Judaism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Judaism - Research Paper Example Even though evidence cannot be provided for the existence of the one or may Supreme beings, there is evidence for the power of religion. There are numerous religions across the globe. However, the most distinct one are Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism. These religions have symbols, narratives, and sacred histories whose purpose is to explain the meaning and origin of life. In the same way, from their beliefs about human nature, the people may derive ethics, morality, and religious laws. The religions have the clergy, organised behaviours, Holy Scriptures, holy places, and a definition of what makes up adherence. The practice of religion may also include things like commemoration, feats, festivals, prayer, sacrifices, sermons, and rituals. Besides that, they also have myths, funerary services, and other aspects of the human culture. Drawing on a variety of sources, the paper will address Judaism history and the present practice. It has been evidenced that Judaism is among the oldest religions on earth that exist until today. Its history, traditions, and beliefs are recorded in the Hebrew Bible. Judaism is a religious tradition that dates back to about 4,000 years ago, and is rooted in the eastern region of Canaan. Canaan is the biblical name of the region between River Jordan and the Mediterranean. This is the equivalent of the current Palestinian and Israel territories (Shahak, 1994). This was during the Bronze Age in the Middle East. Even though the Jewish calendar dates back to more than five thousand years ago, various scholars argue that the commencement of the Judaism faith is linked to the Israelites and their forefather Abraham. This is estimated to be around 164 B.C.E. The beliefs and practices of the classical Judaism did not emerge until the 1st century (Schachter-Shalomi & Segel, 2013). In this regard, Judaism

Communication Research Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Communication Research - Assignment Example 2). Qualitative research on the other hand entails a process of inquiry which enables the researcher to understand the social or human issue confronting the society and enables the analysis of this complex phenomenon through a holistic perspective and reporting of detailed views of those involved i.e. the informants/ participants in the study in a natural setting (Cresswell, 2002: 2). For the purpose of this study a qualitative research design is proposed since it offers a wider platform for the researcher to understand and explore the topic of study by methods which help in gathering information that help in understanding one’s qualitative understanding (Guba and Lincoln, 1998). Qualitative research entails several methods of inquiry for analysis such as biography, phenomenological study, grounded theory, ethnography as well as case study. All these types of method afford the researcher in thoroughly exploring the topic of the study and understand the meaning and intentions o f the participants. For the purpose of this study the case study methodology is proposed whereby some key blogs will be selected and its impact on the traditional mainstream media will be observed and analysed. This method is chosen to avoid a mere theoretical interpretation of the phenomenon and engage in a practical discussion thorugh application of case studies that help in supporting the analysis. The blogs will be carefully chosen based on various parameters number of readers, number of views, types of topics dealt with etc among others. References: Creswell, J. W. (2002). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative approaches to research. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Pearson Education. Guba, E. G. & Lincoln, Y. S. (1998). Competing paradigms in qualitative research. In Norman K. Denzin & Yvonna S. Lincoln (Eds.), The landscape of qualitative resea

Criminology Delinquency and crime the general strain theory

Criminology Delinquency and crime the general strain theory General Strain Theory (GST), introduced by sociologist Robert Agnew in 1992 (Cernkovich, Giordano, Rudolph, 2000), focuses on the individual effects of strain, and how it is that that strain then leads a person towards delinquency and crime. This essay looks at the background of strain theory, its explanation of crime and deviance, evaluates the theory and ends with the writers opinion of general strain theory. General Strain Theory is more individualised than the first Anomie and Strain theory that was introduced by Emile Durkheim and Robert Merton. Agnew, Brezina, Wright, Cullen (2002) suggest that it is personality traits within the individual that result in their reaction to strain, and it is then these certain traits that end up in the individual turning towards delinquency and crime as a way to relieve the tension that the strain has brought into their life. The major traits associated with individual strain are those traits of constraint and negative emotionality (Agnew et al., 2002), which when provoked by strain, lead the individual to such emotions as anger and to delinquency and crime to relieve this anger. Also known as negative affect states (Seigel, 2003), these adverse emotions of anger and frustration can be controlled by many individuals, but coupled with those traits of low constraint and high negative emotionality in an individual, other individuals have trouble with con trolling these negative affect states and delinquency is often the result when strain is added to their lives. General strain theory does do the good deed per se of explaining both crime and deviance as a theory, as most individuals who react negatively to strain do so mainly in a delinquent way, but not always in a criminal way. If the reaction is in a criminal way though, it is only to the extent of income-generating criminality, and rarely results in crimes of a hurtful nature (Cernkovich, et al., 2000). Many researchers have found that the main type of strain that results in crime occurring is the strain of an individuals economic situation (Cernkovich et al., 2000), and thus most crime and delinquency to relieve this strain tension is ways in which income can be obtained. While some individuals only go as far as delinquency (such as acting out against someone) to relieve their tension from strain pressures, others do go the extra distance and commit a crime, such as robbing another individual. The difference between committing a delinquent act and committing a criminal act is explained b y general strain theory as a direct result of the level of constraint and negative emotionality that individual possesses (Agnew et al., 2002). In support of general strain theory, Agnew et al. (2002) looked at 2300 children between the ages of 7 and 11 in 1976, and again five years later in 1981, measuring their individual strains (both at home and at school), and comparing it with their level of constraint and negative emotionality. Teacher and parental survey reports for each child were also used at each time period. Agnew et al. (2002) believed that it was mainly juveniles who reacted negatively to strain, and thus the researchers wanted to test whether the children with low constraint and high negative emotionality in 1976 were more likely in 1981 to act criminally and/or delinquently, if their levels of constraint and negative emotionality were the same or worse as previous. In response to their surveys, Agnew et al. did find that those juveniles with low constraint and high negative emotionality in 1981 were more likely to act in a delinquent or criminal manner as a reaction to parental and educational strain that occ urred in their lives. Cernkovich et al.(2000) took a different approach in testing general strain theory, instead looking at race and the so-called American Dream and the effect that these factors had on certain individuals. Two samples were used in the design: the first a sample of individuals living in private households, and the second a sample of previously institutionalised offenders. As in the previous study by Agnew et al. (2002), the samples were interviewed as adolescents in 1982 and then again in 1992 (household sample) and 1995 (institutionalised sample) (Cernkovich et al., 2000). When conceptualised in career and materialistic terms, the African-American commitment to the American dream was strong, although high levels of unemployment and low incomes were still common occurrences. While lacking access to money and materialistic objects, the importance of the American dream to many African-Americans was still quite high, resulting in the occurrence of delinquency and criminality in an effort to improve their chances of achieving the American dream (Cernkovich et al., 2000). Thus it would seem that racial factors do play a role in general strain theory, in addition to those trait factors of low constraint and high negative emotionality. Either way it is looked at, general strain theory explains how it is that delinquency and criminality can both occur. In one case it is because of the extent of traits within an individual, in another case it is based on the importance one race holds towards materialism and status quo. Evaluation While it is true that general strain theory does do the job of explaining both crime and deviance, at the same time general strain theory does include some shortcomings as a criminology theory overall. General strain theory has done a job of explaining why it is that those races other than Caucasian (or White) do commit crime and delinquent acts, but then why is it that Caucasians commit many of the delinquent and criminal acts in the world? General strain theory has no real explanation for this, other than the fact that they might possess the traits of low constraint and negative emotionality. But what about those people who commit crimes and delinquent acts and do not possess these traits? Why is it then that they are doing what they are doing? General strain theory has no explanation for this occurrence. Agnew et al. (2002) stated that it was mainly juveniles who possessed the traits of low constraint and negative emotionality, and thus were the ones to react negatively to strain, but what about those who are not juveniles? Obviously these individuals must possess these traits as well, but what if they do not? What is it then that has made them commit the act that they did? Seig el (2003) writes that negative affective states such as anger and frustration result in criminal and delinquent acts, but what about those psychopaths and sociopaths who do not have these feelings at the time of their crime, or those individuals who commit crime just because and not as a result of a negative state? General strain theory, while on the micro level, may be too much on the micro level, for it is not only those individual issues, but the larger macro societal issues as well that interact for an individual to commit a delinquent or criminal act. Another issue that general strain theory does not take into account, when explaining crime and deviance, is the crimes committed by those who have already achieved the American Dream. With their economic situation already high, why is it that some people choose to risk it all for a few more dollars? General strain theory does not explain why many of the so-called white-collar crimes occur. And in keeping with the American dream, what about those individuals who do not adhere to the American dream? Why is it that people in little villages halfway around the world commit crimes? They have no reason to adhere to the American dream of the Western world, so what is their reason for committing crime? It can not be a racial issue, for they are the only race that is around in their part of the world, wherever that may be. And low constraint and high negative emotionality are not issues to them as traits, so why is it then that they have committed their crime? General strain theory has no exp lanation. According to general strain theory, those who commit crime should be non-white, poor, with low constraint and high negative emotionality. So why it is that poorer people are not committing crime? What about those who are okay being poor? Should they not be adhering to the American dream? What about trying to strike it rich by any means possible? General strain theory states that juveniles commit crimes and delinquent acts because they do not have the means by which to properly deal with their low constraint and high negative emotionality (Agnew et al., 2002). This explains why desistance occurs later in life for these juveniles, but what about for those who do not desist from crime as they get older? They have the means now of coping with their educational and parental strains, or those strains have gone away, so why are they still committing criminal and delinquent acts? And what about those individuals who do not commit these such acts as juveniles but begin to do so later on in life? Why is it that with the means to cope with life strains some people choose to ignore their coping mechanisms and instead turn to a delinquent and criminal life? A general strain theorist would argue that the individual has the coping mechanisms to deal with life strains that they did not possess as juveniles and so should be able to desist fr om crime and delinquency, but what if they do not? General strain theory has no reason as to why this occurs. It is a statement of fact that crime does occur in the slum areas, and this coincides with the views expressed in general strains theory, but what about those crimes that are not committed in the slum areas? Why are these crimes occurring? General strain theory would say that it is because that person has low constraint and high negative emotionality, but what if the individual is not a juvenile? Should they not have grown out of these traits by now? Another issue not explained by general strain theory is why hate crimes occur. Why is it that gays, lesbians, transvestites, transsexuals are discriminated against? Why does discrimination occur at all? Why is it that terrorism occurs? Why is it that wars occur? General strain theory has no real solid explanation for any of these occurrences of crime. It can be explained why those who are discriminated against would feel strain and commit a crime or a delinquent act, but why is it exactly that they were discriminated against in the first place? In many instances those people who are non-white are not further ahead in the American dream than are whites, and discriminating against someone does not further an individuals chances of achieving the American dream, so why is it that discrimination occurs at all? Another shortcoming of general strain theory is in concordance with achieving the American dream. General strain theorists state that crimes are committed to improve an individuals economic situation. What about the crime that is violent and non-monetary? Why does it occur? Yes, it is true that it could be a result of negative affective states, but once monetary gain is achieved, then the negative affective state that an individual is in is supposed to dissipate without the occurrence of violence. But what if this does not occur? General strain theory also does not explain why it is that females commit crimes. Agnew et al. (2002) found that more males than females were prone to having the traits of low constraint and high negative emotionality, and Cernkovich et al. (2000) found the same to be true in their looking at race and adherence to the American dream, so why is it that some females still do commit crime? According to general strain theory, females are highly unlikely to possess high negative emotionality and low constraint, and do not put much importance on the American dream, so why do some not conform to these factors? What is it that makes some people commit delinquent and criminal acts under the same circumstances that others will not? General strain theory has no answer to these questions. Overall, general strain theory does have its shortcomings, and only further research in more diversified areas such as those mentioned above will be able to improve on the shortcomings of the theory, as is the case with any theory that has inadequacies. Once these many questions have answers backed by research, then and only then will general strain theory be able to adequately explain all areas of crime and deviance as they occur in society. Opinion I believe that general strain theory does a fairly adequate job of explaining crime and deviance. While mentioned in the previous few pages that general strain theory does have a few shortcomings in explaining crime and deviance, I believe these shortcomings to be minor in the overall picture of things. General strain theory does what many other theories have trouble doing, and that is explaining both crime and deviance. Many theories only explain one or the other, but general strain theory does the job of explaining both. Depending on the level of constraint and negative emotionality an individual possesses, coupled with the amount of strain that individual then faces, will result in whether or not their way of relieving that strain is criminal or delinquent. Another thing that general strain theory does do is that it explains why both instrumental crimes and expressive crimes occur. One is for monetary reasons, and has the achieving of the American dream to back it; the other is for lack of coping mechanisms to deal otherwise, and has low constraint and negative emotionality as reasoning behind it. General strain theory explains why some classes and races are more likely to commit crimes and delinquent acts than are other classes and races, even if it does not completely explain why it is that white collar crime occurs, or why some people of the lower class do not commit crime. Maybe they have stronger coping mechanisms than other people, maybe other factors are involved. This issue of other factors is where I think many theories go wrong, and why it is that I think general strain theory does an adequate job of explaining crime and deviance. No criminology theory ever really takes into account those outside factors that may change things on a day-to-day basis. Extenuating factors and circumstances are hard to control for when testing if a theory really works or not, and in accordance with this, allowances must be made for all theories when deciding if they really do their job or not. It is for the above-mentioned reason that I think general strain theory does do what a theory is supposed to do: it offers an explanation as to why something is occurring or happening. General strain theory can be applied to crime and deviance, and most crimes are found to be the result of strain or monetary issues, and it is for these reasons that I think general strain theory does an adequate job of explaining crime and deviance. With the use of emotions and money as the background on which general strain theory is based, the occurrence of crime and/or deviance in todays society is fully explained. The occurrence of terrorism and hate crimes are definite reasons as to why general strain theory does not do its job of explaining crime and deviance, but again allowances must be made. No theory completely explains everything that is supposed to; everything cannot be completely explained. General strain theory does its best and integrates a number of things into explaining why it is that one thing (crime) occurs in the world. It does not just deal with one issue as an explanation, as some theories are prone to do, but focuses on a few different things instead. Overall, general strain theory is found to be a fairly sufficient theory when used to explain why it is that crime and deviance occur in todays society, and in the societies of the past. Money makes the world go round and it is because of this that many crimes in the world do occur. General strain theory just takes this into account with emotions added to the equation to state why it is exactly that some people commit criminal and delinquent acts while others do not. While it is true that the theory has its faults and shortcomings, this can be found to be true of any theory; no theory is perfect, and that is something to be taken into account.

Adolescent Girls at Risk Essay -- Essays Papers

Adolescent Girls at Risk What risks are really in existence for adolescent girls growing up on the Arizona-Mexico border? Well, more then anyone in their right mind might be able to imagine. Adolescent girls growing up on the border or in a multicultural area are generally from lower income homes, which in itself introduces an entire set of risk factors. The main focus, but certainly not the only ones at risk, being that of minority groups, such as Hispanic and American Indian girls. In general, they are at a risk for teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, gang affiliation, and academic and social challenges at school. Now this might not seem entirely foreign or surprising to some people. In fact, almost all high school students are at risk for everything listed, but the degree to which the girls are vulnerable to these risks in a multicultural environment can be alarming. There are many factors that can affect an adolescent girl’s degree of risk, and these factors are generally characterized as â€Å"stressors.† Stressors can consist of many things, from family problems, to social problems, to problems with academics. In migrant children, the stressors can be from the actual act of moving. They can also develop from difficulties in adjusting to a new area where they are now the minority and are being discriminated against for the first time (Canino & Spurlock, 18). This can cause a marked decline in self-esteem, which leads to even more difficulties including metal health problems. Many risk factors affecting minority youth are enhanced by the fact that they are typically from poor, highly stressed families (Canino & Spurlock, 18). Among all of these stressors, there are remedies, including social support... ... Children for Success in the 21st Century. Phoenix, AZ: Arizona Town Hall, 1994. Branch, Curtis W. Clinical Interventions with Gang Adolescents and Their Families. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1997. Canino and Spurlock. Culturally Diverse Children and Adolescents: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment. New York, NY: Guilford Press, 1994. Finkelstein, Nadia Ehrlich. Children and Youth in Limbo: A Search for Connections. New York, NY: Praeger Publishers, 1991. Garza and Ockerman. Adolescent Mexican American Student Attitudes of Self-Concept, Locus of Control and Family Ideology in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Palo Alto, CA: R&E Research Associates, Inc., 1979. Marchant and Smith. Adolescent Girls at Risk. New York, NY: Pergamon Press, 1977. Social Work with Adolescents. Ed. Jones and Pritchard. Boston, MA: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1980.

China: Overpopulation

The Country of China accumulates over 1/5 the population of the world with a massive total of over 1. 3 billion people. Having an Immense population not only creates problems within the country, but also triggers some of the largest Issues our world has faced today. Although China has released a One-Child policy to slightly limit the population rate, problems are continuing to grow at a constant rate. The most powerful institution in the nation of China is the Communist Party of China, otherwise known as the CPA.They set goals and policy that the government hen sets in motion (Dreamer). The Chinese government is generally thought to be repressive, while freedoms of speech, assembly, religion, and press are not well respected (â€Å"China†). In 1979, the Chinese Communist leader Issued the One-Child Policy to limit the nation's population (Hardwood). There are also exceptions to China's One-Child Policy. For instance, the policy applies only to the Han, who make up about 92% of China's population. The Han are descendants of China's first great dynasty.However, rural couples are allowed to have a second child if the first one was a female (Dreamer). Many believe that this form of policy Is unfair and can disturb the cultures of Chinese families. Years ago, China was once concerned for having had too many people to support. As of today, the One-Child Policy causes the country to have too few children to support a rapidly aging country (Hardwood). Also, because males are more valuable than females traditionally, the female population declines. If the ratio of men increases over women, then the population will also decline too fast (Hardwood).Based on the July 2013 census, the population of China stands at about 1,349,585,838 and continues to grow (â€Å"One-Child Policy'). With several people living In urban areas. It is quite difficult for China's government to force its population controlling policies (Hardwood). Those who don't follow the policy are pena lized with heavy fines, destruction of home or possessions, political/physical harassment, and even loss of employment (â€Å"One-Child Policy†). Even with the policy, China's population still continues to grow at a rapid pace.Some estimates show that nearly 1 million more births occur than deaths every 5 weeks (â€Å"One-Child Policy'). These problems will only continue to expedite adversely If a resolution does not develop soon. There are several causes for the rapidly increasing population, but only a few present itself as the primary source. One of the main factors is the fact that China has a high birth rate and a low death rate. This is due to a lack of family planning, a high level of Infant mortality and increased sanitation.Some cultures also believe that It Is unacceptable to use contraception's (â€Å"China†). Other than the logical causes, there was also said to be an â€Å"Economic Project† which had Increased the population to spark China's econom y. According to sources, â€Å"in 1 978, China embarked on an economic project that liberated foreign trade and investment; encouraging the formation of rural and private businesses as an attempt to raise China's economy (Hardwood). This project ultimately led to people having more children as it was conducive to the economy.The problem of overpopulation and the One-Child Policy affect China In several unemployment are serious problems which continue to rise in China (â€Å"China†). The Chinese government neglected to protect its water, air, and land against pollution. Because of this, China is the world's second largest producer of the dangerous greenhouse gases (Dreamer). For the impacts from the policy, â€Å"Officials of China suggested that the immediate consequences of the policy shift would be relatively minor, although the government's own demographic estimates showed that upwards of 10 million couples will be affected† (â€Å"One-Child Policy').The average h ousehold size in China was also down to 3. 1 people, from 3. 44 in 2000. From an international standpoint, the One-Child Policy impacts the entire world by helping reduce the population. Although people around the world complained that the rule was extreme and unfair, the policy has, in some ways, been effective (Dreamer). With China having a mass number of people living in such packed places, several people tend to immigrate to other countries, which can likely cause other problems within those countries as well (Dreamer).Because China is the most populous country, China attracts several other multi-national companies to set up their businesses in areas holding the largest people. Examples of these companies include Coca Cola, Motorola and Volkswagen (Hardwood). Because several companies set up their businesses in a variety of locations, China is ranked number one for having the fasted growing economy (â€Å"Dreamer†). Solutions to improving the policy are slowly going into effect.After the policy, a system of benefits and penalties went into effect. Couples who signed the policy pledge were sometimes granted rewards including regular payments, easy access to healthcare, education, and even desired Job categories for both the parents and the child (â€Å"One-Child Policy'). In the past year, China's governing Communist Party released a document presenting policy changes in allowing couples to have an additional child if the mother or father was an only child (â€Å"One-Child Policy').Because f the fact that the policy changes suit most people throughout the nation, the country of China may be able to become stable in the future without disturbing too much of the culture (Hardwood). Although China has released a One-Child policy to slightly reduce the population, the changes they have made will allow the country to become stronger and more stabilized. Although the country of China still contains problems due to an immense population. The Communist Par ty of China is still in search for a greater solution to make their nation a better place for both China and the World.

Synthesizer

To make this synth, I opened up the ES2 synthesizer in Logic, changed the setting to â€Å"series†, turned on â€Å"poly' and made sure it was in â€Å"unison† and opened up a second and third waveform. Next, I split the waveforms evenly using the acute triangle fgure. I set a cutoff to 1 and 2, and used envelope 2 for the cutoff. Finally, I turned both cut settings all the way to the right†¦ from this I got an upbeat dance- style synth that I'd be happy to use on any dancepop/electro track that I was trying to create!Synth 2 For this next tutorial, I wanted to have synthesized drums, so I made a basic drum pattern in ultrabeat opened up the ES2 synthesizer. The first thing I did once I had the ES2 synthesizer open was change the default preset to plain sine. Next, shorten the attack significantly. Then, I shortened to the decay to a little less than half, took away all of the sustain, then shortened the release to about 1/6. Then, I changed the settings so that t he pitch will be modulated by envelope 2.After, I turned on the filter nd set the drive to about 0. 10 to give some realistic harmonics. Finally, I set the sine level up a bit to give a bit more of a bass sound and voila! The perfect synth percussion to add to a d&b or rap track. Synth 3 For synth number three, I set out to make a house/techno-type synthesizer. I opened up my ES2 synthesizer. First, I set the first channel to sine and right clicked down to number 59 â€Å"cryl† and lowered the channel to -17s. Next I enabled the second channel, put it on a saw tooth and lowered it to -24.Next I enabled the third hannel, went to sine and set it up to â€Å"vox3† and set this one to -36s. Brought the icon in the triangle to the center so the sounds are balanced, then turned the analog halfway up. I went to the top and set it to ono and brought the voices down to 4, set the distortion to about 13. 600db. Finally, I routed envelope 1 to cutoff 2 and set cutoff 2 down to O. Lastly, I set the decay up, however, I also like it when I set the decay all the way down, yet still making for a delightfully electronic sound that would fit any good house/techno track!Synth History Perhaps the first fully electronic instrument came along Just before the turn of the 20th century, in 1899, when William Duddell took technology used in the carbon arc lamp, which was known for making a lot of noise, from a high-pitched whistle down to a low hum. Duddell had the lamp examined and his workers cuncluded that the more voltage the lamp received, the higher the pitch of the sound it gave off would be. Duddell hooked a keyboard up to the lamp and tentatively titled it, â€Å"The Singing Arc†, thus birthing the first fully-functional electronic instrument!

Essay Sample on the Empire of the Sun by J.G. Ballard

Essay Sample on the Empire of the Sun by J.G. Ballard Empire of the Sun by J.G. Ballard deals with many issues that help shape humans. Ballard presents many issues which help shape humans to think and act, especially the character Jim. The maturation of Jim is a major importance because he is able to adapt to different surroundings and also to different people. Jim’s maturation lasts through the entire book and takes a long time because he is constantly changing his attitude and environment. Jim is a British boy living in Shanghai, he is rich and is used to servants doing things for him but then ends up in concentration camps were he has to care for himself. For Jim this would have been a big change that would have been difficult to adapt to, especially someone who is used to servants and coolies doing everything for you. Another hard change for him would have been not having his parents around and because of this was not taken care of and also had to basically be slave for everyone in the camp. Having to run around for everyone else is very demanding on a person especially if they are starving and having malnutrition problems. This makes the reader feel empathy for Jim and makes you hope that better things will come for him. While Jim slaved for Basie, we feel empathy for Jim because he is wasting his energy while Basie just relaxes and watches Jim tire himself out, in this part of the book I felt deeply for Jim because he isn’t realising that he is just about killing himself just to make a friend that doesn’t actually like him but is just using him. For me this was depressing because you wouldn’t think someone could be that shameless in using a 8 year old kid as your slave and then faking to be his friend, Basie even tried to sell Jim but this didn’t seem to affect Jim. While Jim is in Longhua Camp it makes you think what you would do in Jim’s place because some conflicts really get you thinking if you would do that if you had to live. I would find it hard to fake that someone is still alive when they are dead just in order to get food, but likes Jim’s maturation in the mind you find ways of bypassing thoughts like this and just do what is necessary for staying alive. In this situation the environment does shape people to think and act differently. While Jim was in the Olympic Stadium we really get to know all the feelings of all the characters, especially Jim’s feelings for Mr Maxted. This situation is quite emotional for Jim and is basically the only time he cries, so from this we learn that Jim is becoming more mature and is having strong relationships with certain people. This situation seemed to show the more mature Jim that was forming strong bonds with people. The Olympic Stadium defiantly made humans think and act. Ballard has done a great job in making humans think and act differently through different environments that also shape characters personalities.