Grapes of Wrath Awakening of Tom Joad Essay - 630 Words

Grapes of Wrath: Awakening Of Tom Joad Grapes of Wraith by John Steinbeck portrayed the awakening of a mans conscience dealing with his troubling trials throughout the novel. The character that goes through this monumental change is Tom Joad, son of two tenant farmers from Oklahoma. Toms conscience was changed from a loner who cared nothing about the people to a hardy leader of them. He first looked after his family on their trip that evolved into including the impoverished migrant farmers in California. At the beginning of the novel Tom Joad has just been paroled after spending four years in a state prison. He stops at a roadside cafe looking for a ride when he sees a truck with a No Riders sticker on it. Toms conversation with†¦show more content†¦Toms final awakening comes when he meets Jim Casy for the final time outside a work camp in the midst of a strike. There Jim Casy tells Tom that the only way the workers can obtain law and order as well as, fair wages, is to unite all the migrant workers together and fight against the larger controlling companies. The statement is driven home when he witnesses Jim Casys passive resistance in response to the threatened violence by the cops. As the police advance on Jim Casy he yells towards them, Listen, you fellas don know what youre doin. Youre helpin to starve kids. moments before his head is brutally crushed by a pick handle. Enraged by the actions unfolded before him Tom grabs a pick handle and clubs one of the officers to death before hastily fleeing from the scene. This event finally made possible the awakening of Tom Joad. He recognized that if a common man were to ever get a fair chance to live their life, they would be forced to do so under a united cause. Toms awakening came slowly as he struggled to understand the toils of needing, not only to care for his family but organize the migrant workers into a force where they can achieve fair rights. During the final chapters of the novel Tom recognizes the importance of Jim Casys work to unify the people bringing about a final awakening of hisShow MoreRelated Humanitys Journey in Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath Essay1150 Words   |  5 PagesHumanitys Journey in Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath As a major literary figure since the 1930s, Steinbeck displays in his writing a characteristic respect for the poor and oppressed. In many of his novels, his characters show signs of a quiet dignity and courage for which Steinbeck has a great admiration. For instance, in The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck describes the unrelenting struggle of the people who depend on the soil for their livelihood. One element helping give this novel an addedRead More The Grapes of Wrath - Beauty in the Midst of Hopelessness Essay1827 Words   |  8 PagesThe Grapes of Wrath: Beauty in the Midst of Hopelessness    The Grapes of Wrath portrays life at its darkest.   It is the story of migrant workers and the hardships and heartbreaks that they experience as they are driven from their land - the land that   they have lived on for generations - so the banks can make a profit.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sure, cried the tenant men, but its our land.   We measured it and broke it up.   We were born on it, and we got killed on it, died on it.   Thats what makes it oursRead More Power of Religion in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath Essay2432 Words   |  10 PagesThe Power of Religion in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbecks epic novel, The Grapes of Wrath, chronicles the struggles of the Joads as they join the thousands of fellow Okies in a mass migration westward. The Joads reluctantly leave behind their Oklahoma farm in search of work and food in California. While Steinbeck writes profoundly and emotionally about the political problems of the Great Depression, his characters also show evidence of a deep concern with spiritualityRead More A classic example of socialism is John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath2431 Words   |  10 PagesSteinbecks The Grapes of Wrath The idea of socialism has transcended down in history; from the proletariat fighting for rights in France to Marxist revolutions and Leninists in Russia. Socialism is the helping of the laboring class; more so it is the uprising and asserting of power of the laboring class. A classic example of socialism is John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath. Many people thought this book was an attack on America, due to its social views. Grapes of Wrath was not a book

Marijuana Is The Most Commonly Used Illicit Drug Worldwide

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide. As the amount of marijuana use increases, legalization of the drug is a topic debated, discussed and researched by our government, health professionals, and law enforcement. I personally don’t agree with the legalization of the drug knowing how dangerous its usage can be. The effects marijuana has on its users, I believe, is cause for concern along with the other known problems that arise with its use. Marijuana is derived from the leaves, stems and flowering parts of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The discovery of cannabis can be traced back to 2900 B.C. China, and has been used for hundreds of years for multiple purposes including: fibers, oils, medicine and recreation (Cannabis). The cannabis plant contains psychoactive chemicals, substances that change brain function, resulting in alteration of mood, perception, and consciousness. The psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, acts on specific brain receptors, inducing a relaxed state, relieving pain, causing fatigue, and stimulating appetite (Davis Web). Marijuana is typically smoked, which releases the THC that is then absorbed into the blood stream through the lungs. Marijuana induces the release of dopamine creating a feeling of euphoria almost immediately. The fast acting drug is especially appealing to sensation seeking young adults and teens. Unfortunately, there are very real physical and mental effects of marijuana use that don’t make up forShow MoreRelatedShould Marijuana Be Banned? Essay909 Words   |  4 Pages Marijuana is now partially decriminalized in 24 states including DC and legal for recreational use in 4 states. Due to new medical studies, and the consequences on those convicted from use of the most common illicit drug in the world, the United States is being forced to rethink its stance on the matter. 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Humans have used these differentRead MoreMarijuana Is The Most Dangerous For Human Health1251 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Marijuana is the dried leaf of the Cannabis Sativa or hemp plant. The hemp plant’s dried leaves are greenish gray in color and when smoked or ingested, marijuana has psychoactive effects in humans. These psychoactive effects include: relaxation, heightened senses, laughter, altered perception of time, and increased appetite (What Are Marijuana Effects?). The main chemical in Marijuana that causes these effects is delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, but there are about one hundredRead MoreThe Legalization of Marijuana Essay2384 Words   |  10 PagesThe Legalization of Marijuana – A Compelling Case for a Misunderstood Plant Abstract The prohibition of marijuana has sparked heated debates for years about its effects on the human body, its medicinal properties, and its effect on society; just to name a few. 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Taking an example, people drinking in a bar are more likely to engage in a fight and eventually harm one another while somebody using cocaine will be at lower risk of engagingRea d MoreDrugs in Society Study Guide Essay4299 Words   |  18 PagesCCJS 340 - Drugs in Society Study Guide What drug is most commonly abused by young adults (as determined by recent surveys noted in the text)? Marijuana According to the 2005 NIDA Household Survey on Drug Abuse, people in which age group are the most likely to have ever used drugs? People between the ages of 26 and 32 Findings by the Community Epidemiology Workgroup reveal that the types of drugs used in different cities vary. Which drugs seem to be more prevalent in western cities? Read MoreMarijuana Should Be Banned Marijuana1667 Words   |  7 PagesCannabis, otherwise known as marijuana, is a way of preparing the marijuana plant so that it can be used as medicine or a psychoactive drug. It is the most extensively banned drug in Britain. However, many local societies and organizations advocate a reform of its validity. These include NORML UK, UKCSC Drug Equality Alliance, as well as Cannabis Law Reform. Other societies such as the Centre for Social Justice and Skunk Sense argue in favour of cannabis remaining illegal (UK Government, 2014). ThereRead MoreSubstance Abuse Is A Significant Public Health Issue Across The United States1835 Words   |  8 Pagesleading the world with drug research, illegal drug policy, and one of the highest legal drinking age mandates, the U.S has the highest rates of illegal drug use and abuse, especially pertaining to marijuana, cocaine and prescription painkillers (Healthy Americans Organization, 2013). Nationally, drug overdose deaths have doubled in 29 states since 1999, with Massachusetts having the 32nd highest rate in the country (Healthy Americans Organization, 2013). A large percentage of drug use is reportedly

Should Laptops Be Banned from the Classroom. Free Essays

The world is rapidly progressing to a more technologically advanced era. Information and Communication Technology has influenced individual’s behavior, thinking skills and ability to fulfill daily tasks and responsibilities. As a result, the education system has incorporated technological tools into the curriculum. We will write a custom essay sample on Should Laptops Be Banned from the Classroom. or any similar topic only for you Order Now These tools include: radio broadcasting, computers, audio visual systems, the Internet, virtual learning centers, networks, instructional software, and projectors. Thus, the Ministry of Education’s philosophy (2005, p. 0) states that â€Å"Applying technology in education would enhance human capacity, dynamize the teaching/learning environment, promote creativity, innovation, critical thinking, decision making and lifelong learning. † This predominant point suggests that laptops should not be banned in the classroom at the University level. Reasons are distribution, media, productivity, Internet, software, virtuality, management and environment. From the inception of the People’s Partnership government in 2010, an innovative approach has been implemented to endorse literacy, numeracy and critical thinking skills. The People’s Partnership (2010) acknowledged that, â€Å"Information Technology based learning will be infused in education at primary and secondary levels to support and complement other forms of teaching, learning and basic research. † As a result, The Prime Minister declared that, â€Å"Every child going on to secondary school from the Secondary Entrance Assessment will be provided with a laptop to begin their secondary school education. † (2010) With reference to this statement, I deem it necessary for laptops to be used at the University level. Students spend majority of their time doing research, completing assignments, downloading notes from e-mails or the internet and most importantly, engaging in computer aided instruction at classes. A Laptop is an effective tool that facilitates learning to all students in and out of the classroom. The previously mentioned effective tool aims to change teaching to a student-centered process and make education more relevant. Trinidad and Tobago Computer Society (2010). Laptops allow students the individual attention that fosters learning and provides effective feedback. Apart from this, lesson content are delivered through media in classes. Projectors, speakers and laptops are some of the technological tools that promote teaching and learning. With regards to this, the Ministry of Education (2005) states that, The Ministry of Education recognizes the importance of locally produced ICT curriculum resources to support education reform in this digital era. As such, digital resources shall play a central role in integrating ICT into the curriculum, developing innovative practices and transforming the way students learn. To promote more effective use of ICT in the classroom, the MOE shall develop and supply quality digital education resources for teaching, learning and testing. All digital content shall be relevant to the local curriculum and directed toward curriculum outcomes. (p. 26) Students are more motivated to learn and teaching is enthusiastic as students participate in lifelong learning. Additionally, students naturally gravitate to the most attractive mode of content delivery. The implementation of technological tools such as the laptop increases productivity. Students will develop a more positive attitude towards school and a more organized learning environment. Furthermore, students would be able to complete their work in a shorter period more effectively and efficiently. The laptop enables students to use productivity tools such as Microsoft office which includes word processors, spreadsheets, databases and power point presentations. â€Å"At institutions where technology are fully integrated into the teaching and learning process all students are able to create output using a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation software. † according to the (Ministry of Education, 2005, p. 19) This essential program aids students in their assignments and teachers in their lesson planning. With the use of the laptop, they can construct and create documents in meetings or anywhere convenient. Productivity tools better prepare students for the workplace and foster creativity and innovation to benefit society. According to the (Minister of Education, the Honorable Hazel Manning 2007), â€Å"Let us seize this opportunity to use ICT across the curriculum. Utilize it for your lessons planning, utilize it for the delivery of your lessons. † Simulations are software that enhances learning and allows students to experience real world systems. This makes learning safe and provides students the opportunity to experience the impossible. The Ministry of Education has received funding from the World Bank to support education, but that ICT are not funded. A 2006 IDB grant of US$67,000 was matched by US$45,000 from the government to jumpstart development of the country’s IT sector by increasing capacity in software development. † (Gaible Trucano 2009 p. 66). Courses at the University level use simulations and other software to enhance the lesson and learning. If stu dents are equipped with laptops in the classroom, they can utilize this software while the lesson is being delivered. Understanding of content is increased when students have access to this software. It compresses time, is cost effective and allows repetition so students can maximize learning. â€Å"Educational simulations have a number of advantages over other instructional methodologies and media. Students often find active participation in simulations to be more interesting, intrinsically motivating and closer to real world experiences than other learning modalities. † (Alessi, Trollip, as cited in Lunce, 2006). The internet is another technological tool that fosters learning and is a predominant tool in classrooms. Laptops are equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities, which is a wireless function to connect to the internet. The internet is accessible in all educational institutions and is used in the classroom. Access to a pool of resources, use of course management systems (Blackboard), and e-mail are all primary reasons for internet connections especially for university students. The curriculum has been upgraded and assignments can be submitted online. â€Å"Internet Access will provide for further content. It makes available the vast knowledge and materials on the World Wide Web. Where possible and necessary, the Ministry of Education shall provide high speed Internet access to all its institutions. †(Ministry of Education, 2005, p. 31) If students are engaged in activities that requires research, they can access the internet from their laptops. Another predominant factor is that a student’s personal computer enables them to have their work at hand instead of using the school’s computer. Hence, any extra work that is done at school or during classes can be used when necessary at home. New information is presented every day and further research can always be done to better our understanding. Tons of books and numerous handouts are usual tedious tasks for University students. Not only do you look studious, nerds are your best competition as you move around fully loaded. Luckily, the introduction of laptops has diminished this challenging capacity to store and manage information. According to Carter (2006 p. 10), â€Å"The technology is used to help students think and communicate effectively. The computer is a tool. † Moreover, the University of Trinidad and Tobago has created a mission to â€Å"Go Green†, thus saving paper. This allows students to use online books and resources attainable from the features of a laptop. Random access memory allows for this convenient ability for students to move around with everything at hand. Information can be added, modified or updated and even deleted. As time goes by, this collection of information can become frustrating since files may not be usable as it gets old or even misplaced. However, the laptop enables its users to data or information by naming each document or file and selecting its storage space for quick, easy retrieval. Students can store their notes for each class and retrieve them quickly when the teacher requests or mentions it. According to Dr. Abshire (as cited in Lewin, 2009), At Cienega High School, students who own laptops can register for digital sections of several English, history and science classes. They don’t engage with textbooks that are finite, linear and rote. Teachers need digital resources to find those documents, those blogs, those wikis that get them beyond the plain vanilla curriculum in the textbooks. In conclusion, â€Å"As the Ministry of Education becomes more students centered and ICT driven, we know that greater use must be made of the global currency of information. (Minister of Education, Senator the Honorable Hazel Manning, 2007) Students develop higher cognitive skills and improve collaborative skills with the introduction of ICT in the curriculum. At the university level, students are being educated and prepared for the workplace. Thus, an effective and efficient technological tool is the laptop. If students are allowed to laptops in the classroom, school would be more interesting and motivating as lifelong learning and training cannot be confined to the traditional classroom. References Gaible, E. , Trucano, M. (Eds. ). 2009). Survey of ICT and education in the Caribbean Volume II:Country reports. Washington, DC. Lewin, T. (2009 August 8). In a digital future, textbooks are history. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www. nytimes. com/2009/08/09/education/09textbook. html? _r=1pagewanted=all Lunce, L. (2006). Simulations: Bringing the benefits of situated learning to the traditional classroom. Journal of Applied Educational Technology, 3(1), 38. Manning, S. (2007). Ministry of Education, Illuminant and Hewlett Packard: Increasing the use of ICT in education. Newsday,p. A. 25 Ministry of Education. (2005, September). Draft policy for Information and Communications Technology in Education. Retrieved from http://www. moe. gov. tt/general_pdfs/moe_ict_policy. pdf The People’s Partnership. (2010, April), Prosperity for all manifesto. Retrieved from http://www. coptnt. com/ver03/media/peoples-manifesto-2010. pdf Trinidad and Tobago Computer Society. (2010). Laptops in schools programme. Retrieved from http://www. ttcsweb. org/articles/Laptops_in_Schools_Programme. pdf How to cite Should Laptops Be Banned from the Classroom., Papers