Self-awareness Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Self-awareness - Personal Statement Example This exposure to different countries, cultures and languages made me appreciate the diversity that the world has to offer. As a result I am able to speak, although not as fluently as English, a number of influential languages for example French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and a bit of Zulu. In travelling one comes across other people’s beliefs and traditions some of which seem primitive to the western world standards while others seem quite sophisticated. At times one is led to question their own beliefs on whether they are strong enough or even superior to others. As a Christian, meeting strong believers in Islam always felt like we were in completely different worlds based on the outlook that these religions give to followers regarding the world around us. It is also through travelling and interacting with different people that one best notices their biases and fears. Before the family started going on international vacations, it was hard to comprehend the fact that other coun tries especially in the third and second worlds could be beautiful or enjoyable to live in. It was a big shock to realise that some African countries and others in Asia are quite beautiful and people there treat visitors with utmost respect and dignity. I would be biased on products manufactured from these countries but I realised that theirs are not as chemically produced as ours are. Agricultural products for example from Asia and Africa tend to be sweeter and more natural as farmers use minimum technology and few chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides. Some of my fears are centred on a variety of animals. Coming into contact with anything that has wings or scales can make me have a heart attack. It is ironical that I love turkey and chicken meat more than I do beef or pork. I also love to watch birds fly but I would flee if one came near while the same case applies to reptiles mostly snakes and African crocodiles. Above all fears is the fear to wrong others intentionally. I ha ve grown in a family where respect for one another was highly valued. Fearing to hurt others automatically leads to respect to people and humanity in general. I believe in Santa which is one myth that I have held on since childhood. Morality is another key aspect that my family instilled in us. Due to the strong attachment with the church, I have maintained high moral values. I have also come to appreciate that material wealth or ones socioeconomic status is not as important as self respect and respect for others. Being an American I have strong affiliation to American culture which revolves around respect for our country and, although not in line with the former, occasionally dropping at a fast food restaurant for a burger. As a result of the realisation that happiness does not emanate from material wealth I now cherish more the impact of my actions on others than on myself. In this regard money earned takes a backseat and at the end of the day the issue is always how positive and beneficial my actions were. Turning the world into a better place to live in for all humanity is my lifelong goal. I believe that to make the world a better place everyone must first of all make responsible choices in their lives and take full consequences for their actions. Although some issues like abortion are controversial it is good to have a definite stance on them from a morality standpoint. The world is a harsh place to live in and no one gets away with wrongs committed

Analysis of Modern US History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Analysis of Modern US History - Research Paper Example   During the Depression Collier was given permission to change or modify government policies because of their steadfast faith in him. Collier initiated what is called the â€Å"Indian New Deal’ which was a revolutionary approach to Native American reforms. He was a staunch believer of cultural pluralism and understood the importance of ethnic values and community solidarity and therefore adopted an acculturated approach in order to assimilate the Native Americans into the mainstream society. James Stuart clearly describes how Collier attacked the ‘Indian problem’ and finally succeeded in assimilating the Native Americans into the dominant society. In his enlightening book he tells us how Collier met with a lot of opposition from American critics but he firmly believed in his goals and wanted to fulfill them at any cost. The earlier allotment program had been a major social and economic disaster and so he set out to reconstitute the tribes and enhance their trad itional land base. In bringing about other reforms, Collier went a step further in convincing President Roosevelt to abolish the ‘Board of Indian Commissioners as he felt that it was a huge obstacle in the wake of reform. (Pg. 109) Collier wanted the Native Americans to play a more active role in decision making and sent them for specialized training for the management of their land and natural resources. He also insisted that the Federal Government should not in the name of assimilation suppress the culture and tradition of the Native Americans but on the other hand should help in preserving their nativity. Stuart’s book also states that with the full support of President Roosevelt, Collier was in a position to bring about other reforms involving relief measure to the Native Americans. The Congress passed the Pueblo Relief Act on May, 31st, 1933 granting additional payment to the Native Americans who had been inadequately paid by the Pueblo Lands Board. (Pg. 110) He al so implemented the ‘New Deal’ legislation to give relief to the destitute Native Americans who suffered greatly during the Great Depression. (Pg. 110) Stuart’s book is a real eye-opener as it helps us to understand the political situation post-1933 and the reforms that were brought out during the period after the Great Depression. Harold L. Cole and Lee E. Ohanian in their article titled ‘How Government Prolonged the Depression’ shed light on the reforms that were introduced by the Federal government in lieu of putting an end to the crisis of the Great Depression. In addressing the crisis the ‘New Deal’ was introduced and raised hopes that the economic downturn would change its course and work out in their favor. The article tells us that the primary aim of the ‘New Deal’ initiative was to encourage Americans to get back to work. However, According to Harold L. Cole and Lee E Ohanian, this did not happen for the mere fact th at employment was not restored because on an average there was much less work.  Ã‚