An Exploration of Racism in Heart of Darkness - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1933 Downloads: 8 Date added: 2019/06/12 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: Heart of Darkness Essay Did you like this example? Joseph Conradrs Heart of Darkness has been analyzed and critiqued for its misrepresentation of the African race. Some critics have even gone so far as to say that the whole piece itself is racist. While Conrad was not solely responsible for the xenophobic image of Africa, his writing did seem to support the stereotype of the native people. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "An Exploration of Racism in Heart of Darkness" essay for you Create order Nevertheless, Conrad was writing at a time when the historical representation of Africans had always been primarily depicted as racist. It is also safe to assume that Conrad failed to delineate Africans properly because he recognized little of their culture. This could be due to the fact that his time on the Congo was spent mostly with white men. While Conradrs text can be difficult to comprehend and does have certain racist elements, this does not mean the author was racist and wrote Heart of Darkness with racist intentions; on the contrary, it is presumed that Conrad wrote Heart of Darkness to show the wicked ways of the Europeans, not to scrutinize Africans. In a literary piece titled An Image of Africa: Racism in Conradrs Heart of Darkness by Chinua Achebe, Achebe writes about Conradrs work being opened up on the River Thames, which is calm and tranquil; however, the actual story will take place on the River Congo, the very antithesis of the Thames (15). Achebe argues that Conrad is not worried so much about the differences of the two, as he is worried about the kinship between them (15). Before Thames was at the point of peace, it was seen as one of the dark places of the earth (Conrad 75). The thought of the Thames going back into its state of darkness is what Conrad seems to be most concerned for, as he seems to say that darkness never really leaves; Marlow, a character from the book, states, it is like a running blaze in a plain, like a flash of lightning in the clouds. We live in the flicker may it last as long as the old earth keeps rolling! (76). From this, it seems that Marlow is saying that the state they are in right now is th e flicker of light in the midst of the darkness. This darkness mainly resides in the wicked hearts of people and, if not taken care of properly, can be released again. Marlow has seen this type of darkness first hand from the Congo and all its atrocities. Obviously it is not that Africa is a place that turns men wicked; however, Africa seems to be a place where wicked men do not curb their corrupt behavior. By seeing this, Marlow has a sense of prejudice due to his ignorance of the matter, and because he has had no other experiences to base them off of, so he hastily makes his own conclusions on others. A prime example that Conrad uses to display not only Marlowrs bias, but to express his own empathy for the situation is the fireman. The fireman is an African who has been trained to operate the boatrs boiler. While watching him, Marlow refers to the fireman as an improved specimen (Conrad 99) and he thinks theres an evil spirit inside who gets angry if its not given enough water. Marlow also gives a very harsh description of the fireman, referring to him as a dog dressed like a person. Despite this unfavorable description, it seems that Marlow sympathizes with the fireman. Marlow feels that the fireman would be better off with his relatives instead of being seperated from them and forced to work for the Europeans (Conrad 100). This statement from Marlow was most likely sincere, as Achebe states, For Conrad things being in their place is of the utmost importance (18). When things are where they are supposed to be, it helps relieve future conflict that could arise; however, when peopl e, or things, are placed where they do not belong it can cause chaos to erupt. Had Europeans decided not to colonize Africa, many of the events and tragedies discussed in Heart of Darkness would have been completely avoided. This fact seems to uphold the idea that Conrad felt that Europeans had no right being in Africa; furthermore, in Paranoia and Pain in Joseph Conradrs Heart of Darkness author Al-Assad Omar quotes, In this short novel, he dramatized his own confiding attitudes toward passion and reason, savagery and civilization (1). Conrad may have felt that Heart of Darkness was the most effective way to express his views on the situation. None of the Europeans depicted in Heart of Darkness seem interested in helping or educating the Africans; instead, most of them ignore the anguish around them and continue to pursue their own personal endeavors. The fact that Conrad decided to portray the Europeans in such a negative light seems to suggest that he disagreed with their being in Africa and hoped to share his feelings on the subject. In an analysis of Josep h Conrad and his works, Aaron Records states the following on Conrad: I surmise that arguments of intention are dangerous and that no one should make them because they are largely insupportable. If anything, an argument of intention has all the qualities of prejudice and once investigated, seems just as absurd as arguments for racism (159). The statement made by Records debunks the claim that Conradrs writing was intentionally racist. With no evidence to back up the claims, they are not valid. Furthermore, Achebe uses the argument that because Conrad lacks focus on the African characters Heart of Darkness has a racist nature; however, Conrad choosing to show the savagery of the Europeans on the French Ship seems much more appropriate to cover. Marlow describes the scene; In the empty immensity of earth, sky, and water, there she was, incomprehensible, firing into a continent (82). The thought of a French warship approaching a small village with spears and arrows seems a tad extreme. This treatment of the natives further shows the crude behavior of the whites. When he first sees the ship, Marlow sees a gang of Africans who look to be severely overworked and malnourished. As the ship passes by, all the Africans seem to be unphased by Marlowrs presence despite being in close proximity to him. Their lack of regard for Marlow shows their paucity of connection for the moment and just how their treatment on the ship had made them lose all connection with their surroundings. Again seeing the harsh realities of the situation, Marlow sees the impact Europe had on the natives. He states, They were dying slowly it was very clear. They were not enemies, they were not criminals, they were nothing earthly now nothing but black shadows of disease and starvation (84). Marlow implies in this passage that the natives were mistreated, used relentlessly for labor until they were spent, at which point they were allowed by the civilized whites to crawl into the grove of death to die. At this point, Marlow seems to have a revelation. He sees these Africans in a new light than before, and acknowledges their pain. Not only does Marlow make note of the Africans on the ship, he also observes cannibals that he seems to have high regards for. Marlow begins to give insights into some of the Africans that crew his ship. He states of the cannibals, fine fellows cannibals in their place. They were men one could work with, and I am grateful to them (98). The fact that Marlow places such an importance on the value of work, and that he describes the Africans as men one could work with seems to show the level of respect he has for them. To flip the situation around, there is never an instance where Marlow describes any of the Europeans as people he could see himself working with. In fact, there is another altercation in the novella where the Europeans take food from a group of cannibals and throw it overboard. When this happens, Marlow wonders why the cannibals have such restraint over themselves and states, It takes man all his inborn strength to fight hunger properly (103). The restraint demonstrated by the cannibals has a huge contrast to the pilgrims and Marlow even comments on how unwholesome the pilgrims looked (103). The fact that Marlow viewed the cannibals with such high esteem and the Europeans with such low disregard furthermore highlights the feelings Conrad had toward the Europeans. For this particular situation, Marlow wants to highlight the overwhelming dissimilarities between the Africans and the Europeans. The Africans show striking uprightness in not eating the Europeans; especially because they had them outnumbered thirty to five (103). Perceived to be vicious, one would not think that cannibals can have integrity; however, Conrad shows that they can. As time goes on, Marlow starts to see the Africans for who they truly are and understand that they are not the ones who are always in the wrong. In a text written about Heart of Darkness, author Glen Retief states the following, First, Heart of Darkness, is in many ways, the quintessential narrative of Africa written by an outsider: both Conrad and Marlow know nothing of the Congo beyond what they have read in newspapers and books (225). Many time, when someone does not have enough knowledge on a particular situation, they can tend to make their own assumptions; while this is not right, it does not necessaril y make that person a vicious person, it just makes them ignorant to the subject and shows they need to be informed about it. In a novel about racism titled The Bluest Eyes, author Toni Morrison states, Being a minority in both caste and class, we moved about anyway on the hem of life, struggling to consolidate our weaknesses and hang on, or to creep singly up into the major folds of the garment (17). This quote can be used to describe the African situation for how they were perceived. They were not of a high-class and were often looked down upon, and because of this, they were always easy targets for others to make their presumptions and cast judgment. To say that Heart of Darkness is an intentionally racist text would be a far cry from what many see as Joseph Conradrs true intentions for the novel. While it does have a tendency to focus on, and give insights, into European characters while demeaning Africans, this is not due to racism, but a calculated attempt to illustrate the cruel behavior of the European characters. Conrad shows the hard truth of how many Europeans act when they are freed from the restraints of society and in this process, he also shows that the ones being portrayed as savages are the ones who are not the troublemakers. Many revert back to animalistic behaviors and doing things spitefully, while the savage African cannibals show restraint even when they are provoked by the Europeans. Joseph Conrad was trying to show the reality of European imperialism, that for the most part, would have gotten overlooked and ignored by society. His stance for the topic shows that he was not scared to write about the truth, whe ther it was good or bad. The true message behind Heart of Darkness is not racism, but that power corrupts even what the world sees as the best of people and nations. There is always two sides to every story, and sometimes the good that we see, is underlined with miles of evil that is just waiting to be opened up. There is darkness inside every individual. Whether or not a person frees their darkness is an eternal decision they must make.

Human Sexuality And Its Effects On Society Essay - 1875 Words

Throughout the semester, we learned about different aspects of human sexuality. Regardless of the subject, the most important take away is diversity. All the sections discussed in and outside of class demonstrate how sexually diverse people are around the world. In order to truly understand how widespread and diverse sexuality is; we explored cultures, evolution, studies, biology, religion, physiology, and psychology. By delving into these categories, we can comprehend sexuality and apply our knowledge to a greater number of people. One sexual phenomenon covered in class is intersexual people and what factors play role in this condition. Due to the variety of conditions, the world of intersexual people tends to be tremendously diverse. Today, schools across the world provide different forms of sexual education to their students. Overall, students should be educated in order to better protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. When men and women de cide to become sexually active, is it vital that they are educated enough to be responsible. Human sexuality is a subject that cannot be avoided, therefore, everyone should have a baseline knowledge of the diverse topics. Men and women can be differentiated based upon their sexual reproductive organs. A phenomenon called intersex is when someone’s biological sex is unclear. The people that fall into the intersex category are not a consistent male or female (Hyde 99). In class we discussed theShow MoreRelatedHuman Sexuality And Its Effect On Society2663 Words   |  11 Pages2014-08-13 Introduction Human sexuality is defined as the capability of individuals to experience their sexuality and be able to express themselves as sexual beings (Hyde DeLameck, 2006). Our interest in this topic is because with time, there has been a change in rules that control human sexual behaviour. The status quo in our contemporary society is much different as compared to an earlier state of conditions, and the change has, as a result, brought the evolvement in human sexuality. People s viewRead MoreMedia Influence On The Media993 Words   |  4 Pages they can do anything. Media is the way to translate different news, videos, music over the people. I think media influence the most about the sexuality. Media influence me by showing different sexual stories in the newspaper, by posting videos and picture on the website, and by watching different sexual videos on movies influence the most about sexuality. It is a positive influence because we can get the knowledge about sexual precaution and awaren ess. Television programs influence about sexualRead MoreSocio-Cultural Influences On Sexuality. Socio-Cultural1156 Words   |  5 PagesSocio-Cultural Influences on Sexuality Socio-cultural influence plays a major role in sexual behaviors. It gives a better comprehension on why men are men and women are women. These socio-cultural are influenced by physical, emotional, cultural and economic aspects. Time and time again research has proven that socio-cultural influences have a significant role in human sexuality. Culture is the manner of life of the people. Thus, culture shapes the ideas of what behaviors are acceptable for men andRead MoreThe History Of Sexuality By Michel Foucault1729 Words   |  7 Pageschapter of the book entitled â€Å"The History of Sexuality† by Michel Foucault seeks to explain the traditional and modern issues regarding sexuality. Michel argues out that during the 17th century, sexuality was not a big deal, and various sexual acts were pursued more or less deliberately. Primarily, there was no taboo concerning sex and people of all age groups including children were well aware of sexual behaviours. Michel then points out t hat sexuality was now shifted to the homes where it was meantRead MoreFeminist Theory : A Feminist Perspective1558 Words   |  7 Pagesconstruction of feminist theoretical discourse which aims to understand and support the nature of gender equality. Unfortunately, â€Å"in its early analyses, the focus of much feminist theory was on the characterization of the feminine as less than fully human† (Price and Shildrick 1999, 2). During the Colonial Era, especially, the cult of domesticity was a way for men to control women. Women would stay home and participate in housekeeping responsibilities, while men would go out in the world to work andRead MoreSocial Constructionism : Sociology, History, And Philosophy940 Words   |  4 PagesSexuality is the capacity of human beings to have sexually stimulating responses towards another human being. A person’s sexual orientation can influence their sexual interest for another person. However, in society, many people want to see t he opposite sex dating the opposite sex, such as a female dating a male. Whenever someone acts against that notion, such as a female dating a female or a male dating a male, people would see that as being deviant. This connects us back to history when differentRead MoreDiscourse of Sex and the Creation of Docile Bodies Essay1129 Words   |  5 PagesCreation of Docile Bodies Subjection is a process that operates in society, and according to sociologist Michel Foucault, can be applied to a multiplicity of discourses. Foucault explains that the beginning of the nineteenth century marked the age of sexual repression and censorship, which became a time of subjection through exerting disciplinary control over a docile population. In his The Introduction to the History of Sexuality, Foucault explains how the scientification of sex came about. SpecificallyRead MoreSexuality : The Behavioral And Sociological Theory Essay1587 Words   |  7 PagesHuman sexuality is a common phrase for all, and anything, pertaining to the feelings and behaviors of sex for the human race. Sexuality has been a topic that has been discussed and studied for as far back as 1000 years B.C. and is still being studied today. As the discussion of sexuality has progressed through history, theories have been created based on research and experiments that scholars have implemented, based on their own perceptions of human behavior. Out of the many theories that pose toRead MoreHow The Importance Of Sexuality In China939 Words   |  4 Pages Research comparing how people in the United States are more widely accepted based on sexuality than other parts of the world, particularly focusing on China. In the United States sexuality is less biased and more widely accepted than in China, making it easier for people with different types of sexuality get more recognition and acceptance. Depending on where you are in the world human sexuality will constantly be contested and changed based on how people feel about other people, even if that meansRead MoreSexuality : Human Sexuality, Sexual Orientation And Sexual Behavior1193 Words   |  5 Pages HUMAN SEXUALITY ReNata Shaw APUS: Human Sexuality Assignment 2 Resubmit Dr. Foster November 29, 2015 Human Sexuality Introduction Sexuality encompasses aspects in a person’s life that involves sex and gender identity, sexual orientation and sexual behavior. It encompasses the physical, social and psychological aspects of a person’s sexual behavior. It underpins what an individual is, affects the individual’s life wholesomely and is unique to each and every individual

Why Are Systematic Reviews Important Health And Social Care Essay Free Essays

A systematic reappraisal is â€Å" [ a ] reappraisal of a clearly formulated inquiry that uses systematic and expressed methods to place, choose, and critically measure relevant research, and to roll up and analyze informations from the surveies that are included in the reappraisal. Statistical methods ( meta-analysis ) may or may non be used to analyze and summarize the consequences of the included surveies † ( Greens A ; Higgins, 2005 ) . SRs are claimed to be the best beginning of grounds in clinical pattern and decision-making ( Cook et al, 1997 ) . We will write a custom essay sample on Why Are Systematic Reviews Important Health And Social Care Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now They provide sum-ups of grounds from a myriad of primary surveies which focus on the same inquiries ( Cook et al, 1997, Sanchez-Meca A ; Botello, 2010 ) by efficaciously pull offing and incorporating well big sum of bing information ( Mulrow, 1994 ) . An overview of available scientific grounds which addresses a specific job brand clip devouring procedure of reading single surveies unneeded and therefore, aid wellness attention professionals save their cherished clip ( Sanchez-Meca A ; Botello, 2010 ) . By summarizing consequences of included research surveies into a individual statement, SRs provide greater advantage to clinicians in measuring grounds ( Stevens, 2001 ) . Furthermore, SRs resolve incompatibilities of surveies that discuss the same job but output confusing and conflicting consequences ( Stevens, 2001, Sanchez-Meca A ; Botello, 2010 ) . Besides, SRs set up generalisability by measuring whether clinical findings are consistent across populations and scenes or vary h armonizing to peculiar subsets ( Mulrow, 1994, Stevens, 2001 ) . SRs have become progressively critical to a wide scope of stakeholders ( Moher et al, 2007 ) , peculiarly wellness attention suppliers, research workers and determination shapers ( Mulrow, 1994 ) . Health attention suppliers particularly clinicians read SRs to maintain abreast with their forte ( Swingler et al, 2003, Moher et Al, 2007 ) and to stay educated in wider facets of medical specialty ( Mulrow, 1994 ) . Health policy shapers and clinical guideline developers use SRs as get downing point in explicating clinical guidelines and statute laws ( Mulrow, 1994, Moher et Al, 2007 ) . As for some medical diaries, SRs are important as they serve as prerequisite grounds base tools to warrant the demand to carry on farther research ( Young A ; Houltan, 2005 ) . 2.2 Overall coverage quality of SRs Over the past few decennaries, SRs are being published yearly in progressively big Numberss ( Shea et al, 2002 ) . A survey conducted by Moher et Al ( 2007 ) showed that there are about 2500 SRs indexed yearly on Medline. However, there is relatively small bing informations on the coverage quality of SRs despite figure of SRs published is tremendous ( Shea et al, 2002 ) . Several earlier surveies concluded that quality of coverage of SRs was by and large hapless ( Sacks et Al, 1987. Mulrow et Al, 1987, Silagy, 1993, Mc. Alister et Al, 1999 ) . Sacks et Al ( 1987 ) evaluated the coverage quality of 86 meta-analyses of studies of randomised controlled tests published in English linguistic communication by taking into consideration 23 points covering six indispensable spheres, i.e. â€Å" survey design, combinability, control of prejudice, statistical analysis, sensitiveness analysis and application of consequences † . The consequences of the survey showed that coverage was by and large hapless, where merely 24 of 86 meta-analyses ( 28 % ) addressed all six spheres and of the 23 points, between 1 and 14 were satisfactorily reported ( average = 7.7, standard divergence = 2.7 ) ( Sacks et Al, 1987 ) . Another earlier rating of SRs by Mulrow et Al ( 1987 ) examined 50 reappraisals published between June 1985 and June 1986 in 4 major medical diaries and found that no individual reappraisal met all eight explicit standards of which the appraisal was based on, i.e. â€Å" purpose, informations designation, informations choice, cogency appraisal, quantitative synthesis, quality synthesis, drumhead and future directives † ( Mulrow et al, 1987 ) . An update of this survey affecting 158 reappraisals published in six general medical diaries in 1996 noted small betterment with merely 2 reappraisals met all 10 methodological standards and the average figure of standards fulfilled was one ( Mc. Alister et Al, 1999 ) . Silagy ( 1993 ) evaluated 28 reappraisals covering a broad scope of capable countries which were published in seven chief primary attention diaries in 1991 based on eight standards. The consequences of the survey showed that merely one one-fourth of the reappraisals scored 8 points out of 16 points ( 2 points allocated for each clearly reported standard, 1 point for each non clearly reported standard and 0 point for unreported standard ) ( Silagy et al, 1993 ) . More late, a survey by Jadad et Al ( 1998 ) concluded that Cochrane reappraisals have superior â€Å" methodological asperity † and are more on a regular basis updated compared with SRs or meta-analyses published in paper-based diaries. Oslen et Al ( 2001 ) assessed the quality of Cochrane reappraisals and noted that in general, there were no jobs or merely fiddling jobs found in most of the reappraisals. They studied 53 reappraisals published in issue 4 of the Cochrane Library in 1998 and found that major jobs were identified in 15 reappraisals ( 29 % ) , which correspond to the decision non to the full supported by the grounds in 9 reappraisals ( 17 % ) , unequal coverage in 12 reappraisals ( 23 % ) and â€Å" stylistic jobs † were recognized in 12 reappraisals ( 23 % ) ( Oslen et al, 2001 ) . Moher et Al ( 2007 ) examined the epidemiology and describing features of 300 SRs indexed in Medline during November 2004 and found that great differences exist between Cochrane reappraisals and non-Cochrane reappraisals in the coverage quality of several features. Main facets of SR methodological analysis were non reported in many non-Cochrane reappraisals, for case, merely 11 % of the reappraisals mentioned working from a protocol in the procedure of finishing the reappraisal. Besides, informations obtained from the survey suggested that the quality of coverage is inconsistent. 2.3 SRs on herbal medical specialties for mental and behavioral upsets 2.3.1 St John ‘s wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) for depression Hypericum infusions have been studied and included in clinical tests since the 1980s ( Linde et al, 2009 ) . Several systematic reappraisals published from 1995 to 2008 concluded that Hypericum infusions are more effectual compared with placebo and comparable to ( likewise effectual as ) criterion antidepressants in handling depressive upsets ( Linde et al, 1996, Kim et Al, 1999, Gaster A ; Holroyd, 2000, Williams et Al, 2000, Whiskey et Al, 2001, Linde et Al, 2005, Clement et Al, 2006, Linde et Al, 2008 ) . However, some of the tests included in a few reappraisals ( Linde et al, 1996, Kim et Al, 1999, Gaster A ; Holroyd, 2000, Williams et Al, 2000 ) were being criticised because they incorporated patients with really few and/or mild symptoms who did non run into the inclusion standards of major depression, were carried out by primary attention doctors who were deficiency of experience in depression research, and/or used low doses of comparator drugs ( Shelton et al, 2001 ) . Linde et Al ( 2005 ) conducted an update of antecedently completed reappraisal ( Linde et al, 1996 ) by including several new well-designed placebo-controlled tests where negative findings were found in some of the tests ( Shelton et al, 2001 ) . The consequences obtained aggravated new arguments on the efficaciousness of Hypericum infusions for intervention of depression and the analyses showed that effects of Hypericum infusions over placebo were less pronounced in surveies restricted to patients with major depression ( Linde et al, 2005 ) . In order to understate clinical heterogeneousness every bit good as to uncover the fact that about all new high-quality tests of Hypericum infusions are restricted to patients with major depression, another update of reappraisal ( Linde et al, 2008 ) was conducted by including several new well-designed tests restricted to patients with major depression. 29 tests were included in the survey. In nine larger tests and nine smaller tests affecting comparing of hypericum infusion with placebo, the combined response rate ratio ( RR ) obtained was 1.28 ( 95 % assurance interval ( CI ) , 1.10-1.49 ) and 1.87 ( 95 % CI, 1.22-2.87 ) severally. As for comparing with standard antidepressants, RRs were 1.02 ( 95 % CI, 0.90-1.15 ; 5 tests ) for tri- or tetracyclic antidepressants and 1.00 ( 95 % CI, 0.90-1.11 ; 12 tests ) for selective 5-hydroxytryptamines reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) . Hence, it can be concluded that Hypericum infusions tested in the included test are more effectual than placebo and are likewise effectual as standard antidepressants in patients with major depression ( Linde et al, 2008 ) . 2.3.2 Anxiety There are SRs on three herbal medical specialties, i.e. kava infusion, valerian and Passiflora for anxiousness ( Pittler A ; Ernst, 2003, Miyasaka et Al, 2006, Miyasaka et Al, 2007 ) . Merely survey conducted by Pittler A ; Ernst ( 2003 ) found that kava infusion is more effectual than placebo in diagnostic intervention of anxiousness despite the size of the consequence is little. Finding of SR carried by Miyasaka et Al ( 2006 ) comparing the effectivity of valerian with placebo and Valium for anxiousness showed that there is no important differences between valerian and placebo and between valerian and Valium in Hamilton Anxiety ( HAM-A ) entire tonss. Besides, a definite decision was unable to be drawn as there was merely a individual little survey with 36 patients available ( Miyasaka et al, 2006 ) . Miyasaka et Al ( 2007 ) conducted a SR by including 2 surveies to compare the effectivity of Passiflora with benzodiazepines, i.e. mexazolam and oxazolam severally in handling anxio usness. None of the survey was able to separate Passiflora from benzodiazepines in any of the result steps. Two possible grounds for this deficiency of statistical difference identified were the medicines were every bit effectual and deficient figure of surveies were included ( sample size was non big plenty ) ( Miyasaka et al, 2007 ) . 2.3.3 Dementia Strontium on three herbal medical specialties, i.e. Zhiling decoction, Yizhi capsule and Huperzine A for vascular dementedness found no converting grounds to back up the usage or effectivity of these herbs ( Jirong et al, 2004, Wu et Al, 2007, Hao et Al, 2009 ) . Jirong et Al ( 2004 ) found no suited randomised placebo-controlled tests and concluded that the available grounds was unequal to back up the usage of Zhiling decoction in the direction of vascular dementedness. Wu et Al ( 2007 ) conducted a SR of Yizhi capsule for vascular dementedness found no survey that met the inclusion standards and no grounds from randomised controlled tests to measure the potency of Yizhi capsule in handling vascular dementedness. SR conducted by Birks A ; Grimley Evans ( 2009 ) to measure the efficaciousness of Gingko biloba for dementedness included 36 tests but most were little and the continuance was less than 3 months. More recent tests with longer continuance showed inconsistent consequences for knowledge and activities of day-to-day life when comparing Gingko biloba with placebo and 1 of the tests reported big intervention effects in favor of Gingko biloba ( Birks A ; Grimley Evans, 2009 ) . Another SR conducted by Weinmann et Al ( 2010 ) which included 9 tests with 2372 patients found that Gingko biloba appeared to be more effectual than placebo for dementedness. Datas obtained showed statistical important advantage of Gingko biloba compared with placebo in bettering knowledge every bit good as statistical important advantage of Gingko biloba compared with placebo in bettering activities of day-to-day life in subgroup of patients with Alzheimer ‘s disease. Consequences for quality of life and n europsychiatric marks and symptoms were inconsistent ( Weinmann et al, 2010 ) . 2.3.4 Schizophrenia A SR conducted by Rathbone et Al ( 2005 ) to reexamine Chinese herbal medical specialty, either being used entirely or as a portion of Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM ) attack for people with schizophrenic disorder found that Chinese herbal medical specialties, given in a Western biomedical context, may be good for people with schizophrenic disorder when combined with major tranquilizers. 2.3.5 Insomnia/Sleep upsets 2 of the SRs and/or meta-analyses of valerian for insomnia output inconclusive grounds of the benefit of valerian as a slumber assistance ( Stevinson A ; Ernst, 2000, Bent et Al, 2006, Taibi et Al, 2007 ) . This was because the included surveies of these reappraisals presented great incompatibility across patients, experimental designs, processs and methodological quality ( Stevinson A ; Ernst, 2000 ) . As for reappraisal conducted by Bent et Al ( 2006 ) , the surveies included showed great heterogeneousness in footings of doses, readyings and length of intervention. Taibi et Al ( 2007 ) conducted a SR to analyze the grounds of valerian for insomnia and found that overall grounds did non back up the clinical efficaciousness of valerian as a slumber assistance. A meta-analysis including 18 randomised controlled tests was conducted by Fernandez-San-Martin et Al ( 2010 ) and the qualitative dichotomous consequences showed that valerian was effectual for subjective betterment of insomn ia. However, the effectivity of valerian was non demonstrated with quantitative measurings ( Fernandez-San-Martin et Al, 2010 ) . 2.4 Characteristics and Quality of SRs of herbal medical specialties Harmonizing to Linde et Al ( 2003 ) , â€Å" descriptive empirical surveies † on SRs are comparatively uncommon. Linde et Al ( 2003 ) conducted a research to analyze the features and quality of SRs on stylostixis, herbal medical specialties and homeopathy by including 115 SRs with 58 SRs on herbal medical specialties. The features and quality of the included SRs examined are summarised in the tabular arraies below ( Table 2.1 A ; 2.2 ) . Table 2.1 Characteristics of included SRs ( Linde et al, 2003 ) Characteristic E.g. ( s ) Bibliographic features Year of publication Question Narrow intercession focal point Condition reviewed Psychiatric Information on inclusion standards Explicit inclusion standards sing patients/condition ; of import inclusion standards, e.g. merely placebo-controlled tests Literature hunt Explicitly in Medline Others Methods ; consequences and decision Table 2.2 Quality of included SRs ( Linde et al, 2003 ) Items reviewed Search methods reported Comprehensive hunt Inclusion standards reported Choice prejudice avoided Cogency standards reported Methods for uniting reported Findingss combined suitably Decisions supported by informations Some restrictions encountered in the survey were discussed, for illustration, restrictions in resources doing half of the reappraisals were extracted and assessed by merely 1 referee and there was great heterogeneousness across some of the included reappraisals. Therefore, it was suggested that the analysis of the informations merely served to give an overall position of the descriptive epidemiology of available SRs on herbal medical specialties and there is still plenty room for betterment in future SRs conducted on herbal medical specialties ( Linde et al, 2003 ) . 2.5 Guidance/appraisal tools to measure coverage quality of SRs The increasing popularity and utility of SRs urged the studies of SRs to be â€Å" clear, accurate and crystalline † ( Moher, 2008 ) . Despite there are some betterment in the coverage of SRs, the quality of coverage is still inconsistent ( Moher et al, 2007 ) . Therefore, it is of paramount importance to follow describing criterion or coverage checklist ( Wiesler A ; McGauran, 2010 ) . QUOROM ( QUality Of Reporting Of Meta-analyses ) statement, which serves as a criterion to heighten the coverage quality of â€Å" meta-analyses of randomised controlled tests ( RCTs ) † was developed in 1996. QUOROM checklist consists of a sum of 20 headers and subheadings and describes the preferable ways of coverage of meta-analyses in footings of abstract, debut, methods, consequences and treatment ( Moher et al, 1999 ) . Table 2.3 Quality of coverage of meta-analyses Heading Subheading Descriptor* Reported? ( Y/N ) Page figure Title Abstraction There are 6 points, i.e. aims, informations beginnings, reappraisal methods, consequences and decision Introduction Methods There are 6 points, i.e. searching, choice, cogency appraisal, informations abstraction, survey features and quantitative informations synthesis. Consequences There are 3 points, i.e. test flow, survey features and quantitative informations synthesis Discussion *Detailed form please refers to Moher et Al ( 1999 ) . Beginning: Moher et Al, 1999 QUOROM statement was revised and renamed PRISMA ( Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reappraisals and Meta-Analyses ) statement ( Moher et al, 2009 ) . PRISMA checklist consists of 27 points ( see Appendix 5 for elaborate checklist points ) . PRISMA checklist differs from QUOROM checklist in a few facets as shown by the tabular array below ( Table 2.4 ) . Table 2.4 Substantive specific alterations between the QUOROM checklist and the PRISMA checklist ( a tick indicates the presence of the subject in QUOROM or PRISMA ) Section/topic and point QUOROM PRISMA Comment* Abstraction Introduction: Aim Methods: Protocol Search Appraisal of hazard of prejudice in included surveies Appraisal of hazard of prejudice across surveies Discussion Funding *Detailed remark please refers to Moher et Al ( 2009 ) . Beginning: Moher et Al, 2009 How to cite Why Are Systematic Reviews Important Health And Social Care Essay, Essay examples

It’s All Greek to Me free essay sample

Albert Camus said, â€Å"You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.† If I could say one thing to Albert, it would be that the meaning of life can be found without searching, and also, it is different for every person. Through life experiences, one in particular, I found that above all, unity of those around you, and appreciation for those that matter most are the key to the most rewarding life. Coming from a Greek family, my heritage has always meant the most to me. I attended Greek school two days a week as a child and today I am among a rare population of people who speak this language. My ethnicity is known for the values it instills in its children, and most importantly, tradition. I experienced something last summer, which not many will in their lifetime, as I traveled to the country of Greece. We will write a custom essay sample on It’s All Greek to Me or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page While there, many doors opened for me as I saw sights from ancient civilizations and traveled deep into the heart of villages. I became acquainted with people who gave me insight about the country, themselves, and their culture. Having this in my life has really impacted me in the way that I have become more personable and social. One significant event that changed me was traveling into a village where not knowing anyone helped me in the most gratifying ways. I had a new outlook on family, and it is actually the main principal in my life. Appreciating the family that is there for you can be so rewarding in the long run, and most don’t see how good people have it today. I’m not saying there aren’t people with difficult lives, but it is crucial to stay close to those who have and can impact your life. Cultural diversity and integrity are just two of the many things I will bring to your school, as a result of my fascinating background and experience. My passion has always been Soccer. Saying it has been influential to me in many ways, is an understatement, because there hasn’t been a time where I ever felt like I could give it up. While in Greece, I managed to play soccer almost every day, and I didn’t even bring a soccer ball with me. The game is vital to all of its fans and players in the country and it was so pleasing when I would go to many different parts of the country and play games with people I didn’t know. I not only learned different rules of the game, but I actually got better and progressed along with my trip. I played with natives of all ages, and my skills improved greatly. When people ask me what my hobbies are besides soccer, I jokingly reply with eating, usually. I would have to say that although I tease about it, eating is actually one thing my family and even Greeks in general, take as supreme importance. Most would think it is a stereotype that Greeks eat a lot, have huge gatherings, and own Greek, family oriented restaurants, but it is quite the contrary. The Greek culture loves to celebrate occasions, even simply the oddness of our culture because it shows we share a strong bond. It isn’t uncommon for Greeks to own restaurants because it is a symbol of a family bond, and it is where I have been working since I was a young girl. My father and mother opened Gyros West the day I was born, and it has been the local hang-out for my family ever since. Extended family and even people I’m not related to come to the restaurant regularly to be treated like family. We pride our restaurant and family on the same values, determination and comm itment. The way my ethnicity continues to impact me every day is the reason why so many of these values exist in my life. My strong character and personality will be widely accepted due to the fact that I am a person who cares so much. I care about my family, others, and most importantly I have respect for others. My trip to Greece has transformed my entire lifestyle and it is eminent that my love for others and myself is shown. I am eager to see what is in store for my future, and ambitious for your choice to acknowledge my generosity.