Race And Racism In Heart Of Darkness English Literature Essay

Race And Racism In Heart Of Darkness English Literature Essay One of the central issues that arise from Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness (1899) is the colonialist bias used to misrepresent the African race. Whilst Conrad was not himself accountable for the xenophobic westernised image of Africa, his story maintains the damaging stereotyping of native people. By painting them as bestialised, barbaric, primitive and uncivilised, he explores the black race through the lens of a hegemonic European representation; Conrads uses of myth and metaphor supported the colonial conquest of African people on the colonisers assumption that these people were racially inferior. Nevertheless, Conrad was writing at a time when the historical representation of Africans had always been a discourse of racism. Also, perhaps Conrad failed to appropriately depict Africans because he recognized little of their culture, having primarily spent time with white men during his 6 months at the African Congo. Moreover, by undermining imperial superiority and giving satanic ref erences to the colonisers, one may contend he is similarly insulting towards the Europeans, and that his exaggerated racism seeks to ridicule Europes civilising mission, and expose the ingrained racist ideals of Victorian imperialists. Marlow, the central protagonist and narrator of Heart of Darkness, expresses old racist prejudices against the Africans: They howled and leaped, and spun, and made horrid faces, but what thrilled you was the thought of their humanity like yoursà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ugly. Not only does he deny the Africans a distinction of a name, he also rids them of normal human behaviour. Marlow belittles them with derogatory language, stressing that they mimic animalistic behaviour and have no methods of speech outside of violent babble and crude grunts. According to Chinua Achebe, these representations call the very humanity of black people into question. On the matter of communication, it is noteworthy that a small amount of English syllables are placed into the mouths of one or two Congolese Africans. It is in submitting to the hegemonic language of the coloniser that Conrad replaces native culture with his own, which he considers superior. It is this supposition of an advanced humanity which leads A chebe to brand Conrad a through-going racist. Nonetheless, it can be argued that Marlow is a product of a fairly racist era in history; a period in which racist discourses remained structured by Empire to legitimize its political ideology of suppression over the Africans. Like his contemporaries, Conrad is writing at a time where it was acceptable to view Africans as the other, and by overusing the words savage and nigger, he conforms to the racist sentiments of the day. Consequently, his story which was published in the Blackwood magazine, targets the conservative politics of the late nineteenth century. Furthermore, Conrad mentions in his authors note that his over exaggeration of the savage image had the purpose of bringing it home to the minds and bosoms of the reader. This admittance of a distorted characteristic account of the natives may explain his savage depiction of them. He also uses these images to make the setting realistic, accentuating the novels grave themes of darkness, and fear of the unknown. Being a victim of his time, Conrads portrayals of the African race also conform to the evolutionary trope of Charles Darwins theory of evolution. By painting Africans as the prehistoric man, and portraying Marlows voyage upriver as travelling back to the earliest beginnings of the world, Conrad integrates the temporal evolutionary trope in Heart of Darkness; he suggests that Europeans are at a more superior position, since the Africans have not yet emerged from prehistory. His repeated animalistic images of the natives place Africans at the low end of the scale: one of the creatures rose to his hands and knees and went off on all fours towards the river to drink. Linking in with Darwinism science, Conrad reduces the Africans into a subspecies between apes and Caucasians. The African here is represented as a modern ancestor, an animal, a barely human body without intelligence. Consequently, he views the Africans as prehistoric evils in desperate need of European influence and evolutio n; an outlook which reaffirms him as the personification of colonialism. Darwins views which had become entrenched in society are used here by Marlow to provide the principal ideological support for imperialism. Suggests that Europeans are at a more superior position, as opposed to the Africans since the latter has not yet emerged from prehistory Though truthful, Marlow is a prejudiced man; he is the personification of colonialism.   Going into the Congo, Marlow views the natives as prehistoric evils in desperate need of white influence and civilization. Throughout the physical journey, Marlow is confronted with the natives time and time again, seeing them chained as slaves, living in a village and attacking his own steam boat. Marlow holds fast his prejudiced view of the natives, referring to them as savages or calling them by more derogatory terms such as niggers. Through his exploration, he questions the humanity of Africans. According to him this deliberate stylistic obfuscation merely aided to satisfy the racial sentiments of the day, and Conrad was only acting as the purveyor of comforting myths Counter argue that he was a polish writer who had to show his mettle with the English language However, in his authors note he writes how over exaggeration is used. Sombre theme given sinister resonance perhaps explains the extreme savage image. It can also be said Much of his animalistic language of the black race conforms to the evolutionary trope of Charles Darwin whose views became entrenched in society. African on all fours like ants. So for someone, who had little contact, he makes use of these derogatory stereotypes, and it can be said that he relies on these preconceived ideas and western baggage since they dominate his descriptions. Maintains, and justifies imperialism, and although he witnesses the horror of colonialism and suppression of the Africans, it is interesting to note his approval of efficient imperialist activity. However, his constant questioning of imperialist values, and the sham of it all, reveal his anti essentialist views. slightly flatter noses. This acknowledges that the black race is more or less equal to whites, barring a few inconsequential physical attributes. Kurtz on the other hand shows no remorse whatsoever. He holds the absolute essential view to exterminate all the blacks. He holds the ideology of making the black race extinct. Hes a ruthless ivory trader, and arranges for the dead heads to displayed on poles. The white race use crude violence, and brute force. Very occasionally the natives show resistance, but their left largely helpless against the overpowering military control of the Europeans. They have no authority or voice. The colonists have become corrupted. They are blinded by the notion that this is their sacred duty to uphold the superiority of the colonial empire and white heritage. Through Marlow disapproval, he shows and exposes the Europeans, is equally deameaning, offensive, and undermines their superiority. flabby white devils.. Critiques immoral European behaviour. Transcends such prejudice, shows him to rise above racism. Ridicules benevolent project of civilisation. Uses an ambivalent tone to show the violent colonial enterprise. Kurtz the ultimate satanic, racist. Has the heart of darkness. However if he is showing Africa to be the reason for the deterioration of the European mans morale, it merely becomes a backdrop which eliminates the African as human factor. They have become marginalised. This marginalisation shows further through Kurtz mistress. He is racist towards her, but not so to his white woman. 333 But its interesting, that Marlow does approve of efficient colonialism. Puts in a section of Brtish colonialism. It is almost with this preconceived mindset that Marlow almost succumbs to this same worst impulsive violent mindset (look at thinking lit answer bold). Going further into self discovery and realises his own heart of darkness. Paints Africa as the heart of darkness, suggesting that its wilderness and wild inhabitants drive the Europeans to insanity and violence. Takes this stance to almost show how the Dark Continent is responsible for his behaviour, thus showing it to be the cause of Kurtzs insanity. Almost blaming Africans that they hold out temptations. His racist sentiments continue throughout. However, unlike the other colonists, Marlow does show some sympathy and admiration towards the natives; a viewpoint, emphasising his forward thinking mindset. Upon his very first encounter, he praises there vitality, muscles and seems entirely at peace with them. Gives the dying man a biscuit, and becomes friends with helman. Has a remote kinship with them as opposed to nothing with Europeans. Therefore it can be evaluated that he is just brainwashed by the politics of the time, but his contemplative nature, allows him to see through the cracks, and appreciate the African race. Later descriptions thus allow for readers to see the absurdity of racism. (Cedric Watts) Conclusion Although Marlow shows himself to be concerned with the heart of humankind, and the souls of individuals, the text emerged out of the very centre of racism and imperialism, therefore Marlow can be seen as merely replicating the colonial discourses available to him. Although he criticises the extreme brutal ness of Imperialism, he discourse is grounded in political, economic interest. He simply looks at Africa through a haze of distortions and cheap mystifications. It can be said that Conrad just uses Marlow to confirm and consolidate the wildest fantasies of the African savages to his European readers. However in my opinion his racist exaggeration and imperialist critique, are used to show how absurd racism was. http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=7947

E.E CUMMINGS :: essays research papers

EDWARD ESTLIN CUMMINGS ("Estlin") is born October 14 in family residence 104 Irving Street, Cambridge, Mass., the son of EDWARD and REBECCA CLARKE CUMMINGS. His energetic, versatile, and highly articulate father teaches sociology and political science at Harvard in the 1890's and in 1900 is ordained minister of the South Congregational Church, Unitarian, in Boston. The Irving Street household will include at various times Grandmother Cummings, MISS JANE CUMMINGS ("Aunt Jane"), EEC's maternal uncle, GEORGE CLARKE, and younger sister ELIZABETH ("Elos"), who eventually marries Carlton Qualey. EEC attends Cambridge public schools, vacations in Maine and at the family summer home, Joy Farm, in Silver Lake, N.H. "Ever since I can remember I've written; & painted or made drawings." 1911 Enters Harvard College, specializing in Greek and other languages He contributes poems to Harvard periodicals, is exposed to the work of EZRA POUND and other modernist writers and painters, and forms lasting friendships with JOHN DOS PASSOS ("Dos"), R. STEWART MITCHELL ("The Great Awk"), EDWARD NAGLE (stepson of the sculptor Gaston Lachaise), SCOFIELD THAYER ("Sco"), JAMES SIBLEY WATSON ("Sib"), S. FOSTER DAMON, GILBERT SELDES, M. R. WERNER ("Morrie"), JOSEPH FERDINAND GOULD ("Joe"), ROBERT HILLYER. 1915 Graduates magna cum laude; delivers commencement address on "The New Art." 1916 Receives MA from Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. 1917 In New York. Lives at 21 East 15th Street with the painter ARTHUR WILSON ("Tex"). Works for P. F. Collier & Son. In April joins Norton-Haries Ambulance Corps. Sails for France on La Touraine, meeting on board another Harjes-Norton recruit, WILLIAM SLATER BROWN, who will remain his lifelong friend. After several weeks in Paris EEC and Brown are assigned to ambulance duty on Noyon sector. Brown's letters home arouse suspicions of French army censor. On September 21, he is arrested together with Cummings, who refuses to dissociate himself from his friend. Both are sent to [the] concentration camp at La Ferte Mace, where they submit to further interrogation. Following strenuous efforts on his father's part, EEC is released December 19. Eight Harvard Poets published, with EEC among contributors. 1918 Arrives in New York from France January 1. Moves with W. Slater Brown to 11 Christopher Street. Drafted during summer; stationed at Camp Devens until his discharge following Armistice. Moves with Brown to 9 West 14th Street, New York. Meets Elaine Orr, whom he will later marry and who is the mother of his only child, Nancy ("Mopsy"), now Mrs. E.E CUMMINGS :: essays research papers EDWARD ESTLIN CUMMINGS ("Estlin") is born October 14 in family residence 104 Irving Street, Cambridge, Mass., the son of EDWARD and REBECCA CLARKE CUMMINGS. His energetic, versatile, and highly articulate father teaches sociology and political science at Harvard in the 1890's and in 1900 is ordained minister of the South Congregational Church, Unitarian, in Boston. The Irving Street household will include at various times Grandmother Cummings, MISS JANE CUMMINGS ("Aunt Jane"), EEC's maternal uncle, GEORGE CLARKE, and younger sister ELIZABETH ("Elos"), who eventually marries Carlton Qualey. EEC attends Cambridge public schools, vacations in Maine and at the family summer home, Joy Farm, in Silver Lake, N.H. "Ever since I can remember I've written; & painted or made drawings." 1911 Enters Harvard College, specializing in Greek and other languages He contributes poems to Harvard periodicals, is exposed to the work of EZRA POUND and other modernist writers and painters, and forms lasting friendships with JOHN DOS PASSOS ("Dos"), R. STEWART MITCHELL ("The Great Awk"), EDWARD NAGLE (stepson of the sculptor Gaston Lachaise), SCOFIELD THAYER ("Sco"), JAMES SIBLEY WATSON ("Sib"), S. FOSTER DAMON, GILBERT SELDES, M. R. WERNER ("Morrie"), JOSEPH FERDINAND GOULD ("Joe"), ROBERT HILLYER. 1915 Graduates magna cum laude; delivers commencement address on "The New Art." 1916 Receives MA from Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. 1917 In New York. Lives at 21 East 15th Street with the painter ARTHUR WILSON ("Tex"). Works for P. F. Collier & Son. In April joins Norton-Haries Ambulance Corps. Sails for France on La Touraine, meeting on board another Harjes-Norton recruit, WILLIAM SLATER BROWN, who will remain his lifelong friend. After several weeks in Paris EEC and Brown are assigned to ambulance duty on Noyon sector. Brown's letters home arouse suspicions of French army censor. On September 21, he is arrested together with Cummings, who refuses to dissociate himself from his friend. Both are sent to [the] concentration camp at La Ferte Mace, where they submit to further interrogation. Following strenuous efforts on his father's part, EEC is released December 19. Eight Harvard Poets published, with EEC among contributors. 1918 Arrives in New York from France January 1. Moves with W. Slater Brown to 11 Christopher Street. Drafted during summer; stationed at Camp Devens until his discharge following Armistice. Moves with Brown to 9 West 14th Street, New York. Meets Elaine Orr, whom he will later marry and who is the mother of his only child, Nancy ("Mopsy"), now Mrs.

Management Model of Port

Model84 MODULE 3 Strengths and Weaknesses of Port Management Models Public Service Port Strength: †¢ Superstructure development and cargo handling operations are the responsibility of the same organization (unity of command). Weaknesses: †¢ There is no role or only a limited role for the private sector in cargo handling operations. †¢ There is less problem solving capability and flexibility in case of labour problems, since the port administration also is the major employer of port labour. †¢ There is lack of internal competition, leading to inefficiency. †¢ Wasteful use of resources and underinvestment s a result of government interference and dependence on government budget. †¢ Operations are not user or market oriented. †¢ Lack of innovation. †¢ No or limited access to public funds for basic infrastructure. Tool Port Strength: †¢ Investments in port infrastructure and equipment (particularly ship/shore equipment) are decided and provide d by the public sector, thus avoiding duplication of facilities. Weaknesses: †¢ The port administration and private enterprise jointly share the cargo handling services (split operation), leading to conflicting situations. Private operators do not own major equipment, therefore they tend to function as labour pools and do not develop into firms with strong balance sheets. This causes instability and limits future expansion of their companies. †¢ Risk of underinvestment. †¢ Lack of innovation. Landlord Port Strengths: †¢ A single entity (the private sector) executes cargo handling operations and owns and operates cargo handling equipment. The terminal operators are more loyal to the port and more likely to make needed investments as a consequence of their long-term contracts. Private terminal handling companies generally are better able to cope with market requirements. Weakness: †¢ Risk of overcapacity as a result of pressure from various private operators. †¢ Risk of misjudging the proper timing of capacity additions. Fully Privatized Port Strengths: †¢ Maximum flexibility with respect to investments and port operations. †¢ No direct government interference. †¢ Ownership of port land enables market-oriented port development and tariff policies. †¢ In case of redevelopment, private operator probably realizes a high price for the sale of port land. The often strategic location of port land may enable the private operator to broaden its scope of activities. Weaknesses: †¢ Government may need to create a port regulator to control monopolistic behavior. †¢ The government (national, regional, or local) loses its ability to execute a long-term economic development policy with respect to the port business. †¢ In case the necessity arises to redevelop the port area, government has to spend considerable amounts of money to buy back the port land. †¢ There is a serious risk of speculation with port la nd by private owners. Source: A. Baird and P. Kent (2001).

Urban Reform In China Example

Urban Reform In China Example Urban Reform In China – Book Report/Review Example Urban Reform in China Today’s China is significantly different compared to several decades ago.Chapter 13 highlights important transitions in the Chinese economy since 1978. It is evident from the reading that infrastructural, financial, corporate, and structural systems are more dynamic today than they were in 1970s. In that respect, this reading supports the notion that economic changes are fundamental. The shift from a planned to a market economy has brought unprecedented benefits to the Chinese society. With an outstanding economic growth over the years, both people and businesses have had a suitable environment for investment.There are lessons to draw from the reading. To start with, it is easy to note that privatization and diversification of resources is an advantageous move for China. Reducing government control and adopting a corporate-driven market development laid the foundation for China’s social and economic reform. Secondly, it is evident that social and e conomic transitions take time to implement. From 1978 to date, China’s industrial transition has been an ongoing process. Most importantly, there is need for collaboration between the government, the industry under transition, and the entire corporate setting. The success realized in China comes from the cooperation and collaboration of the aforementioned parties.Finally yet importantly, agency regulation and oversight authority is paramount. The big question, however, is whether the government accords regulatory agencies adequate autonomy and independence. Whatever the case in that regard, the reading is undoubtedly insightful, informative, and relevant to contemporary global economic development. The chapter shows just how much market economy contributes to China’s industrial reforms.

War Vetreans essays

War Vetreans essays Throughout a process of the past few days we have heard from four different veterans including one from world war one and three from the Vietnam war. All of the war veterans had petty mush the same experience, all of them where in combat, they all had suffered during the war and still today deal with there various problem such as trauma, or having to sleep with a gun under there pillow such as the Vietnam veteran Paul, and other various addictions. I believe that all of their addictions and habits are very understandable because if u think about what all they have gone through and done for us, like go through torture in p.ow. Camps or just being constantly on the edge out in the field because youre afraid of being ambushed. Your alertness and reflexes cant just vanish in seconds once u get home, you also have to mentally stabilize your self witch could be very hard considering what they went through. I also think it would be very difficult to not be able to make any real relationshi ps with anyone and if you did you would have really no time to morn or anything if your friend was killed because if so you would be the next. Also I believe that how we were just recently attacked problly had a huge impact on there out look for the rest of their lives. Though they would not be put in to battle if a war were to arise they would problly have sons, grandkids, nephews or some one that would directly link them to the war. What is even worse is that they know what it is like to be in battle so they would know exactly what there loved ones are having to deal with, and what they still have to come to deal with. Also it would personally make me really mad to have fought in world war two witch was just a huge war and have to watch as we just continue to fight and fight again. To me having put my life on the line that would make me mad because world war two was supposed to be the war to finish all wars. ...

Quails Gate Winery Experiece Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Quails Gate Winery Experiece - Essay Example Brand experience I think consists of expression, interaction, responsiveness and resilience, Therefore my view on Quails Gate Winery is shaped by my positive, negative, and personal experiences that I have encountered during my short visit to the place. Customers are normally preoccupied with so many things so that a personalizing experience is one way to build brand loyalty. I observed during my trip that the company tried to make positive impressions through a different approach of a marketing strategy. The marketing strategy of this company is detailed on experience they deliver to their customers on every interaction they make. I think that the winery experience established a compelling experience to build brand loyalty faster, and this knowledge becomes a brand in customers’ mind. My encounter with the Quails Gate Winery in Canada took place few months ago. This experience exposed me to agro-tourism, and gave me some learning about winery. I have learned to appreciate nature, relationships, and learned marketing strategies that could later on be relevant in business. In the process, I came to apply the cognitive, sense, relational experience, and emotions that are related to my brand experience in that trip. So, whenever I think of red wine, I think of the Quails Gate wine, such as I have developed brand loyalty because of experience. The Quail Gates winery was established in 1989 and was operated as a family winery business. Over the years, the family has developed its vineyard, cultivated, and promoted its plantations, and today it boasts of owning 189 acres of vineyard in Okanagan, Canada. Company is regarded as a leader in viticulture practices in Canada and has produced notable grape varieties. The family is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blocks. Today, Quail Gates Winery is recognized as one of Canada’s agro-tourism sites. Visitors return again and again

Research methodology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Research methodology - Essay Example Deciles divide the observations into ten equal parts and quartiles divide the observations into four equal parts. Measures of dispersion measures how varied the observations are in reference to several factors. This is an important factor in analyzing data in research because measures of central tendency are not enough or do not necessarily depict the data. Two data may have the same mean but have varying dispersions. That is why in reporting the mean, the minimum and maximum, range, standard deviation, and variance are reported as well. The minimum and maximum values of course only reports the minimum and maximum observed values in the data thereby giving a picture of dispersion. The range reports the distance between the maximum and minimum values, which shows how wide or narrow the gap between these two values. For example, the observed heights of school children in one school varies from 47 inches to 55 inches (which are the minimum and maximum values) thereby giving a difference of 8 inches. In another school, the heights of the children vary from 46 inches to 57 inches thus the difference of 11inches. Thus it can be said that the range of the heights of school children in the first school is less varied with that of the latter. Variance and standard deviation are both measures of how the observations vary in reference to the mean. If there is a large value for the standard deviation this means that the observations are highly dispersed and if the value is low, then the variation is less dispersed. In perception surveys, the variance and standard deviation are usually used to determine to what extent the subjects agree on their observations. Conversion of data to and use of index numbers In as much as some quantities may not be directly observed given their values, they are converted to measurable value that can be manipulated for analysis. Index numbers on the other hand are numbers that measure relative changes of observations with reference to a base su ch that the raw data is not used in order to factor in changes in inflation and the like. The application of least squares regression analyses to data The main goal of a simple linear regression is to fit a straight line through the data that best predicts Y based on X. If we want to know if age predicts IQ or if educational attainment predicts scores in information literacy, we use linear regression. The method of least squares is the one that minimizes the sum of the squares of deviations of the observed value of Y from its expected value. The calculation of correlation coefficients for data pairs; both Pearson’s product moment and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients Correlations are used to determine the relationships of variables but not to predict. For example, we want to determine the relationship between age and weight for employees of a particular firm, we analyze the data using correlation. In Pearson’s product moment correlation where the values r ange from 1 to –1 where the sign indicates the relationship. A positive sign shows a direct relationship while a negative sign shows an inverse relationship. If the correlation is +/- 1 this means that there is a strong relationship and low if otherwise. Spearman’s rank correlation involves ranking the values and is similarly interpreted like