Development of Internet Television Service

Development of Internet Television Service EXTENDED INTERNET USAGE 1. Introduction The first question that arises in our mind when we are talking about the internet is â€Å"What is Internet?†. So Internet is basically Network of computers that is connecting millions and millions of computers globally. Over the past 4 decades Internet has undergone a huge transformation from being used in academic research and moved into a broader platform of commercial usage. With each and every passing day Internet is turning into an indispensable and essential part of our life. With each and every step taken towards improvement of the internet every sphere of our life is directly getting affected; it is not only making our tasks much easier but also saving us a lot of time 2. Uses Of Internet 1. Communication (Fig-1): It is one best things that internet has introduced worldwide. It is very easy nowadays to communicate with people who are living very far away from us with ease. Earlier it was a very difficult task to accomplish; now we can directly chat with people very easily. Video Conferencing is making it easier for people actually see each other while talking. Fig-1 (Communication) Fig-2 (Research) 2. Research (Fig-2):Few decades whenever we had to do some research we had through hundreds of books to find something which is of relevance. Since internet came into being we can say that â€Å"everything is just a click away†. We can easily search our topic using several search engines available to us using internet thus saving us a lot of time. 3. Education (Fig-3): There are books, reference books, study materials, Web-help centers are available online which makes education an easy and interesting experience. Websites are available that can help you gain knowledge about everything without taking the help of any other individual. There are tutorials and even test series available in the internet so that one can test this knowledge. Fig-3 (Education) Fig-4 (Financial Transaction) 4. Financial Transactions (Fig-4): With the use of internet Financial transactions a have become a much easier task as it was few years ago. Now instead of physically being present in the bank, we can directly log into the bank website and with the help of the provided authentication documents by the bank. Once we are inside our account we can do any transaction at our will. We can also do fixed deposits and Guaranteed investment Schemes directly through our online account 5. Real time updated (Fig-5): Any kind of news updated or any other happening or decision taken in once part of the world is available to us real time using the internet. There are websites available online through which we can actually get updates about almost every field be it business, finance, sports, entertainment, politics, Railways and airplane tracking. Fig-5(Real time Updates) Fig-6(Leisure) 6. Leisure (Fig-6): From watching videos to listening to your favorite music, watching movies, playing games, chatting with friends and family; all these leisure activities we do in our free time are with the use of internet only. Whenever we get time we prefer doing activities in the internet which would help us relax. Internet is something which can help us freshen up our mood in few minutes. 7. Online booking (Fig-7): Online booking of airplane tickets, movie tickets, railway tickets are not only hassle free but also easier task to accomplish. Instead to standing in a queue for hours we can now directly book tickets through the internet using desired website. Thus, making this process a less tedious and more reliable job. Fig-7 (Online Booking) Fig-8 (Job Search) 8. Job Search (Fig-8): There are countless number of websites available in the internet that gives us the information about vacancies in various companies. Even online application for the positions available. Job portal websites once anyone gets registered with them they will send you mails mentioning openings as per choice. 9. Blogging (Fig-9): People nowadays are interested in writing blogs. They have the option of publicize their work and it can reach people who as looking for a similar topic to discuss about. There are a lot of website available which can be used to write a blog, only registration with the website is required. Really good blog writers are sometimes contacted by big organization to write a blog about them. Moreover using Google AdSense money can also be earned on per click basis. Fig-9 (Blogging)  Fig-10 (Shopping) 10. Shopping (Fig-10): Online shopping has become one of the most attractive thing to do in the internet. People don’t have to leave their home just open some websites, Browse through the website and order their desirable product. One of the advantages of online shopping is that everything is available in each and every website. The product is directly delivered to your home. Product can also be returned back to the vendor if it not of good quality. 3. Extended Internet Usage Now as we have seen some basic uses of the internet. Let us discuss some more advanced uses. Even though there many additional uses of internet but we are going discuss about 4 main topics in this research paper. IPTV: Internet protocol Television(IPTV) is an assembly in which Television services are distributed over an IP network in a digitized form. So we can say that it uses the existing broadband network to deliver us a TV service which is more reliable, efficient and data is 100% digital, thus improving the overall quality over an analogue TV VOIP: Voice Over Internet Protocol(VOIP) is a system in which voice conversation can be conveyed over the IP network. The end user in a VOIP network has the authority to make telephone calls over the Broadband network. The Network used in such type of connections can be through the internet which makes it global or Intranet which makes it local the Inside Network of the company. Cloud Computing: Cloud Computing is a process in which data is stored in a Large centralized server or data storage unit. Thus providing an online access to the stored data as per requirement of the end user. The data stored in the cloud not only is shared my multiple users at the same time but also can be reallocated as per demand of the end user. Thus reducing the storage, power and space of data by using the same data for multiple users. MIRACAST: Miracast is basically a HDMI based dongle which is used for live streaming of Video and Audio channel without using an Access point. So a device which uses a point to point network technology which allows different devices to connect to each other using Wi-fi direct thus allowing them to share live streamed data. Now we will have an in-depth discussion of each and every topic separately discussing about their architecture, functioning, advantages etc. 4. IPTV 4.1 Introduction IPTV is basically an internet based television service which uses networking and architecture methods of the IP system over a Packet switching network structure. IPTV has 3 main groups in which it can be classified Live Television Time-Shift Program Video on Demand IPTV uses a set-top box which uses a broadband IP data network to access channels, subscription services and other multimedia services over and safe and end to end network. IPTV services are sometimes bundled with internet access and VOIP services altogether over the same infrastructure. IPTV is not as simple as someone watching a video over the internet. IPTV connection to home provided by telecom companies uses optical fiber and digital subscriber lines (DSL) to set up a link towards a housing compound. For Cable operators they use a hybrid fiber co-axial (HFC) cable to provide a broadband connection to the subscriber. IPTV incorporates the procurement, processing and safe delivery of all video content over an IP based Setup. The service provider uses various other service providers like satellite TV carriers, cable TV carriers, Telephone companies and private network operators to bundle up a single service which is provided to the end user. Figure. 11 shows the basic block diagram for a simplified IPTV system      Fig-11(Simplified IPTV network) 4.2 Features of IPTV There are some notable features of IPTV listed below Interactive TV: Rather than providing a half-duplex connection of the rudimentary cable TV connection, IPTV delivers us a two-way connection thus providing us an interactive TV packaged with services like High definition TV(HDTV),interactive games, learning programs, High speed internet browsing many more. Time Shift: IPTV when bundled with a digital video recorder (DVR) provides the end user the capability to record programs as per his choice. Thus providing him an option to time shifting of programming content. There are service providers who provide 7 days’ worth of data to be recorded in the DVR. Personalization: Due to a full-duplex bi-directional connection between the service provider and the end user, personalization option of the set-top box is available. The user can personalize what to watch, when to watch as per his comfort. Low Bandwidth Requirement: IPTV technology allows the service provider to stream only one channel which the end user has demanded rather than delivering each and every channel subscribed by the user Thus allowing the service provider to conserve bandwidth and reducing cost. Accessible to Multiple Devices: End user have the option of using their mobile, computers laptops to access the IPTV services instead of using television. 4.3 Architecture of IPTV The diagram (Fig-12) given below shows us the architecture of IPTV Fig- 12-IPTV System Architecture The functional blocks of IPTV architecture is given below Super Head End: The channels from the national broadcasters enter the IPTV network from here. The content here is processed, prepared and stored for transmission. Core Network: IP/MPLS Network technologies are used for transporting the traffic and to gain access to the network. Access Network: IPTV data streams are distributed to the DSLAMs Regional Head End: All the area specific local content is added to the network here. End User Premises: This is the termination point for the IPTV data stream. All Data is viewed at the customer end here. One super head available in the network can be used to serve millions of customers in the network by processing the video channels common to end users across the whole area. The IPTV delivery system is constructed in such a way that it can cover a large expanse of territory over the hierarchy of structure built to deliver the video content. Offices are located in each territory which are specially constructed to handle area specific local program and channels. 4.4 IPTV Networking Technologies The diagram (Fig-13) shows the structure of IPTV and Standardization bodies Fig-13 (IPTV Activities standardization bodies) DLNA: Digital Living Network Alliance is used for setting up the home network. HGI: Home Gateway Initiative sets up the standard adjoining the gateway between end user home network and broadband connection ISMA: Internet Streaming Media Alliance sets up the broadcast of the AVC video over IP. DSL Forum: Digital Subscriber Line is used for remote-management of residential gateways and set-top boxes. ITU: International Telecommunication Union standardizes the Distribution and access network architecture. ETSI: European Telecommunications Standards Institute standardizes the IP network used for transmission of the IPTV. ATIS: Automatic Terminal Information Service is standardizing the end to end IPTV architecture including contribution and distribution 4.5 Advantages of IPTV The signals which are used IPTV service s are 100% digital signals so better quality and easier to propagate. IPTV works on the existing internet connection, So if there is an available internet connection only the set-top box is needed to be installed and IPTV services can be used. IPTV services doesn’t require any kind of wires to get its signal. So a wireless system reduces the overhead of wires and wear tear of the wires with time. Programs can be stored in servers and can be viewed in accordance to the will of the end user thus providing flexibility. 5. VOIP 5.1 Introduction VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a process of communication in which the user can make telephone calls over the IP network. To transmit voice Signals/Conversation over the existing Data network (Wireless/Broadband) using Internet protocol VOIP is used. VOIP technology can be used over the internet as well as over the local intranet for communication within the company or special private network which are used specially for long distance calls.

Challenges For Human Rights In The 21st Century Philosophy Essay

Challenges For Human Rights In The 21st Century Philosophy Essay It, perhaps shall not form an overstatement that of all the grand-narratives that tend to empower the common people (of the world), the human rights vernacular appears to be the most dominant. The expansion of democratic norms in the last decades of the 20th century essentially intensified the international legitimacy of human rights language. Many of the jurisdictions of both the hemispheres adopted more liberal and rights-oriented constitutions. This legacy is much more excelled by multidimensional effects of globalization on peoples and polities of the world. In this century we are observing a shift in human consciousness. The popular movements in the conservative Mid-west fueled and accelerated by electronic media and internet, foreshadows a significant shift in the history of human rights. This implies a message, perhaps a clear statement with which many of us would certainly agree that, the means of oppressing human dignity, the mantras for justifying absolutism and the machines for employing the Minotaur against the mass people, have been ended. This rise of the popular consciousness for sack of liberty, rights and human dignity is a great achievement in the international human rights movement. Thanks to the contribution of IT-based social networks that they not only connect the people but also unite and empower them to challenge the hegemones and their ideas. This picture tends to release a sense of optimism on the effects of human rights language that is least, they inspire people to struggle for legitimate demands. However, international political theatre is a very complex area of multilateral powerful actors. It is empirical that political power interplays in diverse ways in different contexts, hence this may be consistent to submit that such an interaction shall not be able to reproduce the same result with mathematical exactitude. To put in simple words, it means any political initiative may produce many different results in different contexts varying both in degree and in kind. The truth of this statement is admissible, but ethically this may not make us happy when it tends to justify actions that many of us would rather believe to be unjust. More to the point, after 9/11 the US campaign for war against terrorism, rise of religious fanaticism in different jurisdictions and impacts of climate change inject some completely new but strategically very important elements as points for policy reflections. The war against terrorism poses itself as a significantly different warfare since it involves no regular armed conflict from objective level of perceptions. If state enterprises can be considered as one side of the conflict, the other side the terrorists usually remains less than tangible. There is, I may imagine, a no mans land in between the two frontiers and here stays the common people, open to be the subjects of attack from both sides. It is evident that unlike the conventional warfare, the conflict of both sides occurs sporadically. Hence, none of us possibly can say for sure whether we at present are at peace or, at war of some kind. No one knows exactly when and how one may become the subject of terrorism. But perhaps every one may assume that at present many of the important human rights (like, right to life, speech, religion, movement, and fair trial) have been significantly curtailed. Understandably a reason for that is very often collective security is given more priority than individual. Even if we accept that it is necessary to protect the security of the society at large at the cost of some rights of a few, we have to admit that there is no explicit threshold or margin of appreciation for it. It appears that right to collective security trumps many fundamental human rights. Therefore, it seems important for us to ensure a minimum threshold or, margin of appreciation to protect the rights of those human beings who are at risk of deprivation. Many of my students even raise questions regarding the legitimacy of Drone attacks on suspected targets. We would plausibly accept that the rules of humanitarian law and human rights law frequently differ; but I imagine debates may be offered by different parties as to the question of priority if there is a conflict between the two. This may be submitted that there is an absence of norm or, significantly uniformed state practice to guide us on a legitimate border line between the two laws. This is not a well defined area in the sense that we do not know when to apply one or, cease the other, or, even when one may suspend the other. So, applying humanitarian law on probable suspects means opening the door to targeted killings and stripping of them of due process of law or any human rights whatsoever. Think of the state-sponsored extra-ordinary renditions that took place in many counties of the EU especially after the 9/11 incidents. Or, even the killing of suspect terrorists abroad. I assume many in the law community do not understand, what exactly makes these people (i.e. the terrorists) competent for deprivation of a due process of law? What doctrinal basis in international law exactly supports such intervention made against the sovereignty of a foreign state? Moreover, do we have an exceptional rule that justifies punishing someone without offering her the opportunity of defending herself in the court? All these questions become more significant when human rights language provides the sole premise of legitimacy and response to such actions. All these statements reveal another pertinent dimension that is the question state sovereignty or, supremacy of state. The hegemony and counter hegemonic struggle between and among different actors pose a serious question before us: i.e. do we still live in a world of sovereign states? Does the sovereignty of powerful states vary (both in degree and in kind) to that of the weak states? If variation among sovereigns is a fact then, what legal doctrine provides its legitimacy? We know that most of the human rights instruments make the state responsible to protect the rights of its people. It is consistent to think that such a burden was supported conceptually by the principle of state sovereignty. As states possess the ultimate authority over both imperium and dominium, it is logical that the onus to protect human rights should be on the state. State-practices often make this paradoxical as empirically states themselves violate human rights. However, it is more threatening to imagine that many states become helpless to protect its citizens rights from foreign surveillance and (aerial) attack. It is sufficient at this point for me to offer you to think of a question, which I would, emphasis a significant one is that: What role do human rights play in this incessant wrestle of power politics? Or, I imagine those in the world of realpolitik might choose a more precise but sharp question: Does human rights at all play any significant role in the world? The answer, for me, I will never say no. But, if you ask me about the locus of human rights in the political decision making, central or, peripheral, possibly I will say I do not know. I think thats the tragedy of it. One, perhaps the strongest (and many might say the weakest) point of international law is that it changes rapidly: Uniformed practices of the states and their consent to a particular action may produce a stronger law than positive laws. Even, state practices may by-pass any statement of an international legal instrument. Notably, the statement on non-intervention by the UN in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state in Article 2 (7) of the UN charter is a good example. The Article appears to respect the question of state sovereignty by the UN in matters of domestic jurisdiction of a state. Understandably, in the mid 1940s when the charter was drafted states were concerned about their sovereignty and wanted to protect it from outside intervention. But, the recent state practises show a change in this approach that is in case of Human Rights violations intervention of/ through the UN is a strong possibility. The basic apologia behind this new practice is comprehensible. Serious human rights violation may create sufficient reason for an exception. But, this exception if occurs persistently and with substantive number of states consenting, it releases a possibility to create a new norm of international law. Such a norm may provide legitimacy to, which many of us would agree, neo-colonial enterprises. The dominance and oppression of the Western metropolitan states over their Eastern counterparts. For centuries, it has been the West that manifests itself as the ethical master of the East. Do we accept human rights to add more legitimacy to that mastery? I can imagine many of us might suggest that empowering or, campaigning for human rights must not empower the dominant states, it must not provide legitimacy to their interest-oriented (or, purposefully discriminated) military interventions. At this level, I would suggest to consider the domestic dimension of human rights. For this, it is helpful if we accept the reality that after fifty years of decolonization, the oriental states are more or less successful in developing their domestic capital. In some jurisdictions, the native business enterprises or, the MNCs are becoming so powerful that at any point they tend to become equivalent to that of the state or, least they can challenge or alter any state initiative if by any chance they disagree. Even if we disregard the overall economic situation of a former colony which is now independent, I am sure that, this would not be exaggeration to state that some states make significant advancement in developing their private capital, alongside foreign capital. This indicates that in those states, states are not the sole players in political fields. Capital is often a co-ruler or, least manipulator of politico-economical decisions along with the state. This is acceptable to the extent that it signals the development or, strength of domestic capital vis-Ã  -vis the state. But, the same paradigm may offer different shocking results if we add a human rights element to it. Lets imagine that on a human rights question an MNC is involved as one party against an individual. This may entail several results of which let me choose a few; the first probability is that since the MNC is structurally and financially more able and comprehensive than the individual, it will have the superior capacity to convince or, manage the states regulatory oversight. The MNC shall win, irrespective of the fact that it denies the individual a legitimate right. Secondly, if the individual goes to the court, it is more likely that she may find her self in a difficult situation as the legal knowledge and expertise may be unwilling to make capital its enemy. Then, how does human rights empower? Or, do they empower at all? If you stand before a superior power, you may find adding human rights to you shoulder does not significantly change your status. This is somewhat a statement that says that human rights themselves require empowerment before they may empower us. But, how to empower the rights? Lenin, the prominent Marxist prophet maintained that the state, law and the pre-eminent capitalists always retain a symmetrical relation, in which the former two work as tool of oppression and legitimacy of the latter. Many of us may not support this contention. But even if we disregard Lenin, we would possibly find that it is in fact difficult a task to disintegrate the state from this chain of connection. I suggest that the state should be more pro-poor in its socio-political actions or, least we must neutralize the state. We already have these thoughts, but what is lacking is a comprehensive design and practical initiative for the purpose. From the perspective of environmental rights, things are getting more complex. We the conscious, literate people, are already aware of the international campaigns on global warming and climate change. But the point of consideration is how much practical connection do we have with the environment? We consider the nature as space, in which we live, breathe, we love to see natural beauty, the hills, the stars, the night sky, the ocean; we cherish a moonlight night, we love to see the pea-cocks, whales, sharks, tigers, elephants; we are happy to visit the forests, lakesides and thats all. All we do is living and entertaining. We, possibly never interacted with the nature the way a farmer or, a fisherman does or, feels. We live on the nature and they make it living. Now, think for a minute how much these people are aware of environmental rights, or protection? The answer, I think we all know; they know almost nothing. Then, if these people are not aware of their rights, who and how to pro tect the environment? I understand that many would suggest that environmental damage is caused more by the educated people than the farmers and fisherman. This is true, and therefore, besides the literate and conscious people we must have to think to add and aware the maximum number of earthlings who live on earth. It is basically, their art and heritage to make the earth living. The international instruments on environmental rights, like human rights instruments, impose the key responsibility on the shoulder of the state. If, for this purpose we deconstruct the term state, we would find, most possibly no farmer, no fisherman or, suchlike, but, the pre-eminent members of the society. If we consider the positive relation between the commercial enterprises and the state for this purpose, we may see that the present type of environmental protection supports this joint venture. That is, the emphasis is given more on development than environment protection. I must make it clear that I support the right to deve lopment, but, it must be environmentally sustainable. What I am trying to say is that when you emphasize on development it appears that you (intentionally/ unintentionally) support the key contention of the industrialists and not of the poor farmers. In this language, development has a specific meaning; it never meant for the poor. Development always principally has a commercial connotation. So, there is always a question, as no one knows, to what extent we have to sacrifice our environment for the sake of development.

Saddam Hussein :: Iraq Rulers War Society Saddam Hussein Essays

  Throughout the last thirty years, many of the people of Iraq have been tortured, forced to relocate their families numerous times, arrested and murdered. Those who stood against Saddam Hussein were punished, in most cases by death. All of this happened under the control of Suddam and we have neither found, nor has he offered a sound explanation for his actions. By the early 80’s, hundreds of thousands of citizens were deported to Iran. And even now people are still being repressed, persecuted and denied their human rights. He does not deserve to live so luxuriously, while his people are dying from malnutrition and lack of medical attention. He does not deserve the political power that he has aquired by having people killed and forcing others to resign their authority to him. What he does deserve is a fair trial for the many war crimes he has committed and for being responsible for an unknown, yet large number of assacinations of innocent people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As a result of the Gulf War in 1991, the United Nations has enforced sanctions on Iraq to limit their ability to make more weapons of mass destruction (WMD). These sanctions are based on an oil-for-food system. Iraq can export limited amounts of oil to buy food and medical supplies only. Hussein is using less than the prescribed amount of money available for humanitarian purposes for buying the much needed medical supplies. Instead, he has used it to buy extremely expensive medical equipment that is rarely used. And as if he is not wealthy enough, every month he smuggles oil out of Iraq that is worth millions of dollars, which goes straight toward his personal spending pleasures. He has built monuments and palaces for himself instead of meeting the necessary health and sanitary needs of his people. It is bad enough that he has terrorized his own people, but he goes crawling to the press saying that the U.N. needs to lift its sanctions because his people are in suc h a desperate need of help. He acts (for the cameras) as if he actually is doing everything in his power to help the people that he so deeply cares about. Fortunately, the little games that he has played with the media have not fooled too many people. The truth about his past and current crimes is available to any person who that has access to the internet.

The Comfort of Strangers by Ian McEwan :: English Literature

Review of The comfort of strangers by Ian McEwan ================================================== This is a very interesting book by McEwan as well as being rather confusing. The name ‘the comfort of strangers’ fits the storyline perfectly. This is a very mysterious book in which the two of the main characters Caroline and Roger are slowly tightening the noose on the necks of the other two main characters Mary and Colin. I think the book fits into the mystery genre as far as the writing of the author goes and I found that some parts of the book reminded me of ‘Enduring Love’. The way that that Colin and Mary blindly get involved with Roger shows one of many weaknesses in the novel. Roger’s shady character and his weird story about how his father was very strict and how his jealous sisters made him eat chocolate so that he would get into trouble with his father along with other things should have kept Mary and Colin away. Stories like this one, which require the reader to suspend disbelief as the actors venture further and further into the abyss are extremely hard to pull off, so it's not surprising that McEwan doesn't quite manage it. An author can get away with making his characters naive, but at the point where the reader is yelling at them and calling them idiots for following along with the novel's plot, that author has lost control of his own narrative. A big complaint that reviewers have had with this novel or rather this ‘short story’ is that the author works around taboo issues meaning he may talk about them for a moment or two and then ignores them. Another problem which links onto this is that many times the author builds up the story as something really dramatic is going to happen and then nothing out of the ordinary happens for example when Mary jumps in the water you would think that one of them may drown but it turns out to be something just ordinary. I think this has a negative effect on the reader as well as the fact that sometimes the reader is left to ‘fill in the gaps’ themselves when we are not given enough detail on the characters or the storyline. There is no real solution at the end of the novel. Another problem with the novel is how Mary and Colin’s sex lives suddenly become great again after meeting Caroline and Roger. Another similar instance is when Roger punches Colin in the stomach for NO reason. The setting of the novel, which is Venice, is not really used well by

Racial Tensions in South Africa Essay -- Racial Relations, Racism

History of South Africa South Africa has large varieties ethnic backgrounds; unfortunately for them none of them are allowed their chance to shine because of the cloud of racism that has over shadowed their history. Like the United States, South African countries are built for the success of whites before any other ethnicity. This can be found in the countries politics and economics alike. For over 300 years this racism has occurred. Around the 1940’s South Africans have coined a policy for this racism, â€Å"apartheid†. In English apartheid can be translated to â€Å"Apart-hood†. (2) This will be touched about in more detail later. Like the United States, South Africa has had to deal with centuries of racism, the problem being that South Africans racism doesn’t seem to be depleting as fast as other countries in the same situation. The first sign of â€Å"civilization† to take place in South Africa began in the mid 1600’s when the Dutch East India Company formed a cape colony. (3) It wasn’t long before the colonists were in need of workers to help farm their rapidly expanding settlement. So like many countries of their time, they went with the route of slavery. Naturally the best candidates for this position were natives to South Africa. Slaves weren’t a necessity, but they were very convenient for the newly settled Dutch (2). The Dutch continued to govern South Africa until the English took over in the 18th century. Fast-forward to the 20th century where racism is just as relevant as ever, and in 1910 new laws have been passed regarding segregation. These laws in 1910 â€Å"expanded racial segregation† (2). A big part of the new law was that whites were now able to seize land owned by black farmers. Also around this time the gov... ...dignity’ required adhering to a code of social and gender behavior appropriate to a ruling race. There was a moral base for antagonism towards blacks: 'It is Nature's deep-seated provision for racial integrity. It is the voice of evolutionary experience speaking within US Similarly, John L. Weston of Brandfort, wrote approvingly of vigilante justice in the US South. He wrote of white Southerners he had known who were highly intelligent, respectable, sympathetic and reasonable, yet who became demented when a "Black Peril" (Plaatje, 1982) case occurred within their reach. This, he argued, was a healthy and virtuous reaction; it is the very capacity of the white man's mind for good that causes this uncontrollable indignation'. He predicted that lynch law will sooner or later be introduced here as it has been in the USA unless heroic steps are taken without much delay.

Martin Luther King, Obama, and Douglass Essay

Countless have said that all men were created equal, but what about the prodigious black men of all time. Were King, Douglass, and Obama all created equal, or were these men chosen to be predestined for greatness? What constitutes â€Å"greatness† in politics? Names that come readily to mind, like Martin Luther King, Jr. , Frederick Douglass, and Barack Obama, are those who rose to inspire their countries in times of turmoil and change; so it seems that circumstances are just as important as character. Their personal characteristics, and even morals, differed widely — but they were able to anticipate and articulate their nations’ needs and aspirations. One thing King, Douglass, and Obama, all three were involved with civil rights’ of all who were oppressed. These three men helped show America that a change was in order for all to feel free and all were created equal. Each of these three men became American Icons in many ways, such as King, Obama, and Douglass had prodigious speaking skills, leadership expertise, and opinionated dispositions. Obama, Douglass and King are revered in the sense that they led a major change in American History. Through their speeches and movements to the world, Obama, Douglass, and King, have directed a movement of change and optimism through the heart and soul of America. All three men are eloquent speakers, such as Frederick Douglass was not only a powerful speaker but a master of subtleties of the talent. Those who heard him were surprised at the sharpness of his mind, his self-confidence and ease on the podium, noting especially his skill at humor, imitation, and sarcasm. Such was his skill as a speaker that audiences began to doubt his credibility. Martin Luther King Jr. ’s public-speaking abilities, would become well-known as his importance grew in the Civil Rights Movement, developed slowly during his educational years, however, professors praised King for the powerful impression he made in public speeches. Barack Obama has awed the American people from the moment he ran for presidency. Many have written reviews about this great man such as â€Å"Last night our president delivered his first official state of the union address: he was brilliant. Years from now speech instructors will be playing tapes of his speeches for their students; in fact; it’s probably happening already on many college campuses. Years from now books will be written compiling many of his speeches; some given even before he became one of the most historic of all our presidents. From here on in Barack Obama will be the standard by which great speakers are measured. He is undoubtedly one of the best public speakers ever† (Hackshaw). All great speakers share a common trait: They learned to be great by studying those that went before them. Although people are enamored by the oratory skills of public figures from time to time, none was born with the ability to persuade or inspire. Speeches can be prepared for anyone, but it takes a person to be groomed or determined to succeed in those beliefs to make a person a great speaker. The inspirational voices came from wanting to make a change in history, the aspirations of each of the men, whether it was slavery abolishment, segregation, or economic decline. These great men made history in one way or another. Great leaders such as Douglass, King, and Obama, do not sugar coat reality, they engage the heart, refuse to accept the status quo, and create a sense of urgency. In fact, many would say that this is the defining characteristic of real leaders. Douglass was considered one the great leaders of his time, not only did he campaign for the abolishment of slavery, he later began campaigning for women’s rights. Douglass was leading and gifted in the anti-slavery movement. Born a slave, Douglass managed to educate himself, grasp the ideologies that allowed slavery to succeed in America, identified the way to free himself at a very early age and not only freed himself but helped others along the way. He set a determined goal of seeing American slavery abolished in his lifetime and he saw his goal accomplished. Douglass’s courage, intellectual honesty and independence propelled him from slave to orator, editor and intellectual leader. Average leaders focus on results, and that’s it. Good leaders focus also on the actions that will get the results. And great leaders focus, in addition, on the reactions that will drive these behaviors. One emotion that shapes our behavior is anger, and Martin Luther King Jr. , knew of the power that came packed in this emotion. King had reason enough to be aggravated, time and again. He was physically threatened and attacked by prejudiced people, repeatedly jailed by state authorities, sometimes on trivial traffic violations, harassed by the FBI, and even criticized by fellow black leaders who favored more violent forms of resistance. Peter Ling studies King’s leadership role during his fight for harmony and justice and states, â€Å"There were many leaders in the civil rights struggle, but Martin Luther King was more than just the most conspicuous and eloquent among them† (Ling). President Barack Obama, in his State of the Union address, showed the country why he is without question the best individual to lead this country in this time in our history. He was eloquent, forceful, realistic, honest, and inspirational. Only those people who watched through their masks of hate can say otherwise. There were many highpoints for me and below are some quotes that were particularly good. â€Å"Despite our hardships, our union is strong. We do not give up. We do not quit. We do not allow fear or division to break our spirit. In this new decade, it’s time the American people get a government that matches their decency, which embodies their strength† (Transcript: Obama’s first State of the Union speech). Great leaders are not passive; leaders are active and are unwilling to accept to the circumstances. Leaders are impatient, in a good way and refuse to just sit by and let things take their natural course. Many have a sense of urgency and communicate it very well. Each of these men has an opinionated personality. This is what made all three men great. Many people may ask, â€Å"What is an opinionated personality? † An opinionated personality is considered, someone who isn’t afraid to give their personal opinion. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s just someone that doesn’t stay quiet, if a person doesn’t agree with something. One great example is when Martin Luther King Jr. wrote in his â€Å"I have a Dream Speech,† King wrote, â€Å"Actually, we who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, o the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured (Shelly). Frederick Douglass voiced his opinions on slavery, no matter the cost, such is shown in this excerpt, â€Å"I have taken a sober view of the present anti-slavery movement. I am sober, but not hopeless. There is no denying, for it is everywhere admitted, that the anti-slavery question is the great moral and social question now before the Ameri can people† (Koeller). Douglass, King, and Obama have all the characteristics of men who believe in the things they speak about. Their opinionated voice resonates with all Americans even from the grave. Many Americans have listened to the speeches performed by all of the three men and felt the emotion that was made to pull your emotions to the front. President Barack Obama is probably one of the most opinionated people, but is not all Presidents or politicians for that matter. Their opinions and views are what gets them elected into government positions. Out of all the speeches given by these three great men, the emotions and personal interests come out and make people feel that a change is needed. Obama came at a time when America was eager for a change, but King and Douglass had to suggest the change, for all white Americans were content with the world. Most of us, being United States citizens, would like to believe that everyone in this country is living in conditions of utmost freedom and equality. Although according to the constitution this is true, anyone who has ever been the victim of oppression knows not to take equality for granted. Our society has slowly grown to accept the different types of people that live in our country; it is now a lot less common to see people s rights such as freedom and equality being abused. This would not be possible without the perseverance of many great men and women, who have strived, against all odds to make those beliefs come true. Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr. , would never have dreamed that one day a black man would become president. The day that President Barack Obama was sworn into office was a great stride for all black Americans. This showed that the world today had hanged and was not the same it used to be in the 1800’s or even in 1950. It takes a lot to stand up to adversity and make a stand, to voice your beliefs in front of millions who disagree with the color of your skin. Obama said it best in this quote, â€Å"It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America† (Johnson). Through great leadership comes great responsibility and King, Douglass, and Obama, all took on this responsibility to make the world a better place for all Americans. Today we are a United Nation, of all races and colors, all having equal rights. Some still have trouble letting go of those beliefs that one race is more dominate than the other, but it has almost become a thing of the past. America will go through many more changes in the future, it is exciting to set and dwell on the times and changes to come. Will Obama hold up to his promises? Has Obama accomplished enough of his goals for re-election? Will gay marriage be accepted? These are the questions people ask today. Which change will be coming in the future?

Life Signs †Poem and Summary By Mahapatra Essay

LIFE SIGNS Violence the day dims. When I open and shut my mouth the darkness chokes inside. The sad light pushes against a bullock-cart-driver’s whip which rests in a corner of the corridor, safe from the black pressure of dragging ribs. a country total solar eclipse It was the drawn-out cry of day that left behind no echo, day that became meek as a frightened child. A banner of pale human skin fluttered on top of the temple of Jagannath the vase a monsoon day fable The fable at the beginning of the monsoon choes alone, like a bell ringing in a temple far from home. in the fields of desolate rice captive air of chandipur on sea lost children of America dead river life signs grandfather again one day walking by the river. — Jayant Mahapatra Summary of â€Å"Life Signs† â€Å"Life signs† is the title poem of the volume Life Signs. The father-son relationship has been explored quite extensively and intensively in Indian English poetry, by Ramanujan, Parthasarathy, Shiv. K. Kumar and others and â€Å"Father† poems have become even a sub-genre of Indian Poetry in English. Life Signs† captures the central preoccupation of Mahapatra’s poetry, the irrevocable influence of the Father (by extension, the hoary tradition of the land) and the anxiety of the son-persona (the modernist, rationalist, unbeliever poet, by extension) to be freed of it Structurally, the poem is â€Å"a loosely connected set of evocative signs rather than a system and discourse† and such a poem with shifting metaphors may challenge neat interpretation; yet it â€Å"can have a great power to convey a highly complex experience and can acquire haunting beauty† (G. N. Devy). â€Å"The Cows† can be read as a companion poem. 11. 1- 2: What’s in my†¦: a blunt statement of the son-persona’s in ability to â€Å"occupy† the beliefs of the father 11. 3-5: a sense of loss caused by separation between father and son described in terms of the flowing river; the image of flow may also imply the passage of a major category in Mahapatra’s vision. 11. – 10: an associative cluster of signs: â€Å"sun†, â€Å"kites† and â€Å"clouds† evoking the sense of agedness of the traditions, which haunts him. 1. 15: â€Å"the odour†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦: another image evoking the sense of decay 11. 19-20: â€Å"come to rest†: typical Mahapatran obscurities which are the interpreter’s despair: 11. 23- 24: a conflict between the traditional beliefs and the rationalist skepticism of those beliefs- 11. 23- 24: the sense of loss and a discovery of a strange wisdom.