Outline and Explain the Inequalities in Health and Illness According to Social Class

Outline and explain the inequalities in health and illness according to social class. This essay will explain the inequalities that occur in health and social care due to social class. It will show statistics of health and mortality rates and distinguish between different approaches to health. It will show factors that can influence an individuals health such as class, society and individual choice. Inequalities in health are a long standing and well recognised part of modern society.Within society the opportunity to live a healthy life free from illness is not evenly balanced between the classes. (Yuill,2010). To define what is meant by social class, Crompton (2008 ) page 95 said, â€Å"A social class is two or more orders of people who are ranked by society. Members of a class tend to marry within their own order, but the values of society permit them to marry up or down. A class system also provides that a child is born into the same class as their parents. † There are two main scales that define class in society.The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification Scale breaks society down into eight main classes. The Standard Occupational Classification (2000) breaks society into nine classes but has many subdivisions in between. To define what is meant by health varies widely between organisation’s but the most commonly used definition is one given by the World Health Organisation which says â€Å" Health is a complete state of physical, mental and social wellbeing. †(Tulchinsky, 2009, page 47).Surrounding the issue of health there are two main ‘models’ which are used. The medical model is based around the absence of disease or disability. If an individual has no disease or disability they are thought of as being in good health. The medical model focuses on the treatment and cure of disease and not on the cause or prevention (Eldin, G,2000) . The social model, according to, Barkaway 2009, health is seen as partially attr ibuted to the social circumstances of individuals. This can be in terms of their income, gender, education and status.The social model also says that an individuals health is also effected by the economic, social, political and welfare policies of a society (Barkaway, 2009) The differences caused by health and social class can be seen as far back as 1843 when Edwin Chadwick published â€Å"The General Report on Sanitary Conditions of the Labouring Population of Great Britain†. In this h showed that the average age of death in Liverpool at the time was 36 for gentry and professionals but only 15 for labourers, mechanics and servants (Chadwick, 1843).The reasons behind these differences between health and social class can be down to employment status. Particularly in earlier history when the lower classes where mainly employed in the manual industries such as the coal mines, shipyards and factories. These types of employment were known to cause massive health problems such as e mphysema and asbestosis. â€Å"Poverty, poor housing and lack of health resources and provisions is a risk to the lower classes. †(patient. co. uk, 2012) Before the introduction of the National Health Service in 1948, being able to have access to a doctor was a luxury the lower classes could not afford.Doctors and hospitals were only available privately so were only afforded by the upper classes. Some areas did have charity ran hospitals but these were unclean and treatment was slow. Poorer people almost always relied on, sometimes dangerous, herbal methods or back street doctors. Alongside the introduction of the NHS came the view that healthcare is a right and not something to be dispensed erratically by charity. (Rivett, no date) National statistics. Social Model and how it is trying to improve the health of the lower classes. Black report Inverse care law Parsons sick roll Foucaults policy

Ethical Information and Communication Technologies for Development Solutions Essay

Question 1 Can ICTs be innovatively used in the absence of minimum literacy levels among the poor? Yes, I believe ICTs can be innovatively used in the absence of minimum literacy levels among the poor. ICTs enable societies to produce, access, adapt and apply information in greater amounts, more rapidly and at reduced costs and offer enormous opportunities for enhancing business and economic viability. ICTs can also contribute towards strengthening democracy, increasing social participation, competing in the global market place and removing barriers to modernization; making poor populations fuller agents in the sustainable developmental process. The minimum requirements of ICT facilities require a computer with connection (3G, Wi-Fi, etc.). Unfortunately above mentioned is expensive, the poorest of the poor would not be able to afford it. Connectivity of mobile phones is also limited. Thus in order for ICTs to be innovatively used in the absence of minimum literacy levels among the poor, the above mentioned obstacles must be overcome. While poor nations grapple with the problems of investing in these technologies, recent experiments show that convergence of new and traditional communication media is still relevant to poor communities who lack basic infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity and telephones. ICTs are not just about technologies, but more about information transfer and communication. My aunt, ninety-six years of age, and my uncle, ninety years of age, rely exclusively on verbal communications. They have learned at an early age, that to observe and to be able to accurately account what had happened was of outmost importance – therefore their reliance on verbal communication. The elderly in our community therefore rely on the radio, and if available the television, as the means of communication with the outside world. Here it must be stressed that the language of communication must be in their own native tongue. My little girl is more adapt than me handling my cell-phone or tablet, yet she is also able to communicate with the outside world at her level. The scenario above illustrate that there is a definite need to ensure that information reach the elderly as well as the young of heart. Using innovative ways of applying ICTs we will be able to address this dire need. To reach this goal, communities must pool together to establish the basic infrastructure needed to roll out the information highway. The combination of radio, television and internet must be utilize to improve the level of education. Our government has projects in place to assist communities to have access to internet, especially our youth. Schools offer computer classes to scholars from Grade 1, to name but a few. Question 2 How can the same ICTs be used for multiple purposes? What steps are needed to use, say the internet for meeting the educational and health needs of poor female farmers in an isolated rural community? The same ICTs can be used in a variety of communication fields, from education and healthcare, to agriculture and business. For example, a radio can broadcast important news, financial news, weather, even educational programs. Thus spanning one form of ICT into a variety of sectors. Poverty reduction ICTs are considered increasingly important in the effort to eradicate poverty. It is widely recognized that ICTs can provide access to information which can in turn create earning opportunities, improve access to basic services, increase the impact of education and health interventions, and give the poor a voice to demand government support and reforms. Despite these potential links between ICTs and poverty reduction, direct access by the poor to ICTs is extremely limited. Citizens of poor countries, especially women, have significantly less access to ICTs than those living in rich countries. Factors such as excessive domestic workload, illiteracy and lack of formal education prevent these groups from accessing information. Poverty reduction means focusing on particular groups within societies not on ‘poor countries’. Education It is generally believed that ICTs can empower teachers and learners, making significant contributions to learning and achievement. However, current research on the impacts of ICTs on student achievement yields few conclusive statements, pro or con, about the use of ICTs in education. ICTs do offer many beneficial opportunities for education, but they are no substitute for formal schooling. Teachers need to be empowered to use ICTs so that they can gain the confidence and skills to work in an ICT – driven environment. Health ICTs can play a critical role in improving health care for individuals and communities. By providing new and more efficient ways of accessing, communicating, and storing information, ICTs can help bridge the information divides that have emerged in the health sector in developing countries—between health professionals and the communities they serve and between the producers of health research and the practitioners who need it. Through the development of databases and other applications, ICTs also provide the capacity to improve health system efficiencies and prevent medical errors. Gender Women’s ability to take advantage of ICT is dependent on conductive policies, an enabling environment in their countries to extend communications infrastructure to where women live, and increased educational levels.

Reasons for Suffering Essay

The great philosopher C. S. Lewis once wrote: â€Å"They say of some temporal suffering, ‘No future bliss can make up for it,’ not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into glory† (Keller 34). How can agony and suffering be turned into glory? Suffering is a term that is closely related to the concepts of evil and pain. The verb, suffer, means to undergo or endure. Suffering is linked with the experience of anguish or misery in which humans are aware of the hardships of their intent or function. Suffering, with its biological and psychological matters, may be the result of moral evil where human sin leads to affliction (injustice, greed, war, rape, exploitation) or of natural evil (droughts, floods, earthquakes, accident, illness). Suffering, as a state of mind, may also relate to circumstances of places, possessions and people rather than evil (Atkinson 823). Suffering may be due to unrelieved pain, not all pain, as a physical state, necessarily means suffering. God allows us to suffer upon earth. He does not, however, make us suffer. It is our own faults, because of sin, which we suffer. Suffering is caused by sin, which is the rebellion of creation that God had made for us. Sin and suffering are related to each other and also go together. Sin produces suffering, which we can then assume that all suffering, somewhere and somehow, is caused by sin (Henry 651). The Book of Job says important things about suffering. Almost everyone at some point in life asks, â€Å"Why do bad things happen to good people? The Book of Job does not really answer the question, â€Å"Why is there suffering? † But it does show right and wrong ideas and feelings about suffering and the meaning of life (online). Job is a man who is wise, rich, and good. Then suddenly terrible things happen to him. His ten children are killed. He loses all his wealth. And he becomes ill with a painful skin disease. Three friends come to visit him, and they try to explain to Job why these bad things have happened. They tell job that sin caused his suffering and God was punishing him. Job insists it is not true, but no one believes him. Job becomes very discouraged and angry but he still believes God cares about him, although he may not understand why he must suffer so. In the end, God answers Job in a hirlwind, reminding him that humans can never understand how great God is. After Job hears God speak, he says, â€Å"I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5-6 KJV). â€Å" Job realized that his trust in God should not depend on what happens to him. God says that Job’s friends did not know what they were talking about. Finally, God restores Job’s health, makes him twice as rich as he had been before, and gives him ten more children. This book tells us that God is in control of everything that happens to us. Satan can only do what God allows him to do, within reason of God letting him do it. And when God allows suffering He has ways of making everything turn out okay in the end. Romans 8:28 says to us, â€Å"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. † Our part is to trust God and ask him for strength and comfort, in whatever we go though. God has said in His Word that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). The question in Job is how to read his suffering back to his sin, his suffering as against the apparently easygoing life of his friends. The book of Job does not give any specific answer except to calm the opinions of his friends and it opens possibilities in the greatness of God. Better things are at stake and better things will happen to Job and his friends (Henry 651). Another example of suffering in the bible is the story of Joseph. Joseph was the favored child of Jacob, who was the grandson of Abraham. Joseph had a bunch of brothers who hated him, since their father gave Joseph attention and gifts that he did not give to the other brothers. Joseph’s brothers then got jealous of him and sold him into slavery. Joseph became the head of the household of a rich man, Potiphar. However, due to false accusations, Joseph was thrown into prison for several years. He was eventually let out because of his ability to interpret other people’s dreams. He became a major authority of Egypt and gathered food for the country since he knew through dreams that famine would come to the land. When famine did come, people from the surrounding lands came to Egypt for food. Joseph’s brothers showed up in Egypt to get food and after playing some games with them, Joseph forgave his brothers and took care of his family in Egypt (Genesis 37-50). Though he experienced years of bondage and misery, Joseph’s character was refined and strengthened by his trials and sufferings. If God had not allowed Joseph’s years of suffering, he never would have been such a powerful agent for social justice and spiritual healing (Keller 24). Many people have to admit that most of what they need for success in life came to them through their most difficulties and painful experiences in life. Some look back on things like a major illness or other hardship and recognize that it was a hard time and they found personal and spiritual growth for them. One man lost the sight in his eyes and he said that it humbled him. â€Å"As my physical eyes were closed but my spiritual eyes were opened. I was a terrible price to pay yet I must say it was worth it. † Though people are not grateful for the tragedies that happened to them, they would not trade the wisdom, character, and strength they had gotten from their experiences (Keller 25). Psalm 119:71 says: â€Å"My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. The New Testament shows us two ways of understanding. The first is that there is a mass suffering which must be paid for by sinful humanity. The price will be paid by humanity in human history and paid in full. The second answer is Jesus. Jesus, who took sin upon himself to cover the sins of the universe for us. Jesus did three things to solve the problem of suffering. First, he came. He suffered with us. Second, in becoming man he changed the meaning of our suffering: it is now part of his work of redemption. Third, he died and rose. Dying, he paid the price for sin and opened heaven to us; rising, he transformed death from a hole into a door, from an end into a beginning (Kreeft, online). The cross reveals that suffering may be made into something redemptive. If a disciple of Christ accepts suffering upon him in God’s wisdom and love, and also takes upon him the cross, knowing that final answers rest with God in another world. A theologia crucis means the theology of the cross. This term determines God hidden in suffering and humiliation of the cross of Christ. Luther used the phrase Deus crucifixus, which means â€Å"a crucified God,† as he speaks of the manner in which God shares in the sufferings of Christ. It was the late twentieth century that it was the â€Å"new orthodoxy† to speak of a suffering God. Traditional theology declared that Jesus Christ was indeed God incarnate. Therefore it seems to follow that God suffered in Christ. Christ suffered in his human nature, not divine. Thus God did not experience human suffering and remained unaffected by the aspect of the world (McGrath 221). God came to earth to put himself on the hook of human suffering. God experienced the greatest depths of pain. On the cross he went beyond even the worst human suffering and experienced cosmic rejection and pain that exceeds ours as infinitely as his knowledge and power exceeds ours (Keller 30). The Bible says that Jesus had to pay for our sins so that someday he can end evil and suffering without having to end us. The twentieth century faced a lot of suffering during their time. Two world wars broke out, increasing weapons and natural disasters. It is the impossible sufferings of the Holocaust that has raise the most questions about human evil and a God of love. Kenneth Surin, in light of the horrors of Auschwitz, declares a ‘rupture’ of language and need for unbelief as well as belief in relation to God’s apparent inaction (Atkinson 825). So then why does God allow suffering to continue on? Honestly we don’t know the answer that question. The answer is not that God does not love us. He is not indifferent or detached from our condition. God takes our misery and suffering so seriously that he was willing to take it on himself (Keller 31). Jonathan Edwards concludes: â€Å"The suffering which Christ endured in his body on the cross were yet the least part of his last sufferings. If it had been only the sufferings which he endured in his body, we cannot conceive that the mere anticipation of them would have been such an effect on Christ. † James 1:2-4 says â€Å"When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. † How are you supposed to consider things joy that make you suffer? You are not supposed to consider it joy that you are going through the suffering but what you get out of and learn from the suffering afterwards is supposed to be joyful. You can use your story of suffering to help someone else that is going through the same thing. It is always a blessing to know someone who has gone through the same troubles that you are going through, because they usually have some helpful words of comfort and wisdom in helping you as well. Corinthians 1:4 tells to us â€Å"he comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. † God lets you go through these trials and suffering to see whether your faith in Him is real and if you rely on him to help you through it. Sometimes God sees the need to put us through things to make us stronger. Paul tells us in II Timothy 2:3 â€Å"Endure suffering along with me as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. † Although there might not seem to be any logical reason to us for the troubles and sufferings that we often face, but God always has a reason. Sometimes He’s just trying to make us tougher. According to Galatians 5:22, a Spirit-filled Christian is supposed to be longsuffering. Sometimes God lets us suffer o teach us patience. Romans 5:3 says â€Å"We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials for we know that they teach us to develop endurance. There are many reasons why God lets us suffer. He knows what is best for us, and he does not make mistakes. Romans 8:28 says God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Consultant report on how university should fix its admissions system Article

Consultant report on how university should fix its admissions system - Article Example These changes are sook for with hope that they will bring massive improvements to the usability of the admissions webpage. There are several factors and the driving motive behind the undertaking of any activity. This report is however motivated by several concerns about the Trent University website. These are concerns that were raised by the users of this website who were forced to go through a hectic process of applying for a university of their choice through a parent university. This may be a little discouraging to the potential students. Therefore the major objective of this report is to bring to the attention of the authority the concerns raised by various users of the website, to seek address for the concerns raised by the students who apply for admission into variuos faculties within the institution through the university website. The consultant report is also aimed at seeking the address of possible exploring other avenues of altering the user interface so that it can supports of different classes of computer literacy. Another goal of this report is to ultimately help adjust the admissions model through which students seek entrance into the university. This report will cover various areas of concerns especially those that were reported by users and experts to be of great and legitimate concern. This report will therefore include their thoughts on experience with the admissions systems. It will cover the analysis of the system and the major changes that are thought to be great importance to the improvements of this university admissions systems. The report will also incorporate the recommended adjustments to be made to the website as raised by the users. this report will also cover the duration within which the implemention is to be undertaken. The implemetation of this report should be undertaken during the closure period of the university to avoid interruption of the normal

Organizational Analysis paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Organizational Analysis paper - Assignment Example The board of directors was however behind the scenes and the principal was the leader. The principal spent most of her time communicating with the parents, students and teachers about issues to do with the vision of the school as well as the policies. She was in charge of calling for faculty meetings in case of any miscommunication, indiscipline cases or other matters concerning the teachers that needed to be passed to the students. Her effective communication skills with the stakeholders of the school led to an increase in funding and donations to the school as a way to appreciate her work. Everything was not always smooth despite the effectiveness of the communication. This was evident in a few cases where there was failure in communication due to various barriers. The most common of these barriers were brought about by channels used to pass the information to the students and teacher as well as other staff in the school which at times proved to be problematic. Most of the time the communication to students was carried through the school’s public addresses system that was connected from the principal’s office to the hallways, classrooms, recreational schools and even the cafeteria. There are times the system failed and especially when there was power blackout as it was not connected to the backup generator. The leadership of the institution was very coordinated based on the fact that the information and decisions came from the board of directors to the principal who carried out the disbursements role very well that the board did not have to worry about finding another channel to pass the news. In fact the effectiveness of the leadership was obvious from the fact that not many people knew about the existence of the board or who were the board members as everyone dealt with the principal. The principal and the deputy principal who were the leaders were not managers but rather servants as well as

Relationship of D Vinci and Michelangelo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Relationship of D Vinci and Michelangelo - Essay Example This might explain why many people considered their artistic works exceptional. This discourse seeks to explore the relationship between the two artists of the Renaissance period. In so doing, the paper will analyze some of their greatest works that have earned them the fame. Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo Da Vinci remains the most famous and celebrated artists of the Renaissance period. Their art, poetry, music, architecture, and scientific explorations and achievements show what it means to be a Renaissance man. Since the two knew of the fame and the huge influence they had with regards to their artistic works, they became very bitter rivals. In fact, stories are being told of how the two great masters of the Renaissance disliked each other. Experts attribute the rivalry between Michelangelo and Da Vinci to the stiff competition they had in the profession as artists (Jones 2). However, the most striking relationship between the two great artists of the Renaissance period is t he fact that both of them were Italians. Da Vinci for instance, was born in 1452 in a remote village called Vinci in Italy. Soon afterwards, he relocated to Florence, where he took up an apprenticeship to Verrocchio. He began working as a painter at a very tender age. However, because of his creativity, he was able to surpass his teachers with the way he painted very first. This earned him the tag of being a universal genus. He did not only prove himself as one of the best painters in the world at the time, but also an inventor, scientist, engineer and architect because of his ideas, which were far beyond their time. In addition, many of those who knew him described him as a physically strong man, who was not only handsome, but also had a good singing voice. Some of his most celebrated and famous works include the Mona Lisa and the fresco the Last Supper (Verspohl 7). Surprisingly, Michelangelo, who was born in 1475, which is about 23 years after Da Vinci was also an Italian. Howeve r, unlike Da Vinci, Michelangelo was born near Florence in Italy. Like Da Vinci, Michelangelo also began working as an apprenticeship when he was barely 13 years in Ghirlandaio. In fact, just as Da Vinci began his works as a painter, Michelangelo also did the same beginning his works as a painter. However, he gained fame as a sculptor. He was able to produce many artistic works which enabled him become a very famous and celebrated Renaissance man in the entire world. Some of his greatest and most famous masterpieces include the statue of David, The Pieta, the Sistine Chapel, and his architectural work, the ST. Peter’s Basilica (Barton par. 2). Another striking relationship that existed between Michelangelo and Da Vinci is the fact that both of them trained at Florence college. In fact, many people believe that the kind of training the got at Florence college might have contributed immensely to their great work and skills. Research indicates that there choice to train at Flore nce was informed by the fact that Florence was regarded as a vibrant arts center during the renaissance period. In fact, Michelangelo confirmed this claim by arguing that he opted to join Florence arts center since he viewed it as a place where he could innate his talent to advance and flourish. The same applies to Da Vinci who joined Florence arts center in order to be able develop his innate talent in arts (Verspohl 9). Both Michelangelo and Da Vinci also share their areas of expertise. In this regard, both Michelangelo a

Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Law - Case Study Example Had that been the case, the local animal charity should have either received the funds, or there should have been an agreement drawn up with that charity as to how the funds in the Fido Trust would be administered for their benefit. Instead, it appears clear that John and Sue intended to secure personal gain from their investment in the stock market. This was a clear conflict of interest, not only on Sue’s part because a relative was involved, but also on the part of John, who consented to such an unprofitable loan. The weight of the evidence is that placing the other half of the Fido Trust into the stock market was also intended to benefit John and Sue, rather than to benefit Mike’s dog and cat, as otherwise some arrangement would have been made with either the local animal charity or some other animal care service via using the interest earned on the Fido Trust solely for the proper care of the animals, as Mike intended. Using the funds otherwise would be a serious fr aud, perhaps more serious for John as a solicitor who would know the requirements of serving as a Trustee more than for Sue, a policewoman; but it still appears that Sue should have known that the purpose of the Fido Trust was violated. Compounding John’s abuse of the trust placed in him by Mike, we are told that John exercised his power of appointment over the residue of Mike’s estate in favor of himself, and then persuaded Mike’s son Ron, at 18 years of age, to surrender his life interest in the residual estate to John, a proposal which Ron should have strongly rejected. 3 Now, as to advising Ron, I would tell him the following: Ron, your interests have been grossly violated by John's handling of your father's estate

The Nurse Leader Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Nurse Leader - Assignment Example She is a great leader who is admired and loved by everybody because she inspires and transforms people. Donato-Moore is a Clinical Nurse Manager, who has been practicing nursing for 8 years at the American Nephrology Nurses. In her position she holds a lot of responsibilities in clinical leadership for patients’ healthcare such as design and evaluation of patients. She is also responsible for identification and collection of care outcomes and participates in health risk identification and oversees the diagnosis of patients. She also oversees the evidence-based practices and team leadership, in collaboration with other health teams in the hospital (Raya, 2006). Moreover, she manages information through implementation of sound information systems to improve health care services. She also advocates for patients, communities and health professionals’ welfare. Donato carries out her responsibilities with great competence and professionalism. She is very knowledgeable and efficient in her roles and responsibilities. She gained her experience through years of practice and inter action with patients, in addition to pursing further certification on specialized nursing care, in areas such as pediatric health care, oncology and general health certifications (Negarandeh & Rahnavard, 2011). She is affiliated to major nursing bodies where she occupies influential positions. These include, America Association of Critical-Care Nurses, American Academy of Nursing Practitioners, Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association and Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. As a leader, she is very charismatic and inspirational. She uses the democratic leadership style to influence her staff and motivate them. The style calls for collective decision making where the Leader solicits for subordinates feedback before making decision. Donato always consult her in charges before making decisions especially in areas that

Middle Eastern Comparative Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Middle Eastern Comparative Law - Essay Example The clear path is what most refers to as the philosophy of sharia, and one of the basics of sharia. It is a core foundation on which the faith is based on; that God created the souls of every individual and â€Å"appointed a divine law for each.† The only path that is clear and straight is the Sharia (BBC). Throughout Islamic history, God has sent out messages to different people across the world to guide them to the clear and straight path. All the messengers have reminded mankind that they exist in the divine guidance of their creator. The Sharia clusters all human actions into five categories; obligatory, permitted, recommended, disliked and forbidden. Obligatory actions must be executed, and God rewards people who perform them with good intentions. The opposite of these actions are the forbidden ones. Recommended actions are those that should be done, and the opposite of them is the disliked actions. Permitted actions are neither encouraged nor discouraged. Another core principle to the Sharia is that it covers all aspects of human life. Four key parts make up the classical Sharia Manuals; laws regarding individual acts of worship, laws relating to commercial activities, laws relating to the issues of marriage and divorce, and penal laws (BBC). Sacred law is very distinctive from secular law although there are notable similarities such as the reference to a mutually consented set of laws. One of the most notable differences is that sacred law is very rigid to changes as compared to the secular law. Those adhering to sacred law are guaranteed of a rigid set of laws that is well understood by the population and also faces little opposition. Although some of the systems that utilise sacred law are a bit oppressive, a large portion of the public respects the law (Dien 56). Secular law on the other hand is a bit adaptive and changes from time to time to accommodate emergent issues. Since it is prone to changes, the public is not always of the

The novel Of Mice and Men and the characters Crook, Candy and Curlys wife Essay Example for Free

The novel Of Mice and Men and the characters Crook, Candy and Curlys wife Essay Discuss the theme of loneliness in the novel Of Mice and Men by looking at the characters Crook, Candy and Curlys wife Loneliness plays an integral role in the novel and it is this theme, which effectively leads to the inevitable ending. Each of the characters mentioned in the essay title re-enacts different aspects of the definition loneliness. Hence I will explore the way in which Steinbeck epitomises loneliness, using each of these characters. Crooks is depicted as a loner due to his supposed unfortunate predicament of being born a nigger. Despite this term being derogatory, it highlights the immediately low social stratum that black people occupied in a period where racism and segregation was prominent. The boss gives him hell when hes mad Just because is black, he is at the receiving end of the boss; wrath, a white man. Crooks is described by Candy as a nice fella. The reader is left to assume that the only Black character mentioned in the story is lonely, as the reader is almost oblivious of his presence. It is but for the initial reference to him and the re-emergence of his character in the middle section of the book that the reader is forced to remember. The idea of loneliness with reference to Crooks character has two explanations. The primary reason for his loneliness is Cause [Hes] black. Crooks is annihilated due to his race which in the period when the book was written, segregation was rampant. The reader learns exactly what Crooks feels about his treatment: I aint wanted in the bunkhouse Cause Im black I cant play [cards] because Im black. They say I stink. This outburst signifies the loneliness he feels. He is ostracised due to his race and is not allowed to participate in any activities. Unlike the other characters that experience loneliness, the reader feels that his isolation is the most extreme, as he is black, which automatically relegates him to a low class. The second explanatory for his loneliness is his disability, which evokes a form of loneliness. Crooks has a crooked back. And so presumably, he does have not much use due to his inability to provide a service. Slim suggest that inability to provide a service notes your uselessness: I wish somebodyd shoot me if I get old and cripple. Crooks falls into both these categories. As well as being old, he is cripple, therefore shooting him is of no great loss. Crooks annihilation due to his race and forced into a low social stratum he has an equal status as an animal. This is well represented in c chapter four, where the reader learns that Crooks has his bunk in the harness, and what worsens the situation is the fact that his actual bunk is made from straw, which is what forms many animals beds. The reader also learns that he has a manure pile in his room. Several references are made to his medication, where he owned a range of medicine bottles, both for himself and for the horses. The fact that he uses medication indicates that he often feels pain: Now and then he poured a few drops of the liniment into his pink-palmed hand He flexed his muscles against his back and shivered. Crooks is constantly applying liniment to his back, which may be to ease the pain he feels. He is often in pain and so may not be able to cope with strenuous activities, thus his uselessness and inevitable isolation. The descriptions used with reference to Crooks appearance, may symbolise the suppression he feels from the world. The fact that his body was bent over to the left by his crooked spine forces the reader to relate this to his bad treatment in life. It may suggest that he has had a rough life and the reader assumes that his injury epitomises the hardship and rejection felt, thus his sub-human status. Steinbeck describes Crooks as having deep black wrinkles. The fact that they are deep is also indicative of the depth of strain that he has endured in life, yet we are given no impetus that he has been badly treated at the ranch. Lennie in some ways breaks Crooks loneliness, when he intrudes in his room. Although he scowled in response to Lennies intrusion the reader feels that his presence is welcomed thus Crooks says, It was difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger. Crooks becomes more comfortable with the company and the reader delves into his past as he confides with Lennie. The reader pities Crooks attributed to the fact that he views himself as just a nigger talking a busted-black nigger. Crooks indeed pities himself and his predicament. He is lonely as his only true company is himself. Hence, when Lenny tells how he has George, Crooks is in some ways envious of their relationship thus forcing Lennie to consider a pessimistic situation: You got GeorgeSpose you couldnt go into the bunk-house and play rummy cause you was black Spose you had to sit out here an read booksBooks aint no good. A guy needs somebody to be near him A guy goes nuts if he aint got nobody Dont make no difference who the guy is long as hes with you a guy gets lonely, an he gets sick The fact that Crooks aint got nobody generalises his reasons for his loneliness. This saddens the reader, as up till now he has been forced to keep this too himself, but his treatment makes him sick. He pours out his inner feelings and the reader appreciates that reading, his most frequent form of communication, is an escapism, but he concludes books aint no good. Lennie relishes in the fact that he and George will own some land of their own, however Crooks is rather pessimistic. Having seen many aim for a better life and fail, he concludes Nobody gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land. The reader considers Crooks extreme pessimism and concludes that due to his constant disappointment and failure, such improvements are but dreams and only exists in their head. However, a glimpse of faith is evident in Crooks character and maybe a realised dream himself, when almost convinced by Lennies revelation to live on the fatta the lan he responds: If you guys would want a hand to work for nothingwhy Id come an lend a hand This outburst indicates his eagerness and yet hope for some sort of recognition in life. The fact that this dream seems achievable gives him a glimmer of hope. For a short while at least his cocoon of isolation seems to be disintegrating: It was difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger This narrative indicates that he is content, as he finally has human company, which he can interact with. The fact that Guys dont come into a coloured mans room very much indicates that despite the solemnity he has become accustomed to, company is always welcome, after all A guy goes nuts if he aint got nobody The partial hope of escaping from his sombreness is probably what gives him enough courage to say to Curleys wife on her intrusion into his room, Maybe you better go to your own house. Despite it being his own space, Crooks essentially relinquishes his non challenging role as a negro and dares to question a white persons authority. Yes, he can dream, but Curleys wife throws reality back in his face when she relegates him back to the terrible protective dignity of a negro. Crooks accepts that he will never be a white persons counterpart and concludes: You guys comin in an settin made me forget. What she says is true. Crooks forgot his place as a Nigger and so had reduced himself to nothingnothing to arouse either like or dislike. Crooks is lonely and no one in the story truly understands his predicament. However the reader is forced to conclude, that his annihilation is what retains the fact that he is proud [and] aloof. When he was on the verge of putting an end to his loneliness, thus confronting Curley wife, he realised that [for] a coloured man to have some rights, even if he dont like em., he has to settle for an inferior position in society or face humiliation. Through Crooks loneliness, he retains his pride. In considering Candys loneliness, the reader automatically compares him to that of Crooks. Candys character in the play symbolises the fate of those who are old and disabled. He has the most menial job on the ranch as the swamper and it is primarily because of his disability why he has turned into a self-pitying worker. Although he is lonely, his dog provides him with some sort of comfort. Despite his dog being weak, because [hes] so used to him and had him from a pup he feels some sort of attachment to the dog. The reader is forced to deduce that maybe the dog reflects Candys temperament. Both are old, walk with a limp and could receive the same fate of being killed due to their uselessness. Steinbeck describes the dog as: drag footed sheep dog[with] blind old eyes. The dog struggled lamely to the side This description shows the reader, the bad condition of the dog. The reader understands that as well as not walking properly, the dog is blind and its whole existence is a struggle. Carlson describes the dogs condition as: Got no teeth Hes all stiff with rheumatism. He aint no good to you Candy. Candy and his dog, and Crooks suffer a similar fate, as all of them are retired and so are of no use, as they can not carry out service jobs. Candy is attached to the dog. The fact that the dog is a reflection of himself, initially a hard worker, but now cripple to due his hard work killing it would mean he deserves to be killed also, as both have passed their usefulness. When Candy is forced to put the dog down, through Steinbecks descriptions, the reader realises how much the dog actually means to him: he subdued the hand with the other and held it down he rolled over and faced the wall and lay silent This is rather a sombre description. It underlines the fact that by killing the dog, his only long-term companion, means a part of him would be missing. Hence when he shares in Lennies and Georges dream he somehow feels rejuvenated. Candy shows interest in their dream as by being a part of it, it entitles him to have a future outside of the ranch and some human company. He would no longer have to be subservient to anybody, thus he would not receive the same fate as those who are in the same predicament as himself. It is interesting to note that he finds out about their dream while he would normally be alone, but for Lennies and Georges presence. Many people who are lonely thrive on gossip, as this is a means of escaping their own dismal life and delving into the life of someone elses, often more interesting than their own. This is so for Candy who is described as [warming] to his gossip. He speaks about Curley and even refers to his wife as a tart, yet the reader observes how inferior he actually is, when Curleys wife calls him a lousy ol sheep. Candy does tell Curleys wife what he thinks of her, but he realises that -Nobody d listen to us. In society, he is insignificant and thus his loneliness. Curleys wife experiences a unique form of loneliness. From an early stage in the book, the reader regards Curleys wife as that of a sex symbol. Throughout the story she is never named, but the reader only considers her as a tart, purty and a looloo. Glove fulla vaseline This refers to Curley who actually degrades his wife openly, by the display of this sexual connotation. Due to this derogatory act, it is no surprise to the reader that she is lonely. She is thought of as an object, not a person. She is not appreciated for her talent although according to her [she] could of went with shows because of it. While Curley is out enjoying himself she is left talking to a bunch of bindle stiffs. The reader knows she is lonely, through her constant search for attention. Through exploiting her sexuality does she try to conceal her loneliness hence, she flirts with Slim and constantly wanders around the men the ranch. It is interesting to note, that her only defence to Crooks when he asks her to come out of his room, is to threaten him with rape charges. The fact that she is lonely, she knows nothing else but to exploit her sexuality again. She is very shallow Curleys wife actually admits I get lonely I cant talk to nobody but Curley. This is why she is constantly seeking attention. When Lennie says he is not supposed to talk to her she questions angrily Whats the matter with me?. Again she uses this opportunity to tell Lennie about the dreams that she had. She becomes so comfortable speaking with Lennie that it is this which leads to her death. She is so willing to poor out her heart, her disappointment and the fact that she is lonely, that Lennie gets attached. It is her sexuality which causes her death. She confides in Lennie admitting that [she] don like Curley. So when Lennie starts to stroke her hair she does not mind initially, but this flirtatious act is what leads to her death. Lennie kills her involuntarily; yet this fate was inevitable. Each of these characters experienced their own forms of loneliness. It is quite interesting to note that each of the characters all end up in the same room, having been left out of the other activities which the men are indulging in: Crooks because he is black, old and cripple, Candy because he is old and disabled and Curleys wife as she is thought of as a sex object, not a person. Although she asks herself, An what am I doin? Staindin here a nigger an a lousy ol sheep. Yet she answers her own question when she says, They left all the weak ones here. She actually does belong there as all characters are lonely in some way or another and have been excluded from the activities of the ranch. Is it not fair that they comfort each other? The reader understands that this is not possible, as they are not compatible with each other due to their different predicaments.

Role of Popular Music in Transforming Conflict

Role of Popular Music in Transforming Conflict Abstract Can popular music play a role in conflict transformation and peacebuilding? This kind of question has started to generate a great deal of debate for peacebuilding scholars and pracitioners.   Most of the recent works have focused on the role of art as a whole without looking at particular form of art or particular genre within one form of art like music and assessing its contributions to creating a peaceful society. This paper is an attempt to show only the role popular music can play. It based on a research undertaken in Gulu town in northern Uganda. Findings show that music is playing a supporting role which is either little known or less recognized. In this paper, I argue that popular music is playing a significant role. I discuss how popular music is contributing and fostering conditions of conflict transformation and peacebuilding while relying on document analysis, examinations of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“peace musicà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? lyrics, field interviews and focus group discussion with the government officials, formerly LRA soldiers, musicians and the civilian population. A. Background to Northern Uganda conflict Northern Uganda has been in conflict for over two decades. This conflict is between the government of Uganda (GoU) and the Lordà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Resistance Army (LRA).The conflict is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“rooted in a popular rebellion against the President Yoweri Musevenià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s government.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[2] but when she was defeated in 1987, Joseph Kony took over the mantle of leadership. He transformed the HSM into the LRA and with support of the Government of Sudan in Khartoum; the LRA have been able to cause destruction on the civilian population in northern Uganda. The causes of the conflict are rooted in historical and immediate factors. These includes: The British colonial legacy which divided the north and south. Failure of the President Museveni to honor peace accord he signed in Nairobi in 1985 and finally the NRA violence inflicted on the Acholi when Museveni took over[3]. Since 1993, there have been numerous peace talksà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ efforts to end the conflict but all failed to bring a lasting peace because à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“the governmentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s lack of firm political will behind a negotiation strategy and the LRAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s turn to Sudan for arms re-supplies.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[7] The most recent attempt to end the conflict has been the Juba Peace Talks in 2006. This peace talks was held in Juba, the capital of South Sudan and it was mediated by Dr. Riek Machar, Sudanese vice president assisted by UN Special Envoy Joachim Chissano. In this peace talks, all four items of the agenda were signed[8]. But the final peace agreement has not been signed. The notorious leader of the LRA refused to sign the final peace agreement thus throwing the peace process in doubt. This led to a military offensive on LRA by the three countries: Uganda, Sudan and DRC and means the collapse of the peace talks. Peace building initiatives? Currently in northern Uganda, there is relative peace because the LRA have been weakened by the combined military offensive of the three nations. Many civilian populations in the 53 camps in northern Uganda are returning to their villages to rebuild their lives. Both the government and nongovernmental organizations are putting infrastructures: schools, roads and health centers to assist the former victims of conflicts resettle. But there are mixed feeling among the population whether they will have a lasting peace or not since not final peace agreement has been signed by the conflict parties. One of the key issues in northern Uganda during this transition is how to ensure victimsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ justice but à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Most prioritize peace over justice and show signs of reluctance countenance question of accountability.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[10] Since 2005, GoU through the Amnesty Commission have been working to resettle many LRA the ex-combatants and supported communityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s approaches to local methods for forgiveness, peacebuilding and reconciliation. B. Background to role of Music in Acoli society In Acoli society, music occupies a central place. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Music is the lifeblood of the society.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[15] à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Musicians and dancers were highly valued and admired for their skill and their ability to entertain.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[20]. Music in Acoli was mainly by an individual or a group singing and playing musical instrument like à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“lokeme (thumb piano), ajar, a metal percussion instrument, and sometimes the smaller drums (bul).à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[22] Rise of Popular Peace Music in Northern Uganda As the war in northern Uganda escalated, this was a proof that the conflicting parties had failed to resolve their grievances. There was total breakdown in communication between the parties. This resulted into lack of confidence and understanding of each party.[24]. This music is produced in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“modernà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? studios across northern Uganda. Voices are produced on computer aided beats. There is wide use of modern musical instruments in the music. The lyrics are directed to the government, LRA and occasionally to the civilian population in northern Uganda, other parts of Uganda and the diasporas and international community. As many as 70-100 peace songs are produced annually[29]. C. Literature Review In the last decade, there have been some attempts to show that music can be used in peacebuilding.[32] The shortage of literature on the impact of music for conflict transformation and peacebuilding remains is a serious concern because stakeholders are constrained from making an informed decision on music can function as a tool of conflict transformation and peacebuilding. Perhaps the most groundbreaking work on music and peacebuilding to date is: Music and Conflict Transformation: Harmonies and Dissonances in Geopolitics.[35] Additionally, June Boyce illustrates à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“several models useful when considering the link between music and peaceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and finally Johan Galtung reveals how music can be used for peace. He investigates à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“the uplifting and uniting power music.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Ledarachà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Moral Imagination: the Art and Soul of Peacebuilding[36], empathizes use of creativity in peacebuilding. He used a number of examples to support his arguments about art and peacebuilding. Finally, Lisa Schirchà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Ritual and Symbols in Peacebuilding also supports the view of creativity in peacebuilding.[39] There are some articles which show the prospect of using music in peacebuilding. Michael Shank and Lisa Schirch,[42] Their analysis justifies the role of art while at the same time it is useful for informing peacebuilders on what kind of art to employ and at what stage of conflict. Lesley Pruitt explores how music can contribute to positive peace[44] She adds that music and dance can lead to development of new identity by both the artists and audience and it is this new identity can help in process of dialogue. Therefore, artists through their music can act as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“mediatorsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? because they create new identities and ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s this new identity that can foster dialogue between the conflicting parties. Additionally, Alba Sanfeliu[45] discusses the role of music in peacebuilding. She remarks à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Music is an eloquent language that allows us to express what is happening around us in many senses, and to reflect the times and the situation in which we live. It is inseparable from our social, political, economic and cultural reality.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? She adds that music is also a form of communication. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Lyrics strengthen the message that the author wants to express, emphasizing the sense of the song.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Mores specially she touches on role of popular music and states that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“many singers and groups have composed songs with themes related to peace, personally becoming involved by giving concerts in solidarity with various social causes and making their music into a kind of spokesman and instrument for peace.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? She concludes by arguing for further exploration of music as a tool for conflict transformation. Finally, In conclusion, the reviewed works provide interesting insights into the role of art in general on conflict transformation and peacebuilding but there are not sufficient enough in explaining how specific genre like music and in particular, popular music contributes to conflict transformation and peacebuilding. To begin with, most of the studies done on role of music were based on document reviews and this makes it very difficult to reflect the true situation on the ground. Additionally, the reviewed works widely focus on art or music as a whole. None focuses on popular music. Finally, these studies were based on realities in different parts of the world some of which are significantly different from those in northern Uganda. This study attempts to show the impact of popular music on the conflicting parties in northern Uganda and how this has helped in conflict transformation and peacebuilding in northern Uganda. D. Purpose and Methods of the Study Research was carried out in Gulu Municipality and 2 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps of Amuru and Odek[49]. In all the three locations[51]. Interview guides were open-ended and gave respondents opportunity to speak out his/her mind. This was preferred in order to get more information about knowledge, attitudes and opinions of people about the role popular music in peacebuilding. There were 5 focus group discussions with 30 people (23 were former LRA soldiers and five female) to understand peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s perspective about the role popular music can or has played in peacebuilding[52]. The discussions were freely moderated by the researcher and every participant freely expressed their views during the discussions. Finally, all accessible relevant literatures on the topic were reviewed. These data were got from various libraries including Gulu University, Human Rights Focus, Gulu Public Library and Hesburgh library. E. Impact of Music in Northern Uganda Music and conflict has have long been connected but the role music can play in conflict transformation and peacebuilding have not long been studied although there are new and emerging work in the field[53]. Therefore, to assert that music can transform conflict and promote peacebuilding may be an exaggeration but also failure to recognize the role that music can play in conflict transformation and peacebuilding would again be an understatement facts. From results of focus group discussions and interviews with government officials in Northern Uganda, one can argue that music is playing a supporting role to the conflict transformation and peacebuilding in northern Uganda. Popular music is contributing by: Reaching the government leaders with messages to engage in the peace process, recognizing the government efforts while demanding for a speedy end to peace process, portraying the government failures through comparison of the Acoli society before and after the war thus making the government leaders to work for amendments and finally popular music has become a tool of communication that is now a constant reminder for government about its obligations for peace. a. Government In northern Uganda, popular music is being used to reach both government leaders to engage in peaceful resolution of the conflict. This has been carefully done through name dropping[58]. The impact of name dropping is found to create pressure on some leaders to use their positions to engage in peace process with the LRA because musicians represent the voice of the people. This makes the leaders reach out to the president asking for peaceful engagements with the LRA. According to one government leader: Northern Uganda is a small region. Each time musicians call my name in their songs, I feel I compelled to work for peace. The songs communicate to me personally. It appeals to me in a special way. It portrays me as a leader who can do something for my people. This creates the motivations for me to work for peace. To me, a voice of one musician is a voice of the people suffering in the internally displaced peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s camps[59] Therefore, name dropping has been an effective way of pushing some of the leaders to work for their people. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“It is a push factor for the leaders. It asks nothing from them but to use their position for the sake of the suffering people.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[60] Name dropping has an appropriate appeal for different leaders at a personal level to seek an end to conflict. This appeal is compounded by the fact that the songs are in the language the leaders understand, the leaders are widely known in the region and the songs brings out rich, truthful and powerful issues that goes on in the life of their own people. This motivates some leaders to engage in peacebuilding. Additionally, in a politically hostile region to the current NRM government[68]. This is summed up in one statement by former internally displaced man: When politicians in our community are openly praised by musicians in their songs, this sets the bar so high for politicians and their party because the songs are played on the FM stations across the northern Uganda. This is not only praises and recognition for their work, politicians know that as voters we use the same songs to judge them and hence some are working very hard for peace.[69] Given an environment like northern Uganda, which has been unfriendly to the current government because of the long running conflict, people have genuine grievances again their government[72] It recognizes and praises politicians and the government, while at the same time it sets a target for them to achieve thus leading to engagement of some political leaders in the peace process. Furthermore, the religious leaders have also not been spared by the popular artists. They have also been singled out for commitment to peace in northern Uganda and asked to do more in their capacity. Musicians like Bosmic Otim, one of the first popular artists to emerge in northern Uganda in early 2000 with very high popularity went on in his song, Too Paco, to appreciate one religious leader for his extra-ordinary courage and commitment on working for peace. He points out the impact of the war on the Acoli society. He suggests to the government to adopt the non-violent strategy of the religious leaders. He calls for a non-violence strategy because failure of the military strategy which has inflicted great pain on the civilian population. He goes on in his lyrics to say à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s see example from Nelson Mandela who fought for peace non violent, let us see example from Bishop Mark Baker Ochola, who is emphasizing talk peace because war increases the death tollà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Such a creative way of sending peace messages by the popular artists have been effective. Popular music have been able to communicate peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s desire for peace to the religious leaders. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Popular music has become additional call to protect their flocks from wolves.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[76]. Furthermore, popular musicians have used their songs as a comparative tool for northern Uganda especially Acoli society. This comparison is based on looking back at Acoli society before the war and comparing it with the society during war. This evokes images of past governments as more successful than the current regime[79]. Some popular songs are explicit imagery of government failure.[82]   This careful manipulation of music to compare Acoli societies is disastrous for the image of the government and NRM political leadership. It has compelled some government leaders to do more to save its image by protecting its citizens while at the same time creating a task that peace is the ultimate goal the government has to achieve in order to avoid comparisons with the past regimes. Dida Moses, in his song Too Oroma-wa, ask a rhetorical question and goes to show the suffering, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Our people, spiritual leaders what do we do? War that started since has not ended, Strong homes have collapsed, Seeing people run for their lives is painfulà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Cutting peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s legs, killing is so painful, Children are suffering, children sleep hungry, Children sleep with blankets, children do go to school, Today I pray to God, the rate of death is too muchà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? In some of these songs, the government commitment to northern Uganda is questioned indirectly. The reference to pre-Acoli society invokes images of better days of freedom, schooling, ability to meet basic needs and above all a peaceful society under previous government.[84]. This creates a drive for leaders to engage more in peace talks in order to deliver peace, the ultimate wish of the people. Finally, popular music is being used to communicate and remind government of its obligation for peace in a region where people seem to have given up after two decades of war and accepted the status quo. Musicians have not given up. They have continued to remind the government and create awareness about the war in northern Uganda, nationally and internationally.   Popular music is a constant à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“burdenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and reminder to Acoli government leaders.[86] These peace concerts bring popular artists from all over the country in northern Uganda to sing for peace and fundraise for the IDP communities. In April 2004 feted Ugandan musician Jose Chameleone teamed up with Richard Kaweesa, another renowned Ugandan musician, in a peace restoration project called [87] In these musical concerts nothing else is sung about but peace.[90] Therefore, popular music has become medium of reminding the government on what people wants while at the same time creating awareness and building a coalition for peace in the northern Uganda which generates public pressure on the government to seek an alternative to the conflict As a result of this constant reminder and call to the government and LRA for peace, the governments of Uganda and South Sudan have come to recognize the role of music in conflict transformation and peacebuilding thus exhibiting the power of popular music in northern Uganda. In 2005, Loketo Lee, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the peace process. His contribution was first felt outside his own country-Uganda to Southern Sudan and Sudanese vice president, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Salvar Kiirà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦handed Loketo Lee a Peace Award for his contribution, through his music, to the countrys peace process.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[93]. This points to the role music can in a musically responsive society like northern Uganda. b. Lordà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Resistance Army In northern Uganda, popular music is being used for informing and educating the LRA on amnesty[95] These musical messages have had some impact on LRA through the radio. According to one participant, a former LRA foot soldier: Mega FM has been useful for amnesty messages. The religious leaders and also some songs were very influential in letting us know what amnesty was all about. When our leaders realized we were listening to amnesty messages whether talk shows or music, they stopped us and whoever was found was punished severely. From the perspective of some formerly abducted children interviewed, popular music on the FM stations particularly Mega FM proved to have been effective in disseminating amnesty information. Consequently, some LRA fighters were able to return home. This statement by the former LRA solders is corroborated by Boniface Ojok, in his remarks about the impact of radio communication to the LRA. On realizing that they were reducing in numbers, the LRA leadership discouraged its middle ranking commanders and foot soldiers from listening to radios. Many of the former LRA rebels we talked to said that when the LRA realized that radios were becoming so effective in luring the midlevel commanders and foot soldiers, a warning was issued that radios should be used only by the top leadership[96] Popular music therefore is being used to communicate important messages for the LRA. These messages are effective in informing and educating the LRA. To some former child soldiers, popular artist had become their role models. Some agreed to being persuaded by popular musicians. Their songs about amnesty and asking them to abandon the rebellion was informative and as well as appealing to them to come out of the bush[97]. Additionally, popular musical is helping in confidence building among the LRA.[100]   These cases have been used as propaganda by the LRA leadership to deter foot soldiers from returning but popular artists have razed this propaganda. Strong message for brotherhood, reconciliation, forgiveness and welcome have been sung by the musician including making a personal call to the LRA top leadership about their safety on return. Artists like Baby Dalvin, believes that amnesty from the government without further assurance from civilian population was not enough for the LRA to return.   The LRA fighters were aware of the pardon through the amnesty but they did not know how the civilian populations in the camps would be reacting to them. Government assurance from prosecutions was not enough. Artists had to step in and assure the LRA fighters about their safety from the civilian populations. Popular music was able to fill the void left by the government. Popular music sent assurances about safety and that people are willing to reconcile with them. These have been able to restore some level of confidence in the LRA. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Some artists have even called the LRA fighters as brothers and for Acoli people when someone has called you a brother that is best assurance of acceptance without revenge.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[102] Similarly, when the leaders of the LRA were indicted by International Criminal Court, its impact was expected on the peace process.[105] Such opposition of the external forces to the peace process has been cited to create confidence on the LRA because they feel the masses and the government are willing to save them ICC prosecutions. Thus the artists have been able to add their voice to already a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“hostileà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? region to ICC creating a feeling of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“safetyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? among some LRA from the government and people in northern Uganda. Furthermore, the role popular music is playing today is a replica of the role songs played in Acoli traditional community. Traditionally, songs were used to entertain and teach. Leaders with unruly behaviors were mocked.[107] This role of music still lives on in the popular music today. Popular artists have not downplayed the atrocities the LRA have committed in the two decades. Lyrics reflect LRA atrocities and challenge the LRA. Popular music have exposed the atrocities and blamed the LRA. Artists have reacted to what they see as contrary to societal values. In northern Uganda, both the government and the LRA have been seeking to dehumanize and blame each for the atrocities but many popular artists have blamed LRA and asked them to end atrocities. Towngweno, in their song, Bedo I camp, hits the LRA à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“everyone is talking with name, what popularity are you seeking? Orphans, widows are becoming many because of you!   Why do you want to finish Acoli?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Such songs not only expose but also strike guilt for atrocities among the LRA[112] à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I am alone now! What can I say? I am now alone in our home! What can I say? I now have no mother, No sister, No brother, No father, No uncle, War has finished all the sons and daughters of Acolià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? According to another respondent, a former rebel, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“popular music have summed up what has happened and if you have carried such atrocities you feel compelled to lay down your gun and come and ask for apologies.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[114] Finally, popular artists have used their music to frame the conflict in a way that affects the LRA positively forcing them to reconsider peace.[116] The framing has changed perceptions and made information relevant and persuasive to the LRA. The framing is based on the notion of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“defeatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“interestà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? of the LRA in the war. To many people interviewed, the conflict should have been ended if the government had pursued peaceful means[120] in his songs, Dok Paco, he plays with the notion of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“defeat.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? He calls the LRA to negotiate with the government. He says à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“negotiating does not mean you are defeatedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? to dispel the myth defeat.   Additionally, Bosmic Otim frames the conflicts on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“interestà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? of the LRA. While the LRA claims to be fighting for marginalization of people in northern Uganda, they are at the same time committing gruesome violence on the people. Bosmic, in his song Peace Returns, he says à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“If a government soldier dies tomorrow, you will find an Acoli, if a LRA soldier diesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦you will find an Acoli.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? His framing reinforces the view that one tribe is finishing itself meaning there is no point in continuing the fight. These framings help in changing perceptions. It can be very persuasive. According to former rebels, they cited two impacts. First, they have been persuaded by this framing which made some rebels à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ready to move to another life?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[121] Secondly, they have been able to see the reality of the conflict and its impact. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“We were able to see the other side of the coin.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? This frame has made some large-scale changes in society. Concluding Observations Music has some problems too. There are in fights among some popular musicians and this has sometimes affected their position in society as peacebuilder. There have been incidences of popular artist fighting and how can they talk for peace if they are involved in violence. This is simply because of public rating people give to the peace songs. This has resulted into creating camps among the popular artist leading t to in fights. Additional, commercial interest of some musicians and recording artists has overshadowed peace music. Many times they are diverted from real issues and forced to sing what the government wants or because their promoters have already got money. This causes diversion and hence reduction in the peace messages in northern Uganda Furthermore, some upcoming popular artist stated that there is alot of politics of the FM stations which only play music from recognized artists leaving them to suffer and languishing with their peace songs. Some artist suggested that music managers at the FM stations ask them lump sum money to include their songs on their playlist. This limits the peace songs to only a few and popular artist leaving out some upcoming musicians. This sometimes kills the potential of young artist who could be having genuine interest in promoting peacebuilding in the region. Finally, artists also expressed fear at the government. Some artist believe they cannot confront the government because they fear for the lives and fear that FM stations will not play their songs and this limits them from being neutral and hence affecting their reputation and neutrality in the songs. In spite of these limitations, there are also a number of arguments why popular music is still effective in conflict transformation and peacebuilding in the case of northern Uganda. To begin with, in considering that music can contribute to peacebuilding, one has to look at the cultural context. In northern Uganda has been sued since time in memorial..Therefore, this provides a best opportunity to use music further for peacebuilding. Secondly, within music, there are more than songs. There is communication, rhythm and movement which when combined becomes a very powerful gesture for peace. In listening to music and watching videos, one can see that these are very effective in reinforcing There is very good creativity and understanding of the local context by musicians. The use of name dropping was suggested by one politician as the most effective way Finally, the popular music is very relevant to local issues in northern Uganda. Music and power especially electoral democracy In this article, only a limited number of songs, most of which come from the musical genre à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Bongo Flavaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ have been described. There are undoubtedly songs about AIDS from other types of music, including gospel music that may be influential. Nevertheless, the songs described here do provide insight into the promise held by utilizing musicians as popular opinion leaders and song as a medium not only to convey important health information, but also as a mechanism for triggering social and behavior changeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.SHERI BASTIEN [122] 4 [(]* Is a MA candidate at the University of Notre Dame. He earned a B.A. in Humanities from Makerere University. He also holds a Post-graduate diploma in Conflict Management and Peace Studies and a Post-graduate diploma in Education from Gulu University. He has served as an Information Officer for a relief organization and a health communication group. Recently, he worked for the Norwegian Refugee Council as communication and Monitoring and Evaluation Manager. He has conducted many researches on the role of the media in conflict transformation in northern Uganda. [1] Moses Cyprus Okello and Lucy Hovil, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Confronting the Reality of Gender Based Violence in Northern Uganda,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? The International Journal of Transitional Justice 1(3) 2007: 375-390. [2] See Behrend, Heike, Alice Lakwena and the Holy Spirits: War in Northern Uganda, 1985-97 (James Currey, Oxford 1999) [3] See Allen, Tim, 1991, Understanding Alice: Ugandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Holy Spirit Movement in Context. Africa, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 370-399. Branch, Adam, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Neither Peace, nor Justice: Political Violence and the Peasantry in Northern Ugandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ (2005) 8(2) African Study Q 1, [4] Lomo, Zachary and Hovil, Lucy, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Behind the Violence: Causes, Consequences and the Search for Solutions to the War in Northern Uganda,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Refugee Law Project Working Paper No. 11 (February 2004), p43 http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4a3f8d3c1e.html [accessed 21 January 2010] [6] Moses Cyprus Okello and Lucy Hovil, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Confronting the Reality of Gender Based Violence in Northern Uganda,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? The International Journal of Transitional Justice 1(3) 2007: 375-390. [7] See Justice and Reconciliation Project, Cooling of the Hearts: Community Truth Telling in Acholi-land,   2007, 6 http://www.csopnu.net/?jc=juba [accessed 21 January 2010] [9] Moses Cyprus Okello and Lucy Hovil, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Confronting the Reality of Gender Based Violence in Northern Uganda,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? The International Journal of Transitional Justice 1(3) 2007: 375-390. [10] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [11] Interviews with a 67 year old in Odek, 27 December 2009 [12] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [13] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [14] Schumann, Anne à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The Beat that Beat Apartheid: The Role of Music in the Resistance against Apartheid in South Africa,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Stichproben. Wiener Zeitschrift fÃÆ' ¼r kritische Afrikastudien Nr. 14/2008, 8. Jg., 17à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?39 p:2 [15] Kaiser, Tania 2006. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Songs, Discos and Dancing in Kiryandongo, Ugandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, Vol. 32, no. 2, March 2006, pp. 183à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"202, pp184 [16] Ibid 188 [17] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [18] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [19] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [20] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [21] Kaiser, Tania, pp 7 [22] Kaiser, Tania, pp 7 [23] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [24] Interviews with a musician, Gulu Town, 3rd January 2010 [25] Interviews with a studio owner in Gulu Town, 23rd December 2009 [26] There are 5 radio stations in Gulu [27] There are 10 recordi