Human Rights And Freedom In Modern Society

Human Rights And Freedom In Modern Society The question of human rights is not a new phenomenon in modern societies. It has always dominated the foundations of modern democracy since 17th century. The discovery of the concept of human rights has contributed to formation of many social and political movements. Many social philosophers have grappled with and discussed the meaning, scope and general application of human rights. Thomas Paine is one of those philosophers, who discussed the rights of human beings in defending the principles of French revolutions (Fink 41). This concept was further developed by Locke, who was preoccupied with the idea of liberalism, following the introduction of English revolutions (Fink 43). As described by Fink, Locke was of the opinion that all human beings have a right to life and ownership of property, an argument that led to introduction and implementation of liberalism political system that left a great human impact in North American and French political revolutions (46). Fink further explain s that the liberalism continued to expand with the social and scientific developments in Europe and North America (Fink 69). China is dominated by authoritarian governance that is characterized by dictatorship and abuse of human rights (Yang 18). The country does not hold elections for national leaders and it lacks freedom of worship. In addition, the country lacks freedom of the press, whereby the media and the internet are heavily censored (Yang 21). Furthermore, the government does not tolerate any form of opposition and criticism towards the leadership (Sen 21). On one hand, power can be used negatively by leaders to opress, manipulate and control people under their leadership, while on the other hand, it can used constructively to foster democracy and countrys socio- economic empowerment (Panu, SY309, 2011). Power has been used to create social identities and political movements, whereby a great number of political philosophies are based theoretical and practical frameworks of human rights, freedom of the press and freedom of religion (Panu, SY309, 2011). In addition, power and knowledge are two inseparable concepts because power is a useful tool in the understanding and application of knowledge (Panu, SY309, 2011). President Obamas observations about China clearly show the lack of freedom and the domineering political oppression faced by the people of China as a result of the authoritarian governance, despite the countrys economic growth. He points out that Chinas authoritarian governance contradicts values of the basic human rights and reiterates the need for Chinese government to promote the ideals of democracy based on the values of Western liberalism. Western liberalism system of governance allows the citizens to engage freely on issues affecting them in relation to governance. Its main strategy is not simply to repress dissent, desire or behavior but to promote the citizens engagement with social, political and democratization process (Panu, SY309, 2011). According to Merton, Western Liberalism is based on capitalist values originating from the American culture that promotes individualism, universalism, materialism and achievement (38). Chinas explosive economic growth has been attributed to introduction of capitalism in 1978, whereby the government aimed at eradicating poverty by abolishing communalism and embracing Western culture and modernization for the citizens to work hard in the belief that getting rich is glorious. However, the Chinas governing authorities have refused to embrace Western form of governance by holding on to power and denying citizens their human rights and freedom of expression (Yang 28). Stepan observes that the concept of freedom has been used both negatively and positively; arguing that in the positive sense, freedom is characterized by absence of coercion or unconstrained decisions (34). Furthermore, freedom should involve making decisions without being controlled by any form of external power or authority (Panu, SY309, 2011). Freedom in a liberal government is where citizens are allowed to make their decisions about normal conducts without being coerced by governing authorities. This disqualifies China from the list of liberal governments because decisions are made by government for citizens to implement without questioning (Panu, SY309, 2011). Furthermore, anyone opposing government policies in China is severely punished. By and large, the theoretical applications of power relations imply that power can be contested and resisted. Resistance of power is based on peoples perception and reactions to different rules, whereby in liberal societies like the U.S, public demonstrations, political activism and political struggles are allowed and accepted within the law (Stepan 34 ).Resistance to power in such countries can be done through the media discourses, public debates and political representations (Panu, SY309, 2011). Nevertheless, in countries characterized by authoritarian governance like China, resistance to power is viewed as a crime and it is totally unacceptable (Yang 28). Sen argues that democracy is a universal value but a contested concept, applied differently in various contexts (Sen 17). For a country like China to become democratic, it needs to undergo radical social transformation and reforms. Conclusion In conclusion, democracy is based on respect for human rights, freedom of press and access to information. In the U.S, it is based on liberalism, allowing the citizens to make decisions without the interference of state or authority figures. Liberal democracies embrace press release, public discourse and political struggle as a way of contesting power for their citizens. On the contrary, non-liberal countries like China view any attempt to resist power as a crime that is punishable by law. This calls for need for human rights activists and international organizations that embrace democracy to seek the way forward in creation of democratic governance for countries dominated by authoritarian leadership like China.

Compare And Contrast Each Version Of War Of The Worlds

The version of War of the Worlds I found most effective in creating fear amongst it’s audience was the radio broadcast. In both the novel version and the radio broadcast the alien creature that lands on Earth is described in great detail. It’s grotesque features are planted in our mind as the narrator tell us the events of the story. In the original novel the crowd is in a sort of riot at the sight of an extraterrestrial and even trampel a pedestrian in all the fuss. Even though the radio broadcast describes less of the chaos in the crowd i found it more frightening. One of the scariest thing about this version was that many of the listeners thought it was actually happening to Earth. As you can imagine the thought of an alien invasion is terrifying, not only did many think the events to be true but they had to wait for the narrator to reveal more information. When people read the novel they knew it was fiction and also could skip to the end of the book if they couldn't take the suspense , eliminating many feelings of fear.NovelA person is trampled by the frightened crowd while trying to get away from the cylinder. The main character is there when the event takes placeSimilarities The alien is described with great detail We hear/read the story from the point of view of the narratorRadio The narrator seems to be observing the events from afar The crowd seems less frightened

Examine the relationship between Volpone and Mosca Essay

Examine the relationship between Volpone and Mosca in Acts I and II; to what extent is Volpone presented as the dominant partner?  During The Argument at the beginning of the play the audience is told that, although the play’s title is ‘Volpone’, the play is mostly centred on ‘his parasite’, Mosca, and the cross-plots he ‘weaves’ as he ‘assures’ and ‘deludes’ the other characters. Despite this, Volpone is not entirely submissive. There are several occasions where he is the stronger, commanding character, and throughout the play there are some elements of permanent authority, which cannot be overlooked. As stated in ‘The Persons of the Comedy’, Volpone is a ‘Magnifico’, an entrepreneur who would be socially higher than his parasite, Mosca, and therefore better educated than him. This good education is seen in Act II Scene ii as Volpone speaks as the mountebank, Scoto of Mantua. Although it is unknown who contrived the plot, although it is assumed to be Mosca as he suggests the disguise, Volpone uses scientific language, such as ‘mal caduco’ and ‘hernia ventosa’, to convince the crowd to buy his oil, even calling in ‘Oglio del Scoto’. Even if Mosca had created the idea, he would have been unable to use such language to make the crowd believe Volpone was Scoto, and therefore he is reliant on Volpone’s knowledge to help carry out his plans. This social dominance on Volpone’s part is also seen immediately in Act I Scene i, as Jonson presents Volpone languishing in bed while Mosca does his bidding, waking Volpone for the day and opening the shrine at his behest to reveal the ‘saint’ that is his gold. This wealth provides another area of dominance, although this is also a factor affecting class, as Mosca is dependent on Volpone’s wealth to support him as this provides him with a home and pay, so the typical master and servant positions are assumed. Mosca never forgets his place in society, and Volpone frequently orders him about, such as upon the arrival of Voltore at the end of Act I Scene ii when he asks Mosca to ‘fetch’ his ‘gown’,’ furs, and nightcap’. These are duties that Mosca has to perform, and when ordered to do something by Volpone he has to agree and execute the task without argument. These factors mean that Volpone is the overriding authority in this relationship, and Mosca dare not openly disagree with Volpone as he could lose everything. Despite Volpone having a great deal of possible power and influence, he is often presented as the weaker of the two with a great deal of dependence on Mosca, thereby making Mosca the dominant partner. An example of this is seen in Act I Scene I, as Volpone asks Mosca â€Å"Why dost thou laugh so, man?† suggesting that he is insecure and seeks Mosca’s reassurance in case he is the subject of the laughter. This makes Mosca the leading member of the relationship, showing Volpone’s emotional dependence on his servant. He is also dependent on Mosca to carry out the ‘cunning purchase’ of his wealth, with Mosca having to make excuses for other clients visiting, such as when he tells Voltore to ‘put business’ in his face as he leaves, as he is an advocate, and then tells Corbaccio Volpone ‘was about his testament’ ‘for [Corbaccio’s] good’, giving him a positive reason for Voltore’s presence. Through this M osca also manages to increase the wealth accumulated through their enterprise, by playing the three clients off against each other. This is again seen in Act 1 Scene iv as Mosca tells Corbaccio of Voltore’s ‘piece of plate’ for Volpone ‘to be his heir’, leading him to proffer ‘a bag of bright chequins’, and later to proclaim Volpone his ‘sole heir’, thereby denying his ‘brave, and highly meriting’ son, Bonario. However, this does not entirely prove Mosca to be the stronger orchestrator of events or show Volpone to be weak, as Volpone has to act the dying man, and therefore cannot play a great role in manipulating the clients. This is shown in the way Mosca handles the subplot of Celia more skilfully than Volpone, and his greater level of control and forward thinking. Mosca’s role in the play is more as a stage manager than a servant, and on many occasions he is shown to handle situations more adroitly than Volpone. One of the greatest ways Jonson shows this is in the plot to win Celia, something that Mosca himself introduces in Act 1 Scene v, enticing Volpone as he calls her ‘The blazing star of Italy’. In doing this, Mosca creates a new need for himself, making Volpone even more dependent on him as Mosca knows details regarding Celia, such as Corvino’s ‘guard, of ten spies thick, upon her’, while Volpone had not heard of her.

The Best Custom Book Review Writing Money Can Ever Buy!

Professional Custom Written Book Reviews Online The high quality level and academic standards we abide by are the only ads ThePensters need. Every custom writing assignment our authors complete for the English-speaking students confirm every single word said above. The group of competent and educated writers employed by our online book review writing service are the cream of the crop among the people working in this industry. They represent all walks of modern academia, and among them you will find researchers with academic degrees, professors, journalists and book review creative writers. This variety provided by ThePensters ensures that we are ready to offer adequate and top-class assistance and expertise to engage in any book review writing on any possible topic. We will happily provide you with a great opportunity to order custom book review writing completed by a certified author from the UK or the USA depending upon your college/university tutors preference. We make sure that you assignment is performed in the linguistic st yle that is required by your academic institution. The writers are accessible round the clock anytime you decide to purchase a project from us. Custom Book Review Service That Gives You Run for Your Money Custom book review writing service we represent is the number one assistance source for the academic English-speaking communities all over the world! When you come to us you are provided with the top quality custom book review project via ThePensters online service at a moderate price. Among the great variety of online book reviews writing services which try to have the shirt off your back when you place an order for an assignment, our team stands out as the one and only reliable service that guarantees professional level of writing and reasonable prices in combination with generous discounts. Taking into consideration the educational level and professional record of our writers, the price of each order seems quite affordable. But it is also fair that professionalism and dedication deserve appreciation and reasonable payment. If you are in search for a well-organized and punctual authentic writing help, then contact ThePensters! The price you pay guarantees that well-researched, orig inal, non-plagiarized paper will be your reward! UK/USA Custom Written Book Reviews at Your Disposal! A solid commitment to the requirements of every particular college/university tutor is the most important feature that has successfully endeared ThePensters to the academic community. Among our employees there are the best online writers from all parts of English speaking world. Both retired and active research scholars and professors from various departments in Australia, Canada, the USA and the United Kingdom work for us and happily offer their services to you. In other words, book review writing quality can be taken for granted when you make a decision to purchase your assignment from us. If you have doubts about the credibility of the writer you pick, make sure to surf his/her personal page at ThePensters in order to check out educational level, custom writing industry background and all the other details youre interested in.