Paper 3- Journey, Pilgrimage or Quest (Nonfiction writing) Essay

Paper 3- Journey, Pilgrimage or Quest (Nonfiction writing) - Essay Example Rather, my life was led with a veil pulled over the jealousy and hatred that my cousins and their parents had for me. When my grandfather died. he had left a sizable inheritance to his family thanks to the property that he owned. His children collectively decided to sell the property in order to come into money which they could use for their future. I was fortunate enough to have been given a chunk of that inheritance by my parents. They had always been proud of my money handling skills since the time that I learned what my school allowance was all about and they knew that I would spend the money I inherited wisely and frugally. After the inheritance was divided equally, it appeared that I was the only one of the cousins who managed to get a cash share of my grandfather's estate. Needless to say, this was something that unbeknownst to me, my cousins held against me. It was this jealousy that ate away at their beings since the day that the inheritance was turned over to all parties co ncerned. The fact that we all still continued to live on the family compound, although with separate land titles already, made matters even worse. My parents had decided that it would be in everyone's best interest if the land that our house stood on was transferred to my name. After all, they were not getting any younger and I was becoming increasingly involved in the day to day affairs of my parents. Putting my name on the title was something that they believed to be logical, since I stood to inherit the property when the proper time came anyway. As word of my good fortune spread among my relatives, so did their envy and hatred towards the one they named â€Å"The Chosen One†, a monicker that I refused to accept because I was not chosen by anybody, I just proved to have a good head on my shoulders when compared to my other cousins. Other events that unfolded in our intertwined lives further fueled their anger at my seemingly good fortune. By that time I already knew that I could live with their jealousy. There was nothing I could do about that and, although the great divide now existed between my cousins, uncles, aunts, and my own family, my parents refused to leave the family home. Even though I begged them many times to simply sell the house and leave, they refused to do so. Telling me more than once that I would only be able to leave the place once they had both died already. They refused to be uprooted and moved to a strange, new place to live in. But all that changed one fateful afternoon. I had gotten into my car and headed out to attend to some errands for the day. Before I left, I saw my cousin's motorcycle parked alongside the sidewalk outside the family compound. I felt a tinge of fear at the sight of the motorbike. This male cousin of mine hated me the most of all the cousins who lived with us on the compound. He had done his best to physically harm me numerous times before. The first time, he tried to run me off the road with his SUV as I rode my bike to complete an errand at a nearby grocery store. We happened to share the same road space so he decided to unleash his road rage upon me. I was lucky enough to survive that brush with death. Suffering only a few bruises and scrapes since I was wearing a bike helmet at the time. I should have worn elbow and knee pads while I was at it! My street encounters with that cousin of mine culminated in the events of that

Gender and attendace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Gender and attendace - Essay Example universities will only be able to provide the society with people with undergraduate graduation certificate instead of constructers with knowledge, self-discipline and integrity. Barlow (2011) defines absenteeism as a failure to regularly attend timetabled sessions such as seminars, lectures and practical or laboratory classes. In the UK, research has shown that student non-attendance at lectures and seminars is an area for concern (Morgan 2001). Thomas (2008) found that students who attained first-class grades also had the highest attendance rates. Newman-Ford et al. (2008) also found a strong positive relationship between attendance and performance across 22 compulsory modules in four degree schemes. In addition, Clark and Gill (2010) examined the relationship between attendance and performance, in a study consisting of 304 students. The study shows a very high attendance is significantly associated with an improvement in performance. Moreover, a study by Woodfield, Jessop, and Mcm illan (2006) revealed that men are more likely to be absent from classes than women, with the worst offenders being males with the highest levels of prior academic achievement. This establishes the need to investigate the possible relationship between gender and class attendance towards a better understanding of performance by gender and this forms the basis of the study. It is understood that Undergraduates play truant mainly because they couldn’t bear listening to teachers in class. As time passes, they don’t know what they learn for. They don’t have future directions, so they play truant, thus forming a vicious cycle. Barlow (2011) The main focus is the gender difference in student attendance rates, and the potential reasons why differential attendance rates may occur between male and female students, and whether they denote different academic achievement levels. The study is only limited to the students within the University XXXXX, where the study will focus on the

Business questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business questions - Essay Example Leadership basically refers to people who have the capacity to bring about changes in other people. Organizations are characterized by the unique culture that is inherent in the overall working of the organization. Discussion of leadership with reference to large organization is as important as that of small one for the simple reasons that the leaders within the organizations, not only provide an intangible stability among the employees and facilitate integration with the system, but they have been known to promote collective vision of the organization and provide the necessary impetus to the employees to strive towards it. Leaders create visions and goals whereas the managers and administrators work towards achieving them. Organizations’ culture is a complex process of evolution and adjustment of the employees within a system over a period of time. The various aspects of the interactive elements of the organization, which may comprise of diverse ideologies and personal conflicts of the individuals, work together to produce a cohesive output representing the organizations unique objectives and goals. Organization’s culture is developed over a period of time with shared learning and becomes an intrinsic part of the work methodology characterized by the stability provided by the system and the integrated approach of the workers. It is therefore, difficult to dissect an organization’s culture in a short time. Though it is difficult to change an organization’s culture but good leadership is known to make visible changes in it. Leadership encourages innovation of ideas and adaptability to changes. Hence, leaders, who are visionary and are endowed with effective communication skill and cultural understanding, have the capability to influence the cultural identity of the group within the organization thus facilitating changes in the organization’s culture to adapt to the

War of 1812 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

War of 1812 - Essay Example Similar to the War of Independence (1775-1783), the war of 1812 was a result of conflicts between the Great Britain and the USA over spheres of influence and power on the American continent. During the War of Independence, the Thirteen colonies overthrew the British rules and established a new state governed by the American people. During the revolutionary years, the Declaration of Independence was promulgated (1776). Nations desiring to achieve these beneficial ends will agree, therefore, that no part of the American union ought ever to be subjected again to foreign rule2. The American Revolution and the war of 1812 changed international relations and opened new opportunities for international trade. The American government received a chance to trade with the rest of the world and supply cotton, tea and other goods to the Old world. Spain did not fear the rising power of the independent United States as it had when the colonies were an extension of British imperial power3. Both wars had similar battles and military strategies applied by the US Army leaders. The main military confrontations took place in Quebec, Massachusetts, Great Lacks and New York. The result of the wars was that fforeign trade improved economic conditions of the United states and increased the state budget.

Child Abuse and Maltreatment Essay Example for Free

Child Abuse and Maltreatment Essay Child abuse is a global problem, which unfortunately happens in every society, culture and communities. The term â€Å"Child Abuse† refers to intended acts that result in physical or emotional harm to children. Child abuse covers a wide range of behavior from physical assault by parents or other adult caretakers to neglect of child’s basic need. Child abuse is a social problem that affects millions of children each year, children less than 3 years of age being the most frequent victims. (Edelman Mandle, 2010) For this article, the author chose to discuss child abuse and maltreatment in preschool age children. There are many forms of child abuse such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and abandonment/ separation. In this age most common abuses are physical, sexual, emotional and negligence. As a health care provider when we are assessing a case of child abuse, we always need to check the background of the child’s family child, by checking parenting skills of caretakers, employment and education status of the parents, financial conditions at home and environment of the house (safe and clean for the child). We also need to check for any history of drug and alcohol abuse among family members, care taker’s personal limitations and certain cognitive or medical conditions (such as mental retardation or depression) of care takers, all these can effect child’s care tremendously. (Jarvis, 2011) Signs and symptoms nurses need to check for when they are assessing a preschool child for abuse are as follows: Physical Child abuse: Child has unexplained recurrent injuries, burns, fractures, bruises and bald patches. Child shows sign of fear and hesitation during physical exam (he is trying to pull himself away from examiner). Child has difficult time concentrating and shows self-destruction tendencies aggression towards others. Child is wary of adults and injuries on the body are inconsistent with the childs age and developmental phase. (Center of Child Protection and Family Support, 2012) Sexual Child Abuse: Child has unusual or excessive itching in the private areas. Genital or anal area is torn, stained or underwear has blood spots. Child’s genital or anal areas could be injured, due to bruising, swelling or infection. Child plays inappropriately with his toys and makes inappropriate drawing according to his age. Suddenly child starts thumb sucking or brings out discarded cuddly toys to play. Child also exhibits a sudden loss of appetite or on the other hand eats compulsively, he starts being isolated or  withdrawn from family/friends and becomes worried when clothing are being removed. Child frequently wets him/herself and often has nightmares. (Center of Child Protection and Family Support, 2012) Emotional Child Abuse: Parents or caretakers frequently yell, threaten or bully the child. They are ignoring the child as a form of punishment, giving him the silent treatment for his needs and also show no signs of affection and love (i.e. hugs kisses and tapping the back). Child shows severe sign of depression, extreme withdrawal or aggression towards other people. Child could be overly compliant with his caretaker orders, too well-mannered and too neat or clean. Child also displays extreme inhibition while playing. Child could have extreme attention seeking behavior or failure to thrive behavior. (Center of Child Protection and Family Support, 2012) Child Neglect: Child has poor personal hygiene, unkempt clothes and hair. Child stays constantly hungry and seems very thin compared to the peer age group. Child has many unattended physical problems or medical needs, eg dental work and glasses. Child is frequently absent from school and forgets his lunch. Child has no social relationship with other kids and shows destructive tendencies. (Center of Child Protection and Famil y Support, 2012) If children been abused by parents and care givers during infancy, toddler and preschool age. They show sign of developmental delay in displaying language, motor and social skills. Abused preschoolers respond to peers and other adults with more aggression and anger than do non-abused children. It is important for the nurse to understand certain cultural health practices that may be misidentified as child abuse. For example In Southeast Asian countries like Laos and Vietnam, people from Mien cultural beliefs in natural healing and use homemade remedies to treat most of the child disease. When a child suffers from restlessness, unremitting crying, agitation, constipation and loss of appetite, parents of the child use string of inner pulp (found in a special reed).The pulp is then dipped lightly in pork fat and lit. The flame is passed quickly over the skin above the pain site, which raises blisters on the skin or sometimes burn the skin which can easily misidentified as child abuse. To cover the blister and burn areas, they use Tiger Balm afterward. Only older person in the family can do this ritual to cure child pain. (McIntyre Silva, 1992) To report the child abuse in California State, nurse needs contact the California Department of Social services  (toll-free number is 1- 800-422-4453) or call Sacramento county Child Protective Services child abuse hotline at 916-568-6635. Any person who has knowledge of or observes a child whom he or she knows or reasonably suspects has been a victim of child abuse or neglect may report the known or suspected instance of child abuse or neglect. (California Department of social services, 2012) Description of report mechanism: Mandated reports of child abuse or neglect must include: †¢ The name, business address, and telephone number of the mandated reporter; †¢ The capacity that makes the person a mandated reporter; and †¢ The information that gave rise to the reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect and the source or sources of that information. If a report is made, the following information, if known, also must be included in the report: †¢ The child’s name, child’s address, present location and if applicable child’s school, grade, and class. †¢ The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the child’s parents or guardians. †¢ The name, address, telephone number, and other relevant personal information about the person or persons who might have abused or neglected the child. (California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, 2006) References: California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act: Reporting Rules for Health Care Providers, (2006). Retrieved from November 27, 2012 from: http://www.teenhealthlaw.org/fileadmin/teenhealth/teenhealthrights/ca/06_CA_ChildAbuseChapter.pdf California Department of social services. (2012). Child Abuse Prevention Services. Retrieved November 27, 2012 from: http://www.childsworld.ca.gov/PG1319.htm Center For Child Protection and Support,( 2012). Retrieved November 26, 2012 from: http://www.centerchildprotection.org/report_abuse.htm Edelman, C., Mandle, C. (2010). Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span. (7th ed.). Retrieved November 26, 2012 from http://pageburstls.elsevier.com/books/9780323056625/S6/0 Jarvis, C. (2011). Physical Examination and Health Assessment (6). Retrieved November 26, 2012 from http://pageburstls.elsevier.com/books/978-1-4377-0151-7/id/B9781437701517000078_c00007 McIntyre, T., Silva, P. (1992). Beyond Behavior. Culturally Diverse Childrearing Practices: A busive or Just Different? Volume 4,

Media And Childhood Obesity

Media And Childhood Obesity Obesity is among one of the many global epidemics. Its impact affects all age groups. The attention of international and national foci has been sparked by the reported rising of prevalence of child and adolescent obesity for preventative and management action. (Bromfield, 2009). Childhood obesity is a major public health problem. A main contributing factor to childhood obesity has been identified as food advertising during childrens television programs (Udell Mehta, 2008). Media is present to inform the public and present them with arguments that support or oppose solutions to childhood obesity. Obesity affects approximately 20% of the youth in America and this number is always rising. The media can define public perceptions on issues by choosing what to present and how this information is presented. This technique is called framing and can define what problems are perceived to be important and what the causes and solutions might be. It is hypothesized that media has a negative infl uence on the obesity of children. Past research will further help investigate this problem. In an article by Harris, Bargh, and Brownell (2009), it is hypothesized that food advertising on television triggers children to automatically snack on whatever food is available. It is stated that advertisements for high calorie, low nutrient foods are common contributors to the obesity epidemic. Obesity is the fastest growing cause of disease and death in America. (Harris, Bargh, and Brownell). The trend is increasing among young people. Snacking at non-meal times occurred in 58% of food ads during childrens programming. Food advertising to children portrayed unhealthy eating behaviors with positive outcomes. An important source of priming influences is the media, including television programs and advertisements. Food and beverage advertisements convey extremely powerful food consumption cues, including images of attractive models eating, snacking at non-meal times and positive emotions linked to food consumption (Harris, Bargh, and Brownell). The messages presented in television f ood advertising have the potential to act as real world primes and lead to equivalent eating behaviors. The article predicted that food advertising that conveys snacking and fun will automatically prompt eating behavior among adults as well as children. Experiment 1 in this study proved that snacking while watching commercial TV with food advertisements for 30 min. per day would lead to a weight gain of almost 10 pounds per year. Childrens behavior was consistent with what they saw on television, thus an automatic connection between what they saw and how they reacted due to the effect of food advertisements. In Experiment 2, it was predicted that food advertising would also prime eating behavior among an adult sample, and whether effects of eating behavior are due to exposure to images. It was hypothesized that watching food advertising that promoted snacking, fun, and excitement will cause people to eat more of snack foods than advertising that has nutrition benefits. The experimen t supported the direct influence of the snack advertising on consumption. The experiments presented in this article were highly consistent with the hypothesis. Food advertising that promoted snacking, fun, happiness, and excitement contributed to increased food intake. A limitation found in this study is that real world exposure to food advertising occurs in many situations, and it is not definite that other situational factors could not have moderated the advertising effects (Harris, Bargh, and Brownell). Reactivity was minimized and external and internal validity were enhanced when the experimenters mocked TV-viewing conditions in a natural setting. Another limitation is that the specific advertising features that affected eating behaviors can not exactly be pinpointed. More research is needed to make certain that priming snacking versus nutrition benefits and not other features of the advertisements caused the effects on consumption behaviors (Harris, Bargh, and Brownell). In an article by Udell and Mehta (2008), it was hypothesized that the main causes of childhood obesity were advertisements of unhealthy foods, no physical activity, increased time in front of the television, and busy parents. Policy changes to food advertising, encouraging environments for physical activity, better environments for healthy eating and healthy eating strategies were presented as solutions (Udell Mehta). This study found one hundred and sixty-six newspaper articles published that reported on restricting television food advertising to children as a solution to childhood obesity. Young children were found to be vulnerable to manipulation of these food advertisements. This study suggested that children need to be protected from high exposure to advertisements by encouraging them to eat foods with high energy and low nutrients (Udell Mehta). The article found that childhood obesity was caused by advertising of junk foods and a lack of physical activity due to the amount o f television watched. The media often links unhealthy foods with something catchy. For example, McDonalds shows viewers that if a happy meal is purchased, the child will receive a toy. This gives a misperception to children that they will be rewarded when consuming unhealthy foods. Most of the food advertising for children was for high fat content low-nutrient foods, and this was giving children the wrong idea of what is healthy. A positive correlation was found between a childs weight and the amount of time children spent on focusing their attention on media. This study emphasized the role of the media in advertising to children as a factor in childhood obesity. The articles that were analyzed were from July 1st, 2002 to July 1st, 2005, which was a time period where obesity was becoming an outbreak. The articles were 150 words or less and the main themes throughout these articles were concerning restrictions on food advertising to reduce obesity among children. Most of the results were constant with the idea that there should be restrictions on advertising. However, many articles suggested that television advertising had no effect on children and that the inactive lifestyle of a child was the main reason for their weight. The findings of this article were limited because there were only 166 articles selected and there could have been more data to support the hypothesis. The time period was also a limitation in this study because it was only within a 3 year span of time. During those years, obesity had just come to the publics attention so little was known of the actual cause. A study by Bromfield (2009) summarizes the negative physical and nonphysical outcomes for obese children compared with their non-obese peers. Obesity has been identified as a major risk factor for the development of common chronic and disabling conditions. Obese children have an increased risk of psychosocial and mental problems that can continue into adulthood. (Bromfield) Low self-esteem was presented in this article as the most common consequence of obesity. Other studies linked obesity to disordered eating, unhealthy weight control behaviors, bulimia, body esteem, and distorted body image. Obesity can become a child protection concern. Over-feeding of children by adults can be observed as producing extensive harm. Studies found that obese children with low levels of self-esteem engaged more in high-risk behaviors like smoking or alcohol consumption. (Bromfield) Research suggested that children who were overweight would encounter bullying as a consequence of their weight. It was a lso said that levels of education seem to be inversely correlated with body weight. A study in China found lower IQ scores in cases where children were severely obese compared to average weight peers. A survey was conducted for overweight children who rated their school performance and educational future lower than their non-overweight peers. Obese children often blamed their weight as a reason for having few friends and being left out from social activities. Weight bias and stigma in this article refers to weight-related attitudes that are displayed as stereotypes, stigma, rejection, and prejudice towards children because they are overweight or fat. (Bromfield) Current detrimental beliefs in the Western World include fat, ugly, awkward, overeaters, lazy, stupid, and worthless. Treatment for childhood obesity has been considered, including diet changes, exercise, surgery, medication and psychotherapeutic interventions. Parental involvement has been believed to be a main factor for t he most effective intervention. Limitations in this study could be location, as US studies dominated the UK studies. Also, even though research has shown that obese and overweight children are the targets of stigma, more evidence would be needed to understand its nature and impact and how outside factors such as age, race, weight status, and disability act as mediators or moderators (Bromfield). Media influence on childhood obesity is talked about more in research led by Harris and Bargh (2009). Investigation shows that childrens food preferences are acquired through learning processes which have long-lasting effects on diet. It was hypothesized that a specific type of food gains higher taste rating if it was advertised rather than it not being advertised. It was also predicted that there is a correlation between the time spent watching television at a young age and an unhealthy diet later on in their life. This is partially due to television advertising of food products which may influence ones perceived taste of the unhealthy food. It is debated in this article who is to blame for the overweight children: the food industry or the parents. Research has shown the crucial role of parents in early learning of food preferences, as they start to develop early in children. Peers, social institutions, the media, and culture are all considered to play a role in the spread of food p references (Harris Bargh). Children learn about their social world openly through observation of the media. Children learn while watching television that foods filled with calories and are high in fat and sugar taste great and are rewarding to eat. Food products make up the most highly advertised category on television that children watch most, 98% of the foods consisting of low nutritional value. The average child watches 15 television food ads per day, promoting unhealthy food products and thus promoting that eating fatty foods is fun, happy, and cool. (Harris Bargh) Research also shows television viewing and unhealthy eating habits are linked. Effects of television food advertising include greater recollection, preferences and requests to parents for the advertised products. Planned solutions to protect children from the unhealthy influence of television and food advertising included public service media campaigns, parent-child communication, and reductions in exposure to unhea lthy messages on television (Harris Bargh). In this article, it was predicted that preceding television exposure would be related to greater perceived taste and enjoyment of unhealthy, highly advertised foods. Parental interventions were hypothesized to moderate the unhealthy influence of television exposure on diet, which depended on how parents conveyed the message to their children. To test these predictions researchers conducted a study on college students at a private university and a state college; 90 from the public university and 116 from the private university (a total of 206 students). These participants were asked to complete a 30-min online survey of childhood memories of their parents rules and television viewing. The results were constant with the predictions of the experimenter, as perceived taste was associated with consumption. Healthy food consumption was associated with higher taste ratings for healthy foods, and lower taste ratings for unhealthy foods. From the collected data, results indicate that as predicted, healthy food consumption was correlated with higher taste ratings for healthy foods and lower taste ratings for unhealthy foods (Harris Bargh). These findings supported the hypothesis that healthy and unhealthy diets are directly related to the perceived taste of healthy and unhealthy foods. The hypothesis that the relationship between early television viewing and unhealthy eating with children and adolescents continues into early childhood proved to be true with the results. Evidence consistently supports that children who watch more television simply like the taste of unhealthy foods more, especially those which have been highly advertised. Limitations of the data include the discrepancy of self reports. Participants could exhibit self-deception or biases which could lead to results that do not accurately represent participants actual behaviors and beliefs (Harris Bargh). A survey was conducted with college students, however a student population was examined that may not be truly representative of all young adults and college students. Results represent relationships between variables and cannot determine causation. In the final article, Moore and Rideout (2007) explain the importance of marketing communication tools and how it is being used by advertisers to target children. The article discussed how food marketing is impacting children and how it may be linked to obesity. It was explained that internet, specifically, is being used as a marketing communications tool to target children. The focus of this research was on the online marketing practices by advertisers and how their practices affect children. It was hypothesized that exposure to the media, especially online advertisements, influences dietary habits among children and alters their perception on foods (Moore Rideout). The study was conducted on major food advertisers by analyzing their Web sites from the summer to the fall of 2005 and 96 brands of food were used as candidates. There were three parts to the study: the features of the site, the specifics of the brand and how it was presented on the site, and games online. Results indic ated that 85% of the brands had content on their Web site that had content for children. It was estimated that there were around 49 million views by children aged 2-11 per year on Web sites. Of those sites viewed by children, an astounding 73% of them contained one food brand while 27% contained up to 41 brands. It was also observed that of the many food brands on the Web sites, most of them advertised unhealthy foods, like candy, salty snacks, and sugary drinks. The researchers established that the advertisements online influenced childrens perceptions on what to eat. Because children spend so much time online playing games or socializing, they are constantly being exposed to persuasive food advertisements and its leading to the assumption that children are becoming obese because of the lack of physical activities and that their perceptions of food were being altered. Given the right programming, television can be a prevailing tool of entertainment and education for children. Studies have been presented in this paper that television and media has very negative influences. Television is a destructive force through images and advertisements which can influence viewers to make poor food choices or to overeat. Excessive television watching can result in inactivity which leads to weight gain and poor levels of fitness. Children are especially targets of food advertisements and have been proven to be more vulnerable than adults to their influence. Results indicate that media indeed does play a crucial role in the prevalence of obesity among children. (Bargh Brownell, 2009; Bargh Harris, 2009; Moore Rideout, 2007; Udell Mehta, 2007). Evidence shows that advertisements have a strong impact on the way children distinguish what is healthy and what is unhealthy. Also assumed in the previous studies is that advertising companies are capable of persuading children very easily to consume their products and that the amount of advertising should be limited to solve the problem of obesity in America. These articles have provided significant insight on how media influences childrens eating habits. Obesity has become a rapid growing epidemic in this country and it is vital to understand the degree of the dangers of this disease. To further investigate the relationship between the influence of media and childhood obesity, it would be helpful to directly study childrens diets and the amount of time engaged in television and internet. The first step to solving this epidemic is by attacking the problem that has likely caused it-the media.

Elie Wiesels Relationship With God In Night English Literature Essay

Elie Wiesels Relationship With God In Night English Literature Essay What are you, my Godà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦compared to this afflicted crowd, proclaiming to You their faith, their anger, their revolt? What does your greatness mean, Lord of the Universe, in the face of all this weakness, this decomposition, and decay? (73-74) You would often hear these questions in concentration camps for Jews during the Holocaust; while fellow Jews were mercilessly killed. Elie Wiesels memoir, Night, is his personal encounter with the Holocaust as a Jew. He had an average life in a little town in Transylvania. At the age of fifteen, his life becomes full of suffering and oppressions. Wiesel and his family were moved into concentration camps, which resulted in losing his mom and sister and altering his views of religious ways and life. The most important altercation is Wiesels connection with religion because thats what gives him the courage and strength to continue to live. Initially Elie shows strong devotion, then becomes disillusioned with Gods power, and ultimately redefines the position God holds in his life. In the beginning, Elie Wiesels relationship with God in Night shows strong devotion. Wiesel made spirituality inherent to all activities and initiated the study of the Zohar, and advanced Jewish text, by himself with the help of Moche the Beadle. Wiesel wished to spend his life focused around Judaism and devoted all his free time and energy on religious studies. With Moches guidance, they would read the same pages of the Zohar over and over to extract the divine essence from it (15). Wiesel believed that religion was a basic survival need, showing that he followed his religion instinctively; just as he would any other body function. When Moche asked him why he prayed, Wiesel couldnt think of a proper answer and thought, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦strange question, why did I live, why did I breathe? (14). Wiesel maintained confidence in religion as the situation deteriorated. Wiesel and his people gave thanks to God for survival, keeping hope that God was putting them through a test of hardships what would keep them alive if they kept their faith. When they had arrived at Auschwitz, they thanked God and were able to regain their confidence because, Here was a sudden release from the terrors of the previous nights (36). Wiesel thanked God for the little things that helped him because he wanted a sense of protection and clung to the belief that God watched over them and helped them survive the challenges he faced. When Wiesels new shoes get covered in mud and are not discovered by the SS Guards, he thanked God, in an improvised prayer, for having created mud in His infinite and wonderful wisdom (47). In the next stage of Elies relationship with God in Night he becomes disillusioned with Gods power. One way Elie accomplishes this is by doubting Gods preeminence. Within the concentration camps, the Jews went through torture that caused them to question the foundation of their religion. In one conversation among them, Elie ponders his misgivings about Gods justice and sees God in a new light that brings him to fell à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦I had ceased to pray. How I sympathized with Job! I did not deny Gods existence, but I doubted His absolute justice (53). As examined in the previous paragraph, Elies religion was central to his life, however this stage is marked by him turning away from God and trying to sort out all the turbulent feelings of abandonment and injustice. As Elie was confronted with the horrors of the crematorium for the first time his faith and all of the things he thought he knew were severely altered, and (f)or the first time, I felt revolt rise up in me. Why should I bles s His name? The Eternal, Lord of the Universe, the All-Powerful and Terrible, was silent. What had I to thank him for?(42). Another way that Elie expresses his disappointment in God is by rebelling against the religious teachings he has followed all his life. One point that Elie put a great amount of stress on in Night, is the fact that while in this camp he felt like God was nonexistent. As the first nightmarish night in the concentration camp unfolded, Elie as a person was changed. His beliefs became different and he was no longer able to see the world in the same light, as expressed in (n)ever shall I forget these moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust(43). As all of this ran through his mind, Elie began to resent God and the religious habits he had been following. As his life was taken apart bit by bit, God meant less and less to him. This was due to the fact that he couldnt get past the thought that God should stop this. This led him to revolt ag ainst God, and he found himself asking Why, but why should I bless him? In every fiber I rebelled(74). Ultimately, Elie redefines the position God holds in his life. Elie sees that the Holocaust highlights the evil and cruelty from everybody. Not only by the Nazis, but from the other prisoners, his fellow Jews, even himself. He feels that if the world is so awful and cruel than God either must be awful and cruel or not exist altogether. (On Yom Kippor) I no longer accepted Gods silence. As I swallowed my bowl of soup, I saw in the gesture an act of Rebellion and protest against him (pg. 76). From this, Elie feels that he is better off alone in a world without God and man. I was no longer capable of lamentation. On the contrary, I felt very strong. I was the accuser, God the accused. My eyes were open and I was alone terribly alone in a world without God and without man (pg. 75). Because Elie realizes his belief of God was always present, his habit of religion will never leave. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦In spite of myself, the words formed themselves and issued in a whisper from my lips:à ¢Ã¢â€ š ¬Ã‚ ¦May His name be blessed and magnifiedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ My heart was bursting (pg. 43). Elie prays to God subconsciously, reflecting the incompleteness of his loss of faith. Elie claims he no longer believes in God, but he, in turn, looks to God when he is doubtful of his ability to control himself. And in spite of myself, a prayer rose in my heart, to that God whom I no longer believed (pg. 97). In Night, Wiesels relationship with God experiences ups and downs, which ultimately changes his views about God. At the very beginning of the book, Wiesel shows his strong devotion to God but as he personally experiences the Holocaust, Wiesel becomes cynical of his religious beliefs. While Wiesel grows and transforms into a man, he simultaneously redefines Gods position in his life. Wiesel, being a forthright author, surfeits many examples of the mental and physical effects of people in the Holocaust and more specifically, a young boy. For this reason, Night provides a deeper understanding of the Holocaust so that with a better understanding of such a horrific event, history does not repeat itself.