Can Counseling Help With Depression

Can Counseling Help With Depression Depression Treatment Print Can Counseling Help With Depression? By Sara Lindberg Sara Lindberg, M.Ed., is a freelance writer focusing on mental health, fitness, nutrition, and parenting.   Learn about our editorial policy Sara Lindberg Updated on January 30, 2020 More in Depression Treatment Medication Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Types Childhood Depression Suicide In This Article Table of Contents Expand Types of Depression Treatment Counseling vs. Psychotherapy Counseling for Depression How to Find a Counselor View All Back To Top Depression is a serious mood disorder, with an estimated 16 million American adults having at least one major depressive episode in the past year.?? It can affect how you think, feel, interact with people, and handle daily life. It can cause feelings of sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure in things you once enjoyed. Anyone can be affected by depression, and it can happen at any age, but it often begins in adulthood. The good news is, depression is highly treatable, with reports of 80% to 90% of people responding well to treatment.?? One of the reasons depression responds so well to treatment is the success of the therapeutic process. Finding the right counselor, psychotherapist, or psychologist that can help you understand and work through the underlying causes of depression as well as develop coping strategies to deal with the symptoms is the first step to feeling better. Types of Depression What makes depression a bit more complicated to understand is that anyone can feel this way. Diagnosing depression requires a complex process involving a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional. In general, to be diagnosed with depression, symptoms need to be present for at least two weeks. There are several types of depression as defined by the DSM-5 including, but not limited to, major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder (major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern), postpartum depression (depression with peripartum onset), and bipolar disorder. Treating Depression   Depression is often treated with medications called antidepressants, therapy, or a combination of the two. There are several types of antidepressant medications available. It may take some time to find the right one for you, so working closely with your doctor is critical during this time. Once you find one that works, you may notice an improvement in how you feel within a month. How to Know Which Antidepressant Is Right for You Treating depression with therapy or psychotherapy has proven helpful in both short-term and long-term cases of depression.?? Like medications, there are various forms of therapy and experts to choose from. Some of the more common evidence-based approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and problem-solving therapy. Counseling vs. Psychotherapy Treating depression with “talk therapy” is often the first step with mild to moderate depression. Many experts will go this route prior to trying medication. If depression is more severe, a combination of therapy and medication may happen at the same time. Before moving forward, it’s important to understand the differences between counseling and psychotherapy. While the two are very similar, it’s important to note that sometimes, psychotherapy with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist (MD) is considered more of a long-term approach that focuses on severe depression and issues that are significantly impacting your life. Counseling, on the other hand, is seen more as a short-term therapy (up to 6 months) that may focus more on mild to moderate depression, especially if it is a newer issue. Counseling for Depression The length and severity of the symptoms and episodes of depression often determine the type of therapy. If you’ve been depressed for a length of time and the symptoms are severe, working with a psychiatrist or psychologist (PsyD) may be necessary since they deal more with issues from the past that may be deeply-rooted in your present feelings. But if the symptoms of depression are more recent or not as severe, working with a therapist in a counseling relationship may be the way to go. During counseling, the therapist will use “talk therapy” to help you understand and work through the issues that are impacting your life in negative ways. Their role is to listen, provide feedback, and work with you to develop strategies to cope. They will also evaluate your progress and adjust the sessions accordingly. You may be asked to do homework that extends the learning from the counseling sessions. Often, this is in the form of tracking moods and feelings. Counseling for depression focuses more on present thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how these things are affecting your life currently. Thats why CBT has been a useful model to use in counseling sessions. With CBT, the therapist can help you change negative thinking that may be making the symptoms of depression worse. The focus is goal-oriented, with you, the patient, taking an active role. Since CBT is generally considered short-term therapy, it’s often a top choice for therapists when working with mild to moderate cases of depression that may not need long-term, in-depth psychotherapy. Evidence suggests that CBT works well in counseling for depression.?? It’s also proven to reduce relapse or recurrence rates of depression once counseling has ceased. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is another brief or short-term method used in counseling for depression that focuses on interpersonal conflict and poor social support, which can lead to feelings of depression. IPT can help you communicate better and address issues that make the symptoms of depression worse. Evidence suggests that IPT is effective in acute treatment of depression, and it may help prevent new depressive disorders.?? Do You Know About All the Treatment Options for Depression? How to Find a Counselor Finding the right counselor, psychologist, or mental health expert to work with may take some time. When it comes to counseling for depression, the relationship between patient and counselor is key to the success of the therapy. It’s important to be patient and open to the process. You may find that you need to see a few people before finding someone you trust. If you’re not sure where to look, a good place to start is with your doctor. You can also contact any larger mental health facilities in your area. While they may not offer the services you need, they will likely know of counselors close to where you live that provide therapy for depression. Another place to find referrals online is through one of the professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association  or the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Many of them have online directories that allow you to search for mental health experts in your area.   Finally, spend some time researching the experts in your area. Go online and read their bios. Send an email asking for more information about their preferred forms of treatment and how they interact with clients. Many therapists offer a free intro session to see if it is a good fit. Find out if they offer a free trial session and give it a try. One other form of counseling to consider, especially for more mild forms of depression, is online therapy. The popularity of online therapy has increased in the last few years as more people are seeking help but often feel more comfortable doing it  Online resources and apps such as Talkspace offer support via a desktop or mobile app with a variety of services including individual sessions, comprehensive courses taught by a therapist that help you work through issues related to depression and come up with and practice coping strategies. The 7 Best Online Help Resources for Depression in 2020 A Word From Verywell Living with depression can feel overwhelming at times. Working with a mental health expert in a therapeutic relationship provides you with a safe environment to identify the thoughts, feelings, and patterns of behavior that are contributing to your symptoms. Counseling can also help you learn new coping skills and techniques to better manage the symptoms. Short-term counseling, which typically lasts 6 months or less, is appropriate for mild to moderate depression. If you feel like you could benefit from counseling for depression, talk with your doctor about getting a referral. Finding someone you trust and feel comfortable opening up to is critical in the success of the counseling process.

Average GRE Scores for Top Public Universities

Many graduate schools have taken the average GRE scores for incoming graduate students off of their websites. Theyre not publishing the rankings in many cases. However, some graduate schools are willing to post average ranges  of scores for incoming grad students, although most of those scores are arranged by intended major rather than by the schools statistics. If youre interested in seeing the most up-to-date GRE scores by intended major, then take a peek at the link provided. Otherwise, read on for the average GRE scores as listed for top public universities for a select few of their majors - Engineering and Education - as published in US News and World Report.   GRE Scores Information If you are confused perusing these scores because you expected to see numbers in the 700s, then Im betting youre probably still thinking about the old GRE score system which ended in 2011. Currently, average GRE scores can run anywhere between 130 - 170 in 1-point increments. The old system assessed students with a scale from 200 - 800 in 10-point increments. If you took the GRE using the old system and want to see what your approximate GRE score would be on the new scale, then check out these two concordance tables. Please note, however, that GRE scores are only valid for five years, so July 2016 was the last time students with GRE scores in the prior format were able to use them.   GRE Verbal Concordance TableGRE Quantitative Concordance Table University of California -  Berkeley: Engineering:   Quantitative: 165 Education Verbal: 149Quantitative: 155 University of California - LA: Engineering:   Quantitative: 162 Education Verbal: 155Quantitative: 146 University of Virginia: Engineering:   Quantitative: 160 Education Verbal: 160Quantitative: 164 University of Michigan – Ann Arbor: Engineering:   Quantitative:  161 Education Verbal: NAQuantitative: NA   University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill: Engineering:   Quantitative: 160 Education Verbal: 158Quantitative: 148 College of William and Mary: Education Verbal: 156Quantitative: 149 University of California – San Diego: Engineering:   Quantitative: NA Education Verbal: NAQuantitative: NA   University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign: Engineering:   Quantitative: 170 Education Verbal: 156Quantitative: 160 University of Wisconsin – Madison: Engineering:   Quantitative: 168 Education Verbal: 158Quantitative: 149 University of Washington: Engineering:   Quantitative: 170 Education Verbal: 156Quantitative: 147 Pennsylvania State: Engineering:   Quantitative: 170 Education Verbal: 154Quantitative: 145 University of Florida: Engineering:   Quantitative: 169 Education Verbal: 155Quantitative: 155 University of Texas – Austin: Engineering:   Quantitative: 170 Education Verbal: 158Quantitative: 152 Georgia Institute of Technology: Engineering:   Quantitative: 164 Ohio State University: Engineering:   Quantitative: 169 Education Verbal: 156Quantitative: 151 Texas AM: Engineering:   Quantitative: 163 Education Verbal: NAQuantitative: NA So Are My Scores Going to Get Me In? There are a number of factors that go into your admittance into one of these top public universities. And although your GRE scores  are  important, they are not the only things considered by admissions counselors, as I am sure you already know. Make sure your application essay is top-notch and that you have secured stellar recommendations from those professors who know you best in undergrad. And if you havent worked on that GPA already, then now is the time to ensure youre getting the best grades you possibly can in case your GRE score isnt exactly what you wanted it to be.

Illusion Or Dream The American Dream - 1170 Words

Illusion or Dream The American dream is a fluctuating ideology that motivated and took charge of many generations from the construction of this country. Until current day, People always need something that would help them set life goals and work hard for them their entire life. Up till now, there are not two people who can agree on the definition of the American dream, yet most of the Americans began to believe that this dream is just an illusion. Many Americans want to achieve the American dream, only a few have set their minds to work hard for these dreams and dedicate their lives for it. It is very important for any society to have something that motivates the people it and that is what our founding fathers back in the 16th century have figured. As the American dream to some, it is something so real that they are living it, and to others it is something of a fairy tale illusion. In addition to that, the society is not giving the hard workers the chance to improve themselves. Today , Americans see that it is impossible to get to the American Dream. No one will achieve the American dream unless he or she is committed to it, and to the full opportunity given to him or her. Americans lost hope accomplishing anything from the American dream on the grounds. They trusted that it is exceptionally hard to ascend in the social and financial levels. President Barak Obama clarified that it is possible to achieve the American dream, but we need to change the policies thatShow MoreRelatedThe Illusions Of American Dream1448 Words   |  6 Pages The illusions of American Dream also presents in â€Å"all men are created equal† in the declaration. As xxx states, it is very clear that â€Å"the white, Protestant landowners was responsible for deciding who keep a voice in the new government, but not the people†. When the country grows and their descendants gradually allow other people (from different races or countries) join the community, and give them equal rights to these â€Å"outsiders† to what they think fit. Human will naturally tend to protect theirRead MoreThe Illusion Of The American Dream946 Words   |  4 Pages The Illusion of the American Dream 954 Money can not buy happiness, relationships, or life meaning. Multiple people in society base the success and meaning of a person’s life on the amount of money they possess. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, most characters make decisions based on how it will affect their wealth and reputations. One of the main characters, Daisy Buchanan, chooses money and status over others, even if it hurts her and the people around her. Daisy’s character revealsRead MoreThe Illusion of the American Dream Essay727 Words   |  3 Pagesstruggle to get to America, believing the ancient tale of the American Dream, convinced that they will finally make it big in this land of riches. But they find out it is not like that. The American dream is the idea held by many in the United States of America that through hard work, courage and determination one can achieve prosperity. In itself, the American Dream is an illusion. In Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, an illusion is defined as ‘a misleading or deceiving image presented to theRead More Illusion of the American Dream in Death of a Salesman and The Glass Menagerie756 Words   |  4 Pages The American Dream is what all Americans strive to achieve. It is the illusion of prosperity and happiness. The American Dream consists of three different elements, money, sex, and power. The plays â€Å"Death of a Salesman† and â€Å"The Glass Menagerie† are about families who strive to achieve the American Dream. These plays are a lot alike and they have more similarities than differences. In America, money can get you many places in society. In both plays, money plays an essential element. In â€Å"TheRead MoreEssay on The Great Gatsby: American Dream or American Nightmare?1739 Words   |  7 PagesFitzgerald, The Great Gatsby The American Dream, a long standing ideal embodies the hope that one can achieve financial success, political power, and everlasting love through dedication and hard work. During the Roaring 20s, people in America put up facades to mask who they truly were. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald conveys that the American Dream is simply an illusion, that is idealist and unreal. In the novel, Gatsby, a wealthy socialite pursues his dream, Daisy. In the process of pursuing DaisyRead MoreReality And Illusions : The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1211 Words   |  5 PagesReality and Illusions Struggling with the separation of reality and an illusion, the characters in The Great Gatsby lived lives of deceit, which were not all as fabulous as they may have appeared. Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Jordan Baker were just a few examples of people, who were seemingly flawless and content, but truly they were lost, chasing after a dream they could never grasp. Jay Gatsby was a man obsessed with a dream of love and wealth. In his mind, Gatsby created an unattainable illusionRead More Illusion Verses Reality in Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller 972 Words   |  4 PagesIllusion Verses Reality in Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Death of A Salesman, by Arthur Miller, is a play that tells the story of a traveling salesman, Willy Loman, who encounters frustration and failure as he reflects on and experiences his own life. Willys quest for the American Dream leads to his failure because throughout his life, he pursues the illusion of the American Dream and not the reality of it. His mindset on perfection, his obsession with success, and his constantRead MoreEdward Franklin Albee IIi : The American Dream, And The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?1313 Words   |  6 PagesENG3U0 Research Essay Edward Franklin Albee III is an American playwright mostly known for his works such as Who s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, The Zoo Story, The American Dream, and The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? Albee is perceived to be a leader in the creation of the American absurdist drama theatrical movement. Specifically, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Opened on Broadway the same month the world was facing heated nuclear tensions between Soviet and U.S. powers during the Cuban Missile CrisisRead MoreHistory of America Mirrored in American Literature751 Words   |  3 PagesThe history of America is mirrored in American Literature. The American dream, the idea of equality and being able to achieve anything you wanted, meant that millions of immigrants moved to America. America claims to be a country which enables everyone to have equality and freedom however in the texts we can see it is rather a Capitalist and individualist country. The paradox of America can be seen through the fact that th e Statue called freedom was built by slaves. The inequality can also be seenRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1483 Words   |  6 PagesJessica Larsen Ms. Labs American Studies, Hour 3/4 January 8, 2015 The Great Gatsby Passage Analysis In the novel The Great Gatsby written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the main character, Jay Gatsby, is portrayed by Fitzgerald as a tremendous romanticist who, throughout the entire novel, tries to win over the love of his life. When Gatsby and Daisy are reunited, they start spending more time with one another behind Tom Buchanan-Daisy s husbands, back. Daisy and Gatsby are enjoying one of their meet ups

Strategic Decision-Making Free Essays

â€Å"Rational decision-making is an impossible ideal in strategy formulation and implementation due to incomplete information and organisational politics. † Strategy is formulated and implemented by organisations as a means of gaining competitive advantage and achieving organisational success. Frequent fast, widely supported, and high quality strategic decisions are the cornerstone of effective strategy (Eisenhardt, 1999 in Clegg et. We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Decision-Making or any similar topic only for you Order Now Al, 2012). In today’s world of borderless business, ever-evolving technology and rapid change, can these decisions be made rationally? Currently there are three main decision-making paradigms in the literature – rational decision-making, political decision-making and the garbage can model. Each paradigm frames the decision-making process differently and each will be discussed in turn in this essay. It will then be concluded that while rational decision-making is possible, it is only boundedly so due to incomplete information confounded by the limitations of human cognition, particularly in the fast-paced business world of today. Furthermore, while people can be individually rational, collectively this is not the case (Eisenhardt ; Zbaracki, 1992) – as organisations are political systems, politics and power are often central to decision-making in the formulation and implementation of strategy. Rational decision-making Model According to the rational decision making model, clear goals and objectives are first identified and listed in order of importance. All the alternative courses of action associated with each objective are then identified and the consequences of each action are established. Consequences are assessed against the values and objectives pursued, with the course of action that best maximises these values being the one that is chosen. This logical step-by-step approach suggests that the outcome will be maximised. It also assumes the decision maker has complete knowledge of not only all possible alternatives, but also their consequences. For strategists who subscribe to this model of decision making, the organisation is seen as a rational bureaucracy where strategic planning is conducted by top management and organisational structure follows. This prescriptive view of decision-making has scientific principles at its core as decision makers are thought to be accurate and objective. Research, however, has shown that the decision-making process used by managers is not as straightforward or linear in nature. In fact, the assumptions underpinning the theory of omniscient rationality, while ‘strikingly simple and beautiful’ (Simon, 1978), are fundamentally flawed. Although such an approach to strategy formulation may appear ideal in theory, it cannot be practised except for with relatively simple problems (Linblom, 1959). Limits of the cognitive capacity of humans, and on available information set definite limits on a manager’s ability to be fully rational. In addition to this, other members of the organisation may disagree with the decision makers choice leading to power plays and politics. Whilst strategic decisions then, fall short of omniscience, they are not necessarily irrational. Rather, they are, and can only ever be, a bounded rationality. Cognitive biases of managers limit the applicability of the rational decision-making approach (Santos Garcia, 2006). The organisational situation is framed by the decision makers who perceive an approximate model of the circumstances, choosing from a limited list of subjective alternatives. Some choices are given weight and others are relegated to the background, thus large segments of reality are out of focus (Feehan, 2013). Simon (1956) recognising the limits of comprehensive rationality, posited the concept of ‘satisficing’, that members will choose the first alternative that is deemed to adequately meet the organisation’s objectives rather than taking the time to survey all possible alternatives and finding the optimal choice. This satisficing alternative will meet the minimal satisfactory requirements. Linblom’s ‘Muddling Through’ theory (1959) was one of the first to recognise the role of politics in strategic decision-making. Linblom refers to the comprehensive rational model mentioned above, as a ‘root’ approach to decision-making where the process begins with the fundamentals, always starting from the ground up. This means-end analysis requires that values are clarified in advance of examining alternatives. He posits a ‘branch method’ of incremental comparisons as a more suitable method for complex problems. Here, the decision-making process begins in the current situation, building out with incremental changes. Lindblom argues that the organisation and individuals may hold conflicting values which only become clear after the fact. A good outcome is therefore, not the optimal one but one that is agreed upon by all players. These theories highlight both the limits of rationality and the importance of context in strategic decision-making. Unlike many other decisions, strategic decisions are made in an organisational context where the reaction of the players affects the outcome. This view of organisations not as rational optimisers but ‘satisficers’ resonates with the author’s experiences. Having owned my own business I understand due to time constraints, working memory limits and finite funding levels, it is not possible to make decisions in a perfectly rational fashion. There will always be alternatives you (the organisation) had not considered, preferences you have that may be conflicting, and choices that cannot be made due to disagreements among stakeholders. This is not to say that the strategic decisions cannot be rational – they can but only boundedly so. It is important, in my view, to approach these significant and complex decisions in a systematic manner when possible. However in a dynamic world, where business is borderless and technology is advancing at an ever increasing rate, I would question the utility of this approach. Context is key. Political decision-making model The political model of decision-making presents a compelling case against the possibility of perfect rationality in strategy formation and implementation. In fact, according to Clegg (2012, p. 267) the biggest enemy of rationality is the power and politics that are inscribed in every organisational decision. The division of an organisation into separate departments, encourages political activity between them as they compete for scarce resources (Pettigrew, 1973). Coalitions are formed around a perceived affinity of interests, with the ultimate aim being to accrue enough power to influence the decision-making process. It is out of this struggle for power that decisions emerge. Strategic decisions are particularly likely to stimulate political actions because they are complex, significant, and subject to uncertainty. There may be much to gain/lose for each of the players from both a material and reputational point of view (Child, Elbanna ; Rodrigues, 2010). Take for example, an organisation such as a hospital. It is pluralistic in nature, often experiencing conflict between departments, staff subcultures and rifts between administrative staff and departments. Imagine as part of a cost containment strategy, it is decided after rational analysis, that the optimal alternative is to reduce wage costs by 20%. The highly paid consultants and lower paid floor staff will be pitted against each other, each protecting their own self-interests. The cost cutting strategy may have to be adapted in order to appease the players. As this example conveys, it is out of differences in self-interests that conflict rises (Eisenhardt ; Zbaracki, 1992). Research has consistently found organisational decision-making to be political in nature. A study of nine international corporations found that they were political systems comprised of a myriad of coalitions and groups (Quinn,1980 in Child et. al 2010). Pettigrew (1972) observed a scenario where established computer analysts conflicted with a newer team of analysts over which IT system their company should invest in. A member of the established coalition of analysts acted as gatekeeper, using his role to control the flow of information to top management whilst communicating negatively about his opponents ideas at the same time. This resulted in management deciding to take his advice. Another often cited example of the political decision-making model the Cuban Missile Crisis (Clegg et al 2011; Child et al 2010). Garbage Can Model The garbage can model of decision making offers an alternative insight into strategic decision-making in organisations. Here, the organisation is described as a loose collection of already-made solutions, waiting for new decision opportunities to be applied. Contrary to the assumptions of the rational model, decision making in these organised anarchies is not an orderly, linear process. The ambiguity is due to the radical instability of three premises – preferences, technology (know-how, techniques ; equipment) and participation. Decision-making occurs when the right problem arises and the right people are receptive to it’s solution. These variables are coupled temporally, by chance, rather than consequentially by rational calculation (Rainey, Ronquillo Avellaneda, 2010). The garbage can model differs from the rational and political models as it conveys the role of chance in the decision-making process. Decisions are not arrived at through boundedly rational analysis, nor are they negotiated by the interactions of coalitions. Instead, they are the random result of the convergence of problems and solutions at a particular point in time. This is not to say that this model is intended to replace rational decision-making, rather it’s purpose is to supplement it (Rainey et. al 2010). Not all decision making situations are organised chaos, neither are they all rational. Many organisations in the public sector serve as examples of the garbage can model of decision-making. Many policy-making decisions for example, are imprecise and vague in nature with no defined goals attached. Participants in the public sector decision making process are prone to change – board members, consultants and even governmental parties are likely to change during the course of the decision-making process. Rational decision-making then, is problematic for making the predictions about the future preferences and consequences when formulating strategy. The human cognitive system will simply not allow us to consider all possible alternative solutions to any given problem. This assertion highlights the importance of brainstorming and group work in order to generate possible alternatives that we, ourselves, may not have thought of. Even taking this into account however, it is doubtful that an exhaustive list of all eventualities would be arrived at. Groupthink and politics are also likely to factor into the equation. Furthermore, even if rational decision-making were possible, it may not be even be the ideal. It does not allow for the input of emotional intelligence and ethical considerations which are often required in the decision-making process. How then can the business of today ensure they are making adequate decisions when formulating and implementing strategy? Organisational learning has been posited as an alternative view to organisations as decision-makers. Organisations are seen as learning by encoding inferences from experiences which are then used to direct behaviour (Levitt ; March, 1988). Organisations adapt to changes in the environment, storing data in it’s repository to be drawn on later. References Clegg, S. , Carter, C. , Kornberger, M. amp; Schweitzer, J. (2011) Strategy: Theory Practice. London : Sage. Child, J. Elbanna, S. Rodrigues, S. . (2010). The Political Aspects of Strategic Decision Making. In: Nutt, P. C. Wilson, D. C. Handbook of Decision Making. Sussex: Wiley. 105-138. Eisenhardt, K. M. Zbaracki, M. J. (1992). Strategic Decision-making. Strategic Management Journal 13, pp. 17-37. Feehan, M. (2013) Organisation Strategy Slides. IPA Moodle. Accessed on 21/01/2013. Levitt, B. March, J. G. (1988). Organizational Learning Annual Review of Sociology. 14, pp. 319-340 Linblom, C. E. (1959). ‘The Science of Muddling Through. ‘ Public Administration Review 19 , 2. pp. 79-88. Pettigrew, A. M. (1973) The Politics of Organizational Decision Making. London: Tavistock Pettigrew, A. M. (1972) Information control as a power resource, Sociology, 6, 187–204. Santos, M.. V Garcia, M. T. (2006) Managers’ opinions:reality or fiction. A narrative approach. Management Decision 44, 6. pp 752-770. How to cite Strategic Decision-Making, Papers

The two films The Story of Qiu Ju and Ermo

Introduction The two films ‘The Story of Qiu Ju’ (1992) and ‘Ermo’ (1994) are films that were produced in order to show the viewers some of the social changes and practices in the Chinese society. The Chinese society during Mao era had a completely different social arrangement and practices compared to the new (present) era thanks to westernization.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The two films ‘The Story of Qiu Ju’ and ‘Ermo’ specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The effects of westernization are clearly indicated in the films, this is when the roles of the Chinese women have completely changed, women are completely empowered from being the cooks, children mentors, the sole providers and protectors of the family, a role that was held and maintained by the men for a long time (Eberts, 1993). Chinese among other people from different parts of the world have been male chauvinists; they only considered the women role in the society as people who continue the linage of the family by giving birth, taking care and raising children among other activities like digging, cooking, receiving orders from the men and also fulfilling the sexual urge of the men. The position of women in the society was in the kitchen and thus they were not supposed to be seen or even heard performing any duty in the social field or gathering, the women were supposed to be very submissive to their husbands and not to take up any roles that will lower the dignity of their husbands, that is why women were being mentored at an early stage in order to become responsible women who will properly fulfill their duties when they get married. But this has all changed in the two films; this is clearly depicted as the films have clearly shown two different women holding two key roles which are completely against the Chinese traditions. The similarities in character between the two female p rotagonists After watching the two movies, it was easy for me to come up with a clear conclusion that, the writers and directors of these two films had one similar theme, women empowerment in mind while producing and writing the script of these films. Though it can appear to be a coincident, they have completed and covered one task that proves to be very crucial in the revolutionalizing of the Chinese society that was in the past very strict on women. The two directors used women to play the leading role in both the films and the results of the women participation, has yielded positive results in the transformation of the Chinese society, from that of the male chauvinist (Dominated) society to a more lenient society that acknowledged and appreciated the role and participations of the women in the development of the society (Xiaowen, 1994).Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The two women characters namely Qiu Ju in the film ‘The Story of Qiu Ju’ and Ermo in the film ‘Ermo’, are both seen and considered to be courageous women. This is properly highlighted in the two films. In The film The Story of Qiu Ju, Qiu Ju is seen to get out of the shell that she is engulfed in (Womanhood) therefore she seeks for the justice for her injured husband (Liu Pei Qi) who was injured by one of the village elders (Lei Lao Sheng). The injury of her husband who was the sole bread winner and provider of the family makes Qiu Ju life very difficult, the injury of her husband occurs when Qiu Ju is pregnant this automatically makes her the provider of the family since the husband could not go to work (Eberts, 1993). Her courageous nature is depicted when she goes to the political leader who injured her husband to seek for his apology but he refuses, this action astonishes her and thus swears that she is going to seek for legal actions against him, thus ensure t hat her husband is compensated. While in the film ‘Ermo’, Ermo is courageous as she is the one taking care of her ailing husband and young son. She does this after enduring the challenges of living in a poor state thus decides to start selling noodles in order to support her family; the film also indicated her courageousness when she moved into the city in order to increase her sales (Xiaowen, 1994). The women are determined. Incidents of determination of the women in the two films are clearly portrayed. Qiu Ju is very determined in ensuring that justice is delivered to her ailing husband, despite the several challenges of bureaucracy that she encounters in the Chinese judicial system. She does not give up and is willing to pursue the case to the end in order to ensure that the judicial system grants her husband with the proper judgment (Eberts, 1993). While in the film ‘Ermo’, Ermo is very much determined in ensuring that her family is in a position of liv ing a modern life (Xiaowen, 1994). This is clearly portrayed when she takes good care of her family and also is determined to save enough money that will ensure that she buys the most sophisticated TV set in the entire village compared to the one Xiazi her business neighbor possesses.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The two films ‘The Story of Qiu Ju’ and ‘Ermo’ specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The women are desperate. The films show how both the women are desperate. In the film ‘The Story of Qiu Ju’, Qiu Ju is desperate for the apology from the political leader to her husband and at the same time she is desperate for justice to be accorded to her husband, this is portrayed from the constant trips that she made to and from the court in order for her case to be heard. The cases of bureaucracy denied her the proper justice (Eberts, 1993). The same applies to Ermo, where she i s desperate to give her family high standard of living. This is when she had to move to the city in order to sell her noodles so that she could be able to buy a TV set as well as afford her husband medication (Xiaowen, 1994). The differences in character between the two female protagonists There are several differences between these female protagonists in the films, from my own analysis the character Qiu Ju from the film The Story of Qiu Ju, is tolerant and very persistent, while Ermo, from the film Ermo is not tolerant but hasty and over ambitious (Eberts, 1993). The tolerant nature of Qiu Ju is portrayed in the film from the moment her husband was injured by the political leader. She opts to follow her heart thus ensure that her demands are taken care of thus providing her ailing husband with the proper treatment that she would ever offer to him, this is when she swore to the politician that she will take him to court for his action. While Ermo is intolerant when she conducts her activities as a result of competition and pride, this is when she said to Blindman that she will buy a bigger TV set than his and it will be the envy of the village (Xiaowen, 1994). The other characteristic difference between Qiu Ju and Ermo is sexual immorality. In the film ‘The Story of Qiu Ju’ the protagonist Qiu Ju has been portrayed to be a morally upright woman, while Ermo is depicted as being sexually immoral woman (Eberts, 1993). The film ‘Story of Qiu Ju’ has no any incidence where Qiu Ju was intimate with any other man other than her husband even when she was expected to do such as in the case where she is faced with bureaucracy in the courts. On the other hand, the film Ermo, protagonist is intimate with Blindman despite them being business partners and married individuals. Ermo did this as a way of getting some favors from Blindman and at the same time annoying Blindman’s wife (Xiaowen, 1994). Conclusion In conclusion the directors have u sed the two women Qiu Ju and Ermo to tell the Chinese society that both women and men are equally important in the society thus emphasizing that there is no specific role assigned to the women or men.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The successes of these women in fulfilling there ambitions has clearly indicated that women can also take leading roles in the society; this is when Qiu Ju attains justice for her husband despite her challenges throughout the film while Ermo manages to buy herself the biggest TV set that has made her husband receive the respect that he had when he was a chief during the Mao regime. References Eberts, R. (1993). The Story of Qiu Ju. Chicago Sun Times. Retrieved from https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-story-of-qiu-ju-1993 Xiaowen, Z. (1994). Chinese Cinema (223) Lecture Notes: ‘Ermo’. Web. This essay on The two films ‘The Story of Qiu Ju’ and ‘Ermo’ was written and submitted by user Francisco Talley to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Euthansia essays

Euthansia essays Euthanasia or commonly known as assisted suicide has become one of the most talked about social issues in the World. Euthanasia, or mercy killing, presents some very difficult and painful dilemmas for doctors, patients, family members, and moral philosophers. (426) Even with these difficult and painful dilemmas the patient or person has the right to live or the right to die. This is what we believe and understand freedom to be, by having the right to privacy, liberty, and the control over his or her body. This dilemma of assisted suicide has brought quite a dilemma to our physicians and court systems. The reason for this is because euthanasia becomes a serious issue with families when a serious accident puts a patient in a comatose state and or otherwise incapable of making a competent decision. James Rachel believes there are two forms of euthanasia. First, he states that mercy sometimes requires mercy killing because the pain involved in a terminal illness may be greater tha n the life itself. Secondly, he states that the Golden rule would be adequate enough to escape the extreme pain. The morals of this Golden rule are as follows, if it is ok for me then it must be ok for another individual. Unfortunately, there are many cases in the World were the terminally ill person cant or is physically unable to make a decision on their life. One such case has set a pace for the future of Euthanasia. The Supreme Court of New Jersey, in a much published case, decided in 1976 to allow the parents of Karen Ann Quinlan to remove her respirator. She was comatose and diagnosed as having no chance of regaining consciousness. The court decided the Quinlans right to privacy gave her and her guardian the right to decide the course of her treatment, since a respirator, which might be deemed ordinary for a curable patient, should count as extraordinary for someone with poor prognosis. (426) This histor...

The Basics of Using Carbon Fiber Laminates

The Basics of Using Carbon Fiber Laminates If using carbon-fiber composites was easy, they would be everywhere. Using carbon fiber takes as much science and mechanical skill as it does art and finesse. The Basics Whether you are working on a hobby project  or trying to trick out your car, first think carefully about why you want to use carbon fiber. Although the composite is versatile, it can be expensive to work with and may not be the right material for the job. Carbon fiber has a lot of benefits. This material is extremely lightweight, incredibly strong, and it has excellent mechanical properties. However, carbon fiber is also trendy, which means people may  use it for the sake of using it. For example, if all you really want is the surface finish of a carbon-fiber weave, then save yourself the trouble and simply apply a carbon-fiber vinyl adhesive film. Carbon fiber is quite expensive compared to similar composites. Carbon Fiber Vinyl Film Carbon fiber vinyl film is available in rolls or sheets. It has the look and texture of actual carbon fiber. However, this adhesive-backed film is as easy to apply as a sticker. Simply cut it to size, peel, and stick. Many  distributors  sell this film, which is dramatically inexpensive compared to actual carbon fiber. The carbon fiber film has great UV resistance and does provide some impact-resistance. Its used in everything from cell phones to sports cars. How to Use Carbon Fiber Its not difficult to learn how to laminate carbon fiber. First, again ask yourself what the purpose the carbon fiber is going to serve. If it is purely for aesthetics, then a single layer of inexpensive carbon fiber will probably do the trick. This layer can cover a thicker laminate of fiberglass. However, if youre planning a structural component or something else that needs to be strong, more robust use of carbon fiber may be warranted. If you are building a snowboard in your garage  or designing an aircraft part using carbon fiber, do some planning before you begin. This can help you avoid manufacturing a part that will fail, and also prevent you from wasting expensive material. Use a composite material software program, many of which are free, to design the specific carbon fiber item you need. The program knows the properties of the carbon fiber and applies this data to the laminate being designed. Consult with a professional engineer when youre designing a critical part or piece, the failure of which could cause harm to yourself or others. Laminating carbon fiber is no different than fiberglass or other reinforcements. Practice learning how to laminate carbon fiber with fiberglass, which is a fraction of the cost. Pick your resin carefully. If it is a part intended for its appearance and free of gel coat, use a high-quality polyester or epoxy resin. Most epoxies and polyester resins will have a yellowish or brownish tint. A clear resin will be your best choice. Any resin used in surfboard manufacturing is usually as clear as water. Youre now prepared to laminate your carbon fiber composite.