The Socioreligious Significance of Rice A comparis Essay Example For Students

The Socioreligious Significance of Rice A comparis Essay on between two Southeast Asian societies Without rice, there is nothing doing. The fact that rice plays an important role in the lives of the peoples of Southeast Asia is undeniable. It is not just a form of sustenance that nourishes the body; it is also an aspect of everyday life that feeds not only the soul but the unbounded realms of the imaginative human mind. Such proverbs as above are an example of how rice is revered and incorporated in day-to-day living of the peoples in this region. Even outside the region, as in Mizumono Kuni the Land of Luxurious Rice Crops that is Japan, the placement of rice is that of a very high level: next to the Emperor, rice is the most sacred of all things on earth. We will write a custom essay on The Socioreligious Significance of Rice A comparis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Money can be squandered and the wastrel forgiven, but there is no forgiveness for wasting rice (Piper 1993:14). In Southeast Asia, rice is seen as the basis of almost all the cultures and civilizations ever created. It is also said to be responsible for the high populations of this region for if it wasnt for rice that had replaced the millets and other staple food crops that preceded it, far fewer people could have been supported by agriculture (Piper 1993:1). The truth remains that the bulk of the cultures of Southeast Asia constitutes agriculturalists with rice as the main crop, with a few exceptions of course, in more industry-oriented nations for example. Two main elements can be derived: firstly, since rice has been the major crop cultivated in Southeast Asia for perhaps more than 7,000 years, surely cultures and civilization are interwoven with each other (Piper 1993:1). One can safely assume that that long a time must have been ample enough for gradual evolutions and intermixing of cultures and traditions, rituals and beliefs and so on that is closely linked to rice, so we can see simil arities between cultures of different countries within this region that may have even perpetuated from the same roots. And the same goes to the careful selections of good varieties of rice over time. Secondly, rice is such an adaptive crop that it is not impossible to successfully grow it in different environments where crops could not have been grown successfully- from swampy valleys and deltas to hot, dry land above the floods and even in the mountain forests (Piper 1993:1). Consequently, rice is often seen as a blessed gift from the divine and that it is generally treated with due respect and reverence. What are the evidences for this? A good way of looking at the extent of the importance of rice in the lives of the Southeast-Asians is by observing the socio-cultural ways and practices of the peoples through their traditions and whatnot that have been passed down from one generation to another. Obviously, most of these societies have put a lot of emphasis on rice and religion seeing that rice has indeed impacted upon their lives like a blessing from the heavens. As such, we shall later look at the examples of two Southeast Asian societies in which I hope will evidently display the socio-religious significance of rice in the lives of its members, and the importance within their society as a whole. Before I proceed, I think it imperative to somehow define religion and what the term socio-religious (significance and) practices mean. Why should it be a good indicator of how much rice is revered and even worshipped in this region? As a food, why should one even relate rice to religion? The forms of religion vary enormously, but they are all alike to the extent that they are founded on a belief in the supernatural (Ferraro 1997:284). Although the definition and interpretation of religion is highly open to discussion and that not all anthropologists always agree on one, Ferraro offers a definition which I think is suitable to this paper. He defines it as a set of beliefs and patterned behaviours concerned with supernatural beings and forces. He continues, Because human societies are faced with a series of important life problems that cannot all be resolved through the application of science and technology, they attempt to overcome .

Difference Between Standard Telephone Lines n Digital Lines essays

Difference Between Standard Telephone Lines n Digital Lines essays This essay will opinionate the difference between standard telephone lines and digital telephone lines. My favor in this subject would be digital, offering faster send/receive rates. Basically, computers operate with digital signals. Which is then sent through a modem to convert the data into an analog signal, which is passed through POTS or plain old telephone system. Finally, there is another modem at the receiving end, converting the analog data back into its digital form to be processed by the computer at the receiving end. The telephone was originally designed to carry voice messages, also called analog signals. The lines are now being occupied to send digital data. Reason being, you can send and receive data with anyone in the world with a computer and telephone service, without a network. But the downfall, speed, the limit for transmission speeds over analog lines is only around .005 as fast as a 10Base-T Ethernet network. The effect it had on telephone companies across the world was, to offer digital lines specifically designed for data communications. Most people still have analog telephone lines in their homes and businesses. Digital telephone lines can offer about 200 times as fast a transfer rate than a 56 Kbps (kilobytes per a second) modem, equaling to be 10 Mbps (Megabytes per a second). The telephone companies recognized the problem several years ago and started the long process of converting the analog system into a digital scheme. Bulky data channels that are used to connect major geographical regions are already digital. The lines that run below or above the surface of most streets in a city or town are still analog. Therefore making these systems extremely confusing, especially while transmitting data trough a modem. After this transition finishes taking place it will affect most users in these three simple ways: Requiring a different phone, a digital one that can translate your voice into bits rather than a...

Abraham Lincoln Essays - Lincoln Family, Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln Cinder26 On the stormy morning of Sunday, February 12, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, wife of Thomas, gave birth to a boy. He was born on a bed of poles covered with corn husks. The baby was named Abraham after his grandfather. In 1811 the Lincolns moved to a farm on Knob Creek which was also near Hodgenville. In 1811 or 1812, Abraham's younger brother, Thomas, died in infancy. Abraham spent a short amount of time in a log schoolhouse. He began to learn his ABC's from a teacher named Zachariah Riney. He attended school with his sister, Sarah. Late in 1816 the Lincoln family moved to southern Indiana and settled near present day Gentryville. A cabin was constructed near Little Pigeon Creek. It measured 16 X 18 feet, and it had one window. Abraham's mother, Nancy, passed away on October 5th, 1818, she died of milk sickness. In 1819, Abraham would barrow books from his neighbors to read. In 1821 Abraham attended school taught by James Swaney for about 4 months. Also in 1824 Abraham attended school taught by Azel Dorsey. In 1827 Abraham's sister, Sarah died giving birth to her son. In 1831, Lincoln decided to leave his family and go off on his own. In July he moved to New Salem, Illinois, where he boarded at Rutledge's tavern and became acquainted with the owner's daughter, Ann. New Salem was a frontier village consisting of one long street on a bluff over the Sangamon River. On August 6th, 1832 Lincoln was defeated while running for the Illinois State Legislature. Lincoln began to operate a general store in New Salem along with William F. Berry. Again, In 1834, Lincoln ran for the Illinois State Legislature, but this time he was elected. During the summer, John T. Stuart advised Lincoln to study law. On December 1 he took his seat in state government in Vandalia. In 1837 Lincoln, 28, was admitted to the Illinois Bar on March 1, and he moved to Springfield on April 15. He became a law partner of John Stuart and lived with Joshua Speed. Lincoln now had income from a law practice as well as a state legislator. November 4,1842 Lincoln married Mary Todd. The first son of the Lincolns, Robert Todd, was born August 1, 1843 at the Globe Tavern. In 1844 Abraham and Mary purchased a home from Dr. Dresser in Springfield for $1500. It was located at the corner of Eighth and Jackson. The family moved in on May 2nd. In 1849 Lincoln failed in his attempt to be appointed commissioner of the General Land Office, and he returned to a full time law practice in Springfield as his term in the House of Representatives had expired on March 4th. On March 7th he was admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court. In 1850 Lincoln's son, "Eddie," died on February 1. His third son, William Wallace was born on December 21st. The fourth and last son of the Lincolns, Thomas, was born on April 4th, 1853. In 1858 Lincoln was nominated by the Republicans to run for the U.S. Senate against Stephen Douglas. He gave his famous "House Divided" speech. The Old State Capitol in Springfield where Lincoln gave the House Divided speech. During the summer, Lincoln and Douglas engaged in a series of 7 debates throughout Illinois. On November 2nd Douglas won the election. On May 18th, 1860 Lincoln was nominated for President at the Republican National Convention in Chicago. On November 6th Lincoln was elected President over 3 opponents (Stephen Douglas, John Breckinridge, and John Bell) winning 39% of the popular vote but nearly 60% of the electoral vote. On January 1st, 1863 the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the slaves in the rebelling areas, took effect. On March 3rd Lincoln approved the first draft law in U.S. history. In early July the Union won two major battles at Gettysburg and Vicksburg. In 1864 Lincoln nominated Ulysses S. Grant as the first full lieutenant general since George Washington. Grant assumed his role as General-in-Chief of Union armies. Lincoln received the Republican nomination on June 8th to run for a 2nd term as President. Andrew Johnson was his Vice-presidential running mate. On November 8th he easily defeated Democrat

Applied Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Applied Law - Essay Example This means that there is a promise made in return for something, which has already occurred. The promise to donate the receipts to the charity organization constitutes to insufficient consideration and cannot be enforceable (Adams, 2004). The formation of a contract takes place when what one party offers is accepted by the other party to the contract. Krauses cannot avoid the contract after learning that they could have sold the piece of land at a higher price than the price, which Jud offered. This is because they have already accepted the offer. Acceptance of the offer means that the Krauses bound themselves legally to the terms of the contract. Therefore, avoiding the contract could constitute to breach of contract. Krauses can only withdraw from the offer if they had not accepted the offer (Bhana, Bonthuys & Nortje, 2009). Jud can be held to pay the typewritten amount since a contract constitutes a legal agreement in writing between the two parties to a contract. This means that Jud is bound to pay the typewritten amount rather than the offered amount (Bhana, Bonthuys & Nortje,

Imperialism (ANALYSIS PAPERS) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Imperialism (ANALYSIS PAPERS) - Essay Example ects to the political, social and moral standard of the community assuming that the current group of immigrants is of inferior quality to the past (Fetter). Prescott Hall has aptly stated these apprehension as his observation dictates that the immigrants are among the lowest class in their native country and the addition of such to the American community would degrade the quality of its people (1906). Particularly, they stand as rival to the resources that should be abundantly enjoyed by the Americans including labor opportunities and hefty wages. In simple economic concept, the addition of immigrants to the labor force, adds to the current supply of labor which dampens its price. Other social perils such as crime, juvenile delinquency and even illiteracy are also among the ones mentioned by Hall, concluding that the immigrants post higher number in these figures. Owing to America’s philatrophic inclination, the absence of restriction could have been an act of extending help to the non-Americans, providing them opportunities for a better quality of life, however one observation says that even this process is a vain endeavor in altering the condition of the poor from other countries (Fetter). Those who are against the immigration restriction are those who believe that the immigrants are not perils, rather contributors to the American society, mentioning the likes of Andrew Carnegie, Samuel Gompers and James J. Hill to include the list of desirable immigrants (Warne). Warne believes that immigration has brought the country the industrious, the God-fearing and the courageous men from around the world (1916). Mr. James Bryce has also excellently concluded that the assimilation of Americans with other races actually enlivens intellectual fertility and boosts the creative power of the country to a higher level of production (1891). The debaters continued on to dispel the figures proving higher crime rate, juvenile deliquency and illiteracy of the immigrants are not

Hindu Influences in America Essay Example for Free

Hindu Influences in America Essay Discuss some Hindu influences in America. Hinduism has had an influence in America since being introduced by Swami Vivekananda in 1893, at the Worlds Parliament of Religions. Religion is a complex component of our lives and it encompasses much more than our own particular traditions or personal experiences. Hinduism has had a reflection on interests around vegetarian concentration, yoga meditation, reincarnation and alternative medical treatments that have become popular in the United States. Hinduism has also introduced words, such as yoga, mantra, and chakra, to name a few, that have been incorporated into the American language as quasi-religious practices. As Hinduism grows in populations so does the interests in what the religion has to offer. Yoga is used as a relaxation exercise to unite oneself with God or ones true self. Yoga practices have become so popular and widespread that newer populations may mistake them as being entirely American tradition. Mantra is a means of chanting or meditating and consists of a set of sacred words or syllables used to unite one with the deity they represent. These are some of the benefits Americans feel provide them with a newfound faith. Hindus of Indian descent in America have created a balance between their religion and Indian cultural religion with the pressures to Westernize. Temples have been built in American in the styles of northern or southern India and dedicated by Hindu priests from India. These temples create a place to worship. There is always the threat that modern American traditions, such as eating meat, racial intermarriage, and considerable mobility in society may interfere. The temples welcome the serious seeker of non-Indian descent which speaks well for Hindu hospitality. The population of Hindus is continually growing in America. It is believed that Hinduism isnt just a faith but is related to the union of reason and intuition. As most Americans we find new things intriguing by feeling they may bring us closer to oneself or to God. In my opinion it is likely that this belief will continue to entice Americans in the years to come.

Evolution in the United States Education System Essay -- Essays Papers

Evolution in the United States Education System In July of 1925, a Tennessee high school teacher named John Scopes sat in a court room facing a violation of state law by teaching evolution, the idea that human beings and monkeys share a similar ancestry. This was no ordinary trial, this was the â€Å"trial of the century†; it featured heavy media attention, it was a battle between two of the best attorneys in the nation, and it raised many questions about evolution and creation, the theory that human beings were put on Earth by God. Today, these questions still are not answered, with cases and debates still popping up 78 years after the famous â€Å"monkey trial,† with the same issues at hand: creation versus evolution (Futuyma 6). The evolution theory goes back to the times of the Greeks, who believed that humans went through a form of evolution. Later on in the 18th and 19th centuries, many scientists and philosophers from Europe wrote theories pertaining to evolution. Finally, in 1859 On the Origins of Species, a book on observations by Englishman Charles Darwin, was published explaining his theory, that in the long run, the fittest of all species survive, passing on different characteristics to help the next generation survive. This theory changed the aspects of biology and sparked much controversy in society. Beginning in the 1870s in the United States, about ten years after Darwin released his controversial book, Southern Christians began to fight the idea of evolution, while in the North, much was not made of the topic. It was almost completely ignored. In the early 1900s, teaching of evolution had become pretty normal in an American elementary, middle, or high school, although sometimes with some controversy. In the... ...d J. (1998). Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America's Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion. Boston: Harvard University Press. Levenson, J.C. (2004). The age of Darwin. Raritan, 23 (3). 115-149. Linder, Douglas. (2002). Tennessee vs. John Scopes Monkey Trial. Retrieved April 19, 2004, from http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/scopes/scopes.htm Morgan, Jeffrey P. (2003) Reading race into the Scopes trial. Journal of American History, 90 (3). 891. Robinson, B.A. Teaching of Evolution of U.S. schools. Retrieved: March 30, 2004, from http://religioustolerance.org/ev_school.htm Shultz, Lynne H. Summary of Evolution in Public Schools. Retrieved: April 19, 2004, from http://infidels.org/activist/state/evolution.shtml Scopes, John T. & Presley, James. (1967). Center of the Storm. New York: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston Books