Leadership and teamwork in nursing

Leadership and teamwork in nursing ABSTRACT Introduction: The treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis includes antibiotics with or without surgical intervention. Debridement is warranted for the treatment of idiopathic spondylo-discitis in case of neurological deficits, deformity, instability, abscess formation, intractable pain or failure of medical management. The use of instrumentation is still controversial. Objective: Is to evaluate the surgical outcome of idiopathic lumbar spondylodiscitis treated with posterior debridement combined with single-stage posterior instrumentation and autologus bone grafting. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of 15 cases of idiopathic lumbar spondylo-discitis treated with posterior debridement combined with single-stage posterior instrumentation and grafting. All patients were followed up for up to 1 year post-operative. We evaluated operative time, blood loss, and complications. Visual analogue scale (VAS), activities of daily living (ADL) (Barthel index), C reactive proteins (CRP), and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in the preoperative, postoperative and final follow-up periods were used to evaluate the surgical outcome. Results: All 15 cases of lumbar infections resolved without recurrence. Bony union was obtained in all cases. Twelve out of 15 patients (80%) were completely relieved of pain and fully active with improvement neurological deficits, while the other 3 patients (20%) obtained a good result. No post-operative major complications were reported among the studied group. There were two superficial infections, which healed with debridement and antibiotics. Conclusion: According to the results reported in this short study, the proposed technique is an effective and safe treatment for idiopathic lumbar spondylo-discitis, if surgery is mandatory. Keywords: spondylo-discitis, debridement, posterior fixation. INTRODUCTION The increasing number of spinal infections has become a global health concern. It is currently due to reactivation of latent infections, more drug resistant agents and more immuno-compromised patients. It has been shown that delay in diagnosis can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, early diagnosis and treatment are therefore of paramount importance.(1) Spinal infections encompass a spectrum of conditions comprising spondylitis, discitis, spondylodiscitis, pyogenic facet arthropathy, epidural infection, meningitis, polyradiculopathy and myelitis. All of these have a specific presentation and clinical course.(2) Osteomyelitis of the spine accounts for approximately 1 to 7% of all osseous infections. In recent years, there have been an increasing incidence of spinal infections, which is now estimated to occur in approximately 1/100,000 individuals annually. This rise may be attributed to the increasing prevalence of elderly and immuno-compromised individuals in the population.(3) The predominant organism in almost all studies is Staphylococcus aureus, accounting for approximately 40 to 80% of all spinal infections. Other Gram-positive organisms such as S. epidermidis and Streptococcus species are also common.(4) Establishing the diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis in a timely fashion is critical to preventing catastrophic neurological injury. In the modern imaging era, magnetic resonance imaging, in particular, has facilitated the diagnosis of osteomyelitis even before the onset of neurological signs or symptoms. Nevertheless, despite advancements in diagnosis, there remains disagreement regarding appropriate treatment. Antibiotics are the main- stay of therapy.(5) The treatment of pyogenic spondylodiscitis with intravenous antibiotics is universally agreed upon. More than 75% of patients can be treated with intravenous antibiotics and immobilization.(6) Although no difference in clinical outcomes has been observed when comparing antibiotics alone with antibiotics plus surgical debridement, debridement of infected and dead tissue removes the source of continuing sepsis, may allow shorter courses of antibiotic treatment and may also allow early mobilization of the patient.(7) Surgery is generally reserved for patients with neurological involvement, spinal instability, severe deformity, and/or those in whom antibiotics alone have not been effective. Current surgical treatment options include anterior or posterior decompression with or without fusion, and with or without instrumentation. The fact that there exist several alternative surgical approaches highlights the lack of a consensus on the optimal operative treatment for vertebral osteomyelitis. The decision to place instrumentation into an infected spinal column remains controversial. Numerous authors have shown that instrumentation in patients with osteomyelitis can be performed safely.(8) There is still controversy about the best surgical treatment. Many spine surgeons are unwilling to place an implant in an infected area. Some authors go one step further and advocate debridement-only surgery, followed by antibiotic treatment and second- stage instrumentation. Other authors propose single-stage anterior decompression, bone grafting and instrumentation.(9) Aim of the work The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the surgical outcome of idiopathic lumbar spondylodiscitis treated with posterior debridement combined with single-stage posterior instrumentation and autologus bone grafting. METHODS This retrospective study included 15 patients (9 males, 6 females) with a mean age of 66 years (range: 43-80) who were admitted to El-Menoufia University Hospitals Neurosurgical Department, in the period from Aug 2007 to Nov 2008. The inclusion criteria were: MRI of lumbo-sacral spine showing evidence of spondylodiscitis. Plain radiographs revealed disc space narrowing with erosion and sclerosis of the adjacent end-plates. Persistent high levels of laboratory tests: white blood cell count (WBC; count/mm3), C-reactive protein (CRP; mg/dl) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; mm/h). Failure of conservative treatment for about 3 months. Development of neurological deficit. The exclusion criteria were: Postoperative spondylodiscitis. Decreasing ESR and CRP levels with conservative treatment. Medically unfit patients. The mean duration of symptoms before admission was 3.7 months (range: 0.5 to 12 months) and the mean duration of conservative treatment before surgery was 2.2 months (range: 1 to 3 months). The average follow-up period was 12 months. Six out of 15 patients (40 %) had an elevated white blood cell count, while all 15 had an elevated ESR and CRP level .Plain radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with and without contrast were performed in all patients. Conservative treatment was given to all cases preoperatively in the form of two bactericidal and synergistic antibiotics were administered intravenously in high doses: mostly a first-generation cephalosporin and an aminoglycoside. Postoperatively, the antibiotics were adapted to the antibiogram performed on the specimens obtained. The duration of treatment was determined by the clinical evolution, the ESR and the C-reactive protein. Generally speaking, the antibiotics were administered intravenously for 6 weeks, and orally for 6 weeks. Patients were operated in the prone position for the posterior instrumentation and grafting. A meticulous debridement of all granulation tissue, devitalized disc and sequestra was carried out to the point where healthy cancellous bone is exposed. Wide decompression of the thecal sac was done, with drainage of any epidural abscess and depridment of any necrotic tissue, which were submitted for bacteriological culture and sensitivity, and histological examination. Finally, trans-pedicular screw fixation was done combined with autologus done chips graft. Postoperatively all patients were immediately mobilized with an external lumbo-sacral orthosis. Duration of surgery and operative blood loss were recorded. The clinical outcome was assessed according to Barthel Index,(10) which has been used since the 1960s because of its high reliability and validity, as regards the activities of daily living (ADL), and the VPAS as regards the severity of back pain. Fig 1: Preoperative sagittal MRI-scan of the lumbar spine. T2-weighted images showing L3-L4 spondylodiscitis. Fig 2: A, B. Postoperative antero-posterior and lateral radiographs showing L3-L4 posterior trans-pedicular screw fixation RESULTS After surgery, infection was successfully controlled in all patients, with return of the white blood cell count, ESR and CRP to normal within a mean period of 4 months (range, 2 to 6 months). Two patients (13% of cases) had a superficial wound infection which healed with debridement and antibiotics. The estimated blood loss was 650 ml (range 450-1000 ml). The mean duration of surgery was 3 hours (range: 2 hours to 4 hours). Bony fusion with incorporation of the graft was achieved in all patients. . Table I: Pre-operative clinical presentations No. % Persistent low back pain 15 100 % Radiculopathy 12 80 % Constitutional symptoms 6 40 % Table II: Pre-operative laboratory findings No. % Elevated ESR 15 100 % Elevated CRP 10 66 % Leukocytosis 6 40 % Table III: Pre-operative radiological leveling No. % L 3/4 spondylodiscitis 8 53 % L4/5 Spondylodiscitis 5 33 % L5/S1 Spondylodiscitis 2 14 % Table IV: Associated risk factors No. % DM 5 33 % Chronic Liver Disease 2 14 % Urinary tract infection 4 28 % Table V: Post-operative outcome according to Barthel Index No. % Excellent 12 80 % Good 3 20 % Total 15 100 % DISCUSSION Although there have been advances in diagnosis and treatment of spinal infections with further refinement of microbiological and histopathological techniques, early detection and management remain a matter of considerable difficulty.(11) A correct diagnosis may be delayed by more than a month in over two thirds of the patients. A rise in the worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s elderly and immuno-compromised populations is bringing an increased incidence of pyogenic and granulomatous infections of the spine, hence, timely diagnosis of pyogenic spondylodiscitis with back pain and fever may prevent greater tissue destruction, spinal instability and progressive neurological deficit. Advances in therapy have reduced mortality rates, but early diagnosis is essential for a satisfactory outcome.(12) The exact cause of lumbar spondylodiscitis is controversial; some authors believe that there are two types of spondylodiscitis, a septic form caused by an infectious agent and an aseptic form resulting from an inflammatory reaction. (13) Others believe that there is no such thing as an aseptic spondylodiscitis and that this form is actually the result of a less virulent, low grade infection.(14) Once inoculated, the process of infection and discitis begins. More than often, the main causative organism is not identified. When an organism is identified, the most common infectious etiologic agent is Staphylococcus aureus followed by other Staphylococcus species and anaerobic organisms. Other less common organisms include Streptococcus viridans and other Streptococcus species, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.(15) Traditionally, the mainstay treatment of pyogenic infections of the spine remains medical management, with external immobilization and culture specific antibiotics for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks. However, large clinical series have demonstrated the need for surgical intervention in up to 43% to 57% of the patients, in case of neurological compromise, deformity, instability, abscess formation, extensive destruction, intractable pain or failure of medical management.(16) Because all the patients in our study were from the low socio-economic class and because of the difficulty to identify the causative organism, we elected not to perform CT guided biopsy and give the patients empirical broad spectrum antibiotics covering both aerobic and anerobic pathogens. It has been reported that the most sensitive laboratory studies indicative of the presence of an inflammatory process are the ESR and the CRP. However, it should be noted that in adults, ESR trends are confused by associated medical conditions. Nevertheless, the ESR was a useful tool in the management of adult pyogenic spondylodiscitis, and the authors of most studies on this matter, view a 60 to 85% reduction in the ESR as compatible with eradication of infection, and this correlates with the results in our study which reported reduction of ESR in 80% of case.(17) MRI is the radiographic imaging modality of choice in diagnosing lumbar spondylodiscitis with a reported sensitivity and specificity of 93% and 97%, respectively. It has been shown that MRI is superior in showing loss of disc space height. This can be accompanied with erosion of the vertebral end plates above and below the infected disc space, and these changes were reported in all cases included in our study.(18) In the surgical treatment of spondylodiscitis, numerous authors have advocated a staged operation with a period of antibiotic therapy bridging the debridement and instrumentation procedures. Open surgical drainage for spondylodiscitis was historically reserved for patients with an epidural abscess. The prognosis is stated to be better when treatment is instituted early during the infection.(19) Posterior debridement combined with trans-pedicular screw fixation has been advocated by several authors. Dai et al(20) obtained 100% of good results with this technique in a series of 22 cases and we used the same technique in this short study. The first series describing the consistent placement of posterior instrumentation at the time of debridement was published in 1988 by Redfern et al(21) In 1996, Rath et al(22) reported on a series of 43 patients with thoracic or lumbar spondylodiscitis who were treated entirely via a posterior approach. This approach is based on the principle that instrumentation placed posteriorly involves a second operating field that is not (at least directly) contaminated. Single-stage procedure surgery (autograft and posterior instrumentation) was used in this study and its results correlates with the Kuklo et al(23) study which included 21 patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis managed by a single-stage with neither recurrence of infection nor perioperative complications. A single-stage procedure has several advantages, such as avoidance of a second anesthesia, reduced blood loss, avoidance of graft displacement during transfers, earlier mobilization, less anxiety for the patient, shortened hospital stay and less expense. (23) According to Barthel Index,(10) 80 % of our patients had an excellent result, without pain or restriction of activity. From a neurological viewpoint, ten patients (83%) of the 12 with a neurological deficit improved and these findings were consistent with Fayazi et al(24) who reported 85% improvement after posterior approach for lumbar spondylo-discitis. After posterior instrumentation, fusion rates up to 93% and 96% have been reported (25) the current study yielded a 100% fusion rate. As stated by Hadjipavlou et al(26) posterior stabilization through instrumentation was the critical factor in these improved results. We believe that posterior instrumentation and grafting is the principal stabilizer of the vertebral column in order to achieve a successful fusion. Conclusion Although this is a limited series, we found that a posterior debridement combined with trans-pedicular screw fixation and autologus grafting may be a safe and effective surgical treatment for selected patients with lumbar spondylodiscitis and may not be associated with recurrent hardware infections and/or any major complications.

Seneca Falls :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Title:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The road from SENECA FALLS. (cover story)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Source:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  New Republic, 08/10/98, Vol. 219 Issue 6, p26, 12p, 3bw Author(s):   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Stansell, Christine Abstract:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Reviews several books related to women’s suffrage and feminism. ‘The Selected Papers of Elizabeth Cady STANTON and Susan B. Anthony, Volume One: In the School of Anti-Slavery, 1840-1866,’ edited by Ann D. Gordon; ‘Harriet STANTON Blatch and the Winning of Woman Suffrage,’ by Ellen Carol DuBois; ‘Woman Suffrage and the Origins of Liberal Feminism in the United States, 1820-1920,’ by Suzanne M. Marilley; More. AN:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  888132 ISSN:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0028-6583 Full Text Word Count:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  9663 Database:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Academic Search Premier Section: BOOKS & THE ARTS The feminism of the mothers, the feminism of the daughters, the feminism of the girls. THE ROAD FROM SENECA FALLS I. One hundred and fifty years ago this summer, in the little country town of SENECA FALLS in upstate New York, several dozen excited women and a few interested men held the first meeting in the world devoted solely to women’s rights. It was 1848, the â€Å"springtime of the peoples† in Europe; and, although these Americans were far removed from the emancipatory proclamations in Europe, they caught the fever and produced one of their own, the Declaration of Sentiments: â€Å"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal.† Compared to the apocalypticism of The Communist Manifesto, another product of that year, the SENECA FALLS Declaration seems modest, a relic of right-thinking republicanism rather than a portent of wrenching revolutionary transformation. Yet its effects were destined to be no less profound, and far more benign. The gathering in 1848 emerged from a long, fitfully articulated history of women’s grievances, though the participants were not aware of it. The interruption of historical memory and, in its absence, the strains of improvising a politics of grievance on the spot, have always characterized this tradition. The written record of female protest extends back to the late middle ages, to the French woman of letters Christine de Pizan and her Book of the City of Ladies. It was in the late eighteenth century, however, that the language of the rights of man gained momentum around the northern Atlantic world, shifting the idea of justice for women out of the register of utopia to make it, for a few highly politicized women in the age of revolution, a plausible goal in the here and now. Thus, in 1776, Abigail Adams admonished her patriot husband, away in Philadelphia at the Continental Congress, to â€Å"remember the ladies† in their declarations, a nudge tempered by coyness but at heart quite serious.

Essay --

Written around 1606, Macbeth is recognized as one of Shakespeare’s greatest works. Macbeth deals with the downfall of the title character Macbeth as he falls from a respected, decorated soldier to a despised, tyrannical monarch. This fall from grace is accompanied by the motif of darkness. Darkness serves to set the ominous and superstitious tone of the story, foreshadows events, and is used as a symbolic device. One of the uses of darkness is to establish the dark and mysterious tone. One example of darkness being used to establish tone is when Lennox notes of the â€Å"unruly night.† (Act 2, Scene 3) Lennox also points out that â€Å"the chimmneys were blown down†, meaning there were odd wind patterns, and that the â€Å"obscure bird†, meaning owl, often associated with darkness, was noisy all night. This quote shows the eerie events that happen at night and associates the darkeness of night with mysterious happenenings. Another use of darkness for tone is when Lady Macbeth mentions it when she decides that she would help Macbeth do the necessary dirty work to take the throne after reading his letter to her. While she calls upon the dark spirits to strip away her feminity she also says â€Å"†¦nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark To cry â€Å"Hold, hold!†Ã¢â‚¬  (Act 1, Scene 5) In this quote Lady Macbeth is also using darkness metaphorically as a way that she and her husband can keep their ambitions secret and how the darkness serves as a cover so that no one can see them commit the murder. The secrecy that the Macbeths desire helps add to the dark tone of the story. In both these quotes, darkness establishes the enigmatic and cryptic tone that dominates the play. In addition, darkness is used to ... ...l things since she decided to help Macbeth become king. It is a vain attempt to keep herself in a good light even though she has done many bad things. While it physically keeps her in a bright state, it cannot take the darkness out of her heart. This struggle adds to her insanity. In this scene darkness and light represent good and evil as they often do in many stories. Darkness is one of the more prominent motifs in Macbeth. It establishes the tone, foreshadows events in the story, and is used as a symbolic device. When its uses are put together darkness helps show us the theme. Macbeth is a tragedy, creully showing how fearless ambition can have disastrous effects. One cannot get so far without suffering some consequences. Sometimes all the work put in just isn’t worth the price you pay. And unfortunately for Macbeth it him cost everything.

Huck Finn :: essays research papers

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, is a story of a young man who finds himself in many unpredictable situations. In the novel, Huck is constantly changing his setting. Either he is on the land, at the shore of the mighty Mississippi river, or upon a small raft floating downstream. Since Huck lives on both the shore and the river, the reader is able to compare the differences between them. To Huck the river has sense of freedom. Compared to life on the shore, Huck believes the river should be his home. For his companion, the runaway slave, Jim, life is always dangerous because of the price on his head. Also there are always hidden hazards that can pop up at any time. Huck Finn, the son of the town drunkard, has had a hard time living with the Widow Douglas and her sister, Miss Watson. Huck grew up living wild out in the open, just going as he pleased. Now he living in a house, with two ladies that are very strict with manners. Although, he doesn’t runaway back to the woods, he still wishes he could go back to the easy living in the uncivilized outdoors. When Huck’s father learns of his wealth, he kidnaps Huck, and takes him back to a cabin on the other side of the river. After repeated beatings Huck escapes and makes the scene look as if he had been murdered. He then hides on Jackson Island, and returns to his life of freedom. Also on the Island is Jim, Miss Watson’s runaway slave. After finding out that the men of the town are searching for Jim, the two load up on a raft and sail down the river. Huck’s life has changed very drastically through these course of events. When he was living in town he learned manners, and how to be civilized. Now he is floating peacefully down the Mississippi River without a care in the world. For Jim, life on the river is always threatening. They must travel at night, and hide during the days. Jim’s plan is to go to the Ohio river, and travel north into the free states. One night, in a storm they float past Cairo and cannot sail back upstream, to the Ohio. Jim’s secret is put in jeopardy, when two frauds, are picked up by Huck. They ask Huck about the pre sence of Jim, on the raft, but Huck is very clever with his answer. Huck Finn :: essays research papers The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, is a story of a young man who finds himself in many unpredictable situations. In the novel, Huck is constantly changing his setting. Either he is on the land, at the shore of the mighty Mississippi river, or upon a small raft floating downstream. Since Huck lives on both the shore and the river, the reader is able to compare the differences between them. To Huck the river has sense of freedom. Compared to life on the shore, Huck believes the river should be his home. For his companion, the runaway slave, Jim, life is always dangerous because of the price on his head. Also there are always hidden hazards that can pop up at any time. Huck Finn, the son of the town drunkard, has had a hard time living with the Widow Douglas and her sister, Miss Watson. Huck grew up living wild out in the open, just going as he pleased. Now he living in a house, with two ladies that are very strict with manners. Although, he doesn’t runaway back to the woods, he still wishes he could go back to the easy living in the uncivilized outdoors. When Huck’s father learns of his wealth, he kidnaps Huck, and takes him back to a cabin on the other side of the river. After repeated beatings Huck escapes and makes the scene look as if he had been murdered. He then hides on Jackson Island, and returns to his life of freedom. Also on the Island is Jim, Miss Watson’s runaway slave. After finding out that the men of the town are searching for Jim, the two load up on a raft and sail down the river. Huck’s life has changed very drastically through these course of events. When he was living in town he learned manners, and how to be civilized. Now he is floating peacefully down the Mississippi River without a care in the world. For Jim, life on the river is always threatening. They must travel at night, and hide during the days. Jim’s plan is to go to the Ohio river, and travel north into the free states. One night, in a storm they float past Cairo and cannot sail back upstream, to the Ohio. Jim’s secret is put in jeopardy, when two frauds, are picked up by Huck. They ask Huck about the pre sence of Jim, on the raft, but Huck is very clever with his answer.

Oppression among First Nation People: Canada

Oppression among First Nations peoples in Canada The detrimental enforcement of colonialism sparked an era of oppression that has altered, even destroyed years of cultural and spiritual traditions by creating a forced lifestyle that changed the face of First Nations peoples forever. Forced European culture resulted in the diminishing of Firsts Nations values and rights. A cycle of social, physical, and spiritual obliteration resulted from the dispossession of First Nations lands and the implementation of foreign methods of government.Poverty, poor health, and substance abuse are some of the long-term side effects that came about from this oppression. European settlers came overseas, unwelcome into First Nations territory with absolutely no respect for their traditions and ways of living. Over time children were taken away from their families and native homelands to attend residential schools; Native students were given new names and taught to speak English. Residential schools attemp ted to brainwash First Nations children to erase their native culture and traditions.First Nations peoples were defenseless under the power of the Europeans; their rights were ignored and their values were completely demoralized. First Nations peoples were forced down the path of violence and educational failure, which eventually led to poverty. These effects were a direct result of the disrespect and insensible attitude put forth towards First Nations peoples by the European settlers. The introduction of Residential schools to the First Nations peoples of Canada was a system that began in New France in 1620, and was known as â€Å"the experiment of education of Indian Children in residential establishments. (Timeline: Canada’s Residential School History) These schools had a system that was based upon the idea of â€Å"kill the Indian, save the man† (Capt. Charles Pratt, founder of the Carlyle Indian School. ) European authorities were trying to Europeanize the First Nation occupants of Canada by instilling in the minds of young First Nations children the beliefs and values of the European culture. The Clash of two different cultures brought upon destructive trauma amongst the First Nations peoples and their future.The government formed a rule that prohibited the First Nations people’s ability to develop their own culture through their rich traditions. Cultural genocide resulted from years of oppression, and social violence. According to Dr. Leslie Korn, â€Å"Community development that is not self determined precipitates intergenerational trauma in individuals and communities. When this occurs people suffer loss and grieve over ways of life. Families divide and rituals of celebration and healing lose meaning† (Dr. Leslie Korn: Community trauma and development).The development of a culture is jeopardized when change is implemented on a certain group by another group. This reflects the result of European influence on First Nations p eoples. By 1870, the government and missionaries shared the same objective of lowering First Nations children into the reaches of society. By 1920, First Nations children aging from 7-15 years were forced away from their families by priests, Indian agents and police officers as it was now compulsory to attend residential schools. As the years moved along, residential schools slowly faded away.It wasn’t until 1980, where sexual, and other forms of abuse were finally removed. In 1996, the last residential that was federally ran was closed. Most First Nations children, from birth, are surrounded by the attitude, and social obligation of being faithless. The short story Traplines, written by Eden Robinson, is about a young aboriginal boy named Will. Will is falling deeper and deeper into a dark lifestyle that seemingly has no hope. Surrounded buy substance abuse, alcoholism, physical and emotional abuse, Will is caught up in a trap that many aboriginal teenagers misguidedly find themselves falling into.Will is an adolescent teenager that seems to have a silent side of him that wants to change his life. Will doesn’t partake in alcohol or drug consumption, but seems to be desensitized to what is taking place at home and in the community. Will contemplates whether or not he should take the offer put forth by his English teacher, Mrs. Smythe, to move into her and her husband’s household and receive a priceless opportunity for a better start to his life journey. An opportunity that offers much safer and more rewarding lifestyle filled with love and morals.It seems Will doesn’t feel deserving of that deliverance from the violent, detrimental lifestyle he is surrounded by at home. The frequent abusive confrontations Will experiences at home are evident in the text, â€Å"Are you a sissy? I got a sissy for a son. Look. Like cutting up a chicken see? Pretend your skinning a chicken† (379). Will’s father is verbally abusive when Wil l shows the slightest discomfort towards skinning the marten they had trapped. Accompanied by abuse, alcoholism is also evident in the text.Wills explains the tendencies of his parents on the weekends, â€Å"They’ll probably find a party and go on a bender until Monday, when dad has to go back to work† (380). This shows that his parents who are supposed to guide him and raise him properly, would rather waste their weekends away by drinking and doing drugs. Will is forced to stay at his friends house when his parents are drinking in order to avoid the violence that follows alcohol, â€Å"I’m not going home until tomorrow, when mom and dad are sober† (388). In doing so, Will is exposed to watching his friend smoke crack.When confronted by his father about the offer presented by Mrs. Smythe, Will is immediately accused for telling her about the abuse occurring at home. Will’s father uses intimidation to overwhelm Will with fear towards sharing with ot hers what takes place at home. Instead of apologizing, and sensing that his son may not want to live at home anymore, Wills father shows anger towards Will. All of the conflicts involved in this short story are a direct result of hundreds of years of colonialism and oppression. The European system that was taking over First Nations peoples and their lands was that of patriarchy.A male dominated social system brought about massive sexual exploitation amongst First Nations women; prostitution is a graphic example of how deeply patriarchy has wounded the lives of this particular group of women. First Nations women, and men for that matter, did not have the power to overcome the forceful European invasion. Prostitution in First Nations women is obvious evidence of oppression and colonialism that is still very visible today. Ever since the first European contact, First Nations women have been sexually exploited.The first brothels in Canada were set up around military bases and trading po sts, European men demanded sexual accessibility to the defenseless First Nations women. In order to supply the business of prostitution, a low self esteem and demoralized group of women is required. Through the power of colonialism, the oppression involved allowed the First Nations women to fall into this lifestyle. Colonialism, childhood sexual abuse, childhood physical abuse and neglect, family addictions, husband violence, and alcoholism are all vital ssues that lead First Nations women into prostitution. Lorne Crozier’s â€Å"Dark Ages of the Sea† reflects First Nations peoples as a metaphor of being children that fall into wells, â€Å"there was a time when / children fell into wells† (6-7).This reflects First Nations peoples helplessly falling to the power of the European invasion. A race of people who had no education about the effects of what was happening to them, hopeless like a child falling into a well. When Europeans came overseas and found this new land, they were blind to the ways First Nations peoples lived their lives: nd a faith in things invisible, be it water never seen or something trembling in the air (12-15). The excitement of the European people when finding this new land blinded them towards the rights of First Nations peoples. The new waters travelled to arrive at this new land, was the â€Å"water never seen† (13-14). Regardless of what happened to the First Nations peoples and the land that is rightfully theirs. Sensing opportunity, the Europeans wanted to expand into this foreign land they have stumbled across, â€Å"something / trembling in the air† (14-15).Once realizing the unstoppable power of the Europeans, the First Nations spirits were severely damaged, â€Å"We are born to fall / and children fell† (16-17). This resembles the wounded spirits of the First Nations peoples, slipping into the realm of violence and abuse. The surviving members of the First Nations community passed along the stories of suffer and change that came about through the establishment of colonialism and oppression, â€Å"Some surviving / to tell the tale† (18-19).Like a new born calf whose mother passed at birth, blinded and wet, experiencing a new world outside its womb with no guidance; the First Nations peoples were abruptly introduced into a new world, blind towards the harsh reality in which the Europeans were about to instill upon them with no guidance, â€Å"Wet and blind with terror / like a calf† (22-23). Over the past 400 years, First Nations peoples have been struggling to improve their lives. Re-establishing old traditions and values that have been lost throughout years of oppression has been a very slow process.With the help of non-First Nation peoples in Canada, realizing the detrimental damage that has been caused, there are establishments and groups all across Canada joining the fight to replenish what has been torn apart. The teachings and rich traditions tha t the First Nations peoples have developed are being shared and taught at a rate that is increasing as time passes along.Works Cited â€Å"Timeline – Canada’s Residential School History. † virtualmuseum. ca. virtual museum, n. d. Tues. 16 Nov. 2010. â€Å"History of Indian Residential Schools. † afn. ca. afn, n. d. Tues. 16 Nov. 2010. Lynn, Jacqueline. Prostitution of First Nations Woman in Canada. † sisyphe. org. sisyphe, 17 May. 2005. Tues. 16 Nov. 2010. Dr. Korn, Leslie. â€Å"Community Trauma and Development. † centerfortraditionalmedicine.org  center for traditional medicine, Aug. 1997. Tues. 16 Nov. 2010.â€Å"Aboriginal Issues. † socialjustice.org  social justice, n. d. 16 Nov. 2010. Robinson, Eden. â€Å"Traplines. † The Wascana ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT FICTION. 1999. 378-395. Print. Crozier, Lorne. â€Å"Dark Ages of the Sea. † Cyr, Annette. â€Å"Long Term Effects of Residential School. † suite101. com. sui te101, 3 Mar. 2009. Tues. 16 Nov. 2010.

Cybersex: Human Sexuality Essay

Human charge up is an enormous disassemble of a gracious intent and the peachy unwashed argon constantly faced with internality ch wholeenges. As the world evolves, ideas and inventions be express and created to make life better for e genuinely whiz and the net is one and only(a) of these creations becoming an essential pick of s incessantlyal(prenominal) lives all over the world. Cybersex is a growing form of cozy style over a computer where volume get arousal through typed text, video, images and intercommunicate voice (Waskul 2003). Beca wont cybersex is so wholly exclusive, nonwithstanding so wholly im psycheal creates m all interesting qualities in the phenomenon (Waskul 2003).With the meshing quickly becoming one of the nearly utilize tools in the world, it breakms be posts an easy and curiousity determined procession that relationships arousal is experienced via technology. The implicit in(p) question of this foot is whether or non cybersex pull up s conducts transform human cozyity or is it me blaspheme a reversive abuse for nightclub? In an investigation bring ab verbotened of online users, three types of cybersex participants were established. Firstly, there were the recreational users who perform cybersex for low density and entertainment.Secondly, the familiar compulsives who use it for sexual desires and lastly the at risk users who rely on earnings fundamental inter coiffureion, defecate a definite addiction which leads them to becoming isolated, alive solely from this fantasy world (Cooper2000). Cybersex is a virtual environment with convincing representations that lead realistic through their out draws (Waskul2003). The manifestations of cybersex allows good deal to move to them as if they were real which is how we come to the finishing of Cybersex having the three types of users, the level of addiction depending on how deeply persuaded individual is.Cybersex used in control is healthy and n o antithetical to watching pornography. just now, it place grow from transforming human gender to beingness truly knotty and as we fag tell from above, if not fag oute in moderation it leave keep up harmful force-outs. The vast trope of sexually- oriented online lambast rooms is a huge reflection of the immense ranging sexual interests that are right away(predicate) spreading end-to-end cyber space. New forms of identity as soundly as intimate liaisons are being created all the condemnation.Be it sexually combat-ready women, men, teenage and adult homosexuals, closeted and open bisexuals, people with multiple sex partners, part-time or full-time sex workers or trans genders, all fetch found a raw(a) means to build their solidarity through the internet (Castells1996). The internet mediated environment has break take in a very measurable channel through which individuals are laxing their embodiments which serve well to further pronounce their sexual pr actices. sight al ways humble and find firmness of pur outfox amongst feelings or ideas which are not settled. passel tend to feel more than pull ahead headed if they kindle pin theirs, or nighone elses sex down to a label. The qualities of cyber space liaisons make it possible for identities to be truly fluid(Castells1996). Identities are no longer fixed plainly sort of taken up, created and explored, mixed and matched, and eventually inclined up only to try out a series of other sexual identities (Castells1996). Nowhere else is this identity formation attend more actively carried out hence on the internet.What leads someone into a potential droply dangerous and addictive area is when they do not give up their online identity and pursue the one that is true to them in the real world. They resort to the online cyber space to free themselves from the fake persona they comport created international this fantastical world. Cybersex is an escapist method for some peo ple, diverting their sexual struggle away from the focus of alliance. The cyberspaces anonymity allows a person to freely follow their sexual desires and curiosity without the pressure and possibility of ridicule from society.This could go two ways. Either this expression will help them pose more loose in their own skin which in turn, helps them be honest in the real world, or it could view as the opposite mint with it becoming counterproductive to an individual (Cooper2000) mortal could get so used to this merriment away from the public eye that it becomes an addiction. However for those individuals who go intot use it as an escapism and finely to connect with the sexual minorities it could potentially transform sexuality.There is now an application on the i-phone called grinder in which a human being boy can sign up and it will expect for all the other same oriented people within a atomic number 23 kilometre radius of you. You can chat with someone and see if you like talking to them, and if so, this progresses to meeting up in person if both parties are willing. It seems to be of great advantage to those looking to connect with other like minded sexual beings. Cybersex is extremely accessible, and anyone can sign on very much anywhere, anytime.It could be argued that this is a brilliant innovation where bodies, sex and society are interconnected for the first time that it is transforming people and their sexuality through its availability (Waskul2003). One does no longer have to wait to have sexual interaction by relying on someone else, it is all on your terms. If this is solely as exciting to someone having the absence on a real body, unlike to actually having one, then its knotty to argue against there being a problem because you are causing no direct harm to anyone else if you use cybersex safely.If an individual is confused about their sexuality, the internet is very accessible and affordable where they can anticipate experience to t ry and come to a realization of their orientation within themselves. nevertheless is this always healthy? As I mentioned before, it can help someone to become more open, precisely on the twitch side, it is very disallow. If someone is faced with a situation where they are actually gay tho married to the opposite sex and have a job where their stomp is a homophobic, it seems almost incomprehensible that they could come out and live a halcyon life.Driven by their distress and/or unhappiness, they resort to online arousal with the same sex. Cybersex could ripe be an avoidance of sexual issues someone is facing. It is important to consider whether cyberspace is a new virtual world? Which is plainly a progression and natural education from the outside, physiologic world, or is it purely a fantastical world which makes it impossible to ever look at it with objectivity as a transformation of modern physical world. People tend to modify and pop their values and actions in rece ipt to what society views as acceptable (Cooper2000).An individual could pose as anyone they wanted. In a sense, most people do this in some form all(prenominal) now and then, whether it be them sending a text as someone else or they are an actress so take on the role of other individual. The difference is over the internet they dont have the conscience of others decide them so are more plausibly to get more deeply affect in their false personality. With the anonymity one receives online, they no longer have the sop up and influence of society helping them contract them in a suitable direction.The characteristics of online interaction could potentially make someone act in a harmful way. They scram to not be considerate of other peoples studys and wants, and instead go about cybersex in a very egotistical manner. On the piece side, it could help someone to grow as an individual, allowing them to change their picture with the click of a mouse and explore different areas of themselves and ways on interacting with another being (Castells1996). This can shift boundaries f the rigid ideas society has of what a relationship should and shouldnt be, ontogenesis ones sexuality greatly. Sex is a spacious part of sexuality, but there are so many more components to discovering ones sexuality such as mental, emotional and uncanny which cybersex seems to ignore. Does cybersex just boil down to the pure physical side? Sex is a very important part of any relationship but cybersex full accent is on sex (Waskul2003). It seems to stray away from the enormity of the subject of sexuality and only be for physical arousal.Im sure this can develop sexuality, but it is voteless to see it transforming if it ignores these other important areas of the subject. As people pursue juke intimate relationships, will this have an effect on their ability to have a real world relationship? They are satisfied from this online experience so dont feel the desire to try and make a real life one work which is much more difficult. But satisfaction is probably the close of happiness one would get from cybersex, where a real life person could top this satisfaction.In an interview I did of one of my friends who takes part in cybersex, she comments in response to this paragraph well you may forecast that real life relationships are better, but I dont see it that way. There is a detachment from emotions so I dont need to fear being hurt. Its all very practical, I get my excitement but there is never any down side to it for me. Im just as smart as anyone else. It is important to make a distinction between people who do it for get rid of the ache or longing for real physical sex, and ones who unless want a good time and fun experience.Its a problematic debate to see if people who are against cybersex are because they are conventional and have a set idea of the heart and soul of sex or because they see it merely as a commodity where the negative effects rule out eve ry positive one and the commodity is a terrible backwards step for the progression of sexuality in society. Cybersex relies on accessibility, so what does this mean for third world countries? It can only transform sexuality with those countries that have access to internet. In a sense, cybersex is totally dependent on region, and something that is going to have transforming effects needs to be for sale to everyone.This phenomenon may have begun with good intentions, but society has perverted it. It does enhance sexuality but only within a definite circle (Cooper2000). As briefly as you move outside these lines its side effects overwhelm its positive potential. It is an individuals free choice to par- take in cybersex. It is very important to step back and think about the import of sex and perhaps it should be something that goes beyond momentary gratification or is this formerly again, a view which has been socially constructed?Cybersex is a topic which has many opposing argume nts and it is hard to reach a settled opinion on the matter. Like I have stated throughout this essay, there are many negative effects to the internet sensation but there are negative effects to anything in life. I dont think it has the potential to transform sexuality as delinquent to the characteristics of it most people would be uncomfortable. completely it really boils down to an individuals personal choice and if they can use it wisely and approach it with wariness.

African Americans and Slavery Essay

The American whirling was a snip of capital turmoil for every(prenominal) manpower and women in the United States. Great debates came and went during this condem body politic buckle downry and the liberty of black men existence the main problems in these debates. Slaves were employ for a great number of things during the American whirlingary extent. The arrival of slavery to the American colonies began in the 1600s and started out in Virginia. As the years passed more and more blacks were brought into the colonies to be used as labor workers.The beginning amount of slaves go along to grow and by the beginning of the revolution in that location were rough 273,000 slaves spread throughout the American states. With the glide path of the revolution both African-Americans, slave or unornamented, knew roughthing was approach and each had a different response to these comings. in that location were differences in the responses of slaves and eject men during the Amer ican whirling. thither were carewise consequences to their choices.Gaining liberty in a institute of captivity and wresting equateity from a society whose insane asylum documents guarantee it has been the consuming desire and everlasting hold that has kept harrowed bodies and weary souls going. In the southern states African-American slaves were treated harsher than those in the trade union. The plantations down south needed back breaking hours of work in the fair weather that White Americans believed could provided be d mavin by those they had bought. thither was a reason for them to be in that respect and until they could no longer work they were to do all told things imaginable for their owners, no questions asked.Some of these slaves thought it was easier to mellow out away from their owners and that in doing so they would pass a circumstances to struggle for their country. Slaves could either flee to the north or they could flee to Spanish owned Florida. In cases where a chieftain was c totallyed upon to fight, they would send a slave in their straddle and if they lived long enough to rescue home they earned exemption. Many of the slaves decided that if they had a chance to plus their freedom by connection the war effort then they would gladly plight their get the hang place.They also believed that with the beginning to the revolutionary period would bring a new deed to the country and when it was over at that place would no longer be a need for slaves. The consequences for slaves in the south were innumerable. manage many anformer(a)(prenominal) slaves, they took this time to occur from slave masters and plantations. If these southern slaves were caught, depending on the owner, the slave could suffer flabby to severe consequences. Depending on the demeanor of the owner a slave could be punished in several(prenominal) different ways. Whipping, branding, slapping, being dunked underwater, and kicking were just about forms of punishment.The most severe punishments were to cut off a body cancel like an ear in the hopes that the slave would learn and never run again. There were also nice slave owners that chose non to punish their slaves. There justification for not punishing their slaves was so that they would continue to work and so that the owner could deprave more slaves with the m championy that they continued to pool in from the work. Because of some owners that continuously harassed majuscule, he stop allowing slaves into his armament. But General working capital, fearing ascension, created an read that stated that all blacks were not allowed to fight.Later he part turn the order and allowed only free black men to fight with him. Some slaves believed that taking a chance to flee towards the north was a far-fetched idea. They were seeking freedom in the quickest possible way. Lord Dunmore direct out a proclamation that stated in exchange for freedom any black that came to him would figh t against the patriots and be go down a loyalist. Dunmores promise of freedom fueled black slaves to escape and even some patriots fled to fight as a loyalist. After the war, true up to his word, slaves gained their freedom.Some of these newly freed slaves went to Britain that many of them stayed in the Americas. On the other hand free men in the north believed the revolution would bring about change for the better. Their idea of the revolution was that they were being precondition the chance to gain liberty from Great Britain and also for themselves. It was a defining moment in business relationship that they were to be a part of. Fighting with duster men gave these free black men a sense of honor and it also gave them a telephone line where they could earn a little money to dress towards getting homes and things of that nature.Men from the north gradually began to exonerate that they could fight with their brethren and bring independence to the land. General Washington pa ssed an order stating that no black man was allowed into his army. This order came about because of general angst from some slave owners. These owners believed that there should not be any blacks fighting for the independence because they were only good for being slaves and they would never convey posit over anything.After some time Washington, fearing not having enough men to fight against the British, partially reversed this order to allow only free black men. former(a) than this there were not many consequences that are recorded for free black men. These free men not only fought for the independence of the nation only if also for their independence and the independence of other black men and women. African-Americans from the north and south chose to marijuana cigarette the Continental army because they believed that they should help make the place the lived independent from a one-man get hold that had no say in the matters of a new country. They felt that this tyranny could take their rights and place them under unfair rule once again.Some of the freemen and slaves that had started out in the continental army decided to run to the British army but were not successful in their plights. Nash called the revolution the greatest slave rebellion in American fib because it was just that. The revolution opened up new grounds for slaves to rebel against owners because it was the most ripe time for them to do so. If any group at bottom Americas diversified people came ending to reply John Adamss plea that we moldiness all be soldiers, it was black Americans.No part of revolutionary society responded to the call for arms with anywhere near the enthusiasm of those who were black. Proportionate to their number, African American males and some females were more likely to join the call off than white Americans. According to this excerpt from another one of Nashs books, African-Americans were much more adept to answering the plea of John Adams. If there were more African-American fighters than white that meant that more black males were subject to govern themselves in danger in order to gain freedom.They would preferably have one day of freedom, not knowing if they would die in the next second, hour, or day, than be a slave for the rest of their lives. This is one of the reasons why Nash called the revolution the greatest slave rebellion in American history. Desperate to learn the thinned ranks of its regiments, states offered freedom to serve during the continuance of the indicate war with Great Britain. Every black military recruit would be immediately discharged from the service of his master or mistress, and be absolutely free, as if he had never been encumbered with any kind of servitude or slavery. If states were desperate to have more men come into their ranks then there was nothing really filet slaves from escaping their masters and coming to fight. They all wanted freedom from someone. Slaves wanted freedom from their bo nds that were tied to the soil they worked and the Americans wanted freedom from Great Britain. Both groups had their reasons to fight and the only way slaves knew how to become free was to rebel and run to an army. This was a time for large rebellions on all fronts not just from the slaves.It was a rebellion against the British from the former colonists and a rebellion against the men and women that were interpreted from their homes to somehow create new ones. It may have been, as Nash says the greatest slave rebellion in American history, but for most of the rebels it ended like the others, in death. Slaves who supported the American side fared better, but not much better. Only with great waver did Washington allow some to join his army. Other Virginians had another wartime use for them.In 1780 the state legislature offered salves as a bounty for enlistment in the war against British tyranny. The revolution did see formula of measures for gradual emancipation in the northern st ates, but the number who benefited was small. My view on the American Revolution has changed somewhat because of how the African-Americans were treated during and after the period of war. The Americans deed of conveyance as though they had not been fighting on base each other and because of this withhold distaste for the blacks.The completely disregard the idea that every man is created equal and has certain unalienable rights. They do not flow these ideas that were written down on the Declaration of emancipation to the free black Americans. Men that had fought with and under Washington were not looked as the same because the color of their shin and were not given the same rights. Because of how they were treated I see the Revolution more as a war against Britain to save other whites from tyranny rather than to gain independence for all mankind. .of Revolution (Harvard University 2006), 1. 2 . Taymor, . US History Documents. Last change 2005.Accessed January 27, 2013. http/ /inside. sfuhs. org/dept/history/US_History_reader/Chapter2/Nashfighting. pdf. 3 . Taymor, . US History Documents. Last modified 2005. Accessed January 27, 2013. http//inside. sfuhs. org/dept/history/US_History_reader/Chapter2/Nashfighting. pdf. 4 . Edmund S. Morgan, review of The Unknown American Revolution.