Frankenstein Vs. Bladerunner Essay -- Mary Shelley James Riddley-Scott

As society changes around us, we spot things we never noticed before: high divorce rates, murder rates, and drug use just to name a few. James Riddley-Scott and Mary Shelley noticed and had a fear of child abandonment. In Frankenstein, Shelley explores this subject through the viewpoint of a man, Victor, who creates a child so hideous that he cannot bear to look at it, and consequently deserts it. In Blade Runner, Scott explores this matter through a businessman, Tyrell, who makes replicants of humans, the Nexus 6, gives them only four years to live, and sells them as slaves. The children of these creators turn out to be smarter and more human than expected, and revolt against the way society treats them, giving us all a lesson in parenting and child development.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Shelley?fs Frankenstein, Victor brings a monster to life only to abandon it out of fear and horror. ?gThe beauty of the dream had vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart?h (Shelley, 35). The reader must question the ethics of Victor. After all, he did bring this creature upon himself. This renunciation later comes to haunt Victor, and hurts his creation more than Victor can ever imagine. When Victor leaves the monster, Shelley is exploring abandonment by the parent. Later in the novel, when the monster tries to confront Victor and Victor shows that he does not want any part of the Monster by saying ?gBegone, vile insect! Or rather, stay, that I may trample you to dust!?h(74). Shelley is showing us that the monster is not being nurtured, as a child should. Blade Runner also looks at the roles of parenting and abandonment. When first meeting Tyrell, Roy states, ?gIt's not an easy thing to meet your maker?h, Scott reveals that the Nexus 6 have been discarded by their family, and have had a lack of a loving relationship throughout their lives. The idea that parents play a double role as parent and creator continues throughout the stories. Tyrell is looked at as a parent and a way for a longer life. Sebastian and Roy meet Tyrell by riding in an elevator as though acceding to heaven where Tyrell lives. When they enter the businessman?fs bedroom, Tyrell demandingly asks Sebastian, ?gmilk and cookies been keeping you awakeh just as a father would talk to his son. In Frankenstein, Victor is viewed as a father or God figure that can create another life, an Eve for his Ad... ...e your child no matter how he or she may look like or act. Victor and Tyrell saw their creations as less than human, and therefore treated them as such. If we see our children as less than human, and we neglect them, they may grow to believe that they are monsters. Shelley and Scott believed this, and set out to prove a point. One day our children will grow up, and they will no longer have a clean slate. A grown-up child will reflect all that we have taught them, good or evil. Scott and Shelley wanted to convey to all parents that, to their children at least, they are more than just disciplinarians. They can be the ones to teach about love, and they can bring more meaning into the lives they have created. List of Works Cited Blade Runner. Dir. James Riddley-Scott. Perf. Harrison Ford, Joe Turkel, Sean Young, Rutger Hauer, Daryl Hannah, Joanna Cassidy, Brion James, William Sanderson, M. Emmett Walsh, Edward James Olmos, Morgan Paull, Columbia Tri-Star, 1982 Chapman, Murray. Blade Runner Frequently Asked Questions. October 1994 . Shelley Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.

Junk Food Industry and Obesity

â€Å"In the U. S. obesity rates have risen from 14% in 1978 to 31% in 2000†¦according to WHO/FAO in 2001, chronic diseases resulting largely from poor diet contributed to 60% of the 56 million reported deaths worldwide† (Lang & Heasman 2004:53). Both Canadian and American citizens alike spend vast amounts of their money on food and a significant percentage of that money is spent on low-nutrition foods such as fast foods and processed foods. Being the cash cow that it is, the capitalist food system has provided the opportunity for corporations to profit numerous types of junk foods (fast & processed foods containing high sugar, salt, fat). According to Robert Albritton’s (2009:90) â€Å"Let Them Eat Junk,† he argues that â€Å"the consumption of junk foods is not the only cause of obesity, but it is doubtless a major cause†¦[and] obesity is something that we allow to happen, and while there may be many causes, [he] would argue that the primary cause is a capitalist food system that we have allowed to subject us. † This essay will further extend on that argument and examine that the growing trend of obesity is caused by the fundamental principle of the capitalist food system, which is to profit from selling junk foods without considering the health consequences associated with it. Examining why consumers eat junk food in a sociological perspective, the financial incentives associated with selling junk foods in a capitalist perspective, and the health problems/consequences from the consumption of junk foods will be explored. A solution will be provided in attempts to rectify the growing trend of obesity due to junk foods. It is vital that we also look into the health implications as a result of the consumption of junk foods. Most notably, the greatest risk being obesity. Public health is an important factor in today’s society. Billions of dollars are spent on health care all over the world. At the same time, about the same amount of money is being put into a system that deters the health of millions of citizens every year (Adams 2005). In the present, the junk food industry is becoming a focal point in controversy surrounding its impact on public health. For example, â€Å"many blame fast food businesses for public health concerns, arguing that fast-food choices and large portion sizes contribute to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and a variety of other diet-related problems† (Adams 2005). In 2002, director Morgan Spurlock subjected himself to a diet based only in McDonald's fast food three times a day for thirty days and without working out. His objective was to prove why most of the Americans are so fat, with many cases of obesity (IMDB). He gained about 18 pounds over the course of the experiment, experienced mood swings, loss of sex drive, and nearly catastrophic liver damage. Spurlock’s body fat composition increased by 7 percent, his cholesterol went up 60 points, and his blood pressure rose from 120/80 to 150/100. Shortly after Mr. Spurlock’s revelations about his fast-food experiment, the Associated Press reported that McDonald’s was phasing out its super size menu options (Hagloch 2005). â€Å"Super Size Me† (name of the documentary) was a great example of how junk food affects the general public and is also an indication that the junk food industry, motivated by profits and shareholder interests, has ignored its responsibilities to the consuming public. It is clear that there is a huge demand for junk foods and that corporations thrive on this demand by creating more and more junk foods. As a result, there are health consequences such as obesity. Solutions to reduce obesity should be one of the main concerns in today’s society, however, to completely rid junk foods entirely need not be one of the solutions. The junk food industry plays a significant role in stimulating the North American economies. â€Å"Three-quarters of all Americans live within three miles of a McDonald’s, and two-thirds live within three miles of a KFC, Pizza Hut or Taco Bell fast food restaurant. † (Albritton 2009:98). In addition, supermarkets in North America are one of the most popular destinations for consumers to do most of their shopping. Supermarkets play a major role in the American food regime since that is where 40% of all food is purchased. Supermarkets typically sell a high proportion of highly processed, highly packaged and highly transported foods. In other words, supermarkets are largely purveyors of unsustainable petrofoods and unhealthy processed foods† (Albritton 2009:120). Given that junk foods are a signific ant contributor to the North American economies, it would be unwise to completely abolish the production and sales of junk food in order to solve the obesity epidemic. Rather, there should be more of an educational solution to fight against obesity. With the high demand for junk foods due to the fast-paced lifestyle in North America and for the availability of these foods provided by corporations that strive to gain profits, it is no surprise that junk food is one of the leading causes of obesity in North America today. As Robert Albritton (2009:90) pointed out, â€Å"†¦the primary cause is a capitalist food system that we have allowed to subject us. Although the junk food industry is significantly vital towards the stability of the North American economies, it would be unwise to rid the production and sales of junk foods entirely. Instead, the use of subsidy dollars to invest into nutritional awareness programs and the reduction in portion sizes for fast and processed foods are recommended options to prevent obesity. These steps may not on its own prevent obesity, however, these are one of many important steps in fighting against the obesity epidemic today and for future generations.

Hip Hop Nationalism Essay examples - 944 Words

Jason Chanthorn Christopher y West African American History from 1865 Journal Article- The State of Rap: Time and Place Hip hop is a form of art that has been popular for the past twenty years. Although people in recent years often mistake rap music as vulgar and ill-mannered, the hip hop community continues to provide a great way to channel emotion and soul into their music. In his article, â€Å"The State of Rap: Time and Place† Jeffrey Louis Decker illustrates the black nationalism within the hip hop community by exploring how Black Nationalism can be accounted for within the hip hop music. Before hip hop was introduced into the American culture, the black community felt as if their place of origin was Africa. This was the time†¦show more content†¦Eventually hip hop artists later regarded themselves by the name hip hop nationalists. In the sixties, self proclaimed hip hop nationalist rapper Paris debut his album, The Devil Made Me Do It, which sent a message on how he plans on building the black nation. From his tracks Panther Power to The Hate That Hate Made, Paris made sure that his audience knew he associated with the Black Panther Party. During 1988, hip hop marked a landmark on rap music history ever since MTV promoted their hip hop program called Yo, MTV Raps! and within the same year a hip hop group, Public Enemy, released their second album, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, which gave the black nationalist its first publicized expression for two decades. The multiple times the black community was socially mistreated, hip hop artists continued to voice their opinions. I believe hip hop is great to voice an opinion and promote self worth. Ordeals such as the Rodney King case sparked a huge outrage within the black community. Decker mentions in the article that during the Rodney King trial, the white officers from LAPD have been acquitted by an all-white jury charged for the brutality of Rodney King (Decker 2008, 55). Ice Cube was called in for an interview, yet he declined because of the ties he has made with the black community. Situatio ns such as the Rodney King trail provided aShow MoreRelatedWhat Has Hip Hop Ever Done?1331 Words   |  6 PagesWhat has hip-hop ever done to you? There has always been one style of music that has interested me greatly-hip-hop. Hip-hop has four different elements to it: rap music (vocal), turntablism (DJ-ing), b-boying (dance/physical) and graffiti art; out of the four I think rap music has had the greatest impact on the world for it has influenced us socially, culturally and politically. However, over the years I realize that hip-hop music hasn’t had the same impact on the world, becoming main stream. SoRead MoreThe Impact Of Hip Hop Music On America1491 Words   |  6 Pagesdescended from all African culture and tradition. Today, Hip-hop music in America is generally considered to have been pioneered out of New York s South Bronx in the early 1970’s by a Jamaican-born DJ Herc. By the time mid-1970s, New York s hip-hop gained wide-spread popularity and the scene was dominated by seminal turn-tablists DJs Grandmaster Flash, Herc and Afrika Bambaataa. The rappers of a group named â€Å"Sugarhill Gang† prod uced hip-hop s first commercially successful hit, Rapper s DelightRead MoreHip Hop Culture And Culture1196 Words   |  5 PagesHip-Hop Culture and race have had a complicated relationship in the past two decades. It has been commonly referred to as â€Å"black music† and a reflection of black culture. However, recent studies done by the Mediamark Research Inc. showed that 60% of rap music buyers are white. With the emergence of white, Latino, Asian, and other rappers with diverse backgrounds on the Hip Hop scene it is important recognize the changing color of the genre and the stereotype it holds as â€Å"black music†. Black cultureRead MoreThe Bronx Of New York City990 Words   |  4 PagesLatino residents. As a response to the systemic racism that these communities faced, young black men became vocal about their communities’ issues through the use of hip hop music. Thus, it was during this time that hip hop became a rising platform; and was predominantly i nfluenced by the Black power movements which promoted black nationalism, liberation and empowerment as a response to systemic anti-black racism. This platform allowed many young black men to address and vocalize the issues that affectedRead MoreHow Hip Hop Affects Society Essay2136 Words   |  9 PagesIt has been 30 years since Hip-Hop was first â€Å"introduced† to the world. Whether it be fashion or politics, this musical genre/culture plays a huge role in everyday life and has generated billions of dollars across the globe. In this paper I will be discussing when, where, and how Hip-Hop was created, â€Å"old school Hip-Hop, â€Å"Hip-Hop’s Golden Age†, â€Å"Hardcore rap† â€Å"Gangsta rap†, â€Å"G-Funk†, 21st century Hip-Hop, and how Hip-Hop affects society. First, we must take note that all AfricanRead More Hip Hop Music Culture Essay2168 Words   |  9 Pages This essay aims to examine the importance of the Hip-Hop culture in 21st century society. It will begin with consideration of the history of Hip-Hop, discussing its stylistic adaptations, cultural preferences and concerns, referring to the studies of black culture by Ellis Cashmore and Mark Neal. Within this I will explore the ethnicity and authenticity of the culture, with reference to last years Popular Music and its Cultural Context unit. The essay will then move on to evaluate the culture’sRead MoreDestroying The Culture : Music Is A Form Of Expression1963 Words   |  8 Pagescompares it to a jungle filled with drugs and poverty. Throughout the song, they wonder how they are able to endure the issues and remain sane. These songs served as templates and influenced many artists in that era and some current ones today. As hip hop and rap continued to gain popularity and become accepted, new artists began to emerge with songs containing political, social, and cultural messag es, creating the â€Å"golden age† from 1986-1994 (Mcquilliyah). African American artists refused to succumbRead MoreThe Golden Era Of Hip Hop Was A Period In The 80S And Early1014 Words   |  5 Pages The Golden Era of Hip Hop was a period in the 80s and early 90s characterized by its diversity, innovation, and cultural influence. Hip Hop is considered to have been born in 1973, in South Bronx, New York by Jamaican-born Kool DJ Herc (Blanchard, B, 1999). He used a turntable technique at a Halloween party, which eventually became extremely popular at every party scene. The term â€Å"breakdancing† came to life shortly after. Rhymes over hip hop music, also known as rap, began first as a commentaryRead MoreThe Pulse Of The People1245 Words   |  5 Pagesresearch is based upon pop culture, political behavior, black women and politics, political attitudes, African-American politics and public opinion (Georgia State University). While attending she attended Ohio State she became acquainted with the â€Å"Hip-Hop: Behind the Music Conference†, Coordinator of ‘Sisters for Success’, where she served as a President for the black graduate and professionals of the student caucus (Georgia State University). Publications Dr. Bonnette has published are: Pulse of theRead MoreThe Relationship Between Politics And Hip Hop Music Essay1570 Words   |  7 PagesRap and Rebellion: The Relationship Between Politics and Hip-Hop Music The rap subculture is widely agreed to have been established in the Bronx, New York during the 1970’s. At a time when block parties became popular, especially among African-American youths, hip-hop music was a means of expressing opinions and values and as a new source of communication. At these gatherings, DJs would play percussive breaks from popular songs, often on two turntables to enable them to extend these breaks. This