Essay about French Feminism - 1679 Words

Feminism -- it is a term that inspires a spectrum of emotions that range from undying passion to unabashed disgust. The first time that I gave serious thought to where my heart stood on this spectrum was in a Womens Studies course during my freshman year of college. In my mind was the American stereotype of a feminist: a bra-burning, man-hating, and somewhat-hairy old maid. As a self-proclaimed, loudmouth liberal that despises patriarchy and other forms of gender discrimination, I wanted to call myself a feminist, but I could not align myself with that unfeminine stereotype. Being a collector of high heels, lover of men, and an abuser of feminine guile, I felt as though claiming to be a feminist would be in turn proving to be a†¦show more content†¦The unleashing of the female sex into the active politics of modern France occurred in 1945 under the Liberation Government led by Charles de Gaulle (Ardagh 599). Before this year, which is relatively recent in relation to Frances age, women were not only absent from office, but simply did not even have the right to vote (Ardagh 599). Only since then have women been legally considered full citizens with equality to men (Sineau 113). The initial progress was hopeful with 30 women elected to the National Assembly in the first year of suffrage (Ardagh 599). Unfortunately for feminists, the progress took a reverse with this number dropping to 10 by 1977, coupled by a severe lack of women in the ministries (Ardagh 599). This lack of political representation of women was in spite of the feminist movement in France that marked the 1970s. Although few women were sitting in offices of power, many were marching in the streets in protest. Through the political pressuring of the feminist movement, remarkable gains such as the legalization of abortion and progressive rape laws were made (C#233;lestin, DalMolin, and Courtivron 2). In terms of women participating in electoral politics, one part of the feminist movement actually discouraged it with a call for absentation from voting because womens issues were being oppressed by the patriarchal political parties in power (Duchen 106). France has never had a woman asShow MoreRelatedThe noun feminism is derived from the French in the 19th century . It refers to the campaign at700 Words   |  3 PagesThe noun feminism is derived from the French in the 19th century . It refers to the campaign at first but now women have been endowed with greater meaning when it is used extensively in many places. Feminism was born because there are those who feel that women have been oppressed by injustice exists between man and woman . Oppression of women is a human act under social institution and it is not biologkal . Thus, the women themselves able to change this situation . Theories of feminism has changedRead MoreFeminism : Women s Rights On The Grounds Of Political, Social, And Economic Equality1507 Words   |  7 PagesFeminism has been around as long as women have been. Feminism according to google is the advocacy of women s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. So it is basically women wanting to be treated equally. The history of feminism is pretty sketch considering how it was never called feminism until america got a hold of it. But never the less there are definite matriarchal influences throughout the history of the world. A couple of asian cultures were based off ofRead MoreThe Definition Of Modern Day Feminism1116 Words   |  5 PagesMegan Thompson Ms. Butters AP Language 13 November 2014 The Definition of Modern Day Feminism â€Å"Feminist: a person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.† This is what Beyonce, one of the most famous and influential Women of Color in the past decade, claims in her 2014 VMA performance, with a large, shining backdrop of the word ‘feminist’ behind her. This quickly became one of the most direct and most widely-known displays of her feminist beliefs, and Beyonce isRead MoreThe Effects Of Writing On Feminist Theory1375 Words   |  6 Pagesthe masculine (Delahoyde 1). Feminism is not a young concept, in fact, the word first appeared in 1890’s France as â€Å"fà ©minisme† (Freedman 4). Feminist theory was developed to recognize injustices against women, and proposes action to change the situation universally (Young 20). The 1960s and 70s brought second-wave feminism, which occurred during the same time as the Civil Rights movement and protests against the Vietnam War (Rich 7). The second wave of feminism was said to be a transition focusedRead MoreFeminism : A Studies Of Feminism1559 Words   |  7 PagesFeminism 6 Running Head: PSYCHOLOGY STUDIES:A STUDIES OF FEMINISM PSYCHOLOGY STUDIES: A STUDIES OF FEMINISM CUIYI P. Student Pasadena City College Feminism 1 Psychology Studies: a Studies of Feminism What Does it Means to Run Like a Girl 21th Century Earlier Centuries Feminism became a hot topic in 21th century, but anyone know what is Feminism means? Definition on Macmillan Dictionary says, Feminism is the belief that women should have the sameRead MoreFeminism And The First Day Of Class1135 Words   |  5 PagesWhat does the word feminism mean to an individual? Do people believe it means fighting for equality? Do people believe the negative stereotypes? Feminism is a widely debated topic across the world. People either support feminism or protest against it. It is important to know the correct meaning of feminism as it is commonly used in an incorrect manner. Even though the majority of people do not acknowledge the true meaning of feminism and the history it has created, we are oblivious to social mediaRead MoreBlack Feminist1005 Words   |  5 PagesPress). Black feminism argues that sexism, social class oppression, and racism are inseparably bound together (Collins). The feminist movement has been around since the 1880s when the word â€Å"Feminism† appeared in the French language (Collins). The word found traction in Britain in the 1890s, and the United States in 1910, feminism sought to influence popular culture by its very presence and by its persistent demands to be recognized as the official voice of all women (â€Å"What is Feminism†). Although theRead MoreAn Analysis of Rethinking Sex Gender651 Words   |  3 Pagestheorist of French origin. She was an active participant of the Womens Movement(Mouvement de Libà ©ration des Femmes called MLF). She challenged the law of the French Government in 2004 , which forbid Muslim girls to wear hijab in schools. She was the proponent of Material Feminism. Along with Simone de Beauvoir, she co-founded the Nouvelles questions feministes(New Feminist Issues) in 1977.She was the proponent of Material Feminism, which is a radical perspective of socialist feminism, linking aRead MoreFeminism, The Advocacy Of Women s Rights On The Ground Of The Equality 1654 Words   |  7 PagesFeminism is a series of chronological movements and ideologies aimed at altering the patriarchal system to be equalitarian, so women can uphold the same opportunities and rights as men. Feminism, by definition, is ‘the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes’ (Oxforddictionaries.com, 2015). Therefore, feminism is still relevant within Western society because there is still significant evidence that shows women are still not yet equal with men. Thus, this essay will focusRead MoreFeminism And Its Effect On Society1509 Words   |  7 Pagesquite taken seriously.The word is known by many people but not fully understood by the masses. The word being referred to is Feminism and it is phenomenon that has been around for years but has been spreading through people everywhere. Feminism is a movement created to help everyone and make our society more positive and to rule out harmful gender roles in our culture. Feminism is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as â€Å"the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities†

The Dramatic Impact of Act 3 Scene of William...

The Dramatic Impact of Act 3 Scene of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet, and in particular Act 3 scene 5 is full of dramatic tension, fuelled by various themes. Among the most prominent of these themes are those of secrecy, conflicting public an private worlds, dramatic irony, and the major contrasts in the beginning of the scene when compared to the end of the scene. Many of the stark contrasts that fill the play are clearly seen in Act 3 scene 5, and these include some of the major issues of the day (late 16th century Britain) such as those of life and death, and loyalty and honour. As well as these contrasts there are also contrasting references to light†¦show more content†¦The scene begins with Romeo and Juliets intimacy and the pain of knowing they must part. The audience knows that they will never see each other alive again because of the chorus part at the beginning of the play and because of Romeos pending banishment, thus making it full of dramatic irony. Romeo says, Let me be tane, let me be put to dea th, and here he is referring to if he stays with Juliet he will be found and killed. He also says, Come, death, and welcome! Juliet wills it so. This also makes it dramatic because the audience knows Romeo will die because of Juliets and his love, and this will climax to become very tragic at the end because he is saying it in a light-hearted manner. At the end of the scene Romeo says to Juliet in what will be his final words to her, more dark and dark our woes! The last time they see each other when they kill themselves is in the tomb that Shakespeare describes as a dark place and these premonitions of theirs help in creating a opening full of dramatic irony and tension. In lines 64 to 105, Juliet and Lady Capulet discuss her proposed marriage to Paris and it is in these line that Shakespeare makes his mastery of language clear, whilst building up the tension. In this scene, the most important feature of Juliets speech is her ambiguity. For example, when she and her motherShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Romeo And Juliet979 Words   |  4 PagesEES81QFC Freshman Composition 1 November 2015 Romeo and Juliet Were Never Meant To Be William Shakespeare’s masterpiece Romeo and Juliet tells the story of a pair of star-crossed lovers willing to defy all odds to be together. However, throughout the story, we repeatedly see how fate intervenes and wreaks havoc on their lives in destructive and devastating ways. Act 5 Scene 3, the scene of the actual disaster, reinforces this idea in the most dramatic and terrible way possible - the tragic and untimelyRead MoreThemes Presented in Shakespeares Tragic Play Romeo and Juliet2149 Words   |  9 PagesRomeo and Juliet is one of the most famous plays in history, which is written by William Shakespeare. This play is Shakespeare’s first play about tragedy. Romeo and Juliet is a very deep and profound play about two ‘star-crossed’ lovers met at a ball. Within this play Shakespeare used deep, complex language to describe their insightful character also their actions towards each other. Romeo and Juliet is about two lovers from families who have set a grudge upon each other, in this complex piece ofRead More Act Three Scene Five of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet1813 Words   |  8 PagesAct Three Scene Five of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 5 is a very important and emotional scene because it shows huge development in both plot and character as well ass a wide variety of language. Before this scene, Romeo of the House of Montague fell in love with Juliet - a Capulet. The Capulets were feuding with the Montagues. Romeo and Juliet were secretly married by Friar Lawrence on the same day Romeo killed Tybalt, who himself killed Mercutio.Read MoreThe Character Of Romeo Montague in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet2933 Words   |  12 PagesCharacter Of Romeo Montague in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Romeo is one of the main characters in Shakespeare’s play â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† and is portrayed as a tragic figure, who is guided by his destiny. Shakespeare initially introduces Romeo to be a romantic sentimentalist, who is over-obsessed with his own emotions. Romeo, however, loses these personality traits towards the end of the play, and becomes more mature after falling deeply in love with Juliet. His Read MoreThea 1016562 Words   |  27 PagesFinal Project Part1: Directorial Vision Statement The piece that I selected for this formal treatment is Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. I select this for a couple of reasons that are listed as the following. First of all, Romeo and Juliet is so famous and popular all around the world, and the two main characters—Romeo and Juliet are so well-known that even people who have no idea about theatre or the original piece of work know they are tragic lovers whose families resented each otherRead MoreHow Does Shakespeare Use Dramatic Devices Is Act 3 Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet in Order to Make It an Exciting Scene and a Turning Point in the Play1971 Words   |  8 Pagesfathers, and then their husbands. Shakespeares use of dramatic devices in Act 3, Scene 1 makes it an interesting, exciting and important scene because so much happens in a short space of time which in turn affects all the characters in one way or another. Furthermore, this scene falls dramatically in the middle of the play and can be seen as the turning point in the story. Shakespeares thoughtful choice of dramatic devices such as movement, tone, stage directions, dramatic irony and characterization (amongRead MoreThe Im portance of Act 3 Scene 1 in William Shakespeares Plays1779 Words   |  8 PagesImportance of Act 3 Scene 1 in William Shakespeares Plays Shakespeare has written other tragedies before Romeo and Juliet, these included Titus Andronicus and Richard III, these stories had plots of the usual pattern for tragedy. There are some differences in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ compared to other tragedies because the heroine was important as well as the hero, it was not about classical figure, it was about love. Professor Levin said that Romeo and Juliet was an ‘anti-revenge’Read MoreHow Does Shakespeare Present Conflict in Act 3 Scene 1? Essay1495 Words   |  6 PagesHow does Shakespeare present conflict in act 3 scene 1? In William Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ there is alot of conflict particularly in act 3 scene 1. The audience find conflict interesting to watch because it creates drama and tension. Shakespeare uses many dramatic devices to present this; some of these techniques include foreshadowing, puns and irony to add to this effect. Another reason why Shakespeare uses conflict in the play is so that the audience are able to get attached to itRead MoreEssay about Act 3 Scene 5 of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet4162 Words   |  17 PagesAct 3 Scene 5 of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet is full of exciting incidents which are intertwined to create the interesting plot itself. The audience have already witnessed many key events in Act 3 Scene 5. Romeo has already spent his first night with Juliet in her chamber at the house of Capulet. The audience are shocked with the unexpected arrivance of Lady Capulet. Your lady mother is coming to your chamber Here we see the nurseRead MoreAct 3 Scene I of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Essay2142 Words   |  9 PagesAct 3 Scene I of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Before Act 3 scene i we know that there are two feuding families, the Capulets and the Montagues. The audience has been told at the start that to resolve this dispute their children, two innocent lovers, must die. The Prince had explicitly told the family that if there is another brawl their ‘lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace’. Romeo a Montague went unwelcome to the Capulets’ ball. Tybalt, a nephew of old

Japanese Medical Beliefs free essay sample

Japanese Medical Beliefs Medicine is all around us. It comes in all forms and all types of beliefs. Each person has their own beliefs on what medicine can do to or for the body. No matter what country one visits, there will be a medical office to assist, however their views may vary that what one may be use to. In Japan, things are no different; however, Japan has some beliefs that contrast other countries. The Japanese has received influence from other countries, such as the Chinese, but they have turned everything into their own. They have their own superstitions, traditional medicine (including how they view modern medical needs), and different types of current trends that they follow. Every country has its own superstitions. Certain things that are not allowed to happen on certain days or even certain things must be kept away because of its meanings. In 1998, an experiment was done to see if the Japanese was using the Taian-Butsumetsu superstition when discharging patients. We will write a custom essay sample on Japanese Medical Beliefs or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The basis of the study was â€Å"To determine the influence of superstition about Taian (a lucky day)-Butsumetsu (an unlucky day) on decision to leave hospital. To estimate the costs of the effect of this superstition† (Hira, Fukui, Endoh, Rahman, Maekawa, 1998). They took figures from patients discharged from Kyoto University Hospital from the beginning of April 1992 to the end of March of 1995, 3 years worth of patients. In the Japanese world, the Taian-Butsumetsu belief is related to the six day lunar calendar and affects the Japanese culture in a variety of ways since the Taian is suppose to be a lucky day where as the Butsumetsu is supposed to mean unlucky. Due to this superstition, some patients have asked to extend their stay so that they can be released on the following Taian day, which means more costs to the hospitals. To get the most accurate data, they used hospital records and calculated the amount of days that patients were released on each day of the six lunar cycle, and then estimated the costs that the extension brought on to the hospital. They also took into consideration the patients age and gender. The results showed that â€Å"Of the 23677 patients discharged from the Kyoto University Hospital during the study period, 12613 (53. %) were female and 11064 (46. 7%) were male. The mean number of discharged patients was 21. 6 a day with the mean age 42. 3 years and the mean hospital stay 37. 1 days. The mean number, age, and hospital stay of discharged patients were highest on Taian and lowest on Butsumetsu. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant difference among the days of this cycle regarding the mean number, age, and hospital stay of discharged patients† (Hira, Fukui, Endoh, Rahman, Maekawa, 1998). Reports also showed that 3. 3% of the discharged patients adjusted their discharge date due to their belief in Taian. It goes on to state the estimation that the mean of a typical hospital charge was 12 600 yen a day. The extra charges the patients caused the hospital to incur in order to stay to the next Taian, amount to 7. 4 million yen a year all due to a superstition. If the patients would have shorted their stay to a prior Taian, there could have been a savings of roughly 12. 1 million yen. Another superstition for the Japanese is blood type. According to superstitions, your blood type can tell your temperament and personality. A man named Furukawa Takeji suggested a link between the two after working in a high school and observing the temperamental differences between applicants. His theory suggests that type A were generally mild tempered and intellectual, while blood types B were opposite (Thatcher). This superstition has influenced the Japanese so much that some companies have actually grouped their workforce together depending on their blood type. In the 1920’s and 30’s blood type grew more intriguing. Scientists in the west found that type B was common in Asia, but rare in Caucasians. As type B was typical in animals, they argued that Asians were inferior, lower on the evolutionary scale. Japan does have some forms of traditional medicine. They are required to have independent licensees for Kampo, acupuncture, moxibustion, and anma-massage-shiatsu. Kampo is only able to be performed by physicians with western medical doctor’s license. Acupuncture and moxibustion can be given by a person graduated from senior high school and later completed a 3 year education at one of the educational facilities specified. Acupuncture, moxibustion and anma are classified within the framework of the Japanese medical care system (Katai). Of these, Kampo seems to be the most widely used in Japan. Kampo medicine is widely practiced and is fully included into their modern healthcare system. The word Kampo means Han Method, which refers to China’s herbal system which developed in the Han dynasty. It was used in ancient China but is believed that Kampo came to Japan from Korea in the 5th or 6th century. In 1976, it was added to Japans national health insurance plan. Although it relies on herb formulas, it uses acupuncture, moxibustion and a few other components. 70 percent of physicians in Japan regularly prescribe it to their patients (Tanaka, 2010). It has been used by gynecologists, urologists, cardiologists and even gastrointestinal specialists. In order to determine the right formula for each patient, they require a sho. This is a diagnosis based on patient’s symptoms and patterns of disease. In 2007 Japan’s Society of Oriental Medicine issued an evidence report which shows all the findings of the research published from 1999-2005. 8 papers were deemed qualified. Some double blind showings were, â€Å"Hypertension related symptoms (flashed faces, etc. ): The administration of Ourengedokuto (Huang Lian Jie Du Tang) decreased hypertension related symptoms (Muli-center study of 116 facilities) Upper Gastric Symptoms: Rikkunshito (Liu Jun Zi Tang) was effective in decreasing upper GI discomfort and related complaints, such as a l ack of appetite. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Administration of Keishikashakuyakuto (Gui Zhi Jia Shao Yao Tang) decreased abdominal pain among IBS patients. The effects were more pronounced among diarrhoea-dominant IBS cases. Muscle Cramping: Shakuyakukanzouto (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang) was effective for reducing muscle cramping among cirrhosis patients. Obesity: 24 weeks of administering Bofutsuseisan (Fang Feng Tong Sheng San) decreased visceral fats and waist circle, as well as improved insulin resistance among obese female patients. Allergic Rhinitis: Shouseiryuto (Xiao Qing Long Tang) was effective in improving symptoms of allergic rhinitis† (Tanka, 2010). Another form of traditional medicine is Acupuncture and Shiatsu massage. Acupuncture is where extremely thin needles are gently placed in certain areas of your body. It can be uses to help balance the flow of energy through pathways in the body or can be used to stimulate nerves, muscles and tissue. It can be a more natural way of making the body feel better, without medication. Shiatsu is a massage that is used to relax people. The massage therapist uses hand, thumbs, elbows and knees to help dig into the more â€Å"knotted† areas of the body. It is an acupressure therapy. By using these additional parts of the body, they can use their whole body to endure more pressure onto the person in order to offset tension. The difference between acupuncture and acupressure is that acupuncture uses needles, where as acupressure uses body part to dig into the tissue. Some people do not truly understand the alternative ways. â€Å"The biggest misconception about alternative medicine is that its just a different procedurethat one can just replace it with conventional medicine, like taking an herb instead of a pill. †(Gray 2009). The Japanese also has strong views on medical beliefs. Things such as organ transplants are strongly discouraged due to Japans belief. In 1987, the Medical Association declared brain death to be equivalent to the death of a human being (Masahiro, 1995). Some Japanese doctors practice â€Å"closed-door medicine†, which is where the doctor fails to properly inform patients about their condition or straight out lies to them about it. A study in 1992 showed that only 20% of terminal cancer patients knew they had cancer because of the doctor’s decision to inform them on the truth. This shows that 80% of patients were lied to or told nothing. Masahiro, 1995) Due to this, Through the brain death controversy quite a few people expressed great fear that in the process of the determination of brain death and transplantation no information might be given to family members, and in the worst case that the doctors might lie to family members. Some pointed out the possibility that doctors might psychologically threaten the family members if they refuse to agree to organ donations from a brain-dead relative. As time passed, it appeared that Japan accepted modern technology in almost every form except human birth and death. Research has shown that they believed a dead person goes to the next world as a soul. If parts of that body were to be donated, then body as a whole would not be together, thus making the soul unhappy in the next world. The Japanese has however become more willing to use terms such as â€Å"informed consent† or â€Å"patients rights†. It appears as if Japans beliefs will simply be based off of their own cultural beliefs, as oppose to something such as the Euro-American beliefs. Due to the fast paced living in Japan, they have begun trends to help ease the stressed out society and bring forth relaxation. They have opened oxygen bars, nap salons and animal therapy. In oxygen bars, you can have personal flavored oxygen cans that can help bring you energy and provide fresh air. You can also purchase them at salons and beauty halls. The canisters, such as Big Ox’s helpfully informs that oxygen is an essential gas for human beings and claims that its 89 per cent oxygen blend (normal air contains about 21 per cent) can help boost energy, particularly during exercise (Feelgood, 2008). In recent years, major cities in Japan have opened nap salons. A particular salon in Tokyo, Napia has over 1,500 members. Fatigued office workers can take a brief lunchtime nap on a daybed there for roughly equivalent of $4. 50 (US). Sleep studies have shown that their naps should not go beyond 30 minutes because it is then more likely for them to fall into a deep sleep and end up waking up feeling extremely groggy. To help ensure that customers do not sleep beyond 30 minutes, they provide customers with coffee right before their nap. Since it generally take 20 minutes for the caffeine to kick in, they can get a quick nap in, then the caffeine will kick in and allow the person to have a more natural wake up (Faiola, 2006). Some Japanese companies have even gotten their health insurance providers to cover the fees for nap salons. If they have not succeeded in that route, they simply take naps at their desk during lunchtime. This way they are not only getting their nap in but the office lights are being turned off which is saving energy. In Japan, bathing in mineral waters is popular as a health-promotion practice. (Miller, 2007) Onsen, which is a hot spring, is in their belief to be opposite of everything in their normal crazy lifestyle. It represents an opportunity for the Japanese to melt down the hierarchical nature of society through mutual nakedness and intimacy (Onsen, 2006-7). It is pretty much a public bath with natural hot spring water for them to use in order to relax from their hectic work schedules. It is their belief that the water holds healing powers. There are a few different types of hot springs: Simple Springs, Carbonate Springs, Salt Springs, Sodium Sulfate Springs, Iron Springs, Acidic Springs, Sulfur Springs and Radium Hot Springs. Most people sit back quietly and enjoy the silence that surrounds them while bathing for roughly 20-30 minutes. The extremely acid hot spring Onsen water is believed to ease neuralgia, alleviate muscle pain and the symptoms of chronic skin disease. It also relieves chronic fatigue and stress. Since ancient times, Onsen water has been renowned to help maintain a beautiful skin. In addition to its other health and beauty benefits, the hot springs energize the metabolism. The Onsen experience is also known to calm nerves and put the bather in a relaxed, meditative state† (Onsen, 2006-7) Unfortunately today there are only three hot spring resorts remaining. One is Kusatsu Thermal Spring which is in a small town roughly two and a half hours from Tokyo by train. It can either be visited for the day, or turned into a mini vacation. If only wanting to spend a day, you can visit one of 18 public hot springs in the town for a quick fix. Another location is Gero Thermal Spring. It is roughly three and a half hours from Tokyo by train to Nagoya, then about an hour and a half to Gifu, where Gero is located. Here, you can stay at one of the resorts or visit the public springs which allows you to test out three of the twenty. The final is Arima Onsen Thermal Spring. This final spring is roughly three hours from Tokyo then another 30 minutes to Kobe, where Arima is located. This spa is the oldest spa known to the country. Here, there is a public theme park which holds 17 hot springs. Another trend is fish pedicures. At some Onsen Springs, there are spas where you can dip you feet into the water and have these fish eat the dead skin off your feet. Although they are considered â€Å"flesh eating† they actually have no teeth, meaning that you will not get bitten. They basically suck the dead skin and cells off, leaving your skin silky smooth. No matter what country you look at, each will have its own beliefs on medicine. Some are traditional and some may by alternative. Japan is widely known for having a mixture of each. While receiving influence from other countries, Japan has incorporated other medical approaches into their own. They have their own superstitions, traditional medicine (including how they view modern medical needs), and different types of current trends that they follow.

Reducing Air Pollution an Example of the Topic All Posts by

Reducing Air Pollution Through the Use of Oxygenated Gasoline Poor air quality and potential health concerns promoted the creation of the Clean Air Act. Cities with the worst air pollution started using a new type of gasoline. The Clean Air Act of 1990 permitted the use of oxygenated gasoline (Gasoline, 2006). Oxygenated gasoline contains hydrocarbons with one or more oxygen atoms. Oxygen causes gasoline to burn cleaner. There are different types of additives used in gasoline such as ethanol, methyl tert-butly ether (MTBE) and ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE) (MTBE, Oxygenates, and Motor Gasoline, 2006). In 1981 the Environmental Protection Agency allowed MTBE to use in gasoline up to eleven percent per volume and then raised that percentage to fifteen percent in 1988. The oxygenates can reduce air pollution. In cities with the heaviest air smog such as Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, oxygenates seemed to have provided an economically efficient solution to their air quality problems (Control of MTBE in Gasoline, 2006). How ever recent evidence has caused many to take a look at some of the additives as potential health concerns. Need essay sample on "Reducing Air Pollution Through the Use of Oxygenated Gasoline" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed The cities with the worst air quality are required by the Clean Air Act to have reformulated gasoline. There are seventeen states plus the District of Columbia with mandatory reformulated gasoline (EPA Commission Facts, 2006). There are two types of oxygenated programs. The winter oxygenated program is for cities with poor air quality and only during the winter months. This was created in 1992 and the additive used is ethanol. The second program is a year round program for the cities with the worst air quality and the additive used in 87% of the gasoline is MTBE (Methyl tert-Butly Ether) (Gasoline, 2006). Thirty percent of the gasoline used is reformulated and approximately 86% uses MTBE (Gas, 2006). Methyl tert-Butly Ether (MTBE) is formed from a reaction between isobutylene and methanol. MBTE is produced in high quantities and mainly used as a gasoline additive (Gasoline, 2006). A small portion of MBTE is also used in dissolving gallstones (Methyl tert Butyl Ether, 2006). MBTE had been around since 1979 when it replaced lead in gasoline (Gasoline, 2006). Although the MBTE does reduce the release of air pollutants such as carbon monoxide into the air, there are some negative characteristics associated with this gas additive. MBTE is highly flammable in liquid form. There is a distinctive taste and odor associated with MBTE. This makes it easy to detect MBTE in drinking water. In its vapor form MBTE can be broken down by sunlight and quickly evaporates from open containers. MBTE can leak into the underground water supply and can stay there for an indefinite amount of time. Fortunately, there is no evidence indicating that MBTE builds up in animals or plants (Tox FAQs for Methyl t ert Butyl Ether (MTBE), 2006). MBTE may or may not build up in animals, but there are some acute and chronic effects of MBTE. Touching, inhaling, or drinking are just some of the ways an individual can come exposed to MBTE (ToxFAQs for Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE), 2006). An acute illness an individual can get with exposure is respiratory tract irritation through inhalation (Material Data Safety Sheet, 2004). Any damage to the inner lining of the tract can cause respiratory irritation. The respiratory tract and lungs have special organs that trap dust and toxins that enter through the nose (Campbell, Reece, Mitchell and Taylor, 2003). A chronic problem associated with MBTE that has not been documented in humans, but have turned up in lab mouse is cancer. In lab mice testicular cancer, liver and kidney cancer has been researched (ToxFAQs for Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE), 2006). In lab mouse the LD-50 dose was 5960 micro liters per kilogram (Material Safety Data Sheet, 2004). Test show increase in 'Leydig' cell tumors through oral dosage and increase of lymphomas along with leukemia in female rats (2004). However, there were limitations of these tests. Tumors can occur in mice with the highest dose. Certain tumors have been known to show up these animals and limiting reporting of the combined lymphomas and leukemia (Williams and Sheehan, pg 94, 2002). The length of type determines how the exposure will be placed. A single event is an acute illness, less than seven years it is called sub-chronic and more than seven years is chronic (Example Exposure Scenarios, pg 3 2004). The effects of MTBE have been tested using to species sensitive to certain toxins-Daphinia magna (zooplankton) and Vibrio fisheri (bacteria). The name of the article is Combined toxicity effects of MTBE and pesticides measured with Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna bioassays. The journal is Water Research. This was a toxicology study. Mixtures of distilled water and 0.1 mg/L of MTBE at their effective concentration level. The bacteria and zooplankton were introduced into the mixture with different exposure times. One toxic endpoint was studied was the effective concentration that caused a fifty percent reduction in light production. The results were that MTBE is not very toxic to freshwater organsims depending on exposure time (Hernando, Ejerhoon, Fernandez-Alba and Christi, 2002). As mentioned earlier there are several routes of exposure for MBTE. With the skin there is touching gasoline and/or contaminated water. Inhalation can involve breathing exhaust fumes and air near highways and ingestion of contaminated water during drinking and swimming (Fox FAQs for Methyl tert Butyl Ether (MTBE), 2006). In Berkeley, California there are several sub populations that have a high risk of exposure of MBTE. One group is service station attendants. They have a greater chance than the general population in coming in constant contact with MBTE from exhaust fumes and skin absorption from pumping gas (Williams and Sheehan, pg 97, 2002). The analytical method that could be used to test the concentration levels of MBTE among gas station attendants is obtaining blood samples and using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. The gas chromatography would subject the samples to a flame causing the MBTE to vaporize. The chromatogram would show the levels of MBTE in each blood samples (Harrison, 2005). It probably is easier to obtain blood samples from healthy individuals. Two important questions to ask the participant would be how long have you been exposed to MBTE and is there a history of respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis before or after exposure. Exposure is the length of time a person in which the substance comes in contact with the skin, respiratory tract and lining of the stomach. Dose is the internal consumption of a substance through skin absorption, mouth and breathing (Bates, 2006). To calculate the individual dose is relatively simple. The absorption rate for inhalation is fifty percent. Other parameters need to calculate the dosage is frequency, time, and intake rate and body weight. The researcher would be able to find out this information by asking the participants about exposure time, body weight and the frequency of exposure. The intake rate would have to be calculated using microgram per kilogram per day. This formula will give you the average daily dose or ADD for the individual (Williams and Sheehan, pg 96, 2002). One way to study the exposure rate in service station attendants and also an inexpensive one would be a retrospective cohort studies. A retrospective cohort study uses records to track a specific group through a period of time. These studies are good, cheap, and can study multiple causes of death. Since records are used to tract MBTE exposure then information bias would probably blemish the overall study. Exposure types and the length of time could be misinformed on the health records (Bates, 2006). Every new program involves a risk assessment. A risk assessment is the possibility of harm and the evaluation of the evidence. A risk assessment of the levels of MBTE in drinking water would involve first sampling the water supply in a given area where MBTE is in high usage. The concentration in water must not be above the EPAs recommended level of 4 mg/L of water between one to ten days and 3mg/L for longer times. The area surrounding the contaminated drinking supply would also be tested for exposure rate. Factors that would influence the risk assessment in MBTE are using the assessment to make the best decision for a given area. In this case this could mean to ban MTBE and come up with another clean air alternative. However, cost and society concerns could influence environmental decisions. If alternatives to MBTE prove to be too costly, those consumers may overlook the health concerns of the additive (Wilson, 2006). There are low health risk alternatives that may not be costly. Dr. Jackson has stated that we are living in obese and self consumed world. Most people do not take the time to be concern for their health until health problems arise. Easy alternatives to this issue and improve air quality is doing more health conscious activities such as walking. Walking is the simplest and easiest for of exercise. Governments could build parks in or near new developments. Mass transits near developments would also benefit air quality in a given area (Jackson, 2006). Car makers should make more fuel alternative cars and the White House should lobby for fuel alternatives such as naturally cleaning burning fuels. To promote these changes pressure could be put on local governments through community meetings or petitions asking that land be allocated for a park or a walking area. Any new development wishing to build must include a park or walking area. The development must also be willing to build near public transportation such as bus station or commuter train. Another way to get people to become environmentally friendly is to offer rebates to those who carpool or tax breaks to those who use public transportation. MTBE may have been a cheap fix to a growing concern. However, to what price must people pay for cheap fuel alternatives? As the country struggle with growing gas prices it seems the nation has be forced to seek other fuel types or a change in lifestyle. Work Cited Campbell, N, Reece, J, Mitchell, L and Martha T. (2003). Biology Concepts and Connection. San Francisco: Pearson Education, Inc. Control of MTBE in Gasoline. (2006, March 7). Retrieved April 27, 2006 Example of Exposure Scenarios. National Center for Environmental Assessment. Retrieved April 28, 2006. Gasoline. (2006, March 7). Retrieve April 27, 2006 Harrison, G. (2005, April). Application of a Hydrogen/Zero Air Gas System in GC-FID Operation at a Crime Laboratory. American Laboratory. Hernando, M, Ejerhoon, M., Fernandez-Alba, A, and Y. Christi. (2003, June 12). Combined toxicity effects of MTBE and Pesticides measured with Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna bioassays. Water Research. pp. 4091-4098. Material Safety Data Sheet. Methyl tert-Butly Ether. Retrieved April 28, 2006. MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether. (2006, March 7). Retrieve April 27, 2006. Reformulated Gasoline. (1999, November). Retrieved April 27, 2006.