The Joy Luck Club Essay Example for Free

The Joy Luck Club Essay The Joy Luck Club is a story of a monthly mah-jong gathering whose members consists of four Chinese mothers with American-born daughters. The novel is narrated by the four mothers and their daughters. At these meetings, the mothers share their concern of the growing rift between their daughters and Chinese customs. Each mother shares her story of her life in China and each daughter tells her story about her life in America. In The Joy Luck Club, the consistent conflict is formulated from the cultural and ideological clash between the mothers and daughters. Tensions arise out of the struggle to adapt to the American way of life when old customs are expected to be honored. Communications between both sides are limited, and from this, they all struggle with the expectations that they have for each other. Amy Tans novel provides the reader the perspectives from two vastly different worlds the conflicts the mothers faced and how the Chinese values conflict with American values in the lives of the daughters. In Amy Tans novel, the mother is shown struggling with adapting to the American way of life, while the daughters try and honor the old Chinese customs. The mothers constantly criticize their daughters and always expect their daughters to respect and honor their choice. The mothers relate their past to their daughter, so that they may realize the struggle they had faced. The mothers wish for the daughter to live a better life than the one she had back in China is revealed in the conversation between the Chinese woman and her swan on her journey to America in the novels first prologue. Her wish: In America I will have a daughter just like me. But over there nobody will say her worth is measured by the loudness of her husbands belch. Over there nobody will look down on her, because I will make her speak only perfect English. And over there she will always be too full to swallow any sorrow! this shows that the mother only wishes for her daughter to have a promising and not face any hardships (The Joy Luck Club, 17). The mothers prospects for her daughter are the very reason that tension arises between the mother and daughter. The Chinese way consists of not expressing ones desires, not speaking up, and not making choices. The American way consists of exercising choices and speaking up for oneself. This Chinese custom was vigorously expressed throughout the novel as the mothers told their stories about forced marriage, war experience, the love and longing for a mother, and sacrifice. All these were causes of not speaking up for themselves and making their lives the way they wanted. Shame was also another tradition that had to be followed. Control of the children (in Chinese and Japanese families) was maintained by nurturing feelings of shame and guilt. The mothers tried to teach their daughters of these ways and the culture of the Chinese people but resulted in a different manner than expected. The daughters see their lives in a different perspective. Regardless of shame and surrounding, the daughters would openly disrespect their mother and feel justified for doing so. They try and follow the American society, while struggling to maintain their Chinese heritage, through the heavy influence of their mothers. The daughters do not realize why their mothers pressure them so much. They feel that their mothers never look up to them or respect their choices. The American daughters are alien to Chinese culture as much as they are to their mother`s uncanny, Chinese ways of thinking. Part of that society would be a Language barrier, which causes restriction of the mother understanding her daughter and vice versa. While the daughters, all born in America, entirely adapt to the customs and language of the new land, the immigrant mothers still hold onto those of China. The mothers capability of speaking English is limited to that of their daughters. The daughters assume that the mothers are not as educated as they are, for their inability to speak and express themselves in English. The Joy Luck Club mothers can feel their daughter’s impression on them when they see their daughters growing impatient every time they speak Chinese; they think their daughters perceive them as being stupid because of their incapability of speaking fluent English. The language barrier that existed between them was such that both mother and daughter imperfectly translated each other words and meanings. The mothers attempted to communicate by taking classes, hand gestures and sometimes even asking their daughter to translate on their behalf. Lena St. Clairs mother has trouble expressing herself in English. She married an English speaking man, but he expected her to learn English, while he himself put no effort in learning Chinese. In her desperate attempt, she would use hand gestures and expressed her emotions through exerting them. Most of the time the husband would not understand her and would assume what she would say but the daughter was capable of translating but could not speak the language. Because of this, Lena defines her mother as a displaced person who has difficulties expressing herself in English. In this dilemma the mothers were not capable of teaching their daughters why Chinese thinking is best. Stress and frustration would accumulate from the misunderstanding and failure of understanding one another. The mother always expected the daughter to know what she was trying to get across but the mothers could not put their thoughts into words. As a result, the daughters often felt justified in believing that their mothers had nothing worthwhile to say. When the mother talks about the American ways, the daughter is willing to listen; when the mother shows her Chinese ways, the daughter ignores her. The mother is thus unable to teach her daughter the Chinese ways of obeying parents, of listening to the mother`s mind, of hiding her thoughts, of knowing her own worth without becoming vain. On the other hand, the daughters would always feel that their mothers were trying hard to make them another version of themselves. The mothers failed to realize that the daughters did put exceptional work into trying to understand their mothers. The daughters would listen and try to emotionally attach themselves through conversations with their mothers but the mothers, took matter into their own hands and tried to show their superiority. When the story is being told from a daughter’s point of view, the mother always speaks in incorrect English. This highlights the distance between the younger and older generations, as the mothers and daughters frequently misinterpret or misunderstand each other. A prime example is when Waverly confuses Taiyuan, her mother’s birthplace, with Taiwan, which is a different place altogether. The mother loudly corrects her, causing any chance of communication between her and her daughter to halt because Waverly upset with her mothers lack of recognizing the attempt that her daughter had put in to try and relate to her. The daughters realize and acknowledge to themselves, the fact that they lack any solid communication with their mothers and realize that this is what is causing them to drift apart from their roots. They also see this as to why their mothers are always trying so hard to compromise for their daughters by talking to them in English so that they may grasp at least the basics of the Chinese customs. The mothers influence is shown as a force that drives the daughter to always live her life in the approval of her mother and state of constantly trying to please. The mother demands for her daughter to obey her, and the mothers always have a response or answer for every situation her daughter faces. The mothers in the novel, struggle to keep their daughters to rise to expectations. They always wanted their daughters to be the best and strived toward their excellence. The Chinese mothers were taught that regardless of the circumstance, the mothers’ wishes must always be fulfilled. As with Jing-Meis mother wanted her to become any form of child prodigy, like Waverly, but Jing-Mei failed to rise to her mothers expectation, even after all the dedication and tests her mother prepares for her. In the mothers’ childhood, there was no talking back to your mother, in an essences, the daughter was to soon be like her mother (a reflection of her mother). They tried to teach this to their daughter but also involving the American standards, which did not mix to well. The American way was of freedom and choice, which the mothers wanted but to accomplish that, the daughters would have to move away from the Chinese standards, since choice was not permitted. The mothers only wanted the best quality life for her daughter and for her daughter to grow in an environment of less hardship. I wanted my children to have the best combination: American circumstances and Chinese character. How could I know these things do not mix? (The Joy Luck Club, 254). The mothers influence cast a shadow on their daughter’s life. The daughters always felt that their mother would not approve and therefore, felt they were a disappointment to their mothers. In some cases, the daughter would open ly tell her mother that the mother had wished for another daughter. In Waverlys situation, she felt her mother always put a black spot where there was once white. Her life was not according to her mothers teachings. She was divorced and had a child. She was now dating a man, not of Chinese decent. As a token of love he had given her a fur coat that she loved so dearly. Looking at the coat in the mirror, I couldnt fend off the strength of her will anymore, her ability to make me see black where there was once white, white where there was once black. The coat looked shabby, an imitation of romance. (The Joy Luck Club, 169). The daughters only wanted their mother to see what they saw and to understand that Chinese customs, superstitions and culture, was not easily accepted in America. Jing-Mei, the daughter of a deceased mother, could not please her mother when she was alive because of her reluctance in becoming someone she was not. She tried her best, when her mother arranged special tests, to see where her daughter’s strengths were and potential areas of Jing-Mei could become a prodigy in. All Jing-Mei had left to say was, that parents shouldnt criticize children. They should encourage instead. You know, people rise to other peoples expectations. And when you criticize, it just means youre expecting failure. Thats the trouble, my mother said. You never rise. Lazy to get up. Lazy to rise to expectations. (The Joy Luck Club, 31). Because the there is a distance between the mother and daughter, the daughters try to push away from their mother clutch and become their own woman. The daughters want to grab the traditional sons position, to move out of the home and into the workplace, to climb the ladder of success. The daughters, by the end of the novel come to realize that no matter how hard they try to avoid their mothers, they all contain a heavy portion of their Chinese heritage; alongside they discover that they are very much like their mothers. Amy Tans novel has a sense of truth about mother/daughter relationships, when the daughter is born of another country and the mother of another. They grieve as they discuss how their daughters are unwilling to take their Chinese heritage, have forgotten the roots of their culture and language, and have changed their family structures. However, the daughters only wish that their mothers would not suppress them and see their side of the story. In the end, the mothers could not change their values to those of America and the daughters could not change their values to those of China, and in trying to do so, they created a clash and conflict in their relationships.

Carnieros Theory :: essays research papers

The land of Mesoamerica changes through time and conflict. Carneiro’s theory defines a state as “an autonomous political unit, encompassing many communities within its territory and having a centralized government with the power to collect taxes, draft men for work or war, and decree and enforce laws.'; Carneiro’s model of Mesoamerica shows the growth of two states, Uruk and Susa.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Caneiro’s theory, the two states follow his philosophy by the book. A slow rise in population also increases the growth of control. Thus more people in one area, the greater power they posses over others. However, superiority arouses the problems of war. When a state is on top, someone is always out there looking to surpass them. Conflict rises due to this discrepancy of a high and mighty population. A slight decrease from 4 to 3 in control leaves many possible reasons open. One possibility could be a rebellious or fleeing group, causing the state to become smaller. Fortunately, a successful state possesses resilience and is able to bounce back. Many social factors are necessary to cause state origins.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Environmental Circumscription is a major factor in the creation and existence of states. Environmental Circumscription is obtaining the good, scarce land from the surrounding dry land and being able to maintain and keep it from surrounding states. Social Circumscription can also be a deciding factor on the length of existence of each state. It is the relative closeness of a group of people, that results in everyday confrontations and increases chances of fighting. The last factor is Resource Concentration. This is one of the most prominent reasons behind war. When a certain area or state has certain resources that others do not, conflict arises. Trading may occur for a period of time, but when then the other states lack trading materials, war can break out. The increase in population and high political control can be factors in archaeologically identifying a state. It takes time to reach a maximum level of control, and certain estimates of age can be made. When an area reaches the 4-5 range of political control, it is considered a state.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Carneiro’s model can be seen in this example as true. Carnieros Theory :: essays research papers The land of Mesoamerica changes through time and conflict. Carneiro’s theory defines a state as “an autonomous political unit, encompassing many communities within its territory and having a centralized government with the power to collect taxes, draft men for work or war, and decree and enforce laws.'; Carneiro’s model of Mesoamerica shows the growth of two states, Uruk and Susa.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Caneiro’s theory, the two states follow his philosophy by the book. A slow rise in population also increases the growth of control. Thus more people in one area, the greater power they posses over others. However, superiority arouses the problems of war. When a state is on top, someone is always out there looking to surpass them. Conflict rises due to this discrepancy of a high and mighty population. A slight decrease from 4 to 3 in control leaves many possible reasons open. One possibility could be a rebellious or fleeing group, causing the state to become smaller. Fortunately, a successful state possesses resilience and is able to bounce back. Many social factors are necessary to cause state origins.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Environmental Circumscription is a major factor in the creation and existence of states. Environmental Circumscription is obtaining the good, scarce land from the surrounding dry land and being able to maintain and keep it from surrounding states. Social Circumscription can also be a deciding factor on the length of existence of each state. It is the relative closeness of a group of people, that results in everyday confrontations and increases chances of fighting. The last factor is Resource Concentration. This is one of the most prominent reasons behind war. When a certain area or state has certain resources that others do not, conflict arises. Trading may occur for a period of time, but when then the other states lack trading materials, war can break out. The increase in population and high political control can be factors in archaeologically identifying a state. It takes time to reach a maximum level of control, and certain estimates of age can be made. When an area reaches the 4-5 range of political control, it is considered a state.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Carneiro’s model can be seen in this example as true.

Food and Street Foods Essay

Introduction Bulacan was officially called â€Å"Bulacan Province†, is a first class province of the Republic of the Philippines located in the Central Luzon Region (Region 3) in the island of Luzon, North of Manila (the nation’s capital), and part of the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway Super Region. Bulacan pries itself for its rich historical heritage. Bulacan has fast become an ideal tourist destination, owing to its vital role in Philippine history, and its rich heritage in culture and the arts. The province is popularly known for its historical sites; nostalgic old houses and churches; idyllic ecological attractions; religious attractions; colorful and enchanting festivals; swimming and various themed attractions; and a wide selection of elegant native crafts and sumptuous delicacies. It is also home to numerous resorts, hotels, restaurants, and other recreational facilities. (Wikipedia). The briskness of Street foods in Bulacan can be measured by the long queue of consumers’ everyday in the food outlets in strategic places where street foods like: â€Å"lugaw† or Rice Porridge, goto, mami, fish balls, barbecued banana, salted peanuts and chicken pops. (Toledo, 1988) Street Foods is a â€Å"Survival Meals†, maybe because it satisfies the gustatory sense for a temporary period of time. (Soledad Leynes, 1986) In such case, eating away from home due to the changes in occupation and activities created a demand for cooked meals and snacks at a cheaper and affordable price that are served quickly. Dual career, parents and small families who really have no time to prepare their meals at home resort to street foods for convenience. These people seem not to care for the food source whether it comes from the legitimate food merchants or from the informal sector, otherwise called black market. (Soledad Leynes, 1986) Street foods, whether snacks or meals are affordable and always available, which are very popular among the low income households to a large extent and increasingly a daily fare among the middle income groups. Households with working mothers are afforded ready to eat meals without the burden of cooking at home. Street food caters to the needs of the urban poor population by making food readily available and at low cost. Thus, street food vending is a traditional activity which can be considered a coping mechanism of the urban poor. Street foods are ready-to-eat foods and beverages prepared and/or sold by vendors or hawkers especially in the streets and other similar places. (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) They represent a significant part of urban food consumption for millions of low-and-middle-income consumers, in urban areas on a daily basis. Street foods may be the least expensive and most accessible means of obtaining a nutritionally balanced meal outside the home for many low income people, provided that the consumer is informed and able to choose the proper combination of foods. (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) Statement of the Problem. This study was conducted to assess the Quality of Food Products of Street foods sold by the ambulant vendors along the busy streets and sidewalks of Bulacan. 1. What is the status of the ambulant vendors of Bulacan in terms of: 2. 1. Gender 2. 2. Age 2. 3. Civil Status 2. 4. Income 2. 5. Family size 2. 6. Educational attainment 2. What is the nutritional quality of food products sold by the ambulant vendors in Bulacan in terms of: 3. 7. Food Supply 3. 8. Food Preparation 3. 9. Food Handling 3. What orientation program could be proposed to the ambulant vendors to improve the nutritional quality and safety of the food?

A Note On Mondrian Architecture - 1075 Words

MONDRAIN Mondrain is a Relational Online Analytical Processing server. It is written in Java and used for reporting and data warehousing. It supports Mulidimensional expression query language i.e, MDX, OLAP4J for interface specification and XML for analysis. It is an open source OLAP server and more useful for analysis that involves drilling down data. The Mondrian schema is supported by almost any OLAP client tool. Connecting to Mondrian Engine Mondrian maintains data in MDX fashion. For us to access any existing cube, we need some reporting tool. We can use Pentaho Report designer for writing the query to fetch data from data warehouse and publish it on the report using MDX. One of the ways we can connect to Mondrian is by using its rich†¦show more content†¦Three kinds of data need to be stored: fact table data (the transactional records), aggregates, and dimensions. The multidimensional format does not perform well when there are more than few dimensions which will lead to sparse data. A HOLAP , a hybrid OLAP system solves this problem by only storing the aggregates in multidimensional format. Mondrian’s primary API is proprietary. Mondrian provides API for client applications to executing queries. It uses a language called MDX which is used for querying multidimentional databases. Mondrian is used for: 1. It gives high performace and provided interactive analysis of large or small data. 2. It provides dimensional exploration of data 3. We can parse MDX into SQL to retrieve answers to dimensional queries. 4. High speed queries 5. Advanced calculations using calculation expression of MDX language DRUID Druid is open source distributed data store written in java . It allows fast access to large sets of seldom changing data. It is commonly used in Business intelligence applications to analyze high volumes of real time and historical data. Druid allows for single table queries. It provides: †¢ Partially nested data structures use columnar storage format. †¢ For quick filtering, can use indexing. †¢ hierarchical query distribution with intermediate pruning †¢ realtime ingestion †¢ fault tolerant distributed architecture Architecture: The name druid comes from role playing games as it is capable ofShow MoreRelatedEssay The Golden Ratio995 Words   |  4 Pageseye. Perhaps the first to use the golden ratio were the Egyptians. Many (if not all) of the pyramids were made with the golden ratio kept solely in mind†¦ as if they were made only using the ratio. Later, the Greeks began using it in their architecture as well as their sculptures. Phidias and others popularized the golden ratio by basing their achievements on it. The Parthenon, specifically, as well as several other buildings and sculptures were the subject of which the ratio has left its markRead More The History of Art Essay4153 Words   |  17 Pagesintended to represent a naturalistic scheme. It is important to note that the symbolization is that of the human form and representative of some form of authoritarian hierarchy. Tracking the human form and its relationship to art, history, and culture as the human figure evolves through the centuries as artists perfect their talents is an effective way to establish how art has evolved throughout all culture and eras. The architecture form the ancient world throughout history also reflects the culturesRead MoreTexas Rangers13480 Words   |  54 Pagesa capacity crowd;his first lecture in Texas since his departure from Austin in the summer of 1957. I have arrived late, having driven the 350miles from San Antonio to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.Though there is a substantial contingent of young architecture students for whom the lecture is only one of a series,glancing around I reacquaint myself with the older faces;the balding,graying heads in the hall----Duane Landry and Jane Lorenz Landry,Bill Odum,Bill Booziotes,Rik Mcbride,and many,many others---allRead MoreEssay on What is Art?4193 Words   |  17 PagesIntro In late Antiquity the arts consisted of the seven artes liberales, the liberal arts: Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric, Geometry, Arithmetic, Astronomy, and Music. Philosophy was the mother of them all. On a lower level stood the technical arts like architecture, agriculture, painting, sculpture and other crafts. quot;Artquot; as we concieve of it today was a mere craft. Art in the Middle Ages was quot;the ape of naturequot;. And what is art today? Can we give a definition? Sir Roger Penrose, one