3 Major Ways Slaves Showed Resistance to Slavery

3 Major Ways Slaves Showed Resistance to Slavery Slaves in the United States used a number of measures to show resistance to slavery. These methods arose after the first slaves arrived in North America in 1619. Slavery created an economic system that persisted until 1865 when the Thirteenth Amendment abolished the practice. But before slavery was abolished, slaves had three available methods to resist slavery: they could rebel against slaveholders, they could run away, or they could perform small, daily acts of resistance, such as slowing down work. Rebellions The Stono Rebellion in 1739, Gabriel Prossers conspiracy in 1800, Denmark Veseys plot in 1822, and Nat Turners Rebellion in 1831 are the most prominent slave revolts in American history. But only the Stono Rebellion and Nat Turners Rebellion achieved any success. White Southerners managed to derail the other planned rebellions before any attack could take place. Many slave owners in the United States became anxious in the wake of the successful slave revolt in Saint-Domingue (now known as Haiti), which  brought independence  to the  colony  in 1804 after years of conflict with French, Spanish, and British military expeditions.  Slaves in the American colonies (later the United States), knew that mounting a rebellion was extremely difficult. Whites greatly outnumbered slaves. And even in states like South Carolina, where whites made up only 47 percent of the  population by 1810, slaves could not take on whites armed with guns.   Importing Africans to the United States to be sold into slavery ended in 1808. Slave owners had to rely on a natural increase in the slave population to increase their labor force. This meant breeding slaves, and many slaves feared that their children, siblings, and other relatives would suffer the consequences if they rebelled.   Runaway Slaves Running away was another form of resistance. Slaves who ran away most often did so for a short period of time. These runaway slaves might hide in a nearby forest or visit a relative or spouse on another plantation. They did so to escape a harsh punishment that had been threatened, to obtain relief from a heavy workload, or just to escape the drudgery of everyday life under slavery. Others were able to run away and escape slavery permanently. Some escaped and hid, forming Maroon communities in nearby forests and swamps. When northern states began to abolish slavery after the Revolutionary War, the north came to symbolize freedom for many slaves, who spread the word that following the North Star could lead to freedom. Sometimes, these instructions were even spread musically, hidden in the words of spirituals. For instance, the spiritual Follow the Drinking Gourd made reference to the Big Dipper and the North Star and was likely used to guide slaves north to Canada. The Risks of Fleeing Running away was difficult. Slaves had to leave family members behind and risk harsh punishment or even death if caught. Many of the successful runaways only triumphed after multiple attempts. More slaves escaped from the upper south than from the lower south, as they were nearer to the north and thus nearer to freedom. Young men had the easiest time of running away because they were more likely to be sold away from their families, including their children. Young men were also sometimes hired out to other plantations or sent on errands, so they could more easily come up with a cover story for being on their own. A network of sympathetic individuals who helped slaves escape to the north emerged by the 19th century. This network earned the name the Underground Railroad in the 1830s. Harriet Tubman is the best known conductor of the Underground Railroad, helping over 200 other slaves escape after she herself reached freedom in 1849. But most runaway slaves were on their own, especially while they were still in the south. Runaway slaves would often choose holidays or days off to give them extra lead time before being missed in the fields or at work. Many fled on foot, coming up with ways to throw off dogs in pursuit, such as using pepper to disguise their scents. Some stole horses or even stowed away on ships to escape slavery. Historians are unsure of how many slaves permanently escaped. An estimated 100,000 fled to freedom over the course of the 19th century, according to James A. Banks in March Toward Freedom: A History of Black Americans. Slaves Retaliate With Ordinary Acts of Resistance The most common form of slave resistance was day-to-day resistance or small acts of rebellion. This form of resistance included sabotage, such as breaking tools or setting fire to buildings. Striking out at a slave owners property was a way to strike at the man himself, albeit indirectly. Other methods of day-to-day resistance were feigning illness, playing dumb, or slowing down work. Both men and women faked being ill to gain relief from their harsh working conditions. Women may have been able to feign illness more easily, as they were expected to provide their owners with children. At least some owners would have wanted to protect the childbearing capacity of their female slaves. Some slaves could also play on their masters and mistresses prejudices by appearing to not understand instructions. When possible, slaves could also decrease their pace of work. Women more often worked in the household and could sometimes use their position to undermine their masters. Historian Deborah Gray White tells of the case of a slave woman who was executed in 1755 in Charleston, S.C., for poisoning her master. White also argues that women may have resisted against a special burden under slavery, that of providing slaveholders with more slaves by bearing children. She speculates that women may have used birth control or abortion to keep their children out of slavery. While this cannot be known for certain, White points out that many slave owners were convinced that female slaves had ways of preventing pregnancy. Throughout the history of American slavery, Africans and African-Americans resisted whenever possible. The odds against slaves succeeding in a rebellion or in escaping permanently were so overwhelming that most slaves resisted the only way they could - through individual actions. But slaves also resisted the system of slavery through the formation of a distinctive culture and through their religious beliefs, which kept hope alive in the face of such severe persecution. Sources Banks, James A. March Toward Freedom: A History of Black Americans. Paperback, 2nd edition, Fearon Publishers,1974. Ford, Lacy K. Deliver Us From Evil: The Slavery Question in the Old South. 1st Edition, Oxford University Press, August 15, 2009. Franklin, John Hope. Runaway Slaves: Rebels on the Plantation. Loren Schweninger, Oxford University Press, July 20, 2000. Raboteau, Albert J. Slave Religion: The Invisible Institution in the Antebellum South. Paperback, Updated edition, Oxford University Press, October 7, 2004. White, Deborah Gray. â€Å"Let My People Go: 1804-1860† The Young Oxford History of African Americans, Hardcover, 1 edition, Oxford University Press, September 12, 1996.

Comparison between Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby and Jack Claytons cinematographic adaptation Essays

Comparison between Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby and Jack Claytons cinematographic adaptation Essays Comparison between Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby and Jack Claytons cinematographic adaptation Paper Comparison between Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby and Jack Claytons cinematographic adaptation Paper A good story can be told in many different ways. That is what happens with our oral narrative. It goes from mouth to mouth and each narrator gives to it a teaspoon of personal taste. The same occurs when a novel is transformed into a script for a movie. Movies give us the chance to see with our physical eyes what we have pictured in our minds. Words take human form and carry us along the story. Yet, what we see is very limited, our approach to the characters and events is determined by the purpose of the director; what we see is what he wants us to see. In the case of The Great Gatsby, the story is followed very loyally, but emphasis is put on different aspects, for the movie differs in its objective, and appeals to a different audience. There is a clear difference between Fitzgeralds purpose and the one of Jack Clayton. For the former one, The Great Gatsby is an instrument to criticize the American dream and uncover the shallowness of society. While he introduces Gatsby as someone who respresented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn, he still finds that there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity for the promises of life(p8). For the director of the movie, Gatsby is more literally a man with a romantic readiness that distinguishes himself from the rest. He is a tragic heroe, someone whose romantic blindness finds no place in society. Yet, the movie does not blame society for Gatsbys destruction; no- he is a dreamer, he is deaf to a reality that speaks loud enough. Fitzgerald, through Nicks voice, condemns society very clearly since the beginning and with the most cruel words. Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and shortwide elations of men. (p8). While the writer uses the characters as a bridge to discovering Gatsbys life and as an instrument of disillusion, Clayton puts emphasis on each character as an individual; he embodies in an abstraction what Fitzgerald describes with an artistic pastiche of actions and reactions. In the book, everything we see is seen through the eyes of Nick Carraway. An evidence, and an excellent literary technique, is when Nick has had some many drinks and images in his memory start to be blurred: It was nine oclock- almost immediately afterward I looked at my watch and found it was ten. (p38). The movie, on the other hand, shows us images we can decipher for ourselves. We can see, or at least assume, Nick is tipsy because we see how many drinks he has had, and we observe in his face the lost look of someone who is starting to feel the effect of alcohol. When Nick describes the whiteness of the house and the dresses, he loads his description with similies and visual images. Clayton, on the other side, creates this image phisically; everything in the setting is horribly white, and with a short glance he substitutes the magic of Fitzgeralds words. Nevertheless, his method is not less effective in its purpose, though it is a different one. The book appeals to hypocrisy through the contrast between white and the immorality with which everyone is stained. The movie stays with the superficial meaning of white as the dream in which Gatsby is submerged, the whiteness he creates by filling Nicks house with white daisies and dressing in a white suit. Although the story in the movie is presented by Nick in first person narrative, the movies structure has more to do with the structure of a comic series, where the narrator is only an introduction to the setting and/or the action taking place. Whilst in the book Nick is a filter through which we receive an account on the events, in the movie his intervention between us and the story is very little; he abandons his outsider perspective and plays here a character in his own. This is a resource used by Clayton to emphasize again the importance of each character, including his narrator, as an individual. When drunk, sad or happy, it is not through his voice (internal) that we get to know about his state, but through observing externally his actions and judging for ourselves. Whenever he makes an assumption in the book Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one (p90), Clayton replaces that thought for an action in itslef, an action in which Nick has no intervention, the sad look in Gatsbys eyes is something we become aware ourselves, with no need for words. This happens very often, another example is when Nick narrates the moment when, five years ago, he kissed her(p107). Clayton replaces this thoroughly described moment and all its mistery with a romantic dreamlike environment created by Gatsby and Daisy in their moments of reminiscense: D:-I wish you had your uniform G:-I do still have my uniform D:-Then, you are a sentimental man. Yet, everything we see is as imagined by the director, the visual image is therefore imposed on us, in contrast to the image we create ourselves from the reading of the book. Another difference in structure is the chronology of the story. Both of them apply a retrospective view. Yet, the movie follows a circular construction, starting with a walk through Gatsbys house once he is dead, glancing at the collection of pictures and articles of Daisys life, breathing the still air of a house that has held its last party. Then the whole story is told from the beginning, when Nick arrives in Daisys house till we are driven back to the empty house with its lugubrious stillness. This is, once more, a choice made by Clayton to achieve his aim, to portray the romantic aspect of the story. The book on the other hand, is a deliberate criticism born in the interior of a mans soul. It is more of a psychological structure, a telling of the story as it comes to mind, Reading over what I have written so far, I see I have given the impression that the events of three nights severa weeks apart were all that absorbed me (p56), as it makes sense. Nick admits this when he says: He told me all this very much later, but Ive put it down here with the idea of exploding those first wild rumours about his antecedents (p97). Symbols play an important role in both book and movie. Yet, the latter neglects some of the symbols originally found in Fitzgeralds piece. This is the case of the clock that represented the passing of time that Gatsby so foolishly denied. Luckily the clock took this moment to tilt dangerously at the pressure of his head, whereupon he turned and caught it with trembling fingers, and set it back in place, then he said I am sorry about the clock (p84). In the movie, ho wever, the clock never falls. The reason for this is that this symbol does not satisfy the directors purpose. Instead, a bird is presented as a symbol of the love between Daisy and Jay. This feathered creature appears when both of them are together in the poolside. Its second appearance is toward the end, when Daisy is gone forever. Gatsby turns back hoping to find her there, he calls out her name, but the dream is over; the bird flies away abruptly. There is a saying in my country: bird that ate, flew away. This could be a second interpretation, although not as romantic. Movie and book tell the very same story in very different ways, making emphasis in what will contribute to achieving their respective purposes. Both of them are very successful in that and, whatever the choices and changes made by Clayton, they can be easily indulged for he presents to us another aspect of Great Gatsby: the greatness of his individuality. Gatsby dies and is purified, he is a romantic heroe that needs no excuse for he has lived a life in pursue of a dream, which he owns. Both writer and director condemn this illusion: one sceptically calls it hope, the other very superficially calls it love. Fitzgerald lies the blame on society: society killed Gatsbys dream and with it, everything that Gatsby meant. Clayton portrays him as this romantic figure who gives up everything for an illusion. Yet, his means to reach that blind illusion that has no shape nor content any more, that something that was but will never be again, are very distorted in the context of his humanity. What makes him such a special individual is, ironically, what erases any individuality in him, what in the end, kills him for he has no aim any more.

Social Performance of Organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Social Performance of Organizations - Essay Example However, some of the producers refused making the De Beer to flood the market with products that were similar to those who refused to join it and it afterwards purchased all the products that were produced by the rivals thus controlling the market prices (Edward, 1982). The company is involved in mining activities in various countries. For example, in Botswana De Beers mine through the company referred to as Debswana. In South Africa, De Beers Consolidated Mines is responsible for the mining activities. As far as business structure is concerned, De Beer has two major shareholdings which include Botswana government owning 15% and Anglo America Company that owns 85%. Other related companies that are involved in the De Beers diamond value chain include Diamdel, Namdeb, De Beers Canada, Diamond Trading Company South Africa and Namibia Diamond Trading Company. As an international company, De Beers can be affected by two main external environment factors. First, the custom duties and quota s imposed by countries may make the company demand for its products to decrease. This is based on the government’s policy to lower the importation of foreign products in order to enhance domestic consumption. Secondly, the stiff competition from other companies in the mining industry may result to decrease in the prices of the company products. This may be due to the other companies’ intention to face off the companies in the international market. One of the major stakeholders of De Beers Diamond Company is Diamond Trading Company (DTC). DTC main duties include selling and distribution of the company products. By selling approximately 75% of rough diamond in the international market, DTC is able to generate high revenue for De Beers an aspect that has made the company to effectively expand in the international market (Martin, 2007). The second important part of the stakeholders is the employees. With more than 20,000 employees, the company objectives

Economic Indicators' Impact on Different Stock Categories Research Paper

Economic Indicators' Impact on Different Stock Categories - Research Paper Example While every indicator is an important measure of a facet of the economy, do all of them influence the stock markets equally? Hence the importance to know is which of these indicators influence the stock markets most, and probably more importantly which economic indicators most influence which types of stocks. For an investor, knowing which key economic affect the stock prices most can be of paramount importance, especially if they are in the stock market for the short-term. Different families of stocks provide different returns, which means that different investors, based on their appetite for risk, will opt for different investment strategies for which type of stocks to keep in their investment portfolio. This means that a â€Å"one-size fits all' theory on economic indicators affecting the stock prices may not be particularly relevant. Hence the need to identify whether (or not) the same set of economic indicators similarly influence the stock prices of small cap stocks as for lar ge cap stocks. Finally, a revelation from research that the small cap stocks are indeed influenced differently and/or by different economic indicators than those for large cap stocks, could have significant implications for governments - especially in formulating their economic policies with regard to small cap companies and even start-ups in the country. 2 Literature Review Stock markets depend a lot on the economic activity in the country. The health of the economic activity is presented through the economic indicators. Several studies have therefore been done on the linkage between stock markets and macroeconomic variables. While some studies have focussed on industrialised and developed economies others have focussed on the developing economies. Also, while some studies have attempted to see the impact of one macroeconomic variable on the stock prices, others have used two or more variables to see the link between macroeconomic variables and stock markets. Some of the economic i ndicators that influence stock prices as suggested in various studies include: Inflation, Unemployment, Interest Rates, Exchange Rates, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Industrial Production, M2 Money Supply, and so forth. The subject of how economic indicators influence stock prices or stock returns has been studied regularly over the years. Ibrahim (1999) found that macroeconomic forces have systematic influences on stock prices via their influences on expected future cash flows. Chakravarty (2005) also viewed that stock exchange prices are highly sensitive to fundamental macroeconomic indicators. Mehr (2005) observed that the effects of public policies on economic growth can be measured by the increase in stock exchange prices. Some of the other researches to have been conducted on studying the link between one or a combination of several economic indicators and stock markets are Feldstein (1983), Thorbecke and Coppock (1995), Chang, Yeung, & Yip (2000), Sellin (2001), Boyd, Hu & Ja ganathan (2002), Tessarotis (2002), Bernanke & Kenneth (2005), Desislava (2005), Vygodina (2006), Maskay (2007), Bartolini, Goldberg & Sacarny (2008), Mahmudul & Gazi (2009). These studies have dealt with the subject with different approaches - from considering one of the economic indicator’s effect on stock market to considering a bunch of up to 25 economic indicato

Hayek's Idea of Information Use and Its Use in 21st Century Essay

Hayek's Idea of Information Use and Its Use in 21st Century - Essay Example The essay "Hayek's Idea of Information Use and Its Use in 21st Century" talks about the Friedrich Hayek's views on information usage in the marketing area expressed in his article "The Use of Knowledge in Society". According to Hayek, the more decentralized the economy is, the more variable the information is (spread throughout the society). In his own words, â€Å"The marvel is that in a case like that of a scarcity of one raw material, without an order being issued, without more than perhaps a handful of people knowing the cause, tens of thousands of people whose identity could not be ascertained by months of investigation, are made to use the material or its products more sparingly; i.e., they move in the right direction†. Hayek has pointed out the danger of tyranny that lies in a centrally planned economy resulting from the control of economic decision-making by the government. The functioning of any market depends largely on the nature of the information that the economic agents interacting in that economy possess. According to Hayek, there are mainly two types of information that are available to an economic agent. In this article, Hayek also marked a difference between two categories of information or awareness. One is scientific or technical information and the other is the information about individual’s capacities on the other. This paper tries to relate these ideas to the 21st-century growth in information about individuals and their wants, needs, capacities and the making of new markets such as eBay.... The functioning of any market depends largely on the nature of the information that the economic agents interacting in that economy possess. According to Hayek, there are mainly two types of information that are available to an economic agent (Hayek, 1945). On the one hand there is the scientific information and the technical information. This is basically the theoretical information regarding any activity, related to production or distribution the goods and services or related to the allocation of scares resources. And the other is related to the information that an individual possess regarding his capacities on the other individual(s). The first type of information is basically of theoretical type. In this information an individual acquires information necessary to the make economic decisions, such as production, distribution etc. The other type of information relates to the practical exposure of all the theoretical information those are available to the individuals. These are basi cally the useful and realistic information (Hayek, 1945, p. 3). Types of information: According to Hayek, all the theoretical information is related to the specific section of the society that are related to the generation and the development of those theories. These individuals are responsible for the invention and the study of those theories. Again in other sense of the explanation of this information this kind of information is not the aggregate of all available information. Rather this is the information of specific circumstances of specific time and place. In this respect it is said that every individual in any economy possess some unique information which give him some kind of advantage

Demonstrate an understanding of relevant theories

Demonstrate an understanding of relevant theories Psychology Portfolio Presentation One of the best ways of presenting work as a psychology student is through the completion of a personal portfolio as one progresses through the respective curriculum in psychology. Moreover, it enables easier assessment and evaluation of the success of the psychology curriculum in terms of objectives and goal fulfillment. This is represented in the following discussions: Demonstrate an understanding of relevant theories Application of scientific methodology Basic Knowledge in keys areas Upholding professionalism in psychology Understanding of relevant psychological theories is an important factor in the understanding of the psychological curriculum. It enables students to understand the application of scientific methodologies in carrying out research undertaken in the psychological field. For instance, the students will be able to become acquainted with how theoretical frameworks can be applied during the real study (Betz, 2008). Additionally, the study of core courses in different intermediate levels enables the learners to gain the basic knowledge necessary for grasping the course provisions. This enables students to understand the application of different theories as they progress from one level to the next. Not only will this enable them to understand the areas that are required of them in partial fulfillment of the course but also enables them to identify particular subfields of the discipline that fits their interests. Finally, psychology as a discipline ensures that learners as prepared to gain psy chological knowledge by not only studying it as a social science but also as a profession (Betz, 2008). This entails learners being taught how to write unmistakably and effectively by following the appropriate professional standards. Include examples to support major points Conceptualize current societal issues Conducting assessment and practice Citing relevant theories Theories are not always accurate because they are not only based on individual viewpoints but also are subject to stand the test of time. Therefore, it is advisable to support each theoretical assumptions with supportive evidence that can be verified when the need arises. This can be achieved by relating the current issues affecting the society with theoretical assumptions (Westefeld, 2009). Alternatively, assumptions are usually drawn from research that has been undertaken and therefore it easier to support theories by relating them to research findings that had been undertaken before. Finally, other related or relevant theories can be cited to boost the validity of oneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s assumptions. Psychological theories and their importance. behavior theories cognitive theories Developmental theories The nature of human behavior and thoughts has led to the development of various psychological theories that try to explain them. Behavioral theories help to demonstrate ways in which new behaviors and information can be acquired though conditioning. Cognitive theories are centered on internal states of the human nature and therefore aid thinking, decision-making, and problem solving (Williams, et al (2008). Lastly, developmental theories do serve to provide a framework from which understanding of factors relating to human growth and development are covered. Psychological theories and their disadvantages Humanistic Theories Personality theories Social Psychology Theories Arguably, not all psychological theories are easy to understand and relate. For instance, humanist theories focus on the goodness of human behavior, a factor that is not practicable in society. On the other hand, personality theories concentrate in the study of personalities of people around us. These require that one invest a great deal of time in scrutinizing such behaviors, a fact that I do not like (Betz, 2008). Finally, social psychology theories are focused on the study of social behavior and require giving attention to particular aspects of social phenomena. Criteria of arriving at conclusions. -Understanding the Knowledge Base Identifying major concepts Using Technology Understanding of various psychological aspects requires deep understanding of the discipline. This factor enables learners to gain an insight of what is being proposed in the study. Alternatively, identification of key concepts and psychological models enables learners to arrive at conclusions (Westefeld, 2009). Finally, using technological applications to process data into information enables them to arrive at conclusions. Future influences of theories in psychology. Improve human counseling Competent professional relationships Integration of science and practice Psychological theories are certain to discover new ways of performing psychological related chores. In turn, this will improve the level of service delivery in many areas such as improvements in human counseling whereby excellent services will be delivered to patients (Williams, et al (2008). Additionally, psychological practitioners will try to outdo each other in the delivery of services thereby leading to increased completion amongst themselves and thusly, the formation of competent professional relationships. Lastly, the need for scientific researched to support proposed psychological theories would increase thereby increasing integration between science and practice (Williams, et al (2008). New Methods in Psychology Information and Technological literacy Ability to utilize the power of computers Technological Applications in Psychology With the advent of new technological innovations, each discipline will be backed by technological integration and psychology will not be left behind. This entails improving literacy in learners through the integration of information technology programs in the study of psychology, the use of computers by learners and lastly, development of technological applications specifically meant for psychology (Inman, and Ladany, 2008). Effects on the worldview Understand psychological concepts Improved self assessment Increased levels of applications and understanding The information contained in this presented is certainly going to impact heavily on how I view things from the psychological perspective. To begin with, it will enable me to fully understand the application of psychological concepts and their relationships to theory, enable me to improve ways of self-assessment and finally, enable me to apply diversified technological applications in the field of psychology (Betz, 2008). critical or creative thinking Ability to think critically Applying appropriate scientific approaches Decision making and problem solving Critical thinking enabled me to logically demonstrate the necessary applications of theory concepts, formulate the design and organized presentations when undertaking scientific approaches (Westefeld, 2009). Finally, critical thinking was useful in solving problems and making decisions. Psychological Language Right psychological terms Correct writing style Professionally written Understanding of psychological terms is very useful in this presentation to ensure that flow of information is not interrupted (Inman, and Ladany, 2008). Additionally, the paper ensures that it follows the correct writing style to ensure that it meets the standards of professionalism typical of this paper. Importance of theories Understanding theories Their scope and applications Relationships to research This curriculum requires that learners master the applications of different psychological theories in different scenarios. Specifically, their importance and how they are applied in different perspectives is very important. Finally, demonstrations on how they can be related to psychological research are also another important factor that these theories help to achieve. Applications Writing abilities Research skills Applied experience The study of this discipline enabled me to acquire practical skills that are applicable in real life situations. Throughout the study, we were equipped with writing skills that enabled us to produce accurate and well-written professional papers in addition to sharpening our research skills though carrying out studies on various topics. Finally, applied experience was acquired through participating in real life situations by assuming roles such as psychological counselors and practitioners.

Oman Essay -- essays research papers

Oman is a small country located in the northeast by the gulf of Oman and southeast by the Arabian Sea, southeast by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The capitol of this country is Muscat. Oman covers an area of about 119,500 sq mi. Oman borders Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates. The Oman government, from what I have read, is ran by a sultan and seems to be somewhat democratic. The population is overwhelmingly Arab, but significant minorities of Indians, Pakistanis, and East Africans are found in the principal ports. The majority of the population is Ibadhi Muslim; Sunni Muslims form the other major religious group. Arabic is the official language. The Life expectancy on average, is 70.25 years, however females seem to live longer; males: 68.31 years female: 72.29 years (1995 est.). There are about 6 children born to each woman. That just shows how much they value family as well as procreation in itself. The Languages are Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, and Indian dialects. (1) One of the most interesting pieces I came across about Oman is how the women are treated. Usually when you think of Middle East women you assume they are oppressed or considered to be uneducated. However the women of Oman play a more active and visible role in society than in most of the Arabian Peninsula, where the role of women is still restricted. They have received encouragement and support from the government, which provides schooling and university education for girls on a par with that for boys, and has decreed that women should be given career opportunities and equal pay. In the capital many women now have jobs, especially with the government. In the countryside women have always played an active role in the agricultural communities. For the most part Oman women are not veiled, although the women of some tribes still wear the burqa or facemask and black cloak, the abaya. After viewing many pictures of the women of this culture the majority of Oman women, however, wear very colorful clothes arranged in loose and flowing layers. They are generally not self-effacing and may be willing to talk to strangers, once the ice has been broken. But they are deeply Muslim and should always be treated with deference and respect. (1) However, the film I chose to watch is called Osama. This film describes the life of women during the Taliban rule. Althoug... ...far as what websites are available. The print media is mainly available in Arabic, and only about 2 Omani papers are in both English and Arabic. Tourist attractions such as hotels, may carry more of a variety of national papers. Overall Oman is a very interesting country. They are progressing more into the future and at the same time not leaving their heritage or culture behind, but instead modernizing it. The sultan of this country has been in reign for over 30 years and has done nothing but allowed his country to progress. The fact that this is one of the few Arabic countries that actually allows women certain rights will hopefully educate other Arabic countries about equalization or steps towards allowing women to be freer. Work Cited: (1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.arab.de/arabinfo/omanhis.htm (2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.omanobserver.com/ (3)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.arabji.com/Oman/media.htm (4)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Osama, directed by Siddiq Barmak , 2004 (5)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   WHO COMPARES HEALTH-CARE SYSTEMS ACROSS THE GLOBE , By: Ashraf, Haroon, Lancet, 00995355, 06/24/2000, Vol. 355, Issue 9222