowned upon. They made the ultimate decision to nourish their children with the milk the naturally produce; which does not make them the out casts of our society. These women have lives just as the rest of us do. If they choose to put their life on hold to nurse their children, it should be a reminder as to how important life is.This is the main reason breastfeeding should be condoned in public and not shunned. Life is a beautiful thing and the women who give birth to life and choose to continue their lives with having a child that is dependent on them in such a major way are a strong and powerful part of our society. We are accepting of the victoria secret models on TV who are half naked. Why are we not acceptable of the average mother who exposes her naked breast to feed her own child? I propose we help promote breastfeeding in public.If the stamp of approval is given to the models in lingerie that appear in TV comm ercials, magazines, and ads on billboards, we must give nursing mothers the same. Our children have the opportunity to see much more vulgar images at home and in public. Therefore why are the women with the important job of nurturing their offspring with their own natural ability being asked to leave public places if they attempt to breastfeed? In many eyes, including mine, it is hypocritical and a crying shame. These strong women deserve respect for what they are doing.The looks of disgust by the lack of understanding from those uninformed cannot cause such a amazing gift to be any more of a hard task than it already is. America is not accurately informed or equipped with the information and utilities for nursing mothers. My proposal is that business’ open to the public and those with employees of the female gender designate private areas for breastfeeding or provide disposable drapes for the mothers not already equipped with such. The intent is that mothers not feel like th e elephant in the room while nursing their children.This proposal would allow business’ to either utilize pre-existing space that is not being used or create a comfortable area for mother and baby to sit and feed that is out of the public eye. Many business’ already have this plan in effect, therefore the second part of my proposal is that stations be placed in parks, malls, places of business, and etc. that contain disposable drapes that mothers may place over themselves while their bare breast is exposed. In the case of business’ designating areas for nursing to take place, the cost could be minimal by using existing rooms.These rooms could be an extra janitor closet or office that is enhanced with a chair or sofa, small table, diaper changing station, and possibly a sink. Another area might be a section of a bathroom. With an adequate chair, most bathrooms would be sufficient for breastfeeding. The other part of my proposal involving the drapery stations migh t be easier on mothers, yet more costly. I believe our government could afford to place these stations in public areas around our cities. The drapes being disposable would allow them to be made out of cheap material.Many public parks already have stations such as these for our pets. Restaurants could supply the drapes just as they do plastic bibs for children. In conclusion, I strongly believe breastfeeding is not vital, yet it is a great source of nutrition for babies. After giving birth to my daughter in December of 2011 I made the decision to breastfeed her. Though it was not always fun, I enjoyed having someone so dependent upon me. A week after she was born I had to return to school to take my first college finals. Somehow I made it through it, but it wasn’t long before the spring semester was going to be in session.I was going to have to return to work to support us, stay in school to better our future, and manage to be the best parent possible. The day before my first spring class I made the decision that it would be near impossible to pump enough milk in the 15 minutes between classes while walking from building to building. I knew that the looks I would receive from students if I exposed myself on a bench outside Patterson Hall would be not be ones of approval. Let alone I am quite certain that the University of Memphis would promote me doing so.I considered informing my teachers that I would not be on time to class each day and explain why, but opted out. After researching this paper, I feel remorseful that I did not continue to breastfeed. She is a winter baby and is in and out of the hospital with RSV quite often. I have to ask myself if her receiving my breast milk instead of formula could have prevented this. Though I will never have the answer I vow that I will breastfeed my next child despite any circumstances. My hope is that by then there will be more adequate resources for me to do so.Odds are I will be out of school by the time this occurs, but many moms will not be. The University most likely does not wish to promote girls having children at early ages, yet it is being an epidemic. My last proposal is that women on campus that wish to breastfeed be provided with support by the faculty and staff. This would entail a special spot on campus in such a place like the University Center be designated for nursing mothers and more leniency on tardiness to class. A doctor note should be provided and kept on file. Breastfeeding in public should not be the issue that it is.Maybe formula is just as sufficient, but facts have shown that breast milk is an outstanding resource for babies to be provided. If a mother is capable and willing, it is not the right of anyone else to discriminate. Breastfeeding is not a crime. It is the right given to every woman and a blessing to babies across the world. Works Cited â€Å"Breastfeeding Glossary of Terms. † eMedicineHealth. com. WebMD, n. d. Web. 22 November 2012. â€Å"brest feeding-mom. com. † brestfeeding-mom. com. (2012): n. page. Web. 8 Nov. 2012. . â€Å"Definition of Breastfeeding . † eMedicineHealth. com. WebMD, 27 2011.Web. 22 November 2012. . â€Å"History and Culture of Breastfeeding. † Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. . â€Å"How breastfeeding benefits you and your baby. † babycenter. com. BabyCenter, L. L. C. , n. d. Web. 1 December 2012. . Hurley, Dan. Diabetes Rising. New York: Kaplan Publishing, 2010. 109-126. Print. â€Å"Wet Nurse. † Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. . Wikipedia contributors. â€Å"Breastfeeding. † Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. . Williams, Zoe. â€Å"The Guardian. † Guardian. (2012): n. page. Web. 15 Oct. 2012. . Wolf, Naomi. Misconceptions. 1st ed. New York: Doubleday, 2001. 266-297. Print.