Cultural Literacy According To E.d. Hirsch :: Education Literacy Educational Essays

According to E.D. Hirsch, to be culturally literate is to possess the basic information to thrive in the modern world. It is the "grasp on the background information that writers and speakers assume their audience already has." In his book, Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know, Hirsch sets forth 5,000 essential words and phrases of which each person should be knowledgeable. The list ranges from idioms to mythology, from science to fairy tales. Why has this list prompted a notable debate on our country's educational standards? E.D. Hirsch believes that the literacy of American people has been rapidly declining. The long range remedy for restoring and improving American literacy must be to "institute a policy of imparting common information in our schools." In short, according to Hirsch - the answer to our problem lies within the list. Hirsch's book explains the importance of the need of a higher level of national literacy. His main argument is that cultural literacy is required for effective communication and the "cooperation of many people..." Communication is what Hirsch sees is essential for success in today's society. Communication is the key to equality in America. With increased cultural literacy, an egalitarian society is eventually possible. One common body of knowledge for everyone will be the glue that holds society together. Hirsch also points out the senselessness of concepts such as multi-culturalism and multi-lingualism. He acknowledges the importance of the numerous cultures and ethnicities of which United States is comprised. Hirsch mentions the "hyphenated American: the Italo-American, the Polish-American, the Afro- American, the Asian-American and so forth." He points out that he is in favor of each minority's protection, nurture, and respect; however, he strongly feels that people need to decide what "Å’American' means on the other side of the hyphen...what national values and traditions really belong to national cultural literacy." American cultural literacy should be based on our traditions -- morality of tolerance and benevolence, the Golden Rule, communal cooperation, altruism and freedom. It is in this way that Hirsch argues those in opposition of cultural literacy. Many opponents question Hirsch's view by questioning who would decide this common body of knowledge for everyone. People debate what is includedin "the list" on the basis of multiculturism. They ask, is the knowledge equally important to every citizen of the United States no matter what race, gender or religion? Hirsch responds by putting the emphasis on the other side of the hyphen - the American side. When reading Hirsch's book, I strongly agreed with his big picture of cultural literacy and agree that it is important to establish a common body of knowledge

English Writtentask

Candidate Session Number: Session: May 2014 Written Task Assignment Writing diary entries from Blanches point of view about her emotions toward Stanley: A streetcar named desire Rationale In part 4 of our English course, we study and analyze famous literature works such as Shakespeare â€Å"Othello† and Tennessee Williwaw's â€Å"A Streetcar Named Desire†. For this written task, we have to choose an Imaginative way of exploring an apse's of the material we have studied. In other words, it is a creative assignment regarding an aspect or theme of either â€Å"Othello† or â€Å"A Streetcar Named Desire†.I have chosen to explore the character of Balance by writing diary entries In which Balance begins to be delusional due to Stanley actions towards her and how this makes her feel towards Stanley. Looking at both characters, we can see that both of them are opposites of each other. Balance, coming from a wealthy family and also from the south, has a higher stat us and therefore expects men to treat women with respect because this is what she experienced during most of her life. On the other hand, Stanley, coming from new Orleans, but representing the new American, shows obvious difference In character from Balance.Stanley Is portrayed as a brute, having power over both female and a sense, male characters too. By writing diary entries from Blanches point of view, we are able to see the difference between the cultures from south and the new America ,the difference of social status affecting how Balance treats Stanley. Dear diary, 1 OFF taken the wrong streetcar! Oh how can this be where my dear sister, Stella, lives? After being brought up by the wealth of our great family, I had great expectations in my head!After the loss of belle reeve – the struggling, all those deaths – I had to endure – it has made me as weak as the crumbling walls of an old house. What do I have to do to deserve a trip to paradise? If life hasn't given me enough troubles a sane human being can handle, here comes my lovely brother-in-law, Mr. Stanley Kowalski. Oh what an, interesting man he is, asking me questions about my past that I tried so hard to lock up, and stow away, And what nerve! Snatching my love letters from my young husband, my sweet,sweet boy, he is definitely an inquirer.I can see, o, that he's of the more primitive side of nature, the way he walks and talks, not like the gentlemen who used to call for me for hours and hours till I replied them. If one Stanley Kowalski wasn't enough, what about four of them? I've never expected the gathering of the apes, nor have I seen that many in one place! Oh Stanley Kowalski, the alpha male, saying that I could not kibitz-who does he think he is, the king of the house? And the way he treats Stella,my dear sister, embarrassing her inferno of his friends. His true colors shine through and no man, no man in the world treats a woman this way.Oh What did she ever do to that be ast, what makes her deserve such a life? And what does a girl need to do to enjoy herself around here? Can't Stella and I enjoy a little conversation between ourselves without having Stanley blowing his top off? Oh, the destruction that trails after Stanley, almost like a shadow. What a monster! He attacked my baby sister, how ruthless can he be? Kindness†¦ Please find your way to me†¦ Please find your way to Stella as she most certainly needs it. Dear diary: I cannot believe Stella! After what Stanley had done to her, she's still with that monster.She told me about their romantic times together and how thrilling it is to have him smash their lightships with the heel of her slipper. Am I the only one who sees that she's in danger? Or that her head is way too far into the clouds to see what an animal Stately is. She's a damsel in distress, and I have to save her. To save her from the beast. Like a circulating rumor spreading ever so quickly through the high school corridors , my disgust for Stanley certainty escalates at that speed. Even after that big speech I gave Stella, after telling how awful and, Oh so common Stanley really is, she still effuses to listen.What she's feeling is Just brutal desire – Just desire! – that old tin can which rattles through up and down the street! And my, it's been a long time since I empty hole, lingering in my heart. Mitch missed my birthday today†¦ Something must be terribly wrong for he did not sneer my calls. I'm afraid that the truth would come out any moment, and that Stanley will spill the beards, ruining our relationship†¦. Mitch knows, Stanley must've told him. Oh, he must have told Mitch something about me! How can I face Mitch, face everyone? My image now tainted by the colors of shame.I can't let them know my past for I have been hiding it for so long. No, I can't let get out, not right now†¦ He must have been to Laurel-to the Flamingo! Oh what have I done to deserve this? After all I have suffered for Belle reeve, all I have sacrificed to fill my lonely soul, I deserve to be treated with kindness and love- after all that God has put me through. Isn't it time for a change? May miracles happen and Stanley will forever keep it to himself. Oh how silly of me, of course he wouldn't. And now, my reality is slowly ribbing onto my dreams.Grabbing aloud of everything and turning it into a nightmare. Dear diary: Stanley†¦ Stanley-he†¦ Confronted me today. He was so happy at first, being a father and all. I was so relieved to see that Stanley Kowalski, was having a normal conversation with me, Balance! He told me stories about his cousin, the human bottle opener. And even opened a bottle to celebrate with me! I mean, maybe Stanley Kowalski, the brute, the Pollack isn't so bad after all. It must have been something I said†¦ After Mitch had torn my paper lantern, exposing my light.I feel weak of the mind, like someone has torn out a piece of my brain. N onetheless, I'm still and always will be a woman of intelligence and breeding, enough for my future husband , the wonderful Sheep Hunting. What every rich man needs is a woman. A woman with a beauty of the mind, richness of the spirit and tenderness of the heart, and I have all those things! He came after me†¦ He insulted me†¦ Calling my dress a worn-out Marci-grass outfit rented for fifty cents†¦ I tried to stop him, I tried calling Mr. Hunting but it was no use. It was inevitable, I was weak, I†¦ Gave up†¦

Diagnosing the Bipolar Disorders Essay - 1289 Words

Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive disorder, is a disorder characterized by extreme mood changes. A person suffering from this disorder can go from being energetic and outgoing to feeling worthless and irritated anywhere between a few days to a couple of months, or even years. Diagnosis, treatment, and the dramatic changes cause a threat to the victim. People with bipolar disorder may try to kill themselves or engage in reckless behaviors depending on which stage they are in (Hassel et al 2009.). The stages a person with bipolar disorder goes through are called episodes. These episodes are classified into four groups: mania, depression, hypomania, and a mix between different moods. Mania is characterized by a period of increased energy†¦show more content†¦Bipolar disorder has been divided into different types depending on the severity of the episodes experiences. Bipolar 1 is when a person suffers from episodes of mania, and sometimes even depression. This type is considered one of the most severe forms of bipolar disorder because during the episode, a patient starts to display psychotic symptoms such as hallucination, delusions, and paranoia. The symptoms of bipolar I can last a few weeks or years. Bipolar 2 is a little similar to 1, except the person never experiences full-on mania. Instead, a person with bipolar 2 goes through the hypomania episode and depression. Like bipolar 2, cyclothymia also goes through the hypomania episode and depression, except not as severe. Experts believe that cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder (Laurel, 2009.). Some of the symptoms of cyclthymia include poor memory, low self-esteem, fatigue, social withdrawal, and racing thoughts. When detecting bipolar disorder, a psychiatrist uses a patient’s signs, symptoms, family history, and the latest edition of â€Å"Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder†, a publication by the American Psychiatric Association, to help make a diagnosis. Usually, during the first assessment, a mental health professional will ask the patient if they are displaying any symptoms of the disorder, how long they have had it for, and whether or not they are severe. Initially, manic-depressiveShow MoreRelatedDiagnosing Bipolar Disorder659 Words   |  3 PagesBipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness that requires treatment. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes drastic emotional changes and mood swings. Transmutations in mood can range from manic highs, to depressive lows. Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that can lead to dangerous demeanors. These may be things such as cutting or inflicting harm to one’s self. 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First of all, Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic-depressiveRead MoreDiscussing Charlie Sheen And Mental Health1230 Words   |  5 Pagespsychological health. I want to find a clear diagnosis for his problems and state of mind. I am diagnosing Sheen with Bipolar disorder which is categorized as an Axis I disorder, in the DSM-V. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 7.5 million people eighteen years or older in any given year (Mohr, 2013). Of the three types of bi-polar disorder, I am diagnosing him with type I bipolar disorder, which is characterized by alternating depressive episodes and one or more manic episodes. â€Å"Manic episodes