Sicko A Scathing Critique of the American Healthcare System

1. Michael Moores documentary film Sicko explored the health care systems in the United States, Canada, England, France and Cuba. The United States is the only industrialized country in the West that does not provide universal health care coverage to its citizens. Using concepts of American political culture, please explain why it is that the United States does not provide universal health care to its citizens. Be sure to address how our political culture differs from those of the nations explored in the film. In Sicko, Michael Moore offers a scathing critique of the American health care system. The American health care system is built on a profit-driven business model, rather than one that is based on caring, compassion, and humanitarian ideals. Even the best interests of public health are not being served by the American health care system. To emphasize his point, filmmaker Moore explores how other countries address healthcare. Using Canada, England, France, and Cuba as examples allows for a multifaceted view on healthcare. However, the United States differs significantly from each of these countries in terms of its political culture and climate. The political culture, political climate, and political norms of the United States preclude Americans from being able to adapt a system of universal health coverage. When Moore interviews the American expats in countries like France, he shows how a person can be American and still believe in a different form of political

Social And Social Identity Theory - 1860 Words

Originally proposed by Tajfel and Turner, the Social Identity Theory (SIT) can be described as the comparison between the individual self and the social self. More specifically, it is the individual’s perception that is derived from their membership of a social group (ingroups and outgroups) or personal identities. The theory is divided into three different psychological mechanisms: social categorization, social comparison, and the tendency for people to use the group membership as a source to gain self-esteem. A theory is defined as a theory as long as it meets the two requirements: describing behaviors and the ability to describe/see the future behaviors of individuals. Since the behaviors of individuals can be based on the social†¦show more content†¦Individuals tend to over exaggerate the differences between the outgroups and outgroups, while they exaggerate the similarities between the ingroups. The Social Identity Theory demonstrates reliability in that it provi des an explanation for intergroup behaviors such as stereotypes. The theory is demonstrated within the study of Sherif et al (1954). The study was carried out in order to observe the creation of groups, attitudes, and the norms of the groups through group activities. Sherif intended to observe the reactions and attitudes between the individuals when there are two separate groups (realistic conflict theory). The researchers had 22 boys with similar backgrounds and boys in the age group of 11-12 years old. Boys were divided into two separate groups before the experiment began and the researchers used single-blind study in that the boys did not realize that they were participating in an experiment; the boys were there to attend a summer camp. The two groups were divided and each group participated in team bonding activities and the boys had created their distinctive identity as members of the Eagles or members of the Rattlers. Researchers created a game in which only one group benefite d in order to create conflict between the two groups. Unlike the decent start in the beginning, the members of each group portrayedShow MoreRelatedIdentity Theory And Social Identity1228 Words   |  5 PagesIdentity theory traces its root in the writing of G.H Mead, the American philosopher, sociologist and psychologist who says that the image or the feeling that a person creates for him or herself in a particular society is the result of other’s vision, which is created daily and is subjected to change. Richard Jinkens, the sociologist describes that social identity means who we are and who the others are and on the other hand what the other thinks about themselves and others. Further, Mead elaboratesRead MoreSocial Identity Theory861 Words   |  3 PagesSocial identity theory, it is a person’s sense that is based around the group they are in, either by their personal identity or with different kinds of social identities. That is, people will try to improve their own image of themselves. The theory was proposed by Henri Tajfel. People can increase their self-esteem by both their own achievement and interaction with a successful group of people. This shows the importance of social belonging. This theory is based around three mental processes, socialRead MoreSocial Identity Theory1399 Words   |  6 PagesSocial  identity  theory  is a  theory  which is intended to explain how people develop a sense of belonging and membership in particular groups, and how the workings of intergroup  discrimination  work. Social identity  theory  plays an important role in the study of  social psychology. To some degree, everyone is influenced by social identity theory. Social Identity Theory tries to explain such intergroup discrimination in the real world as well as in the circumstance of the minimal groups. The theoryRead MoreSocial Identity Theory And Social Interaction Theory Essay1907 Words   |  8 PagesSocial Identity Theory In 1979, Tajfel and Turner are recognized for the development of social identity theory (SIT) (Tajfel Turner, 1979). Through earlier studies, Tajfel attempted to understand mechanisms that lead to group members to discriminate against non-group members, which lead to evolution of SIT (Hogg, van Knippenberg, Rast, 2012). The Tajfel and Turner developed SIT with the purpose of understanding social group discrimination (Tajfel Turner, 1979). SIT is based on three concepts:Read MoreSocial Conflict Theory : Social Identity Theory And Conflict1410 Words   |  6 PagesSocial Identity Theory and Conflict Theoretically significant to conflict is social identity theory. It allows â€Å"predictions to incorporate who is likely to perceive and act in group terms, to remain committed to the group in times of crisis† Turner (1999), Doosje Ellemers, (1999). Bar-Tal stresses conflict exists when an incompatible goal exists between two groups. The question of when incompatibility sets become important in understanding the cause of inter-ethnic or communal conflicts for instanceRead MoreAssignment On Social Identity Theory Essay1158 Words   |  5 Pages TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES MUMBAI GROUP WORK ASSIGNMENT ON SOCIAL IDENTITY THEORY Submitted to: Professor Vijay Raman Enrollment No.: M2015CF026 SOCIAL IDENTITY THEORY The Social Identity Theory was developed by Tajfel and Turner in 1979. The theory was originally developed to understand the psychological basis of intergroup discrimination. Tajfel in 1971 attempted to identify the  minimal  conditions that would lead members of one group to discriminate in favour of the in groupRead MoreLimitations Of Social Identity Theory1673 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Social identity theory proposed by Tajfel Turner (2004) is a theory of group membership and behaviour which has made significant contributions in explaining in-group favouritism, out-group denigration, competition and other interactions of an individual among social groups (Korte, 2007; Brown, 2000; Tajfel Turner, 2004). Social identity theory can be defined as an individual’s sense of who they are based on the group that they belong to through a process of self-categorisation andRead MoreOutline Of Social Identity Theory1278 Words   |  6 PagesOutline social identity theory and with reference to recent research critically evaluate the strategies individuals or groups might use to achieve a positive social identity. Social Identity Theory (SIT) is a relational term, defining who we are as a function of our similarities and differences with others. It is shared with others and provides a basis for shared social action and the meanings associated with any social identity are products of our collective history and present. Therefore Social identityRead MoreNotes On Social Identity Theory1191 Words   |  5 PagesContextualizing BIRG: Social Identity Theory SIT (Tajfel et al., 1971; Tajfel Turner, 1979) has been explained briefly in the Introduction, which provided an overview on the nature of its construction (Galang et al., 2015) and its implications on ingroup inclusion, intergroup behavior, and self-esteem (Brewer Yuki, 2007). This theory is further discussed here, particularly its conception of group identification and esteem, to give context to BIRG and the framework of analysis that will be usedRead MoreConsequences of Social Categorization and Social Identity Theories1929 Words   |  8 Pages Consequences of Social Categorization and Social Identity Theories Vernon Smith BA426 Managing Cultural Diversity vsmith003@regis.edu Consequences of Social Categorization and Social Identity Theories Introduction In the modern world, workforce diversity has developed to be among the most imperative elements. Many organizations including Apple Inc. and all over the world have employed diversity managers to help develop effective workforce diversification (Podsiadlowski et al., 2013). The

Striving for Perfection free essay sample

Striving for Perfection The yearbook is a beautiful way of capturing the high school experiences all in one. However long ago it may have been, a yearbook lasts a lifetime. It is what is used to look back on from happy and sad memories, to long lost friendships and inside jokes. The yearbook is a huge gift to its school, but requires hard work to pull off. Many steps are needed to create this meaningful gift. Therefore there is a beginning, middle, and end. A yearbook carries a message. A message of happiness, fun filled memories, and accomplishments. The first step to the gift of a yearbook is to decide a theme. Whatever the theme is, it needs to be eye-catching, unique, and interesting. Make History. Once the theme is picked, elaborate the idea. Decide what symbols that would be used to convey the theme. Then layout the divisions that best represent the year. We will write a custom essay sample on Striving for Perfection or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Each section should flow the yearbook all together. And for the secret ingredient to a successful yearbook, is the staff. They need to be hardworking, trustworthy, and of course creative. Without those traits, there will be no finished roduct. What a yearbook consists of is looking back at the many events and happenings throughout the year. Whether the layout is by month or by subjects, collect stories for each one and focus on what made them memorable. Another way is to key in on one student that went above and beyond in a subject or a person that just makes the school diverse. Without the guts of the yearbook, it would Just be a book. It isnt complete until there is support and help. Advertising is the main way to earn money for the yearbook and utilities. Clients are essential, branch out and find any and every possible company or person willing to pitch in a dollar or two, it will be useful in the long run. To put it all together there needs to be design coherence. An exceedingly popular one now is the idea of a mod design. When there is a immense deal of white space and clusters of pictures on each page. Once the design is picked the rest will Just fall into place. The process is almost over. Final steps are first to check. Go though all the pages to make sure the pictures are the same distance away, ll names are spelled right, the font is the same, and so on and so forth. Also check with the staff to have assurance it is all done, there might be one small segment missing. The next step is to sell the creation. Devise a price and advertise. As the yearbooks are sold left and right the faces of the school light up with smiles. The hard work has paid off and now there is only one more step to do, celebrate. Enjoy the yearbook and the accomplishment of creating it. Congratulate the staff with a cake or cookies, anything to say thank you. As the festivities are in full swing, Just remember, there might have been changes that could be made, Just remember them for next year. The perfection can only get better year after year. The creation of the yearbook takes patience and hard work from the staff. But with every step of the way a beautiful thing is being created. Students will look back and be thankful, because it is the sum of their high school experience, which they have all been apart of. It is, and always will be, the last memory of their teenage years. By eregan4

Zen And The Zen Garden Essay Research free essay sample

Zen And The Zen Garden Essay, Research Paper # 8220 ; Enlightenment alterations nil and everything. Nothing is solved! Enlightenment is non a end but a province of being that has to be rediscovered on a continual basis. # 8221 ; Zen Principles and The Relationship with The Zen Garden Zen and Nipponese Culture Zen Garden History The manner of zen garden was developed 14 -16th century. Though it was created by zen monastics in the Zen temples, its manner was influenced by the political state of affairs and besides by the other faiths. The original signifier of zen garden can travel back to the ancient clip ( before fifth century ) , when people worshipped the mammoth stones on the mountain as the symbol of godly power or the topographic point where the God decend. This worship of stones determined the usage of stone in the garden. The worship of the stones in ancient clip was closely related to Shintoism, a faith which originates in the beginning of the empror household ( www. We will write a custom essay sample on Zen And The Zen Garden Essay Research or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page dxnet.net ) . In 6th century, the original signifier of the garden appeared in forepart of the house of the emperor. At that clip, it was merely a pool, which had a symbolic significance ( mirror ) and besides used for the rites by the emperor. The rites were fundamentally the mix of Shintoism and Buddhism, which already came into Japan. As Japan started merchandising with China in seventh century, the more sophisticated manner from China came into Japan. The design of the capital, the castle, the houses of the Lords, and the manner of garden were influenced by China. Besides, Buddhism and Taoism from China influenced Nipponese civilization. The influence of Chinese manner garden was apparent in the gardens in 7-9th century: the sauntering garden with a pool and an island inside the pool. The design normally represented the position of the Eden, which were frequently mentioned in Buddhist and Taoist thoghts ( # 8221 ; Zen, # 8221 ; The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion, 1989, edition 1. In late ninth century, Japan stopped the trade with China, and Nipponese bit by bit developped their ain manner based on their life style. Between 9th and twelfth century, the Lords gained the power and had become dominant in the centre of political relations. They developped their houses and gardens based on their rites, events, diversions and parties. The baronial # 8217 ; s house and garden would hold a broad infinite in forepart of the cardinal edifice for the one-year events and the rites, a H2O watercourse, which was used for the event of making verse forms, and sometimes they enjoyed boating on the pool and they watched dances and the theatre perfomances on the island. The combination of Buddhism and Shintoism was the dominant faith in Japan, and the design of garden was based on the representation of the Eden in Buddhist idea. By 12th century, the Lords and the emperor wholly lost their power and the warriors took charge of Japan. The political state of affairs had become unstable and there were wars everyplace. At that clip, the new signifier of Buddhism became popular. It was zen. Zen achieved its popularity among regular people and warriors by its simple pattern and apprehensible construct. As the warriors became more educated and sophisticated, they promoted the art influenced by Zen, such as picture, theatre, dance, and horticulture. The shoguns began advancing gardens which led zen monastics to further developped their accomplishment of making gardens. The garden was a infinite for those monastics to show their vision. Around this clip, the manner called # 8220 ; Kare-San-Sui # 8221 ; appeared. It means dry landscape garden, and it was the manner to stand for H2O withou utilizing H2O. It is believed to hold started as a manner to substitue for H2O because of the enormous labour required to make and keep a garden with H2O. This manner was further developped into the sophisticated manner ( www.csuohio.edu/history.html ) . The dry landscape manner was farther polished by zen monastics. As they appreciated gardens more, the garden came closer to the edifice and the infinite for the garden became smaller so that it can be viewed from inside of the edifice. The design of the garden was still a representation of nature, but it became much more condensed in much smalled infinite. Structure of the Zen Garden The two chief elements of a Zen or a # 8220 ; dry manner # 8221 ; garden are stones to organize mountains and sand to organize streamlined H2O. The # 8220 ; sand # 8221 ; used in Japanese gardens is non beach sand but a crushed gra nite and comes in changing sunglassess of white grey to beige Islands have a peculiar importance for the Japanese. Islands represent a symbol of the isles of the Blest immortal psyche and besides represent a symbol of length of service and go oning wellness. Most Japanese gardens have both individual stone islands and built up islands of stones and Earth. Often, the islands are built to resemble the form of two outstanding symbols of length of service ; the tortoise and the Crane. The tortoise is believed to populate for 10,000 old ages and the Crane 1,000 old ages ( www.zengarden.fi/history/index.html ) . Bridges are besides common in dry landscape gardens for they non merely function as a map of a way to traverse the # 8220 ; seas # 8221 ; , link islands to one another and besides open up alternate positions that may non be seen if non crossed. Finally, it must be understood that the Zen garden is onlycomplete when it is understood ( www.dailyzen.com ) . The Zen Garden in Relation to Zen ( the pattern ) In zen pattern, one hunt for the vision of their true being. Understanding the being, the true nature of the universe is the enlightenment. It is besides understanding one # 8217 ; s # 8220 ; self # 8221 ; , one # 8217 ; s ain # 8220 ; being. # 8221 ; To be able to see the true nature, one has to detach from oneself to see his/her ain being. Kare-san-sui manner ( dry landscape garden ) representation of nature was similar to the pattern of seeking for the true nature, true being of the universe. Besides, # 8220 ; see what # 8217 ; s non at that place, # 8221 ; Dry landscape garden # 8217 ; s construct: visualizing the H2O which doesn # 8217 ; t really exist, was the close mention for the pattern. Many Zen gardens represent the true nature of the universe, which we can non truly see in the existent universe. The gardens become a infinite where people can chew over on their hunt for their true being ( www.mirmir.net/brix.shtml ) . In Zen, clip exists minute by minute, so when 1 enters a zen garden the composure and repose of that infinite is really contributing to speculation. When you meditate by sitting in forepart of the garden, the garden becomes the infinite you undertakings your vision onto, and the stones become the object of focal point. You can concentrate on the stones, but you should non concentrate on believing what the stone is. You have to be in the province of being between concentrating but non believing. Therefore, the garden becomes a container and the stones become the point of entry, and it can be easier to visualize yourself or the universe. The abstract quality of the garden helps you understand that true being is non what you see in the existent universe. You have to take yourself off to understand yourself, your true being. It lets you take a smoother passage ( Newton, www.io.com ) . Another of import portion of Zen pattern is enlightenment, which is to sucessfully understand the true being of the universe. Often, zen maestro inquire their pupils inquiries to assist them understand or look into to see if they understood # 8220 ; being. # 8221 ; It is called # 8220 ; Ko-an # 8221 ; Some of them are the narratives of the Zen Masterss and the pupils from the old times, and sometimes it is a simple signifier of inquiry and an aswer. Most of those inquiries and their replies by zen diciples are irrational and absurd, or abstract because # 8220 ; being # 8221 ; can non be described by words and these are merely to assist to understand it better or to look into if # 8220 ; being # 8221 ; is understood. A zen Ko-an looks like this ; There was a tree whose branchlets and foliages were traveling with the air current. One said # 8220 ; The air current is moving. # 8221 ; Another one said # 8220 ; It # 8217 ; s the tree which is moving. # 8221 ; Then, the maestro who heard them, came by and said, # 8220 ; Actually, your heads are moving. # 8221 ; ( www.dailyzen.com ) Another celebrated Ko-an says ; # 8220 ; What does it sound like to clap with merely one manus? # 8221 ; ( www.dailtzen.com ) The garden becomes the container which carries the abstract linguistic communication that applies to anything. That # 8217 ; s the nature of # 8220 ; being # 8221 ; because being can be found in anything. Bibliography # 8220 ; Zen, # 8221 ; The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion, 1989, edition 1. Newton, Steven. Zen Buddhist Text. www.io.com/ snewton.html ( 28 April 1999 ) . DailyZen. Roll the Garden. www.dailyzen.com ( 2001 ) Ward, Guildhall. The Zen Garden of Kanishi. www.mirmir.net/brix/zengarden.shtml ( 1998 ) Asti, Tahan. Zen Garden Records. www.zengarden.fi/history/index/html ( 1998 ) Gallup, Creighton. Avoiding Cultural Preconceptions. www.csuohion.edu/history/shiga96/pages/gcdg.html ( Dec 1996 ) . 334