Role of Print Media in Conflict Resolution a Comparative...

Role Of Print Media In Conflict Resolution: A Comparative Study Of Daily Dawn Jang Newspapers Regarding The Issue Of Lal Masjid AEMEN KHALID Session: 2006 to 2008 Supervisor: Dr. Anjum Zia DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION LAHORE COLLEGE FOR WOMEN UNIVERSITY LAHORE 2008 ABSTRACT This research paper investigates â€Å" the role of Daily Dawn and Daily Jang with reference to conflict resolution in case of Lal Masjid†.The study applied a social sciences methodology using content analysis technique to analyze the data. The study generates a substantial body of initial information about the role of print media in inter-state conflicts. A total of 302 news stories from the front and back page and 32 editorials and editorial notes of two†¦show more content†¦Young agrees that both print and electronic media contributes to conflict escalation, either directly or indirectly. He observes that media focus in many cases is selective and events such as battles or bombings receive more coverage (Young, 1991) Kamala Sarup (2003) noted that we cannot play effective role in preventing conflicts until the very nature and the root causes are understood. Even it is known that media is a vital factor for peace, democracy and a dignified human development. Media r eporting on the possibilities for conflict resolution could become a useful support for non-violent problem solving. Many research studies have been conducted to observe the effect and coverage of national and international print media on readers regarding different issues. (Abid Masood Tehami, Farooq Rana Shabana Mubasher). Findings of previous researches had made the researcher to conclude that print media plays an important role in a nation’s life. The print media have taken a long time to mature as a platform for dispassionate analysis and free expression of news and views about public life but no study has been carried out in Lahore, Pakistan regarding conflict resolution and prevention for an inter-state issue, particularly Lal Masjid prior to this study. The study addressed the questions â€Å"how much coverage both newspapers have given to the news items positively supporting the issue and

Identify the language and literary techniques used by the poet Essay Example For Students

Identify the language and literary techniques used by the poet Essay Identify the language and literary techniques used by the poet (Thomas Hardy in The Voice) and discuss why these techniques have been used. By exercise Thomas Hardy in his poem The Voice deals with the theme of the consequences of grief and loss. He addresses this theme by means of examining his own feelings at his wifes death, his wish to relive the past, his wish to be reunited with her and his feelings of despair and hopelessness at what life has become for him without her. To convey his theme to the reader, Hardy uses a range of language and literary devices such as Juxtaposition, varied line length, sound devices, imagery, connotation, word choice, rhetorical question and repetition. In the first stanza Thomas Hardy Illustrates his great grief at the loss of his wife. He misses her a great deal and senses that she Is calling out to him. He longs for her and longs to be with her. The depth of his grief Is clear from the use of the word much in woman much missed and the repetition of you call to me. A consequence of his grief and loss is that he believes she calls to him and that she has changed back to the girl he first met and married and when they were happy, when our day was fair. Grief clearly has a great impact on individuals. In the second stanza he questions whether he Is literally hearing from her. He answers his own question with the request to see her once again standing by the town in the air blue gown that he clearly remembers so well. In his grief Thomas Hardy wishes to ignore time and see his wife as she was when they first met. Grief causes individuals to hope for miracles, so that loneliness and despair can be overcome. In the third stanza Thomas Hardy accepts reluctantly that he Is not hearing his wifes ice but merely the breeze across the field or mead. Here diction and negative connotations show his acceptance that she is dead. He describes the breeze that he mistook for her voice as listless reflecting his own unmotivated state of mind without her. His acceptance that he will never see her again is summed up in the line, dissolved to wan weightlessness. She is dissolved or dead and her voice merely an echo of his despairing state of mind. The alliteration of Wan helplessness provides a long, slow sound reflecting how difficult it has been for him to get over the death of is wife and to carry on. The whole of the third stanza is in the form of a rhetorical question illustrating his awareness of their permanent separation, but his reluctance to accept it. Clearly grief leads to a sense of despair and hopelessness The final stanza uses shorter lines to show that he knows he has to move on and alliteration of faltering forward. The l sound suggesting s painful movements with the likelihood of falling or stumbling. The setting and mood are bleak and anticipate withering and dying, leaves around me falling. The wind oozing thin through the horn from onward underlines the difficulty and pain of moving onward with nothing to look forward to. Grief had him construct hope in his mind of her calling and him seeing her as she was when they first knew each other and were most in love, but he has had to face up to the bleak reality of life without her and the poem ends on a note of suffering and despair with memories providing no comfort. Grief led to the construction of hope. But this fair thought of turning back the clock was but a fancy and individuals have to face up to reality and the inexorable march of time.

Reviewing the Aesthetic Sense of Korean Cinema through a Western Canvass

The cinema of Korea is a fascinating medium to understand the Hermit nation’s unique culture that developed in isolation over hundreds of years. Watching Korean cinema is an excellent learning exercise to appreciate the nuances of the country’s austere culture which in my observation, feels strangely familiar to Western sensibilities but at the same time, has a mystical allure rarely seen in these parts.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Reviewing the Aesthetic Sense of Korean Cinema through a Western Canvass specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More To further illustrate my observations about the visual appeal of Korean cinema, I will review two sample movies, â€Å"Seopyonjae† and â€Å"Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring†. In doing so, I will explore a couple of themes common to both which I believe, represent the heart and soul of Korean visual aesthetics: melodrama and nostalgia. Taking the example of Seopyonjae, to say that it is a tear-jerker would be an understatement; the film literally haunts you with its melancholic appeal as it explores the lives of two singers who have been brought up in the Korean tradition of Pansori, a traditional musical art form. The film is staged in the period following World War II where a man named Dong-Ho and a woman named Song-Hwa grow up with a Pansori teacher Yu-Bong who forces them to undergo deep pain and suffering in order to learn the art in its true essence. Yu-Bong believes that a true Pansori singer must experience grief and sorrow in order to perfect their talent. Another facet of this film is about a decline of interest in traditional Korean values among people of South Korea, partially due to the brisk pace of Westernization that followed World War II. Clearly, for the latter half, the film harps back on nostalgic themes with the characters yearning to connect with their roots. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring is an allegorical tale that represents the core of Buddhist metaphysics: the values represented by the wheel of life, the cycle of life and death, the continuous slipping away of time. As the titular theme suggests, each season represents a phase in the life of a Buddhist monk – ranging between childhood, teen age, adulthood, middle years and old age. The film depicts a beautiful, sentimental journey that begins with the lead character’s playful, childish innocence (Spring) where he is castigated by his Master for tormenting a snake, a frog and a fish. In his teenage years (Summer), he gives in to lust and against his Master’s wishes, decides to abandon his monastic existence to seek real pleasures of life.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As he turns to his thirtees (Fall), he murders his wife which drives him insane with guilt so he returns to his Master who chastises him for attempting suicide. In his middle years (Winter), he takes over the monastery following his Master’s death and receives a veiled woman who hands him over a baby. Finally, in his old age (as Spring returns), the monk is guiding the directional path of a fresh apprentice, thus, symbolizing the cycle of life. Clearly, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring conveys the two discussed themes of Korean cinema: melodrama and nostalgia. Along with Seopyonjae, it is somewhat subtle in its depiction of tragic circumstances, but tries to be somewhat fatalistic in its conclusion; as if everything is pre-destined and human beings have no control over their lives. Members of Western audience have a hard time trying to figure out how anyone could give up on their lives so easily, without putting so much of a struggle. The Korean movies make no attempt to depict the outer struggles: the real struggles lie inward. This essay on Reviewing the Aesthetic Sense of Korean Cinema through a Western Canvass was written and submitted by user Frances V. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Ex Convict And Alcoholic Analysis Social Work Essay Essays

Ex Convict And Alcoholic Analysis Social Work Essay Essays Ex Convict And Alcoholic Analysis Social Work Essay Essay Ex Convict And Alcoholic Analysis Social Work Essay Essay This assignment takes up the survey and analysis of Malcolm. An ex-convict with an intoxicant dependence record, Malcolm has late been released, after a long stay, from prison. Presently shacking in a inn for ex-offenders, Malcolm is expecting the allocation of a local authorization flat. Malcolm has been referred to societal services by the inn staff. The complete instance survey is detailed in the appendix. Much of Malcolm s jobs with intoxicant have contributed to his condemnable activity in the yesteryear. However, he has been alcohol free during his long prison sentence and has non resumed imbibing since his release. Malcolm still continues to smoke and in a recent incident about started a fire in the inn when he fell asleep with a lit coffin nail. In add-on to limited mobility, due to arthritis of the articulatio genuss, Malcolm appears to be disoriented, unable to do coherent determinations and organize his life. He seems loath to do societal contact and has refused all efforts to take part in a local tiffin nine or even help of the dial-a-ride community conveyance strategy. His lone household contact is a boy life in Spain, whom he meets twice a twelvemonth. This survey takes up the analysis of the instance survey on Malcolm from the position of societal work theory and pattern applications in appraisal and planning, with specific attending to person-centric and anti-discriminatory attack to pattern. The survey is structured into two parts, each of which trades with a specific societal work method. The first portion trades with the appraisal of Malcolm s instance and the 2nd portion trades with planning of interventional activities. Role of Social Work Theory in Understanding Service Users Social work is basically concerned with the changeless combating of subjugation and favoritism that exists within society and is normally directed towards disadvantaged sections ( Davies, 2008, p 20-25 ) . Social work theory plays a important function in understanding service users from the position of their age, gender, civilization, spiritual and socio-economic backgrounds ( Payne, 2005, p 10-12 ) . The function of societal work theory is important in understanding the fortunes of the service user. Social work theory employs the eclectic usage of theories and legitimises the usage of a wider scope of subjects ( Payne, 2005, p 10-18 ) .Because every state of affairs is different, societal workers must believe laterally and creatively to turn to the demands of their service users, using theories known to them at any given clip whilst being guided by professional values and codifications of behavior ( Payne, 2005, p 10-18 ) . Whilst traditional societal work theory established sociolo gy as a scientific discipline, modern twenty-four hours societal work theory emphasises the importance of subjectiveness, moralss and societal justness with a person-centred attack ( Payne, 2005, p 10-18 ) . Appraisal Assessment, planning and intercession are indispensable elements of modern-day societal work pattern ( Parker A ; Bradley, 2007, p 20-30 ) . Each of these methods constitute critical elements of societal work pattern that purpose to ( a ) set up the existent province of vulnerable people, both immature and old, who are in demand and to ( B ) program and present necessary societal and wellness attention services in order to heighten their societal or economic fortunes ( Parker A ; Bradley, 2007, p 20-30 ) . Malcolm s instance is a cause for serious concern as he suffers from chronic physical and mental wellness jobs originating from prolonged intoxicant maltreatment. A careful appraisal of Malcolm s instance will help in explicating suited programs for intercession. Malcolm is 73 twelvemonth old ex-convict and ex-alcoholic. Much of his condemnable activities in the yesteryear have been attributed to his dependence on intoxicant and he has spent a major portion of his life in prison. Several physical, psychological and societal jobs can attest themselves in drawn-out intoxicant maltreatment ( Connors, et Al, 2004, p 35-42 ) . Some manifestations include assorted wellness jobs like liver cirrhosis, ictuss, backdown from societal activities, devaluation of personal and work relationships, battle in condemnable activities and troubles in executing at work or at place ( Connors, et Al, 2004, p 35-42 ) . The UK has a important aged population ( Department of Health, 2005, p 80-96 ) . Alcohol maltreatment upsets amongst the aged are common, but tend to be ignored, as compared to other physical and mental wellness issues ( Connors, et Al, 2004, p 35-42 ) . In recent old ages the NHS and societal attention services have been doing commissariats and advancing programmes for the well being of older people, particularly in countries of specific disablements ( Department of Health, 2005, p 80-96 ) . Although Malcolm has abstained from intoxicant during and after his release, he finds it hard to reintegrate himself into chief watercourse society. Unable to bear the societal stigma associated with his yesteryear, he is insulating himself. His long dependence on intoxicant has besides led to a scope of physical and mental challenges ( Connors, et Al, 2004, p 35-42 ) . At important hazard, he is besides prone to accidentally wounding himself and others. The inn Staff has raised concerns that he is exposing marks of terrible depression and isolation, abstaining and retreating from engagement in societal activities and sing troubles in doing consistent determinations. In add-on, his creaky articulatio genuss are restricting his mobility. Besides this, he has no beginning of income or occupation. Bing in the aged age group, this farther compounds his job. Under the fortunes, concerns are raised that Malcolm may non be able to get by on his ain, one time the allocation of his local auth orization level comes through. Recent old ages have witnessed the outgrowth of a person-centred attack to societal work pattern ( Thompson, 2006, p 15-19 ) . The attack emphasises that the positions and sentiments of the service are the most of import elements in the appraisal procedure. Social workers are required to follow anti-discriminatory work patterns by extinguishing societal prejudices and developing a echt empathy for service users challenges ( Thompson, 2006, p 15-19 ) . However, Lena Dominelli ( 2004 ) argues that an nonsubjective person-centred attack to societal work pattern is non possible. Harmonizing to Neil Thompson ( 2006 ) discriminatory attitudes and perceptual experiences in societal work constantly go entrenched due to structural, cultural and personal factors. As a societal worker, I have to be cognizant and sensitive to the fact that persons become victims of intoxicant and substance maltreatment despite contrary purposes. Whilst measuring Malcolm s instance, I will necessitate to set up an emphasized, respectful relationship and follow a person-centred attack ( Parker A ; Bradley, 2007, p 20-30 ) . I will necessitate to clear up the intent of societal work, the processs involved and the appraisal and planning procedure ( Davies, 2008, p 35-42 ) . I will besides necessitate to pass on clearly and explicitly his engagement in the complete appraisal procedure and the benefits to be derived from this exercising ( Davies, 2008, p 35-42 ) . I will besides necessitate to guarantee confidentiality and explicate the codification of confidentiality to him ( Davies, 2008, p 35-42 ) . I will besides necessitate to construct a strong and empathic relationship with him and discourse the demand for us to work together with changeless information sharing in order to get the better of his jobs ( Davies, 2008, p 35-42 ) . I will hold to set up the province of Malcolm s mental and physical wellness jobs, his baccy dependence and intoxicant related jobs, his household and societal relationships. My assessment process will affect referral to Malcolm s file ; from ( a ) constabulary and prison records ( B ) general practician s wellness records and medical appraisal ( degree Celsius ) inn staff ( vitamin D ) a personal meeting with Malcolm and, ( vitamin E ) beginning information from Malcolm s boy. I will necessitate to entree his constabulary records to gauge his mental and physical wellness whilst imprisoned, his activities and his relationships with other inmates. Past records from his general practitioner/health worker will enable me to set up the exact province and extent of Malcolm s mental and physical impairment. A fresh medical appraisal would besides be necessary to determine these facets. The inn staff will assist me to find whether Malcolm is a victim of societal stigma and exclusions, his societal backdown, his substance maltreatment and communicating jobs. I will besides necessitate to place Malcolm s personal positions and values, the grounds for his past behavior, with particular respect to alcohol maltreatment and subsequent felon activity and besides the grounds for his present societal backdown, his upbringing and household relationships, his cultural and spiritual background, his instruction, past employment records and the trade or accomplishments that he may hold acquired or possesses. Confirmations from Malcolm s boy will set up the sort of relationship they portion at the minute, their household life in the yesteryear, the sort of parent Malcolm has been and his relationship with boy s female parent. Intervention The chief aim of societal work is to supply aid to fulfill the basic demands and heighten the well being of the service users and to authorise persons who are hapless, laden and vulnerable by effectual intercession ( Parker A ; Bradley, 2007, p 38 -41 ) . Intervention programs are taken in coaction with the client and other members of the squad ( Parker A ; Bradley, 2007, p 38 -41 ) . In explicating intercession programs, the societal worker must needfully see the service user s cultural, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic and educational backgrounds. Harmonizing to the NASW ( 2005 ) Intervention must include programs for ( a ) damages demands identified in analysis, ( B ) information, mention and instruction, ( degree Celsius ) psychological, fiscal, vocational and educational guidance, ( vitamin E ) psycho-educational support systems and ( degree Fahrenheit ) interdisciplinary public assistance planning. An appraisal of Malcolm s instance highlights the fact that a combination of drawn-out intoxicant maltreatment, mental, physical and societal jobs has put Malcolm at important hazard. To enable Malcolm take a more productive being, particularly after he shifts into independent life quarters, it is necessary that Malcolm is provided with ( a ) equal medical and fiscal aid, ( B ) psychiatric and vocational guidance, ( degree Celsius ) Alcoholic Anonymous referral and ( vitamin D ) aid to incorporate into chief watercourse societal life ( Parker A ; Bradley, 2007, p 38 -41 ) . To efficaciously step in in Malcolm s instance, I will hold to assist Malcolm do informed picks. I will besides hold to put up meetings with ( a ) medical practician to measure his physical fittingness, ( B ) psychiatric counsellor/psychologist and ( degree Celsius ) vocational counselor to look into his accomplishments and occupation suitableness ( Parker A ; Bradley, 2007, p 38 -41 ) . Since Malcolm is diffident and withdrawn, I will besides hold to assist him organize a web of friends and to acquire a sure friend to attach to him on dial-a-ride or to the local tiffin nine. I will hold to invariably supervise his advancement to guarantee that he complies and reintegrates himself into chief watercourse society ( Parker A ; Bradley, 2007, p 38 -41 ) . I will besides necessitate to inform him of his rights and privileges as a senior citizen under the NHS and societal attention service strategies and programmes, his right to province fiscal aid, senior citizen aid commissions and groups. I will besides necessitate to guarantee that Malcolm is allotted a suited local authorization flat, within the stipulated clip ( National ..2005, p 21-22 ) Whilst appreciating Malcolm s soundness in abstaining from intoxicant for a significant period of clip, I will hold to explicate the necessity of him fall ining self assist groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous ( AA ) non merely to forestall a reversal of wont but besides to develop self regard. I have besides taken attention to mention his instance to AA and ensured that they have received the referral. Decision A senior citizen, Malcolm has had a history of intoxicant maltreatment and condemnable activities. Recently released from prison, he is now stays in a inn for ex-offenders. Malcolm has been exposing terrible physical and psychological jobs and is at important hazard. The inn Staff has raised concerns that Malcolm may be unable to populate independently. Social work theory plays an of import function in understanding the fortunes of the service users. In recent old ages, societal work pattern has become more person-centred in attack. However, there are statements that societal work pattern can non be to the full individual centred, as factors of structural, personal and civilizations influences are interwoven into the societal worker s character. As his societal worker, I will hold to measure Malcolm from assorted positions of his past history of substance maltreatment and condemnable activities, personal and household relationships, medical records, personal positions and values, inn staff and boy. In carry oning my appraisal, I will hold to set up an emphasized relationship with Malcolm, whilst being sensitive to the issue of substance maltreatment. I will hold to underscore the demand for us to work together for continual information sharing to get the better of his jobs. I will necessitate to guarantee his confidentiality and besides explain the appraisal processs and intercession programs. Whilst making so, I need to be sensitive to the fact that persons become victims of substance abuse despite contrary purposes. The chief aim of societal work is to supply aid and right the demands of the service user identified in the appraisal. Intervention programs are taken in concurrence with the service user and other members of the squad involved in the appraisal. Whilst explicating intercession for Malcolm, I will necessitate to explicate to him the importance and benefits of re-integrating into chief watercourse society. I will hold to help him to construct a web of friends and help of the installations of dial-a-ride and the local tiffin nine. In add-on I will besides hold to supply him information about assorted ego aid groups like AA, senior citizen groups, commissions and programmes and guarantee that he gets the needed aid from these groups. I would besides hold to inform him of his rights as a senior citizen to assistance under the NHS and societal attention programmes. In add-on, I will hold to guarantee a thorough medical appraisal of his physical and mental wellness is conducted and intercession in footings of medicine and psychiatric guidance are provided and availed of. Vocational appraisal and guidance would besides be provided if Malcolm is seeking employment. The ultimate purpose is to pull Malcolm out of his isolation and depression, supply more productive results for his life and re-integrate him into chief watercourse societal life.

Natural Law the Prevailing Theory in the United States Today Research Paper

Natural Law the Prevailing Theory in the United States Today - Research Paper Example Natural Law is the of knowing of right from wrong instinctively and the ability to make moral decisions based upon those instincts. This is not just a theory formulated years ago and withered with time it is a theory built into the our very being and since the days of Adam and Eve has been the law we have lived our lives by and build our criminology around. Many Christians believe that Natural Law is the will of God and the Ten Commandments certainly reflects that cause.†They Believe That The Nature of Man And The World Reflects The Will of God† (Donald, James A,) and the Ten Commandments encompass all facets of the human instincts toward right and wrong and the formation of our current day laws and how they are enacted. You do not have to believe in God or even consider yourself christian to be inherent to Natural Law, it is not a spiritual entity but an outcome of nature. Natural Law is not something that was invented or created and it existed long before Aristotle and his cronies came up with their theories. In modern day America our entire law revolves around Natural Law, not theories or ideas, and we never have and do not now need legislation to tell us that it is wrong to steal or to kill or even to treat another human being badly. We certainly dont need to visit a lawyer before committing murder or robbing a bank to ascertain if its the right or legal thing to do and the purpose of legal legislation is to give society the right to punish those who are unable to conform with Natural Law and even the perpetrators of acts against Natural Law expect the penalties they receive, if caught, because it is built into their nature to know that they are being immoral and wrong. The right to bear arms in protection of ourselves and our property has always been an inherent part of Natural Law and even now in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution it is not clear on that law.â€Å"There is considerable

Human Behavior Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Human Behavior - Movie Review Example The film mainly features on Al Gore and his travels around the world. It primarily depicts his efforts in trying to teach the public on the severe effects of climate change, which in the long run might cause global warming (Guggenheim). Gore shows the world through this documentary of the effects of global warming on the earth both presently and in the future. The evidence of global warming is shown through detailed graphs and flow charts portraying the effects of economic change on the earth. In addition, several pictures are also shown of earth, which were taken from various angles from space. Gore’s message is further highlighted on the film on global warming, which according to the vice president, is brought about by global climatic change due to the various actions of man. The main course of these changes on the environment is the amount of greenhouse gases released to the environment due to various activities. These causative actions of man are mainly the release of gase s by various industrial processes, which eventually lead to climatic change and global warming. The film warns the public that people should check their actions, and that their actions on environment should be verified to ensure they are not aggravating the situation of global warming. The documentary also highlights the likelihood of collapse in ice sheets mainly in Greenland and West Antarctica. These occurrences might lead to rising of sea levels to approximately 20 feet above current levels. Consequently, this will lead to floods along coastal areas, which might cause displacement of population in these areas (Guggenheim). In the event where there is melting of the ice from Greenland, water will be found to contain lower saline levels; hence, may affect the currents mainly from northern Europe making them warmer compared to previous temperatures. This could lead to striking local cooling effect on the area. This illustration shows how catastrophic global warming will be to futur e generations, if really nothing is done about pollution increases. However the film offers a lifeline as it encourages that certain actions need to be taken appropriately to check the problem. Environmental pollution effects can be easily reversed if mankind acts fast on mitigation of causative factors. Firstly people should strive to ensure very few amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the environment. Secondly, the public should embark on efforts to plant as many trees and vegetation as possible. Increase in vegetation cover provides an avenue through which excess carbon dioxide gets out of the atmosphere. At this point, one can say that the film will have a lasting impact on the viewers. This positive assumption holds despite the notion that some facts need to be verified scientifically to check their authenticity, and to analyze their affects using scientific methods. Though the film is catchy and very educative, more awareness needs to be done to the world, especially o n the negative effects of industrial development (Guggenheim). The film gives viewers an insight on a city in Brazil, which has taken some measures to make a difference on environmental pollution. From an objective perspective, the film is really an educational piece of work for those involved in urban planning and the

Ulysses S. Grant Essay Example for Free

Ulysses S. Grant Essay Ulysses S. Grant, an army General and the 18th president of the United States of America is considered one of the greatest war strategists and generals in American history. His rise to fame was brought about by his successful exploits and exceptional military leadership serving as a Union General in the Civil War. Most notable of which are the decisive wins in the battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania and the siege of Petersburg which eventually led to the Confederacys surrender. But while his contemporaries hold him to the highest regard as a military leader, the same could not be said about his presidency. Political leadership proved to be unsuitable for him, and while his dignity was said to be unquestionable, his presidency is severely criticized and condemned due to rampant corruption and perceived inadequacy. Grant was baptized Hiram Ulysses Grant in Point Pleasant, Ohio on April 27, 1822, the eldest in a brood of six. He came from a family which Grant (2002) proudly asserts as all-American: â€Å"My family is American, and has been for generations, in all its branches, direct and collateral† (p. 12). His parents were Jesse Root Grant, a tannery and farmland owner, and Hannah Simpson Grant, a frontier woman (McFeely, 1981). Grants family relocated to Georgetown in 1823, where he started his formal education—this place was to be his home until his seventeenth year, before he goes off to West Point. He attended the school of Richardson and Rand in Maysville, Kentucky, then the Presbyterian Academy, a private school in Ripley, Ohio. (Grant, 2002) Grant (2002) found his childhood â€Å"uneventful† (p. 17) and professed no inclination towards his studies. He did show exceptional equestrian skills and was noted for his diligence. With his skills, he was put in charge of doing any work that required proficiency with horses—tilling land, hauling wood, plowing and furrowing the land, etc. His lack of business skills (an issue which would later on figure significantly in his life) was evinced in one situation when the eight year-old Grant was given some money by his father to buy a colt, with the instruction of bargaining with the owner. Grant said to him: â€Å"Papa says I may offer you twenty dollars for the colt, but if you won’t take that, I am to offer twenty-two and a half, and if you won’t take that, to give you twenty-five† (Grant, 2002, p. 20). Needless to say, the owner got the colt full price. At age seventeen, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, and a registration mistake made by the appointing congressman omitted Hiram from his name and added Simpson, his mothers maiden name. Grant, however, did not correct the mistake, and he has been known by that name ever since. Grant was an average student, graduating 21st in a class of 39 (McFeely, 1981). He did not care to have a career in the military (he wanted instead to teach) and saw his West Point appointment as just another opportunity to travel, he said: â€Å"A military life had no charms for me, and I had not the faintest idea of staying in the army even if I should be graduated, which I did not expect† (Grant, 2002, p. 26). After graduation he was stationed in St. Louis, Missouri where he met and and pursued Julia Dent. They later married in 1848 (McFeely, 1981). During the outbreak of the Mexican War, grant fought his first battles under Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott, where he took part in important offensive missions. After the war, he went back to St. Louis, Missouri to tend to his family and establish several business and farming ventures (Grant, 2002). However, even with the help from relatives and friends, his business endeavors failed (due in part to his less than adequate business skills) and he faced great financial difficulties (McFeely, 1981). Grant then moved back to work in Galena, Illinois when his father offered his a clerical position at his store (Grant, 2002). When the south broke away from the Union, signaling the start of the Civil War, Grant decided to fight under the Union banner. He gathered volunteers to Springfield and enlisted his services to the government. As a colonel, he successfully took control of an unruly volunteer regiment and was promoted to brigadier general. He proved to be a great military leader and went on to lead many successful campaigns. His skill as a military strategist and tactician earned him the respect of his contemporaries and made him a household name. (McFeely, 1981) He fought on to lead the Union in a series of decisive victories—battles in Belmont, Fort Donelson, Fort Henry—and became the commander of the Union army. When asked about his terms of accepting surrender, his reply was â€Å"no terms, except an unconditional and immediate surrender† (McFeely, 1981, 135). This, as well as the unconditional surrender of more than 14,000 confederacy soldiers at Donelson earned him the nickname â€Å"Unconditional Surrender Grant† (McFeely, 1981, 135). He also launched an exhaustive and grueling campaign to wear out and capture the Confederate forces. This culminated in the siege of Petersburg which forced General Robert E. Lee to flee and eventually surrender his army at Appomattox Court House (McFeely, 1981). After the war, he was nominated as the Republican candidate for the presidential elections and won, although he was reluctant to accept the post. After learning of his victory, he told his wife: I am afraid I am elected (Goode, 1999, p. 18). He entered the White House at age 46, the youngest president in American history. He took part in many notable policies, especially those that aim to reduce national debt and re-establish public credit (Hesseltine, 1935). The reconstruction of southern states were also facilitated under his reign. However, corruption was so widespread in the administration that it overshadowed everything—it even came to be called as â€Å"Grantism† (Goode, 1999), which was regarded by many â€Å"unfair† considering Grant himself didnt take part in the corruption (Skidmore, 2005). Grant was also criticized for his passivity and for his haphazard appointment of officials. Many, if not most of the people under him, even those he appointed were involved in numerous scandals and for exploiting the governments coffers (Hesseltine, 1935 and Goode, 1999). After his presidency, Grant was only relieved to leave the politicians life—â€Å"I certainly never had any taste for political life (Goode, 1999, p. 18) he confessed. He retired and lived a comfortable life with his wife in New York, until he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He has completed written his Memoirs a few days after his death and it remains one of the most popular presidential autobiographies in history. When grant died in 1885, fire bells rang throughout the country, however, â€Å"it was for Grant the soldier that they rang, not for Grant the president† (Goode, 1999, p. 19). References Grant, U. S. (2002). Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant. Boston: WGBH Educational Foundation. Goode, S. (1999, July). Ulysses S. Grant: The Unheroic Hero. World and I, 14, 16-19. Hesseltine, W. B. (1935). Ulysses S. Grant: Politician. New York: Dodd, Mead Company. McFeely, W. S. (1981). Grant: A Biography. New York : Norton. Skidmore, M. J. (2005). The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant: A Reconsideration. White House Studies, 5, 255-265.