Friday, December 27, 2019
Can We Really Trust the Media Essay - 1026 Words
Can We Really Trust The News Media? Can the people of the United States of America trust their modern news media? Since early colonial days, various forms of news coverage have existed in this country. And for many years now, the reliability of the information delivered by the media has been heavily scrutinized. It seems that this issue is becoming more and more significant in the 21st Century. Ronald Roach, executive editor of DiverseEducation.com and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine, notes that ââ¬Å"more than ever, the American news media are under public scrutiny for the way individual reporters conduct themselves, for how news coverage on major events is carried out and for the balance media organizations purport theirâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Television news shows tend to emphasize negative issues and frequently portray violent or extreme news stories. It seems that television medium for news, with its large visual aspect, lends itself particularly well to emotional stimulation. Apparent ly due to the desire for increased profit; many in the media will display whatever has a potential to increase viewers, ignoring ethical principles. Part of this ethical problem is due to the way the overall nature of news media is changing. The former news director of the ABC Information Radio Network and past chairman of the Radio-Television News Directors Association, Rob Sunde says, News programming has become a cheap alternative to entertainment programming, and the lines that once separated the two have become blurred. The pressure to create impactful and profitable news programming for prime time will only become more intense. Young people--long on enthusiasm, short on journalism--will burn ever brighter trails across the nighttime skies, and the American people will become inured to it. The danger is not so much what will become of electronic news as what will become of the publics perception of it, its believability, and its relevance to our livesâ⬠(Rob Sunde). The news media is turning into more of an entertainment outlet than an actual source of factual news. This change is a reaction to the longing of presentShow MoreRelatedAnalysis of Jeffery Rosens: The Naked Crowd Essay884 Words à |à 4 Pagesthat we willing give up all power of privacy in order to fit in with society and be accepted as someone that can be trusted through exposure. He claims that image is the key to establishing trust, not through a relationship or conversation. His thesis presents his views on the subject, ââ¬Å"has led us to value exposure over privacy? Why, in short, are we so eager to become members of the Naked Crowd, in which we have the illusion of belonging only when we are exposed?â⬠(Rosen) he states that we valueRead MoreMarketing Mix Model And Digital Marketing Plan For My Firm1575 Words à |à 7 PagesFirm Using social media to market ones program is a growing marketing trend which often ends up in spectacular results. But repeating the same success level when it comes to ecotourism is a difficult task. Traditionally, sensations created by social media are often related to entertainment industry or really important events that can stir public interest. But when it comes to ecotourism, we are dealing with a sustainable business market that requires long term attachment, trust and other permanentRead MoreThe Social Media And Digital Media893 Words à |à 4 PagesThe template/sample can be found in the appendix, as well as all the results summarized by Google Form. 20 people took the survey in a lapse time of 5 days between October 12 and October 17. The survey suggested that half of the surveyed had a Bachelorââ¬â¢s degree and 75% of them are single, never married. Most of them (65%) had between 18 and 24 year old and took the survey via social media. The other category mostly repres ented (20%) was between 45 and 54 year old and took the survey sent my emailRead More Wag The Dog Essay939 Words à |à 4 PagesSure, parents tell their kids that the man on TV isnt really dead, its all fake, and we all know that movies and sitcoms and dramas arent real, theyre written and acted. But we believe the shows not labelled fiction. We watch documentries and biographies and absorb the information as the truth. When we watch the news at 6:00 pm every evening, and read the paper over coffee and breakfast, we believe everything reported. And why shouldnt we? Isnt it our right to know whats going on in the worldRead MoreWag the Dog958 Words à |à 4 PagesSure, parents tell their kids that the man on TV isnt really dead, its all fake, and we all know that movies and sitcoms and dramas arent real, theyre written and acted. But we believe the shows not labelled fiction. We watch documentries and biographies and absorb the information as the truth. When we watch the news at 6:00 pm every evening, and read the paper over coffee and breakfast, we believe everything reported. And why shouldnt we? Isnt it our right to know whats going on in theRead MoreAmerica s Entrance Into World War II833 Words à |à 4 Pages Why We Fight: Since World War II, the United States has been almost repetitively involved in combat, active members in a string of wars fought completely on foreign shores. American people have fought for the rights and freedom we have today. We the people earned the right for our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. We have always fought for what we believed in and have never stopped. This film helps encourage the involvement of the United States army to protect one who needs help fightingRead MoreSocial Media Essay829 Words à |à 4 PagesCan social media be ruining your life? Researchers say yes. According to researchers, social media can give mental disorders like OCD or ADHD, cause problems in your relationship, risks your privacy, lower self-esteem, cause physical health problems, and spread fake news like wild fires. These are only some reason why social media is bad for your mental and physical health. In the following paragraphs I will explain the reasons why i think social media is better left alone. The first reasonRead MoreIs Technology Pulling Us Towards A Better Future? Essay1437 Words à |à 6 Pagesthese electronics as the teenagers. For example, they talked more with others and interacted with them. Technology is really useful and anyone can do anything these days with it, such as Uber, Lyft, shopping, chatting, networking, homework, and more. But thereââ¬â¢s more dangers of being on the internet, for example how students put their information online for others to view. Students can develop bad habits and problems when faced with too much use of technology. These problems come back to haunt themRead MoreTechnology Has Influenced The Way Of Communication975 Words à |à 4 Pages Advanced technology has influenced the way we communicate with each other; It also has negative influences. Modern technology has helped people get in touch with their loved ones Within seconds. Fifty years ago, people sent letters to communicate with their relatives and friends. In todayââ¬â¢s generations, people use many forms of communication, such as calling, texting, emailing, video chatting, and many more. Modern technology helped improve communication at a personal level. Teens and young adultsRead MoreSocial Media Essay647 Words à |à 3 Pageswhere they can communicate with friends, families, and strangers through pictures, blogs, music, links and many other ways. As social networking sites become more important to society, some people agrees that these online sites are causing society a great trouble, especially the teens (our generation). Many sites cause harassment, bully, violation of someoneââ¬â¢s privacy etcâ⬠¦ Social media can change a person life but these days itââ¬â¢s affecting negatively, especially teens. Social sites can ruin a p ersonââ¬â¢s
Thursday, December 19, 2019
N Pop And Western Music - 1005 Words
K-pop and Western music are two unique and completely opposite music genres. Originating on opposite sides of the planet, and both extremely popular throughout the world. On YouTube if the reader searches ââ¬Å" Her By Block Bâ⬠and ââ¬Å"Heathens By Twenty One Pilotsâ⬠, both have an enormous amount of views on YouTube (YouTube). Although Heathens was featured in a popular movie, Suicide Squad, which gave them leverage to their popularity. Block B did a fantastic job in popularity due to their inability of being featured in a movie. This Research paper will explore and explain the differences between the genres, including their styles and instrumental aspects of their songs. K-pop is a popular music genre originating from South Korea; within the last decade K-pop has gain popularity internationally due to the unique music style. According to Kpopoutofthebox, ââ¬Å"Korean songs arenââ¬â¢t expected to have that much meaning-itââ¬â¢s perfectly understandable in Korea because the music only has to be catchy and upbeat.â⬠(@Kpop,2) Within the K-pop industry, fans only look upon the sound of the instruments or the beat. For example, within the song ââ¬Å"Herâ⬠by Block b is a wonderful example of how K-pop music is catchy: ââ¬Å"Her! Uh Uh! Her! Uh Uh! Her! Uh Uh! Her! Uh I canââ¬â¢t talk Her! Uh Uh! Her! Uh Uh! Her! Uh Uh! Except for you, everyone is so plain.â⬠(Block B-Her,6) Block B shows an extraordinary amount of what K-pop is like through their lyrics. The artists show the upbeat and catchy side of the musicShow MoreRelatedJapanese Popular Rock Music And Japanese Culture1315 Words à |à 6 PagesJapanese Popular Rock Music Japanese popular music and Japanese popular culture is heavily influenced by Western culture through similar characteristics such as instruments, rhythm, style, and language. When listening to J-pop songs, most people tend to think that they might have heard these songs before despite ever listening to those songs. This familiarity is due to the fact that J-pop songs derive from many aspects of the Western music style. The individuality could come from the arrangementRead MoreImage vs Talent in Music Marketing and Success1385 Words à |à 6 Pages Pop music has long been defined by ââ¬Å"idolsâ⬠and superstars that are subjects of high levels of adoration from severely devoted fans, whose love of these superstars often blurs the line between fandom and obsession. This love is mainly based off of physical looks and charm more often than actual musical talent, as majority of the songs written by these massive superstars are not written by the artists themselves, instead by peopl e hired to write for these artists in a way that will best connect withRead MoreWhat Is The Types Of Music?1587 Words à |à 7 Pages What is the types of music? Music became an important thing since i was really young.It grew up with me together and it brings me a lot of things that other things canââ¬â¢t give me.Now,let me tell you all about what i learned from music,and my feeling with music.I found there are many different types of music.And every type of music brings listener different feelings.Types makes music totally different. If i am a narrator,then music is like a main character in my life.ActuallyRead MoreEssay about Rap Music and Teen Violence 944 Words à |à 4 PagesMusic can be a reflection of our life experiences. Each genre of music invokes different emotions and reactions in its listeners. Rap has become a very popular genre of music. As its popularity has increased, some people have questioned whether it can trigger violence in teens. While some rap songs do have violent lyrics, there is no direct evidence that rap music provokes violence in teenagers. Rap music has African roots just like jazz, the blues and rock ââ¬Ënââ¬â¢ roll. African slaves sang songsRead MoreThe Impact Of Ray Charles On American Culture1164 Words à |à 5 Pagesartists of the 1950s. The legendary musician is recognized for being a pillar in the industry, credited with making strides in desegregating musical genres. Although he composed many of his early hits, Charles is considered to be an interpreter of music, offering his distinct personal vision of many classics. Over the course of his career, which spanned five decades, he recorded over 60 albums and sold millions of records worldwide. Ray Charles was born on Sept. 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia, andRead MoreThe Birth of Rock and Roll Music2432 Words à |à 10 Pagesteachers, but music changed the decade of the 1950s. Welcome to the decade, where rock ââ¬Ënââ¬â¢ roll music emerged. Rock ââ¬Ënââ¬â¢ roll changed the world, but it wasnââ¬â¢t just the music. The music created a movement. People were not afraid to be different. The Birth of Rock ââ¬Ënââ¬â¢ roll, created a major impact on many cultures and society. When I think of Rock ââ¬Ënââ¬â¢ roll music, I think of the music, as a stepping stone for Americans. I think of Rock ââ¬Ën roll music as a stepping stone for Americans because the music reflectsRead MoreMusic Of The 60s Help Shape Modern Australian Society1259 Words à |à 6 Pages In what ways did music in the 60s help shape modern Australian society ââ¬Å"People today are still living off the table scraps of the sixties. They are still being passed around - the music and the ideas.â⬠This was pronounced by Bob Dylan, a folk musician of the sixties: an era in which the music heavily influenced the culture of the time and continues to influence the music and culture today. The music and artists of the 60s influenced radio and television, the music, fashion and lifestyles of theRead MoreThe Influence of Classical Music on Modern Music1064 Words à |à 4 PagesHow does the classical music influence the modern music? Classical music influence the modern music by styles`s creation, composing and rhythm ,also many artists use elements of classical music in their work, and some choose to quote or replicate it directly. For example,Walter Murphyââ¬â¢s disco hit ââ¬Å"A Fifth of Beethovenâ⬠samples Beethovenââ¬â¢s Symphony No.5. The following picture shows The first 5 section is actually quoted from the Beethoven`s sample. It gained a great reaction. There is anotherRead MoreHow and Why Did American Popular Culture Influence Australian Society in the 1950s and 1960s? To What Extent Did Australia Develop its Own Response to these Influences?1595 Words à |à 7 PagesThe 1950s and 1960s were times of unprecedented change, and Australian society was influenced greatly by American popular culture, through various mediums, such as: music, film, television and fashion. This especially affected teenagers. It will be explained how Australian society was impacted by American popular culture, and also why American popular culture had such an affect. Australian developed its own responses to these influences, and the extent of this will also be explored. The 1950s meantRead MoreSocial Issues Surrounding the Production and Consumption of Drugs838 Words à |à 3 Pagesattitude during the time the drug was taken, and finally the last variable is setting which is the influence of the environment either socially or physically. Social media creates this setting through music, film and video. These media outlets alter the populationsââ¬â¢ idea about the drugs. In western culture during the 1930 drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and opiates were seen as ââ¬Ëpleasurable, mainstream and non-criminal lifestyleââ¬â¢ and was evident in films such as International House (1933). However
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Blithe Spirit By Noel Coward Essay Example For Students
Blithe Spirit By Noel Coward Essay Blithe Spirit written by Noel Coward was first published in 1941. Noel Coward was known for his sophisticated comedies of modern life Seymour, Smith 261. It is sophisticated yet hilarious to the readers. Seymour and Smith stated that Cowards plays, are within their admittedly-but unashamedly-extremely narrow limits, accurate truthful, cynical and funny261. It is one of the greatest farces ever written. Blithe Spirit is the story of Charles Condomine who loses his wife, Elvira, at a young age. Charles remarries a lady named Ruth. The couple decides to have a sà ¹ance to get some ideas for a novel that Charles is in the process of writing. After the sà ¹ance is complete, Elviras spirit is conjured up and only Charles can see her. Ruth thought he had gone mad, and she was quite perturbed with him. Eventually, Elvira reveals herself to Ruth by moving objects in front of her. Elvira decides that she wants Charles to be in the spirit world with her. Thus, she tries to kill him in numerous ways. Elvira tampers with the brakes on Charles car, but Ruth takes the car that morning and dies in an accident. Now Charles is faced with two spirits talking to him, and he calls on Madame Arcati to help him get rid of the two spirits. Madame Arcati is the woman who performed the sà ¹ance in the beginning. We will write a custom essay on Blithe Spirit By Noel Coward specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Later, Charles finds out that Edith, a servant, can see the two spirits. Once Madame Arcati knows that Edith can see the spirits, she realizes that Edith is the source to get rid of them. Madame Arcatis sà ¹ance does not work so Charles decides to take a trip away from the house. He gets in his car, and it crashes at the bridge. This drama is one of the greatest farces because every one acts seriously in funny situations. For example, when Madame Arcati is about to start the first sà ¹ance she steps outside and talks to the birds and tells Charless guests that the cuckoo is angry. All the guests obediently listen to the bird. It may seem comical to the reader but it also presents a grave appearance. According to Eric Bentley, if what farce offers is the interaction of violence and something else, it follows that violence by itself is not the essence of farce243. The violence portrayed in this play is not horrifying, and it gives no gory details. It lightly discusses the death of the characters in a comical way. An example of this is when Elvira tampers with the breaks on the car and Ruth while driving it gets into an accident. Elviras response to her taking the car is a scream that sounds like a banshee. Suddenly, Ruths spirit comes in, and she starts chasing after Elvira. Some people want their jokes pleasant and harmless. It is common to interpret farce as precisely the pleasant treatment of what usually would have been an unpleasant subject Bentley 239. One of the greatest nineteenth century farceur criticsà discusses his opinion on modern day farces, I had often complained that they bored us constantly with this question of adultery, which nowadays is the subject of three quarters of the plays. Why, I asked, take pleasure in painting its dark and sad sides, enlarging on the dreadful consequences which it brings with it in reality? Our fathers took the thing more lightheartedly in the theatre and even called adultery by a name which awoke in the mind only ideas of the ridiculous and a sprightly lightheartedness. . .. Chance brought it about that I met Labiche. I was very struck, he said to me, with your observations on adultery and on what could derive from it .. .for farce . . . I agree . . . I had almost forgotten this conversation when I saw the title posted outside the Palais Royal. . . .It was my play: it was adultery treated lightheartedly Bentley 238. Although Blithe Spirit did not portray any adultery, Sarcey made an excellent point that a farce has to remain lighthearted through any bad situation in order to be sought funny by the audience 243. Coward wrote this play in England during World War II. He did not write this comedy to insight laughter during a dark moment but to merely write a comical drama Bentley 236. .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75 , .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75 .postImageUrl , .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75 , .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75:hover , .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75:visited , .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75:active { border:0!important; } .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75:active , .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75 .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u40b10c75b05ffa6513235451d1f7ca75:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Abigail Diary EssayBlithe Spirit is indeed a wonderful comedy for polished, edgy audiences. It is a combination comedy that turns itself into a good-humored ghost story. As Madame Arcati says, nothing has ever been definitely proved about anything Fulton 516. In this world, a lot of things happen around us that we may not understand or be able to explain with reason. People are apt to brush aside something they do not understand or reject something supernatural. In the universe, there is still the unseen realm for us to explore. Therefore, audiences are more willing to view plays if they are intertwined with a comical twist. As Coward states, Blithe Spirit is an improbable farce, in which things are supposed to fly to and froFulton 465. The most comical character in the play would definitely be Madame Arcati. She is a hefty older woman that rides a bicycle everywhere she goes. The towns people all think she is a bit strange, but her character lightens up the play dramatically. She is the only character in this play that is portrayed comically. However, the audience may perceive the other characters as comical despite the portrayal of serious situations. As proven, Blithe Spirit has many characteristics of a great farce. As noted previously, Seymour and Smiths view of this drama is extremely narrow. Yet, it consists of cynical and funny traits 243. Overall, Blithe Spirit gives a wonderful example of humor in extraordinary circumstances.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
The Kite Runner Forgiveness, Loyalty, and the Quest for Redemption Research Paper Example
The Kite Runner: Forgiveness, Loyalty, and the Quest for Redemption Paper The Kite Runner: Forgiveness, Loyalty, and the Quest for Redemption Khaled Hosseiniââ¬â¢s The Kite Runner is an award-winning novel and considered one of todayââ¬â¢s most popular, contemporary classics. The story is one of familiar themes such as loyalty, forgiveness, betrayal, love, and redemption. It follows the tale of Amir and how he must atone for his sins and find a way to ââ¬Å"be good againâ⬠(Hosseini 2). The quintessential message of this book relies on the idea of second chances. Themes of redemption, betrayal, loyalty, and forgiveness are not only shown without doubt through this book, but are also common among many literary works and religions. Hosseini is successful in showing the significance of these themes throughout the novel. The Kite Runner begins with a nameless narrator who immediately refers back to an incident that made him ââ¬Å"become what I am todayâ⬠(Hosseini 1). The narrator starts to recall a flashback and begins his story when he was a child. He admits that he regrets some things he did in his childhood and has been, ââ¬Å"peeking into the that deserted alley for the last twenty-six yearsâ⬠(Hosseini 1): he has a guilty conscience. He bemoans this fact and shares this with no one. The narrator is named Amir, who is the protagonist of the story. Although heââ¬â¢s not the most supportive character in the book, Amir is the one the reader feels the most emotion towards. His characteristics are revealed when he is faced with an ultimatum to either to help his friend Hassan or run away. We will write a custom essay sample on The Kite Runner: Forgiveness, Loyalty, and the Quest for Redemption specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Kite Runner: Forgiveness, Loyalty, and the Quest for Redemption specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Kite Runner: Forgiveness, Loyalty, and the Quest for Redemption specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Amir chooses: ââ¬Å"In the end, I ran. I ran because I was a coward. I was afraid of getting hurt,â⬠which shows how Amir isnââ¬â¢t the most sympathetic or brave character in the book (Hosseini 77). He is changed after this event and is racked by a guilty conscience for the rest of his life. Amir isnââ¬â¢t heartless, but a conflicted character who is extremely cowardly and is raised to believe his friend is a servant of a lower social class. Amirââ¬â¢s actions are never justified, but the reader can see how Amir struggles between the logical and emotional sides of his being. Amir epitomizes the theme of redemption in how after his betrayal, he returns to Afghanistan to rescue Hassanââ¬â¢s son Sohrab just as Hassan had rescued him so many times during their childhood. Meghan Oââ¬â¢Rourke, in an online article titled ââ¬Å"The Kite Runner: Do I really have to read it? ,â⬠states that most Americans ââ¬Å"avoid foreign literature like the plague,â⬠but for The Kite Runner it was the ââ¬Å"struggle of personal recovery and unconditional love, couched in redemptive language [which made it] immediately legible to Americans. She also comments that this novel ââ¬Å"remind[s] us that we are all human alike, fighting similar daily and lifelong battles, just in different circumstances. â⬠Hosseiniââ¬â¢s method has proven to be effective in how so many Americans have read his book. By using familiar situations, people can connect to the novel and see how prevalent the themes of redemption and forgiveness are. Hosseiniââ¬â¢s fictional w riting makes many readers, regardless of country, culture, and religion, feel ashamed of their own betrayals as well as uplifted by Amirââ¬â¢s redemption. In this book, many events occur where the reader will experience many emotions and thoughts through the authorââ¬â¢s descriptive narrative. One event stands out above the rest which is the rape scene where Amir says, ââ¬Å"[I] almost said somethingâ⬠¦I didnââ¬â¢tâ⬠¦I just watched. Paralyzedâ⬠¦I was weepingâ⬠(Hosseini 73). At this turning point in the novel, many characters are changed and essential facts about the characters are uncovered. For example, Amir is faced with a guilty conscience and obsession for the rest of his life after this brutal crime, which ultimately changes him forever. This event also conveys Hassanââ¬â¢s loyal character, which is evidenced when he refuses to give up Amirââ¬â¢s kite. Assef and his gang remark ââ¬Å"A loyal Hazara. Loyal as a dogâ⬠(Hosseini 72). This event further shows how Hassan demonstrates the theme of loyalty and his unconditional love for his friend. This incident reveals several key themes, symbols, and details about the main characters in the novel. Harvey Freedenberg in an online article titled ââ¬Å"The Kite Runner,â⬠says that Hosseini ââ¬Å"demonstrates striking skill at melding a page-turning story with intensely involving characters and conflicts. He says what makes people love the book so much is, ââ¬Å" that it wrestles with themesâ⬠¦ [Of] friendship, betrayal, the relationship between fathers and sons, the quest for redemption and the power of forgiveness. â⬠Erin Miller in an online article titled ââ¬Å"Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseiniâ⬠complements Freedenbergââ¬â¢s analysis by saying that another reason why so many people love this book is that ââ¬Å"The core story could be set in any culture because it deals with issues that are universal,â⬠so readers can relate to the familiar themes. This view is carried out with the supportive character, Hassan, who plays a significant role in the novel by representing a Christ figure who is forever forgiving of Amir. Hassan is the, ââ¬Å"harelipped kite runnerâ⬠whose only friend is Amir (Hosseini 2). Hassan demonstrates the themes of second chances and forgiveness through his actions of kindness. For example, when Assef and his gang come to torment Amir, Hassan comes to the rescue with his slingshot. Although Amir never considers him to be his friend, Hassan proves to be a flawless servant to his half-brother, even after Amir betrays him. Throughout the story, Amir remembers Hassan by his kind-hearted phrase, ââ¬Å"For you, a thousand times over,â⬠which evidences how magnanimous and unselfish Hassanââ¬â¢s character is (Hosseini 2). Amir admits when they were children that, ââ¬Å"Hassan never wanted to, butâ⬠¦[he] wouldnââ¬â¢t deny meâ⬠and that he, ââ¬Å"never told on meâ⬠which again shows how loyal Hassan is (Hosseini 4). Toward the end of the book, Hassan is murdered for standing up for something that was rightfully Amirââ¬â¢s and being ââ¬Å"a liar and a thief like all Hazarasâ⬠(Hosseini 219). This further clarifies Hassan as a Christ figure in how he is killed for being accused of a crime under false pretenses. Hosseini uses this character to get his themes across to the reader, which are loyalty, the idea of giving second chances and being able to forgive. After Amir commits his cowardly act of leaving Hassan in the alleyway, he goes one step further by doing what he thinks is the solution to his tense relationship with Hassan. In the movie adaptation of the novel directed by Marc Forster, Amir carries out his solution when he explains, ââ¬Å"I lifted Hassanââ¬â¢s mattress and planted my new watch and a handful of Afghani bills under it,â⬠and confesses that, ââ¬Å"[I did] what I hoped would be the last in a long line of shameful lies. â⬠By making it look like Hassan stole Amirââ¬â¢s belongings, Amir hoped his father would then dismiss Ali and Hassan of their servant positions. Amir exemplifies Hosseiniââ¬â¢s theme of betrayal as he continues to commit all these appalling actions. Amirââ¬â¢s betrayal captivates the reader and makes the theme even more powerful and realistic. When Hassan is asked if he stole from Amir, he lies and replies with a yes. To Amirââ¬â¢s demise, Baba forgives them, but Hassan respects Amirââ¬â¢s wish and convinces Baba that they have to leave. This dramatic scene is one of Hassanââ¬â¢s last acts of loyalty. Hassan epitomizes loyalty in how he makes a, ââ¬Å"final sacrifice for [Amir]â⬠by telling a lie and protecting Amirââ¬â¢s already uneasy relationship with his father (Hosseini 105). Amir admits,ââ¬Å"I loved him in that moment, loved him more than Iââ¬â¢d loved anyone,â⬠and that Hassan was ââ¬Å"rescuing me once again, maybe for the last timeâ⬠(Hosseini 105). Hassan proves to be the perfect servant, friend, and rescuer even after all the horrible monstrosities Amir does to him. Somehow Hassan continues to forgive and be forever loyal to Amir. This scene shows a multitude of things and the biggest one is the full extent of Hassanââ¬â¢s loyalty and forgiveness. Hosseini uses this powerful not only to reveal the true characteristics of his characters, but to again reinforce his quintessential themes. Hosseiniââ¬â¢s dramatic story and themes has made such an impact that Attia Nasar in an online article titled ââ¬Å"ââ¬ËKite Runnerââ¬â¢ Expresses Loyalty to Friends and Family,â⬠says that ââ¬Å"This book and movie showed me the way that I should be in any relationship,â⬠and that it, ââ¬Å"taught me to give my self 110% to everyone. â⬠She concludes that, ââ¬Å"Sure, you might get hurt, but its better than closing the rest of the world out. â⬠Hosseini has gone above and beyond his potential if he can actually compel readers like Attia Nasar to change their lifestyle in a positive way because of his powerful themes and characters. Attia Nasar proves just how influential this novel is and how Hosseini is victorious in showing the importance of loyalty, redemption, and forgiveness. In this novel almost every character, major or minor, demonstrate themes of forgiveness, loyalty, and redemption. When Amir matures into an adult, he finds out that his own father, Baba, betrayed his best friend by sleeping with Aliââ¬â¢s wife. Baba represents both forgiveness and the search for redemption. For example, after Baba finds out about Hassan stealing Amirââ¬â¢s watch and money he forgives Hassan even after all the times he said, ââ¬Å"There is no act more wretched than stealingâ⬠(Hosseini 106). Babaââ¬â¢s kind-hearted treatment toward Hassan and Ali is his attempt at making amends for his betrayal that no one knows about. Amir betrays Hassan just as Baba betrayed Ali, and like Baba, Amir must suffer for what he did and pay retribution. Ali, Hassanââ¬â¢s father, is forgiving and forever grateful to Baba for taking care of him and his son. For instance, when Ali finds out about Amirââ¬â¢s framing of Hassan, he doesnââ¬â¢t speak up and respects Amirââ¬â¢s wish for them to leave. He too like his son, protects Amirââ¬â¢s relationship with Baba. Both Amir and Hassan follow in their fathersââ¬â¢ footsteps and create almost a cycle of betrayal, loyalty and forgiveness. Another character who talks a lot about forgiveness is Babaââ¬â¢s business partner, Rahim Khan. He is the one that convinces Amir to ââ¬Å"Come. There is a way to be good againâ⬠(Hosseini 192). He believes that God will forgive all who ask for forgiveness, but it is the people who have a hard time forgiving. Theses characters support Hosseiniââ¬â¢s themes and make them even more poignant. Along with the themes presented in The Kite Runner comes a sort of voice of Afghanistan. Edward Hower, in an online article titled ââ¬Å"The Servant,â⬠says ââ¬Å"Hosseini gives us a vivid and engaging story that reminds us how long his people have been struggling to triumph over the forces of violence forces that continue to threaten them even today. â⬠He is saying that the author not only tried to present the themes of redemption and forgiveness, but tell Americans and the world about the atrocities in Afghanistan. Robert Morace, in another online article titled ââ¬Å"The Kite Runner,â⬠explains how Hosseini used fiction in order to demonstrate a people ââ¬Å"vying for the short attention span of and American public. By tying in real events in his country, Hosseiniââ¬â¢s themes become even more powerful and appealing. Hosseini complements his themes with a multitude of evocative descriptions, sentiments and feelings through his literary style. The reader distinguishes some of these powerful elements through Amirââ¬â¢s dialogue. For example, i n the beginning when Amir observes, ââ¬Å"itââ¬â¢s wrong what they say about the pastâ⬠¦Because the past claws its way out,â⬠the reader catches a glimpse of Hosseiniââ¬â¢s compelling style (Hosseini 1). The author uses pathos to create an emotional experience for the reader, which is another factor that is used to help show redemption and forgiveness. This style makes his themes more riveting and realistic. Hosseiniââ¬â¢s style helps define his overall message and engrosses the reader in his writing to make the story more believable. In the end when Amir rescues Sohrab from Assef, it is not enough to redeem him. When Amir finds out about his dadââ¬â¢s betrayal of Ali and Hassan, he understands that everything about his father was wrong. Amir feels betrayed after finding out this information, but this still does not justify the betrayal of Hassan. Only after Amir takes Sohrab home to America and provide Hassanââ¬â¢s son with a chance at happiness does Amir take the necessary steps toward redemption. The author emphasizes exactly what it takes to redeem oneself through what Amir has to go through in the story. Hosseini is successful in showing the importance of forgiveness, loyalty, and redemption. Amirââ¬â¢s cowardly actions and mistakes in the past lead to his uest to atone for his sins, which he himself says that must be done in order to be good again. Hassan never forgets his friendship with Amir even after the betrayal in the alley and proves to be loyal to the end. Through these characters, the author demonstrates these quintessential themes. Word Count: 2151 Works Cited Forster, Marc. dir. The Kite Runner. DreamWorks, 2007. Film. Freedenberg, Harvey. ââ¬Å"The Kite Runner. â⬠bookreporter. The Book R eport, n. d.. Web. 14 February 2010. Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. New York: Riverhead Books, 2003. Print. Hower, Edward. ââ¬Å" The Servant. â⬠nytimes. The New York Times, 3 August 2003. Web. 14 February 2010. Miller, Erin. ââ¬Å"Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. â⬠bestsellers. about. New York Times Company, n. d. Web. 14 February 2010. Morace, Robert. ââ¬Å" The Kite Runner. â⬠Magillââ¬â¢s Literary Annual 2004: Literary Reference Center. EBSCO, n. d.. Web. 4 February 2010. Nasar, Attia. ââ¬Å"ââ¬ËKite Runnerââ¬â¢ Expresses Loyalty to Friends and Family. â⬠uctangerine. n. p.. 6 March 2008. Web. 18 March 2010. ORourke, Meghan. ââ¬Å" The Kite Runner: Do I really have to read it? â⬠Slate. Washington Post. Newsweek Interactive Co, 25 July 2005. Web. 14 February 2010.
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