Da Vinci Code Reflection Surban Essay Example

Da Vinci Code Reflection Surban Essay It is a well written novel for those who like mystery, codes, secrets and many more like Robert London which is so familiar with Indiana Jones but a smarter version of him and that is why even though it is a very controversial novel to my religion it still amazes me for it is thrilling at the same time it has hidden lessons for all humanity to realize and that is that faith is something you believe in and not what others believe. Although it is an amazing novel with exciting plots, I realize that this is a fictional novel where the facts are not all true but it makes me interested in something more than just the novel. The Dad Vinci infuses both actual historic evidence and imaginary made up evidence so well that it is official for the uneducated people to interpret between what exists in our reality and what is simply something in the reality in which these characters live in. But, The Dad Vinci Code has some limitations like there are serious historical and theological inaccuracies in novel that create false impressions about Jesus, the Christian faith, and the Church. For example, the idea that the divinity of Christ was virtually created by the Council of Nicola is a complete misunderstanding and that is why people think that this novel is mom kind of a threat to the church or even the religion itself for it conveys messages that would deteriorate the image of the Catholic Church. It is not that I find the idea scandalous in any way. We will write a custom essay sample on Da Vinci Code Reflection Surban specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Da Vinci Code Reflection Surban specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Da Vinci Code Reflection Surban specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer I just think it lacks any historical source and frankly, these fictional elements do not overly worry me because I think the film on the whole conveys an important message loud and clear-?that Jesus of Nazareth was an extraordinary teacher and prophet, but a human being, not a God-?and that his resurrection freed Christianity of a rang turn it took many centuries ago and allow us to discover him anew and hear his message unclouded by spiritual belief for the novel I think never wanted to offend the Catholic for the novel just wanted to portray something that the author himself would want to address to the people. Also, in some sense, it is also some kind of test for me because with all the things that the novel would show, it would really test your faith to God and the Church itself because even though that you know that it covers a fictional base, some loud really be persuaded about its contents like the fresco of Leonardo Dad Vinci. Who would have thought that there was a woman in the portrait and that there was no cup? M just saying that the novel has some kind of strong influence to people that the content is true in some ways even though it is real and some may even think about it for a moment and say to themselves 00 nag non?! or Really?! . I on the other hand, after watching The Dad Vinci Code, I still believe in one God even though there are sometimes that doubt my faith and religion but know to myself that I will come back to God or He alone guides me and always helps me in my life for He acts like an inspiration for me to live my life. In the end, I know that the novel is so good and very thrilling but would like to suggest that Catholics and other Christians should genuinely care about the ways in which Jesus and the Christian community are portrayed in modern media We should care enough to re-commit ourselves to Christ, to strive to make the Church a vital and credible witness to the living Christ, and to show by our lives what our faith means to us. Ultimately, we should care because we have a deep love for Christ.

Teenagers Essays

Teenagers Essays Teenagers Essay Teenagers Essay Teenagers are a big subject of todays media. We hear about them on the radio while were driving and on the TV at home. The media represents teenagers In a way that comes across as them being reckless alcoholics who are breaking the law. This Is not always the case with the youth of today. There are many well-behaved teenagers out there. The following quote from Plato, I believe is false What is happening to our young people? They disrespect their elders, they disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets inflamed with wild notions. Their morals are decaying. What is to become of them Plato. As In past generations, todays young people are often Imagined as out of control deviants in need of discipline or as highly vulnerable victims susceptible to outside corrupting influences. As it turns out, todays youth are not the first to be characterized as self centered, out of control and disrespectful. Teenagers are not the first to be viewed as society moral decay. Every generation says that in their day they were better behaved than the generation after them. Each of them, from hippies to gothic teenagers to punks, has or will complain, that In my day people were more oral and young people respected their elders The news program A Current Affair covered a story about young teenage girls getting cosmetic surgery, this news report was very one sided. The program only showed us a small group of teenage girls who where not completely happy with their body and the way they look. Most teenage girls care about the way they look and want the perfect body, but they dont Just Jump Into getting surgery to change that. Firstly, Its the medias representation of teenage girls In the modern world that Is over exaggerated, and secondly only a small number of girls would actually go wrought with a really painful and money draining operation like the ones that are shown on TV programs. Most teenagers live In families were they have to act responsibly and are taught to show respect to adults and others around them. Most teenagers do their chores and look after their younger siblings. The media plays a big role in the representation of groups of people in society, especially teenagers. A lot of people find it intriguing when they see teenagers on the news getting up to no good. Many news reports are based on young people and how they wander the streets and cause riots. Most young people are blamed for everything negative that goes on in the community, when adults play a big role In this as well. Most teenagers are involved In the community and enjoy helping out. Not all young people are rebellious, alcoholics that dont have a future. Around 70% of teenagers are actively involved in community sporting and recreation groups. I believe that young people that belong to outside of school extra-curricular activities from football to dancing are more down to earth and responsible. Young have an even more responsible role to their sporting club. Belonging to a sporting lube, means you are counted on to be reliable and loyal. Each teenager in that sporting club has the role of being a leader. Another good thing about young people belonging to a sporting club, is that they are more concentrated on achieving in their sport whereas their friends go out partying every weekend. Being involved with a sporting club makes you more aware of these things and youre not only doing what you enjoy but also getting the exercise you need to stay fit and healthy. It seems that every generation thinks that the next is more out of control and morally corrupt than they were. This has been said throughout history going back sasss of years, an example of this is from the quote from Plato and this quote was from the 4th Century! All of todays youth cant be generalized into a one ball, sure there are some that are out of control but that has always been the case. People born in the asss would have been frowned upon by people born in the asss, this is how it is and always will be. Times change and people change and basically there is nothing we can do about this. Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they never failed to imitate them. This is a quote from James Baldwin.

Port Sunlight and Letchworth Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Port Sunlight and Letchworth - Case Study Example They all had a common ending; they died and were named conservation areas. The two towns seem to have been built for the primary purpose of industries and improving the lives of the employees and their families. These industries created jobs for the people around it together with their families. Eventually there was a growth in population thus an increase in demand for housing, schools, hospitals and any other social amenities. One distinct thing about these two towns is that the pioneers had great ideas but all had to consult and involve architectures who would put the design on the ground in an even better way than the former. A William Hesketh Lever built the town for his employees who worked in his soap factory. He bought a land big enough to hold the factory and a garden village to house his employees. Though he participated a lot in designing and planning of the village, he hired architects to give put their best towards a beautiful village. Living houses were built together with other public buildings. Apart from the buildings and good living conditions for his workers, he went a step further to introduce schemes for his employees. They included welfare schemes and educational schemes. His main aim was to create an environment of coexistence and brotherhood. The architectures at Port Sunlight integrated a broad variety of features in their planning, borrowed from Europe and Britain a combination that came to be referred to as the Old English. The villages at Port Sunlight consisted of tremendous blocks of housing of low concentration and a number of public buildings such as gymnasiums, theatres and libraries that were surrounded by gardens and open green spaces. The village layout was designed in such a manner that it restricted any open view of the factory and of the inside. The houses were so uniquely built that their backs could not be visible. The factory was purposely built a one storey structure. This was primarily to provide aeration, enough light and a healthier environment for the workers and also to reduce its corporal impact on the village. In Letchworth, the situation was rather different. The planning was more impressive than that of Port Sunlight. The designing and planning of the town is owed a lot to a construction company, by then known as Garden city Company, who also remained the consultants for a long time. For many years the development of the town was controlled by this company. The streets were made beautiful with trees and beds of roses along them. There were a number of factories, unlike in Port Sunlight where factories grew much later. Therefore, in the planning the factories had to be placed in the correct relation to one another. The factories were placed into estates called industrial estates. Currently it is a very common idea but back then it was a world-shattering idea. But at the same time it was not easy for the town to attract other industries. This was because, the public buildings that had been put in the plan to surface around the town, did not really materialize for a long time. For this reas on the growth of the town was retarded. The shopping places were placed in the town centre and were served by wide enough pavements and ample parking sites. This gave the shoppers a

Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Proposal - Essay Example With increase service activities, it is but vital for this four Ps to be addressed within the service sector. For the greatest communication impact, Kotler, (2003) argued that the entire marketing mix must be carefully coordinated for greatest success. Against this background, this research seeks to answer the following questions With previous work experience and knowledge in the hotel industry, I have nested an interest in the sector, especially within the marketing department. The main objective of this paper will be to find out and evaluate the various marketing and promotional techniques adopted by four stars hotels in the London municipality. Other objectives will include As the fight of market shares and quest for product success continue, marketers are employing all the necessary tactics, and methods to give their product a break through, or remain competitive (Brennan, Baines, and Garneau, 2003, Rowley 2004). According Kortler (2002), the marketing communication mix or promotional mix involves specific mix of advertising, personal selling, sales promotion and public relations a company uses to achieve it advertising and marketing objectives. The five major types of promotion are:- Previous research has shown that consumers often use their existing perceptions of a brand to evaluate new offerings such as product or line extensions (Aaker and Keller 1990). Because it appears similar to the original brand, consumers will then transfer attributes of the original brand to the brand imitator, thereby affecting evaluations and purchase decisions. These attributions include, but are not limited to, product quality, performance, reliability, and origin (d Astrous and Gargouri 1999). Francesca Sterlacci, a fashion designer, who heads the fashion design department at New Yorks Fashion Institute of Technology, says that copying is simply a way of life (Karr 2003). In a recent website interview Sterlacci admits that it is â€Å"expensive and

Choose one of the three Flexible , Fearful, or Feisty Essay

Choose one of the three Flexible , Fearful, or Feisty - Essay Example I always enjoyed to get engaged in a range of activities most often involved art activities. This activity pattern and craze towards colors polished my creativity. So, in the later stages of my childhood I proved to be a good cartoonist. I participated in many inter school events and won several prizes. Later on, I came to know the fact that being a flexible personality; I was really blessed as I was more adaptive towards new situations. I always enjoyed creativity and innovative ideas. I always liked to show positive attitude and this approach of my childhood has, definitely, affected my current life in a positive way. My flexible personality trait brought up confidence, optimism and tolerance in my personality. It is amazing to note that I never argued like younger siblings while mother used to serve some new food. It always made me curious to have new tastes and flavors. However, sometime ambiguous situations made me confused. As I have told that I was flexible at one end but I was not so clever. I was not very good in decision making as well. This was the basic reason why I most often adopted what my parents felt better for me. I was quite adaptive and bendy towards the decisions they put forward. And now when I am a grown up guy, I can differentiate that my intentions were not wrong. For me, my parents always did what they thought the best among all. From my childhood behavior, I analyze that living with flexibility and adjustment always offers a right path. Life is a continuous process offering give and take relationships. It goes on and on. So, those who prefer to adjust and accommodate with new situations always get the full benefits. This is what I really learn from my childhood. 1. Hanns M. Trautner, Diane N. Ruble, Lisa Cyphers, Barbara Kirsten, Regina Behrendt and Petra Hartmann. â€Å"Rigidity and Flexibility of Gender Stereotypes in Childhood: Developmental or Differential?† Infant and Child Development (2005): New York University,

A Multi Ethnic Society Cultural Studies Essay

A Multi Ethnic Society Cultural Studies Essay The linkage between ethnic crises in Nigeria in relation to how the integration of diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria can be attained was the focus of this study. The integration of Nigeria is an issue at boiling point that needs to be urgently and collectively tackled by the Nigerian government and indeed Nigerians; this aroused my interest in the study. Inquiries were made into the effects of ethnic crises on the integration of Nigeria. Struggle for ethnic dominance, leadership problems, resource control, religious differences and undying quest for power, among others, characterized the emergence of ethnic crisis in Nigeria. This study held that the major cause of disintegration in Nigeria could be linked to the frequent and unending ethnic crisis which in turn leads to political and economic disability as no meaningful development could take place in a crises driven society and the existing ones are been destroyed. INTRODUCTION Nigeria is made up of different ethnic units. In actual fact, it is a multi-ethnic society. According to Gaye (1999) the integration problem in Nigeria is likely one of the most complex in the world. Nigeria is Africas most populated country with over 250 ethnic groups on a land area of 923,768 sq km (2008 Mongobay world statistics) with over 140 million population, none of the three main ethnic groups which are the Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo constitutes a majority of the population (Gaye 1999). With over 520 languages spoken (Ethnologue 2009) it is of no doubt that Nigeria is truly a multi-ethnic Nation. Nigeria was created during the British colonial rule. It was established in 1914 when Lord Fredrick Lugard (the First Governor General) joined the two British protectorates of Southern and Northern Nigeria and Lagos as the crown colony into a single entity in other to promote unity and development. Nigeria gained independence in October 1960 and had since experience much of Military intervention in its political affairs. Since the current return to civil rule in May 1999, there had been over 150 ethno-religious conflicts resulting in tremendous loss of lives and properties (Eliagwu 2004). Religious membership in Nigeria is strongly tied to ethnicity. Ancient Nigeria comprises of many religions which are practiced by different ethnic groups, but all this religions had since been overpowered by Islam and Christianity with only a few practicing the Traditional Nigerian Religion. According to the Nigeria census report (2003); 50.4% of Nigerian population practice Islam, 48.2% practice Christianity while 1.4% practice the Traditional Nigerian religion. In terms of major ethnic-religious memberships Islam mainly dominates the Northern (Hausa) part of Nigeria; Christianity is prevalent in the Southern (Yoruba and Igbo) part of Nigeria while in the Southwest there is no leading religion. According to Emenloye (2011), there is usually an inseparable linkage between ethnic and religious conflicts in a multi-ethnic society such as Nigeria where ideals of federalism and constitutionalism are still in transition. Conflicts as a result of ethno-religious tensions are not new in Nigeria, but the unending occurrence makes it an issue that requires urgent attention if Nigeria is to remain integrated as a Nation. Ideally; the spirit of federation, patriotism and nationalism is expected to override all ethnic, tribal or religious affiliation of Nigerians. Unfortunately, this is not the case as most conflicts were based on ethnic or religious identity (Emenloye 2011). It is notable that the number of such conflicts in recent years is clearly much higher than those that had previously occurred in the history of the country (Oke Ogunde, 2002). According to Nwaobi Godwin (2009), this ethno-religious disunity has disturbed, complicate and had made every developmental effort undertaken by government to be unrealizable. This was what prompt Martin Ike (2009) to posit that Nigeria effort at achieving national integration have remain largely unrealized. STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM The combination of ethnicity with religion had since put Nigeria into unrest. Since its independence in 1960, Nigeria has struggled with the challenges of managing its religious and political differences. The major test of Nigerias ability to manage this diversity and promote national integration has been ethno-religious conflicts and there devastating effects on the Nigerian polity (Emeye 2011). The concept of ethnicity and religion cannot be separated in the explanation of social conflicts but at this end it is important to separate the two words ethnicity and religion in other to be able to trace the problems back to the roots so as to be able to get a clear understanding of the research problems. Though fused together and inter-woven, one must note that not all ethnic motivated crises in the Nigerian polity has religious undertone and not all religious motivated crises as an ethnic undertone though they mostly come side by side. Problems of ethnic conflicts in the Nigerian polity. Ever since Nigeria attained independence from the British colony in 1960, The Nation had since been battling with integration as a result of inter-ethnic cum religious conflicts. Will it then be right to posit that the colonial existence of Britain in Nigeria and the force associated with colonialism united the entity called Nigeria before independence? It is worthy of note that the Biafra conflicts which almost divided the nation started in 1967 which is a few years after independence. The conflicts lasted for almost 3years because the eastern states attempted to break away from Nigeria. To be factual, most of the ethnic conflicts which rage Nigeria today could be traced to the events which took place while Nigeria was under the colonial rule of Britain. However, Nigeria still ignorantly continued to tread that path till this present day. It is important to note that the entity called Nigeria does not exist before colonialism, what existed was many different scattered communities and tribes in which some of their territories even over-lapsed the geographical territory of the present day Nigeria. The different ethnic groups which had different beliefs, cultures, religious practices and languages where all brought together by Britain to form a nation without seriously considering the characteristics of these groups and how they could peacefully co-exist. These ethnic nationalities on the other hand do not legitimately see themselves as a citizen of one united Nigeria but as that of whichever ethnic groups they originate. So from beginning the patriotic spirit needed to move the nation forward was lost because the ethnic groups never agreed and were not willing to co-exist. So ever since after independence in 1960, Nigeria had been battling to cope with different inter-ethnic crises arising as a result of trying to force fully co-exist together as one indivisible entity as it was established in 1914 before independence. These seems unrealizable, due to the faulty foundation on which Nigeria was established as some ethnic groups still desire to break away from the present entity called Nigeria. However, the economic system of Nigeria is another contributing factor to frequent ethnic crises. The economic system introduced to Nigeria from inception was not in-line with the political system of a country with such historical developments as Nigeria. The capitalist economic system that was introduced creates high level of competition and strives for economic relevance among the amalgamated regions. Every individual since then and till present day, strive for the development of its own affiliated region not the development of a united Nigeria, therefore division became further drawn along the lines of ethnicity. Worst still, the ever un-sincere and bias constant intervention of the western world due to their own selfish driven interest, in the political-economic affairs of Nigeria had continually led to nothing but chaos among the Nigerian ethnic groups. Nigeria as a sovereign nation needs no external interference, and should be independent to run its affairs in the ways and manners it deems fit. Nigeria is a nation with many mineral resources like crude oil, which is needed by developed nations to survive. The favors and special treatment in terms of loans, aids and grants to one region because of what they stand to gain from such regions had continued to set Nigeria ethnic groups against one another. A good point of reference is the constant and undying interest of the western powers in the oil rich south-south, Niger-delta region of Nigeria due to its richness in crude-oil and the outright neglect of Northern Nigeria which does not possess such vital mineral resources they need. Invariabl y whenever there are crises in these regions, the western powers takes sides and this tends to guarantee the re-occurrence and prolong such crisis. Further-more, the style of governance imposed on Nigeria was totally unfit for a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria. According to Katy, (2008) Britain imposed a west-minister style of government which was totally different from the ways the diverse ethnic groups formerly governed themselves. This included the starting of political parties; it is notable that various parties under the British rule were often made up of members of specific tribes and this concept exist till date in Nigeria as political parties are formed on the basis of ethnicity and not national interest. Nigeria currently has over 60 different political parties. During colonialism, it is important to note that political parties and groups despite their different aims and objectives once shared a common goal: which is to get autonomy from the British colonialist. This became their major national interest and for that short-while, tribes were united under a common aim. Once independence was gained it became evidently cl ear that Nigeria was not naturally a nation; no wonder Nigeria had to battle with civil war from 1967-1970. The systems in place were not really established to deal with such large amount of ethnic groups. Politics till date in Nigeria is base on ethnicity, instead of the parties coming together to share common aim, they all tread the path of regionalism. The natural order of regions, division along tribal lines with each ethnic groups striving for political-economic relevance and superiority had continually result to constant conflicts. In recent years, since the return to democratic rule in May 1999, ethnic crises in Nigeria had been a more constant phenomenon and had since been inevitable due to the lucrativeness attached to politics and democracy in Nigeria. To be factual Nigerian political system and political offices are too profitable for any ethnic group not to strive for power dominance and recognition. Nigeria practices federalism in written but not in its true context, the Federal Government oversees the entire resources and regulates the economic affairs of the Nation while resources are been distributed to the states and local councils on a monthly basis. The political elites of each ethnic group had since view control of the central as an automatic way to selfishly enriched themselves and maybe also better the living standards of the people of their community. Each ethnic group passionately strive hard to be in the realm of power, to be able to regulate national affairs at the center and are not willing to settle for anything less thereby making politics a do or die affair. Each region in Nigeria have their own dreaded groups: the Odua peoples congress (o.p.c) fighting for the interest of the west, Militants and so called freedom fighters in the east and south-south and the most dreaded one recently tagged a terrorist group by the united states, which is also currently threatening the unity and peaceful co-existence of the Nation is the Boko-haram sects in the North. This sect is responsible for the recent bombing of the United-Nations house in Nigeria as well as other recent insurgents in the country. The sects had since constantly and are not ready to give up in terrorizing the unity of Nigeria until the south-south region currently in hold of the federal power releases it to the North, so also are other regions clamoring for this same power. The challenges of Nigeria regarding integration are that Nigerians no longer view Nigeria as their own entity. The sense of patriotism needed to unite and fast track developments in the country had been long lost. According to Katy, (2008) a Nation cannot be created by simply drawing of lines on a map, it must be to some extent a natural product of the unity of its population. Problems of religious conflicts in the Nigerian polity: Religious conflicts are as old as ethnic conflicts. Religion is a double edged sword which could serve as an instrument of social integration or serve as a motivation for violence (Maregere 2011). With endless religious cum ethnic conflicts in the Nigerian polity, religion has served more as an instrument and motivation for violence than for social harmony. Over the years the relationship between ethnic and religious groups had grown worse. Religion in Nigeria had become a divisive issue that creates a growing conflict flash point (shadrack 2001). A brief analysis of the background reasons behind those religious conflicts in Nigeria will help the purpose of this research and also create a better understanding of the situation. Religious intolerance, fanatics and extremism is the basis of religious crises on which other causes of religious violence rest upon. This implies the strict obedience and faithfulness to the doctrines of a religion. Often times modernization is been used to weaken original religious teachings to encompasses intolerance. This involves the obstinate and bias devotion to ones opinions and prejudices especially the exhibition of intolerance and hatred towards persons of differing beliefs (baird and rosenbaum 1999). According to Abdul Balogun (1988:166) religious intolerance is the hostility towards other religions as well as the inability of religious adherents to harmonize between the true principles and practical aspects of a religion. However, the wrong scriptural interpretations by some selfish and shallow-minded religious leaders according to Ahmad (2008) gives wrong impression about other religions because of the wrong religious orientation been impacted on the religious faithful. This make people to be used indirectly for violence without knowing they are been used, especially when religious leaders and Nigerian political elites lack the power and support to gain access to something they hide under the shadow of religion (Usman 1987). Religious dominance, struggle for relevance and superiority among religious groups is another problem of religious conflicts in Nigeria. The introduction of Sharia doctrine in some Nigeria Muslim populated states had always been forcefully rejected by other religious groups. The Islamist claimed that the introduction of Sharia principles in the states will put a stop to bad acts such as corruption, rape, alcohol consumption, kidnapping, bad dressing and other evil things which are believed to be done by other religious faithful in the states. The governments felt that such behaviors will pollute the minds of Islamic faithful whose population dominates the states. This met stiff resistance by other religious faithful who claim that it is an attempt to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation and put a stop to other religions, this in turn spark up religious conflicts in Nigeria. The unreasonable statements and publications by religious elites in the media had always spark up unending conflicts among different religious groups who feel insulted by such publications and adversely react angrily. Example of such conflicts occurred in 1999 as a result of the intentional wrong spelling of an Islamic word on the cloth of a Muslim faithful by a tailor in Kano state Nigeria. The tailor removed two alphabets from the word spelling; meanwhile the two letters he omitted from the word changed the meaning of the word which is now interpreted as an insult to Muslims. this made the Muslims angry as it later broke out into a serious religious conflicts. Another good illustration is the religious conflict that happened in Nigeria in 2001 a result of a comment in the media by an unbeliever regarding Islam as a religion of pieces instead of peace This statement is an insult, bad and unreasonable. The Islamic youths and faithful were annoyed and this lead to conflicts as such st atements and publications had always led to religious conflicts in Nigeria. The lack of punishments for past offenders who had intentionally caused chaos among religious groups in Nigeria had constantly brought about conflicts. The religious groups seek revenge by themselves for the killings and damages done to them by other religious groups. The recommendations of previous probe committees set up by government are not been implemented. This makes it looks as if offenders will go unpunished and it encourages more conflicts in the country. The fusion of politics with religion by most political actors in Nigeria is another problem. Most times during elections, contesters of various political offices tends to hide under religious tenets to get their votes which makes them to be loyal to such religious groups when they get to power. They therefore involve in religious activities and this brings hatred among religious groups as the opposition candidate will hide under another religious group during the next elections. The dirty game of politics is been brought into religion and this foster conflicts. RESEARCH QUESTIONS To this extent it becomes imperative to inquire into the basis of ethno-religious crisis and how true nation-hood can be attained in Nigeria via the following research questions: Why has ethno-religious conflict affect integration in Nigeria? Why did ethno-religious relationship worsen in Nigeria? How has the Nigerian government been making efforts to re-integrate Nigeria? OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY This research aims to proffer solutions to the problems confronting Nigeria integration. This study therefore essentially seeks to examine how ethno-religious conflicts have led to the disintegration of Nigeria. This work seeks to analyze and evaluate ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria, in other to determine the extent of their relevance and irrelevance to the problem of Nigerias integration. However emphasis will be placed on finding out the attitude of the governments towards preventing constant ethno-religious conflicts as well as the strategy government adopts in tackling the remote causes of various ethnic or religious identity motivated crisis in the country in other to checkmate if not eradicate future occurrences. More so, this study will examine the efforts of government in re-integrating Nigeria. The significance of this study cannot be under-estimated as attempts will be made to bring out recommendations to the Nigerian government, which if adopted may establish a better peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria, aimed at re-awaken the consciousness of national unity. On a final note this research seeks to contribute to the academic world as the problems hindering integration in countries with high level of multi-ethnicity and religious beliefs like Nigeria will be explored. RESEARCH METHOD The nature of this research will be qualitative, in other to reasonably accomplish the task set out in this study. According to Myers (1997), it is an inductive approach of gaining deeper understanding of a social and cultural phenomenon. Qualitative research is based on gathering deep understanding and knowledge about human behaviors, the foundational reasons behind such behaviors and decision making. The researcher often infers knowledge base on constructivist perspectives (Creswell, 2003). This form of research is necessary in this study because it will investigate why and how the conflicts happen, not just where, what and when. It involves the use of inductive reasoning by observing datas in other to develop a generalization which will explain the relationships between the variables observed. ( Schriver 2001) This study will involve the use of historical and content analysis, to discover facts and gain further insights since the study seeks to enhance the understanding of how ethnic conflicts disintegrates Nigeria and also aims to recommend possible solutions aim at solving the integration problem in Nigeria. Method of data collection This study would make use of secondary data collection. The research will be base on review from several works. Sources of data will include: Official documents: Like communiquà ©s, correspondences, government policies and international agendas. Newspaper and media: The reports, speeches, figures, internet and papers delivered by stake-holders will be used, but the internet will be discreetly used to avoid bias as events will be checked from different sources in other to validate its authenticity. Publications: In form of books, thesis and article in journals. All the information gathered will be analyze in a systematic way hence it deals with complex social issues. All the information gathered will be written down and analyze systematically, hence it deals with complex social issues. . This type of research does not carry out its interpretation in numbers instead it is carried out through visual data presentation in the form of maps, photographs and diagrams indicating how ideas are conveyed and relate all the works within the framework of the subject matter. Method of data analysis: According to Marshall and Rossman (1989) Historical analysis will be useful in obtaining background and knowledge of previous unexamined areas and re-examining questions for which answers are not as definite as desired. Data would be interpreted through historical and content analysis. The analysis will be done using speeches, text books, policy statements, journals, local and international magazines, internet, articles, federal government reports, and communiquà ©s and so on. The analysis will look into the roots and basis of ethnic and religious crises in Nigeria, how such crisis had threatened the integration of Nigeria as a nation, the relationship between ethnic and religious crises, as well as look into the efforts of government in re-integrating Nigeria. The historical analysis will pave way in getting a clear understanding of why conflicts occurred in the past, gain some certainty of the facts, establish the reasons and effects between those facts so that one can understand the relationships between variables which will help in getting solutions to the problems of this research. THEORECTICAL FRAMEWORKS The theories of ethnic identity conflicts in political literatures are the theory of Primordialism, Instrumentalism and theory of Social Constructivism. These theories are used to explain ethnic conflicts (Esman1994). The primordials theory best fits into the conflicts situation in Nigeria and that of other nations with multi ethnic groups as it brings to our knowledge how difference in ethnic identities always results to crises. However the instrumentalist and social constructivist views will be used to back up the view of the primordials in the ways they reflect on the Nigerian conflict situation. This framework focuses on the primordialism theory of conflicts. The primordialism theory of conflicts can be traced to the philosophical ideas of German Romanism particularly in the works of Johan Gottlied Fichte,(1792) and Johan Gottfried Herder, (1792) it was popularly propounded by Donald Horowitz.(1996) Primordialism in relation to ethnicity as posited by Fichte and Herder (1792) is that ethnic groups and nationalities exist because there are traditions of beliefs and action towards primordial objects such as biological factors and territorial locations. Primordials are of the view that ethnic identity is fixed once it is constructed; this concept established that difference in customs form the basis for national disunity in most multi-ethnic nations. Donald Horowitz (1985) and Steven Grosby (1994) posits that ethnic factions will do anything to preserve and protect the language, beliefs, territory, background and cultures against external forces; in a competitive society, threats and sense of danger usually meets strong resistance which brin gs conflict. primordialism remains influential in identifying the strength of ethnic ties and peoples commitment to the ethnic alliances of their own immediate ethnic groups. Primordials believes that an irreconcilable difference due to diverse orientation and cultural background causes the fear that begets conflict. To the primordial, conflict experienced during the Nigerian civil war in 1967 and other ethnic conflicts was unarguably due to difference in norms, cultures, traditions, backgrounds and beliefs which brings rivalries between ethnic groups. The theory of instrumentalism in this framework is balancing the primordials theory in the aspect of leadership interest in ethnic conflicts as it touches some aspects in the Nigerian conflict situation. Instrumentalism became prominent in 1960s and 70s in the works of Anthony Smith. It is mainly on ethnic persistence as an effective melting point to ethnic issues. This theory focused on the actions of community and regional leaders who used their ethnic groups as site of mass mobilization in competing for dominance, power and resources. Such leaders hide under the shadows of ethnicity to brain-wash and set there subordinates against other ethnic race in other to realize there individual goals. The Instrumentalist believes that if ethnicity is not viewed as instrumental identities which are means to a particular end there will be no crisis, theyre of the position that there is more to ethnic crises other than relevance. A good illustration is some leaders of the Niger-delta region in Nigeria who sponsored militancy groups to terrorize other ethnic groups and the country at large while there major aim is to gain control of crude-oil in the area. Also supporting the Primordials theory in this framework is the theory of social constructivism which was formalized by Jean Piaget (1975) through the accommodation and assimilation principles. Social constructivism view ethnic crises base on the unwillingness of ethnic groups to accommodate and assimilate each others principles. According to Jean (1975) Ethnic groups cannot integrate until they are genuinely ready to shift grounds for one another by willing to accommodate the good and ugly of each other, and are as well ready to assimilate each others principles, beliefs and way of life. Jean believes that if the components of this theory could be applied by ethnic groups then ethnic conflicts might no longer occur constantly. The primordialism theory is the major theory of this framework while social constructivism and instrumentalism theory tends to balance and back-up the major framework. All these views put together better explains the indebt reason behind ethno-religious conflicts among the over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Glen Canyon Dam :: Debate Lake Powell Papers

Glen Canyon Dam This extended essay will analyze the rhetoric of authors discussing the Glen Canyon Dam. These authors include: Jeff Rubin (The Place No One Knew), John McPhee (Encounters with the Archdruid), Russell Martin (A story that stands like a dam: Glen Canyon and the struggle for the soul of the West), and Jared Farmer (Glen Canyon dammed: inventing Lake Powell and the Canyon country). There are always two sides to an argument, one for one against. All seven authors write of the Glen Canyon Dam, and the controversy surrounding the draining of Lake Powell. All of the authors do not actually want the dam to be taken down. Each author talks about what was destroyed by filling Glen Canyon up. They all recognize that Glen Canyon can not be saved, but another dam can be prevented from happening again somewhere else. A pamphlet handed out at the visitor’s center of Glen Canyon Dam states: â€Å"The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public† (Glen Canyon Dam) This statement ensures the reader that the dam was built â€Å"for the people† doing this without stating any facts that prove the statement. This statement also does not state why the U.S. government built Glen Canyon dam. This pamphlet wants to educate people as to the uses of Glen Canyon. The dangers and the fun that can be had on the lake that was made by the Glen Canyon Dam. â€Å"Some of the shoreline around Lake Powell is loose and can slip and fall†. (Glen canyon Dam) warning the public as to what to watch for. The pamphlet goes on to say; â€Å"Dangerous sections of Lake Powell’s shoreline are too numerous to mark and can appear quickly after a change in the water level or after rainy weather†. (Glen Canyon Dam) The author is saying that not every dangerous area can be marked. By writing this the author is ensuring safety against lawsuits. In Glen Canyon Dammed: Inventing Lake Powell and the Canyon Country, Jared Farmer agrees with the draining of Lake Powell. Farmer goes on to write, â€Å"Consider the river that flows through Grand Canyon: it’s not the real thing. It’s the programmed discharge from Glen Canyon Dam†. (Farmer pg. XIII) In this statement Farmer is saying that he does agree with the dam coming down, although saying that people have their own opinions.