Gender roles Essay Example for Free

Gender roles Essay Well, the topic of gender roles is a ripe one. While there is no specific outline providing benchmarks to use in classifying a person’s gender, a number of factors come into play in helping define one’s gender. One of the factors is cultural prescription as provided for by a person’s social group. A man is a man or a woman a woman depending on how the social group they belong to label or socializes them. But one should remember here that genitalia alone do not determine a person’s gender. While one’s sex is determined by one’s biology, both biology and culture (nature and nurture) determine their gender. There are different roles for different genders. Gender is more of culturally than biologically determined. In fact, a person could be born with male genitalia but be of female gender or vice versa. Differences exist between the male and female genders for instance; men are braver than women and women more emotional than men. Women like being protected while men like to protect. Also, men want to pursue a woman for relationship while women want to be pursued. The differences between the genders emanate from differences in sexes culture, religion among others. Some of the similarities include: both are jealous, self-centered and want to mend the other to live up to their own standards. Again, both genders converge in their need for recognition and love. These among other differences and similarities together with other factors such as legal have succeeded in being constant obstacles on the road to equality. Most social groups, our parents and the media have socialized us to believe that the male gender is superior to the female gender. One can ask, does sex determine one’s abilities? Pursuing such a question may elicit an endless debate but a sex-based approach in determining gender roles is bias and oppressive to women and perpetuates inequalities and patriarchy. No wonder women have to fight for equality. Kyra Sedgwick says that, â€Å"†¦we are still not really supposed to want it as much as guy does. † But I think women should be able to make their own choices. I would want to socialize my children in a manner that they will see both genders as equal and worth as much respect despite the differences. I will also want to allow them freedom to choose what they want to be in life. I will not deny them opportunities on the basis of their gender. I will also encourage them to follow their passion provided they are within the range of acceptable careers and I will endeavor to support them. A number of questions puzzle me. They include; In agitating for equality, do women become more women or less? Is a woman more woman because she enjoys same rights as a man? Is it possible to invent a universally acceptable modality of determining gender roles so as to eschew the controversy? What provisions do our societies make for those individuals who do not qualify as average male/female? These questions leave me lost in the labyrinths. The first and second questions demand that women be careful when agitating for equality lest they lose their identity. Anyway what is so serious about losing one’s identity? If forgoing one’s identity will make one have a happier life then isn’t it better to forgo it. What should be pursued, identity or happiness? Addressing the third question will save us unnecessary debates while the fourth question rises out of my worry that there are some persons that are left out in the classification of genders and this could be unfair- a more inclusive definition needs to be adopted for a fair discussion. In doing away with the dual classification such terms as feminism and others that are so ‘poisoned’ will be avoided and may be a less controversial nomenclature adopted. Andrea Wong is a brave woman. From her early age she tried her leg in leadership, a field that was erroneously perceived as a reserve for men. Also unlike most women, Andrea Wong knows how, after falling, to get up, dust herself off and keep going. Unlike Wong, most women get resigned after their first failure. If women were like her, they would also be leaders like she is today and would be doing great exploits. Rachel Roy is another woman who impresses me. She goes for what she wants and she wants nothing but the best, â€Å" If I couldn’t work at Contempo, I didn’t want to work anywhere. † This shows a resolve that most women lack. She knows what she wants that is to be a designer, â€Å"her passion started in childhood and she has never wavered†. She is final in her decision. These two women not only set good example for me but also are good role models for women. From the pieces, it is clearly depicted that success for women is dependent on their attitude and not their gender. If women changed their attitude then they would favorably compete against men and it would be easier for them and tougher for men. Works cited Newsweek, October 15, 2007.

Use of Math in Auto Racing Essay -- mathematics math car racing

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mathematics is found everywhere in life and work and auto racing is no exception. There are many applications of math in racing. The purpose of racing is to win and in order to do that there must be a lot of math involved. If you don’t use math and use it correctly then you will not win. Mathematics is involved in racing in two ways, the car setup and scoring an measurements. The car setup involves tire pressure, down force, wedge, aerodynamic Drag, camber, track bar and valance. The scoring system also uses math. In addition to scoring math is also used to measure different racing related subjects such as car weight, gas mileage time interval, qualifying, and the track characteristics.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tire pressure is used as a setup tool that is akin to adjusting spring rates in the vehicles suspension. Increasing the air pressure in the tires raises the spring rate in the tire itself and changes the vehicles handling characteristics. In order for optimal performance the teams must know the proper p.s.i ( Pressure per square inch) for a certain tire on a certain track for a certain air temperature.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Math is also used in measuring the â€Å"downforce.† Downforce is the air pressure traveling over the surface of the car. This air pushes the car downwards which creates the term downforce. The greater the psi the greater the downforce which creates better tire grip for higher speeds through turns.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Wedge is another racing term that relies on math. Wedge refers to the relationship from corner to corner of the weight of the car. The weight on any corner of the vehicle affects the weight of the other three corners in direct proportion. The wedge determines how the car handles by either stiffening the wedge or loosening it up.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Aerodynamic drag is another math related racing factor. A number that is a coefficient of several factors indicates how well a car will travel through the air is the aerodynamic drag. Teams use specific tests to determine how to achieve the least amount of drag on the car in order to obtain the fastest speed possible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Math is involved in the camber of a tire which is also very critical in creating the fastest car possible. Camber is the angle at which a tire makes contact with the track surface. The camber varies from tire to tire dep... ... degree of the angle of the track, usually the banking is the steepest in the turns. The banking can range from 0 degrees to 34 degrees which is significant to the team when preparing for a race.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Math is very important in the world of racing. In order to be the most competitive teams must know how to use math and use it correctly. Incorrect calculations can cause dismal performance, fines and be dangerous to the driver. Due to these reasons race teams accept no error in calculations and always make sure to use the math to their advantage. Math is used in different ways in racing. Math is used to determine the proper setup of a car and is used to determine the scoring and measurements of racing subjects. The car setup involves math in the tire pressure, downforce, wedge, aerodynamic drag, camber, track bar and the valance. Math is used in the scoring to determine how many points a driver receives each race and is used in measuring the car weight, gas mileage, time interval, qualifying and the track specifications. All of these are just some of the many examples of how math is relevant in all areas of life including auto racing.

Art Is an Expression

Art History 6A 19 November 2011 Triumph! Art is an expression that we as humans do as a way to express and communicate with others. Through art every painting/sculpture has an intended purpose and message/story to convey. No matter what race, gender, or class, one can understand what message is being shared or find an entirely opposite interpretation other than what the artist intended. It can relate to the individual on a personal level, and that’s the beauty of art. In this essay I will be writing about two pieces of art that have been around for thousands of years.I will be comparing and contrasting the Palette of King Narmer (back) and the painting â€Å"Ti watching a hippopotamus hunt. † Both murals contain symbolism, as well as concepts of life and death. Each in their individual way conveys a message of importance and triumph. The Palette of King Narmer dates back to the first Egyptian dynasty, from Hierakonpolis, c. 3000 B. C, it is flat in appearance and double -sided with engravings on both sides, each individual side separated into 3 distinctive sections by horizontal lines with the middle being the biggest.It stands approximately 25† inches (63. 5cm) in height and tapers down to a point. The structure of the piece is very similar to the outline of a shield. It is composed of a dark color slate, common rock found in Egypt. Unlike the Palette the painting of â€Å"Ti Watching a Hippopotamus Hunt† is much bigger almost double in size, standing 4 feet tall. It was created during the fifth dynasty, Saqqara, c. 2400 B. C. and is composed of painted limestone. Prior to the creation of the Palette of King Narmer, art was divided throughout Egypt.Egypt was divided geographically and politically into Upper and Lower Egypt. Society had an emphasis on becoming unified and the palate marks the unification of these two lands. King Narmer is famously known as the first king to rule these lands. The palettes’ historical importance m arks the transition from pre-historical to historical period in Egypt and serves as the foundation for generations of art glorifying kings. During the time of â€Å"Ti Watching a Hippopotamus Hunt† Egyptians had a very strong belief and emphasis in death and the afterlife.Death was rarely filled with a sense of fear, but instead embraced with open arms and seen as a necessary transition one must make to live in the afterlife. Egyptians constructed mastabas for the dead. For this reason there was a plethora of funerary offerings including statues, carvings, and paintings made and placed into mastabas. The Egyptians built their mastabas very similar to homes for the dead so when they entered the afterlife they would have all the necessities and luxuries they once had during their lifetime.Narmers palette was an object commonly used in the preparation of eye make up, used by the Egyptians mostly to block and shield out the sun. The palette is most likely a votive or gift to the gods. Whereas the painting of â€Å"Ti Watching a Hippopotamus Hunt† was a funerary gift made to honor loved ones who have passed and entered their next chapter in life. In both works of art, animals are portrayed but only in the palette do animals have true symbolic meaning. On the Back of the palette the upmost section portrays two cow heads one on each side, which appear to have human faces.This representation depicts a variety of interpretations: the goddess Hathor, or the goddess bat, or just a symbolism for the Kings power and strength, which is a common symbolism of a bull throughout Egyptian art. The true meaning of these symbolic bulls is unknown till this day due to the uncommon frontal portrayal of the bulls. Also in the back of the palette there stands a falcon, symbolizing the god Horus- protector of kings. The falcon is placed on top of a head sitting on papyrus representing Lower Egypt. This signifies the triumph and power Upper Egypt had over Lower Egypt.In th e painting of â€Å"Ti Watching a Hippopotamus Hunt† animals individually serve no significant value, but as a whole in Egyptian art a successful hunt is a metaphor for triumph over evil. In the palette of King Narmer there are a series of hieroglyphics used to signify the powerful King Narmer making Narmers palette the earliest existing labeled piece of art. In between the bullheads are hieroglyphics of a catfish (nar) and a chisel (mer) within a frame representing the royal palace. The fish also pays tribute to the Nile River since Egypt strived and lived off the river for all its resources such as food and water.In the painting of â€Å"Ti Watching a Hippopotamus Hunt† there are no hieroglyphics used because it was intended for the dead. Its purpose served to represent and honor the loved ones passed. In â€Å"Ti Watching a Hippopotamus Hunt† the artist incorporates a unique series of lines/patterns to bring structure and organization to the piece. This is po rtrayed in the water beneath the boats by a pattern of wavy lines that embody fish and hippopotami. In the uppermost of the painting the artist uses a series of fine grooves that lead into a commotion of birds and foxes resembling papyrus flowers.Similarly lines play a Important role in the Palette of Narmer. A series of Horizontal lines are used to break the palette into 3 distinctive sections. Without the use of lines, the palette would have no organization and would become chaotic. The portrayal of the body when referencing both Narmer and Ti is very similar. Showing the influence Narmers palette had in art. In both pictures the eye and upper body is in frontal view while the head and legs/feet are in profile view, one in front of the other, which was a very common depiction of important figures.It was believed that by showing the Egyptians in this way all the body parts needed in the afterlife would be properly expressed and available to the deceased when needed. Slaves and anim als were painted more natural and relaxed, and with a smaller scale in drawings to show there limited importance. In both pictures the artists illustrate both Narmer and Ti being the dominating and largest figure (which is called  hierarchical scale). In the palette of King Narmer, Narmer is significantly larger in his ceremonial beard wearing a bowling pin shape crown, which represents Upper Egypt.Attached to the end of his kilt is a bulls tail indicating the power and strength of Narmer. Behind King Narmer is a much smaller servant, most likely of high rank, carrying his sandals making Narmer barefoot. Throughout Egyptian art being barefoot symbolizes the person is on holy ground. In Narmers right hand he holds a club, ready to strike a kneeling warrior he holds by the head with his left hand. This once again signifies the power and strength of Narmer over his enemies. Below this scene are two bearded men most likely enemies of the king lying dead symbolic of how lethal and vict orious of a ruler he is.In the mastaba of a Ti the painting â€Å"Ti Watching a Hippopotamus Hunt† Ti is similarly portrayed. Ti is shown much larger and out of scale compared to his slaves depicted, representing his importance and social status. In Egypt a successful hunt was a metaphor for triumph over evil. Ti and his slaves are roaming through marshes, hunting hippopotami and birds. Ti unlike Narmer is distant away from the hunt, not engaging in the action of killing the hippopotami but yet he is still present over looking his slaves during the hunt.He is a neutral observer of life, resembling his Ka being at peace. Both murals use a variety of lines, symbols, and details not only to focus on the importance and triumph of Narmer and Ti but also make a structured organized piece of art. The palette of Narmer represents this triumph over evil more straightforward being that Narmer has already killed two of his foes about to kill another, holding in the palm of his hand the power to give life or death. On the other hand the painting â€Å"Ti Watching a Hippopotamus Hunt† is metaphorically representing victory and triumph through the hunt.

Similarities And Differences Between Van Gogh And Monet

Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet are two highly influential contributors to the art world. Both are renowned artists whose creations are on display in several art museums throughout the world. They are two artistic geniuses who are more alike than they appear to be. While there are many similarities between the lives and art of these two prodigies there are numerous differences as well in their technique/style, subject matter, and personal lives. Technique and style are two things that an artist develops in order to define themselves. It acts as a trademark and it is what makes an artist’s work unique. Van Gogh and Monet have incredibly similar techniques and styles, however, it is the disparities within them that make them distinct. The†¦show more content†¦During his ‘Dutch’ period, Van Gogh’s subject matter was primarily focused on the lifestyle of the poor and the bible (Dubecky). In his ‘French’ period, Van Gogh had begun to shift his focus to drawing nude figures and portraits. Monet, conversely, liked to paint his subject matters in series. He would paint â€Å"the same subject at different times of the day in different lights† (Brown 1536). Some series that he painted included water lilies, bridges, and haystacks. Something that Van Gogh and Monet both really took passion in is basing their art on their life experiences. They both painted their surroundings such as landscapes, seascapes, and people around them. Van Gogh would also draw still lifes of food and would paint paintings based on his emotions during his recovered bouts of mental illness. Van Gogh and Monet had both lived exceptionally different lives. Van Gogh did not start off wanting to become an artist, he was actually very interested in theology and had eventually become a minister. It had seemed as though Van Gogh had found his calling. Unfortunately, he was released from the church after his generosity had betrayed him. While trying to help miners, he gave away all of his clothes and was only left with a cloth. The church committee overseeing Van Gogh let him go because he did not dress or preach eloquently. This led to Van Gogh gaining an interest in art which would lead him to go to an art school in Paris toShow MoreRelatedThe Starry Night Over The Rhone901 Words   |  4 Pagestime and make history. Vincent Willem van Gogh and Oscar- Claude Monet are one of those few who are both notably know artists. Vincent Willem van Gogh was a Dutch painter notably known for his use of beauty, emotion, and vivid and contrasting colors. One of Van Gogh’s famous pa intings is the Starry Night Over the Rhone, which depicts a couple taking a midnight stroll along a illuminated river. A prologue to the art of the twentieth century, Oscar- Claude Monet painted various different famous landscapeRead MoreImpressionism and Post-Impressionism Essay1663 Words   |  7 Pagesthe art community. At the forefront of this movement was a group of Parisian artists, who sought to break free of the traditional french painting styles and subject matter. The most notable of these artists included: Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Paul Cezanne, Mary Cassatt, and Camille Pissarro. Each a distinct and unique artist that helped shape the Impression movement. â€Å"Each of these artists, and more, broke free of the traditional styles that were encouragedRead MoreImpressionism; Post-Impressionism Essay674 Words   |  3 Pagestransformation of self-expression in art as a whole. Impressionism is generally considered a French movement and is typically defined as spanning from approximately 1867 to 1886. Impressionism is best embodied by and was perhaps initiated by Claud Monet in such world-renowned works as Impressions: soleil levant which lent its name to the style and subsequently the art period as a whole. Impressionism in its simplest form is characterized as an artist’s impression of an actual scene, using smallerRead MoreThe Starry Night And The Scream1763 Words   |  8 PagesThe Starry Night and The Scream Vincent Van Gogh was born in the Netherlands on March 30, 1853. He pursued many other things in his life before deciding to become an artist. He was brought up in a religious atmosphere, being the son of a preacher. He was a preacher himself for a while in Borinage, a mining district in Belgium. At one point he wanted to dedicate his life to reaching out to those in poverty. At other points in his life he worked as an art salesman and a bookstore clerk. After being