A Short History Of Anti-Semitism In Germany Essays - Racism

A Short History of Anti-Semitism in Germany A Short History of Anti-Semitism in Germany The Second World War has left an unmistakable impression on the whole of Europe that will never be forgotten. Whether visible to the naked eye, or hidden in the consciousness of its people, the war has scarred Europe indelibly. Historically, the foremost recognizable perpetration against Europeans was Adolf Hitler's "Final Solution to the Jewish question". This sophisticated operation of systematic mass execution was calculated, organized, and carried out with such horrifying efficiency that only a madman could have been responsible for such an act, and Hitler was indeed mad. However, Anti-Semitism had been long a part of German history, and this religious intolerance had its roots firmly planted long before the rise of the Third Reich. Although the sheer magnitude of the loss of life during the holocaust is simply impossible to grasp, these horrors were the culmination of generations of anti-Semitism, brought to the boiling point by the decision of one power-crazed man. Dating back several centuries, anti-Semitism was prevalent throughout Germany barring rare instances where communities were tolerant religiously or socially of Jewish inhabitants. However, the belief that Jews were selfish, manipulative, ignorant heretics bound only for hell was still a popular one, even in communities such as these. The Catholic Church only enforced these views, and German Jews had difficulties seeking equality. "To Christians, the Jews were an obdurate people who had refused to recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah, and who not only still persisted in that error but were burdened with the guilt of deicide..." (Craig, 127) By the arrival of the reformation, anti-Semitism was commonplace among Germans and even justified by the Catholic Church. Jews during this era perhaps saw the coming of a new idealism with Martin Luther, or at least believed that mass split from the Catholic Church would at least increase tolerance to their people. However this was only a myth, for Luther saw the reformation to be a perfect opportunity for German Jews to renounce their religion and join the newly sprung Christian assemblage. Luther's plan didn't quite come to fruition as Jews found this to be just another attempt to destroy their religious autonomy under the facade of a new and better idealism. Luther's ignorance and self-righteous fanaticism was soon revealed, as he would eventually write "..We know about their lying and blasphemy and cursing, we cannot tolerate them"(Craig, 128) Therefore, The Reformation did nothing for the Jews except create another organized faction that officially detested them. These hatreds became the demonic roots imbedded in Germany, and were inescapably destined to touch even the most divine of the country's richly gifted artists. Centuries later, one of Germany's most respected and admired composers would emerge from the same soil-Richard Wagner. The composer openly voiced his dislike of the Jewish people, and according to Gordon Craig, " (Wagner) prided himself on his services to the anti-Semitic cause"(139). Even Hermann Levi, a Jewish conductor who after a performance of "Parsifal", was apparently presented by Wagner with the notion that he take a baptismal. By the 20th century, anti-Semitism was sprouting in Germany in a much more violent fashion, as right wing popularity would reach a fevered pitch. Jewish scientist, philosopher, politician and businessman Walther Rathenau served Germany in World War I as a supplier and administrator of raw war materials. After the war, Rathenau sought out to change some of stipulations of the Versailles Treaty. His goal was to gain the help of western powers in hopes of forming a stronger, more unified Germany. His savvy as a political mind soon gained him a job as Germany's Foreign Minister. Rathenau's unpopularity among German patriots followed him throughout his political Career, and this appointment would soon have drastic consequences. After serving only four months as Germany's Foreign Minister, Walter Rathenau was assassinated. This event was a prelude to the politically radical events to come, and also made evident that being Jewish in Germany was "more than a handicap or social embarrassment; it was a danger and, not impossibly, a sentence to death"(Craig 143). Centuries of anti-Semitic sentiment and action were propagated in the land that is now Germany. However, the actions of history's most recognizable demon would result in the extermination of millions of lives. These people were not war criminals, spies, military prisoners, or resistance fighters; they were simply people who had been struggling for generations to acquire religious freedom and autonomy. The 20th century's most heinous offense would be perpetrated against a people who, like Walther Rathenau, were murdered because they were guilty of being Jewish. Source: "The Germans" by Gordon C. Craig, Meridian

Engineering Personal Statement †Critical Pointers Essays

Engineering Personal Statement – Critical Pointers Essays Engineering Personal Statement – Critical Pointers Essay Engineering Personal Statement – Critical Pointers Essay When an individual applies for a graduate program in the field of engineering, he/she has to first write an engineering personal statement. A personal statement is a motivational statement that basically discusses the personality, qualities, strengths and weaknesses of the applicant. It also explains to the committee of the admission faculty why the applicant desires to seek admission in the engineering graduate course and why he/she prefers this college. A personal statement allows the committee to get acquaint with the applicant in a more effective way. Since these statements are taken very seriously by the admission board, it is necessary that you must learn how to write it proficiently. Attention Grabber It is necessary that you should grab the attention of the board members with a fascinating or motivating opening. You may start the statement by discussing one of your unique qualities that links with your interest in engineering. This will also act as evidence that shows your in-depth interest in this field. You can also start the statement with a quote from a famous engineer to hook your readers. The members of the committee are all experience people who read several applications during the admission process. By having a glance at the introduction of the statement they can easily identify whether the statement is an everyday essay or an interesting motivational statement. Come Up With a Thesis Statement Create an interesting thesis for your personal engineering statement. The thesis will act as the main element and it will explain the main purpose why you want to pursue engineering field. Given that engineering is a very complicated field so you have to prove that you are devoted to this field and you have ample knowledge and experience to seek a higher degree in engineering. Prove You Are Up For This Challenging Path Give some specific details about your academic qualifications and achievements. Relate those details with your interest in engineering and demonstrate them that you are prepared to walk on this challenging path. Discuss Professional Goals Tell them what your professional goals are and how you want to accomplish those goals. Discuss what you are planning to once you complete your graduation in the engineering field such as do you want to study it even further. Discuss the Reason to Seek Acceptance in Their College It is also very important to discuss the reasons why you seek acceptance in their college since there are other many engineering colleges available. It may be because of their affordable semester fees or it may be because they have the best engineering professors. Revise the Statement In the end revise the engineering personal statement to amend any mistakes in it.

Life On Mars Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Life On Mars - Essay Example These organisms rely on chemical or geothermal energy instead, and it is likely that organisms living on Mars would have to rely on sources of energy similar to these types of organisms; it is very unlikely that there would be any life present on the surface of Mars because the atmosphere contains chemicals known as superoxides, which break down all organic, or carbon-containing molecules, which are the building blocks of life. It is much more likely that if life ever was present, or still is there today, that it would be found under the surface. The signs that we use to look for life on Mars are all based on knowledge that we have of life on Earth. While any life forms found on Earth may not be remotely similar to those found here, it provides a good starting point for the search. All living things on Earth contain the element carbon in their structures, and so this if we find this element on Mars it could signify areas in which life may have developed. From looking at deposits of fossils which chart the history of life on Earth, it can be seen that there are only certain environments in which fossils can be preserved, so if a appropriate set of conditions is found on Mars then it may be a good place to look for fossilized life forms. How do we search for life There have been several expeditions carried out to Mars, but so far all by machinery rather than actual people. In the 1970s, a team of scientists, including Dr. Gilbert Levin, sent two Viking probes up to the surface of Mars to look for signs of life. They conducted tests on the soil to see if organic materials, and possibly life, were present there at the moment, producing controversial results. Since then we have sent several other probes to conduct testing on the soil, and there are a pair of robots there at the moment - Spirit and Opportunity. As well as conducting tests, these robots have been taking photographs that a panel of scientists are studying, which may give further clues as to whether life is there at the moment, how likely it is that life has ever been there, and where best to look for any life that may be present. Dr. Gilbert Levin is also one of the scientists currently involved with this expedition. As of yet there have been no manned missions to Mars, but this ma y change in the future, since there are many scientists who back this idea. Current conclusions At the moment the question as to whether life is present, or has ever been present, on Mars is largely unanswered. Dr. Gilbert Levin concluded in 1997, from the results of the Viking mission, that there is currently life on Mars, in the form of

Business Professional Interview Question Assignment Essay - 1

Business Professional Interview Question Assignment - Essay Example He felt an atmosphere of wonder himself and confessed that what struck him the most was the manner by which the crew delivered personalized customer service. Ihsan: In my observation, there exists a sense of responsibility in everyone and my immediate subordinates talk to me with comfort. Often, they move with unreserved behavior of showing their real concerns as much as all the others act similarly for the sake of healthy relations. Ihsan: As far as I can recall, yes. There was a time when in about two quarters, the restaurant was infrequently visited by customers, the reason being that a nearby store launched a new interesting item in their menu, one similar to our fish fillet meal which caught the attention of many. Somehow, this incident led us to cut costs with certain resources and about three of the anticipated promotions were on pending status. Ihsan: I discuss with them future plans of growth for the company so that I can stimulate their imagination toward the brighter positive side of things. This way, I believe that they can visualize opportunities and be guided back to their original drive or passion for work. Actually, I have also tried giving my potential workers a treat in a fancy restaurant and in my favorite vacation spot where I gathered them for a light chat. Those who nearly decided to leave normally delight and look for more bonding moments especially when I narrate my inspiring account of Albaik’s humble beginnings and the philosophies I have lived by to keep the business in the mainstream. Ihsan: Yes I would. I think that is one great way of getting to know my people better. However, besides the reward system, I would equivalently bring up discussion of issues that deserve sanction to be fair and

Criminology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Criminology - Essay Example (Beck 2006).Two statistical programs to measure the magnitude, nature, and impact of crime administered by the U.S. Department of Justice are the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). The purpose, focus, and method of these two programs cover different aspects of crime, whereas, the information they produce gives a comprehensive picture about the Nation’s crime problem. The UCR Program, directly under FBI, compiles data from monthly law enforcement reports or individual crime incident records received by FBI, which is further scrutinized and compared with previous monthly submission for discrepancy. National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) has been formulated after intensive research by Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) and the crime data collected from nationally representative sample by the U.S. Bureau of Census, through personnel household interviews. The data is individualized, covers individual information as well as feed-back on the performance of criminal justice system, and generally projects those crimes that were not reported to law enforcement. Though NCVS is designed to complement the UCR program there are Major differences in UCR and NCVS. UCR provides a reliable quantitative statistics for law enforcement, whereas NCVS projects qualitative statistics on previously unavailable information about crime, as the two programs measure non-identical set of crimes. In addition, crime definitions and scale adopted to calculate crime rates differ from each other, resulting in statistical discrepancies and estimation. Major sources for Crime data collection in the United States are (1) Uniform Crime Reports (UCR), the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). The National Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program is a nationwide statistical collaboration in the United States to collect accurate

Adults in Rebound Relationships: A Narrative Inquiry

Adults in Rebound Relationships: A Narrative Inquiry Adrienne Maie C. BactolSushmita G. De Leon Kyle Marie S. CayabanMa. Fatima G. Isanan Everybody has heard of rebound fling. This type of relationship comes immediately after ending the previous relationship. Rebounds are usually not based on love, rather it is just a way for people to relieve themselves from the loneliness and hurt they felt from their break-up. They are dubbed as â€Å"rebound† relationship which reflects a common perception that they are somehow unique or different from a non-rebound relationship. According to Brumbaugh and Fraley (2014), â€Å"A rebound relationship is commonly understood to be a relationship that is initiated shortly after the end of a significant romantic relationship—before the feelings about the former relationship have been fully resolved.† The statement represents a commonly held negative view of rebounds. In sum, the consensus is that a rebound relationship is a band-aid that will distract us from dealing with unresolved emotional issues related to our previous relationship. A band-aid that can only stay in place temporarily and when ended, it still reveals an unhealed wound. People who lately experienced a breakup may gain from engaging through their emotional distress particularly by means of reflection and considering a new relationship (Marshall, Bejanyan, Ferenczi, 2013). People rely on the representations of their former partners in finding a new partner to guide the way they relate to others (BrumbaughFraley, 2006). However, according to Spielmann, MacDonald and Tackett (2011), ex-partners perceived as having high potential for meaningful connection are especially difficult to get over when current or future partners fall short in satisfying needs for intimacy and closeness. But, focusing on a new relationship options – either a new partner or an optimistic outlook on relationships – decreases attachment to an ex-partner for anxiously attached individuals (Spielmann, MacDonald, Wilson, 2009). On the other hand, according to Spielmann, Joel, MacDonald and Kogan (2012) ex-partners may be used in a substitution process to strengthen bel ongingness needs when new relationship gets sour. One reasonable way that may facilitate the process of letting go is to enter into a new relationship (Spielmann et al., 2009). But it does not necessarily mean that the benefits provided by this path in getting over the previous partner outweigh the cost. To this point, there is little empirical evidence of strong costs to rebound relationships. Indeed, Wolfinger (2007) argues that divorce and time-to-remarriage statistics provide no supportive evidence for rebound-related problems. Conversely, Brumbaugh and Fraley (2014) made an empirical research about rebound relationships, their research suggests that finding a new partner is beneficial compared to those people who remain single after the relationship has ended, and people who waited longer to start their subsequent relationship has lesser welfare than people who begin their relationship quickly who also had better view of themselves. They also found out that, people who begin their relationship immediately might found some resem blance between their previous partner and new partner. Lastly, one reason that people enter into a rebound relationship is to make vengeance to their previous partner and to vent their fury. Relationship Termination It is important to know and understand about rebound relationships from which it has develop. Relationship termination was associated with increases in psychological distress as well decreases in the way that individuals rate their satisfaction with life which represents a significant stressor (Rhoades, Kamp Dush, Atkins, Stanley, Markman, 2011). In addition, Marshall et al. found that people who had painful breakups may allow other people to grow and be resilient, cleverer, and may have higher processing of cultivating themselves as an individual. They also established that different attachment styles of person can contribute to development of the person after the relationship has terminated.They concluded that a person who has a broken heart and suffered the most has the possibility to encourage themselves to have an optimistic transformation. On the other hand, it appears that avoidant individuals appear to feel they have less to lose in highly intimate relationships, and as a res ult expect less pain when the relationship ends (Spielmann, Maxwell, MacDonald,Baratta, 2012). Relationship termination states that it is commonly depressing even for the person who initiated to end the relationship (Rhoades et al., 2011). It is typical to go through a period of grieving after terminating the romantic relationship. During this period, people may experience sadness, anger, and sometimes even challenging anxiety (Chung et al., 2003). People also often experience profound loneliness after losing a partner (Moller, Fouladi, McCarthy, Hatch, 2003). Certainly, serious consequences may arise if the relationship termination was a divorce; such as custody arguments andmonetaryneeds(Wickrama, Lorenz, Conger, Elder, Abraham, Fang, 2006). With these, other than the immediate effects of a relationship loss, the loss of a partner can have a broad impact on life despite the fact that the majority of the conclusions connected with breakups are undesirable but some could be positive.In addition, relationship termination, specifically whenunanticipated, is known to hitthe thought toward oneself and self-respect. Amongst the best methods for repairing this, is to prove that the person is worthy and equipped for effectively getting new partner (Campbell, Trapnell, Heine, Katz,Lavallee, Lehman, 1996). In fact, Tashiro and Frazier (2003) states that individualimprovement is common following breakups. After you leave your previous partner, it may allow you to increase a new feeling of autonomy or change undesirable behaviors and ways of thinking. Research shows individuals who are intimate relationship have lower dynamic social lives than single individuals (GerstelSarkisian, 2006). In sum, if the past partner was a poor match or had an unfavorable effect on ones mental well-being, the individual may be more satisfied and adjusted without the partner in his or her life. Rebound Relationships and Coping Mechanisms Coping mechanisms are employed by individuals in attempts to resolve difficulties or manage their internal or external demands that are challenging to their psychological resources (Bouchard Theriault, 2003). In addition, Choo, Hatfield and Levine (1996) state that â€Å"men tend to use emotional distraction or dampening techniques following breakups, involving such things as burying themselves in work or sports to forget or ignore the pain resulting from the recent breakup†. Therefore, men will try to avoid the negative thoughts or emotions that are correlated with therelationship termination by focusing their attention elsewhere, which suggests the possibility that mencould also easily distract themselves by means of another relationship. Also, men have a tendency to be more defenseless, stunned, or disappointed when social terminations happen. They have been found to handle the closure of a sentimental relationship more difficult than women, and also been found to have stro nger emotions of pity and depression (Demaray, Malecki, Rueger, 2008). Men are mostly engage in direct unwanted behaviors such as showing up at their ex-partner’s home. Women, on the other hand, are most likely to engage in less direct unwanted behaviors such as leaving phone messages (Haugaard Seri, 2003). According to Shimek and Bello (as cited in Hill, Rubin Peplau, 1976), women are most likely to initiate the breakup than men do. It could be assumed that women have experienced less emotional violence and distractions. Women get to be aware of social issues sooner than men do, which permits them to plan for the certain and leave men unexpected revelation. Women tend to start stalking and consistently striving to restart the relationship by their ex-partners as more unreasonable than male. This then introduces theidea that men could be more likely than women to enter into rebound-type relationships after relationshiptermination as a way to redirect themselves away from the negative emotions associated with the recent break-up. However, one longitudinal investigation of undergraduate students examining the forecasting error found that the participants who had finished a two-month romantic relationship, majority part of them reported enhanced prosperity after ten weeks. These changes were more unusual in people who reported being really infatuated with their partners or who had a hard time in pursuing dating another person (Eastwick, Finkel, Krishnamurti, Loewenstein, 2008). In fact, researchers have discovered variety of indicators for emotional recovery after a breakup which assimilate affection for the previous partner, as well as length of the past relationship, attachment style and situational factors, such as proceeded contact with the ex-partner. They have not given a specific and prudent time allotment to serve everyone (Locker, McIntosh, Hackney, Wilson, Wiegand, 2010). Locker and colleagues (2010) also found that the shorter length of past relationship and quickness of returning back to a relations hip were identified with enhanced social adjustment when assessed alongside with a variety of situational factors including social support. In other words, rapidly engaging in another relationship is more powerful in elevating a return to positive adjustment and relational recovery than more customarily acknowledged systems such investing time with family or companions. In addition, engagement in a new relationship also seems to allow the individual to prevent depressive states often associated with social exclusion (Allen Badcock, 2003). Potential Functions of Rebound Relationship The period after a separation might be challenging for some individuals. Entering into another relationship may serve to help with some of these difficulties. One possibility is that individuals may utilize rebound relationships as an adapting coping strategy or asintend to distract themselves from painful emotions. Another possibility is that individuals may use rebound relationships as an approach to support fearlessness to demonstrate themselves or others that they are desirable. Dating another person may give a way to divert interest from these negative feelings. Research proposes that individual breakups can reduce thought toward clarity, making them feel less sure of whom they are.(Slotter, Gardner, Finkel, 2010).Dating another individual may help to reaffirm ones thought toward oneself and give approval that one is attractive and deserving of affection and consideration from others. Frazier and Cook (1993) found out that the main consideration in recovering from a relationship termination is confidence. Hence, if individuals might benefit that the relationship proves to be self-affirming to oneself they are more encouraged to try another relationship. Moreover, rebound relationship may be a way for filling a gap left by the previous partner, whether emotional or practical. Maner, DeWall, Baumeister, Schaller (2007) discovered that feelings of attachment can unconsciously change from an old relationship partner to another person when there is some level of similarity between two people (Brumbaugh Fraley, 2006). For other people, it may be more overt and helpful if the person found a partner to fill what is left behind by the previous partner. Therefore, for the purpose of vengeance, some individuals may enter into another relationship.People often elicits anger who experienced relationship termination (Sbarra Emery, 2005), and it could be frustrating when one did not admit the separation(Perilloux Buss, 2008). In expressing their fury, individuals may be interested by making vengeance or by striking back and making their partner feel jealous through finding a new partner. They may be moreover motivated to show to their previous partner that they do not need to bother him or her, or to make it to the point that the previous partner is not essential anymore (Brumbaugh Fraley, 2014). Current Study As such, we know little about what kind of people are likely to be involved in rebound relationships or what functions these relationships might serve. Moreover, it is not obvious whether such relationships are necessarily â€Å"misguided† in the way they are portrayed in popular culture. In fact, studies of relationship scripts suggest it is normative to enter new relationships even prior to thedissolution of the old relationship (Richard, Datteri, Lord, 1998). Since there is very little research that touches on the pros and cons of rebound relationships or thevalidity of the claims typically made of them, the present study will aim to know the stories of adults who are in the midst of rebound relationship. It aims to understand how they coped emotionallywith their previous relationship, how they describe their present relationship and howother people view their present relationship. The present study will also shed light to a deeper meaning of rebound relationship; whether entering a new relationship, and the timing of doing so, will be beneficialor detrimental to one’s new romantic relationship. The current study will aim to answer the question, â€Å"What is the story behind rebound relationships of adults who are in the midst of it?† It will answer the following specific questions: â€Å"How did you cope with your previous relationship?† â€Å"How do you describe your present relationship?† â€Å"How do people view your present relationship?† Method Research Design We will be using a narrative inquiry on this study. We will ask adults, who are in the midst of rebound relationship, to narrate their stories. We chose narrative research design, a qualitative research design, because according to Barrett and Stauffer (2009), â€Å"narrative inquiry looks at individuals’† experiences and beliefs through the stories they tell. It also provides complementary knowledge: in-depth description, understanding,and clarification of lived experience, with attention tospecifics and complexity (Polkinghorne, 2005). Narrative research design is also a lens into how humans understand their lives within particularcultures and time. The process of telling, recording, and interpretingpersonal life stories can be a poignant vehicle in understandinghow we create meaning of our existence and is well-suited toresearch professional practices (Hoshmand, 2005). Participants The participants of this study will be ten rebounders who are in the midst of rebound relationship for a span of three months and above. Participants must be 21 – 40 years old. They shouldhave entered into a new relationship right after ending their previous relationship (at most, a month). Participants will be selected through a snowball sampling method. According to Oliver (2006), snowball sampling is type of non-probability sampling in which the researcher starts by distinguishing an individual saw to be a proper respondent. This respondent is then asked to recognize an alternate conceivable respondent. The process is repeated until the researcher has gathered sufficient information. It is now and then called `chain letter sampling. Snowball sampling might be a helpful strategy in research concerned with conduct that is socially unsuitable. Procedure In this study, we will find a participant using a snowball sampling. We will find participants by asking our families and friends if they know someone who is in the midst of rebound relationship. After selecting possible participant, they will narrate their story about being in a rebound relationship. The data will be collected through an in-depth interview. The sources of data will come from the audiotapes and transcripts of the interviews. During the interview, there will be an interviewer, an observer on participants’ behavior, note-taker who will take down notes of the important answers from the participants and a person who will record everything. After collecting the data, the transcripts and the notes during the interview will be encoded to the computer. There will be backup copies that will be stored in a separate location. To maintain confidentiality, in encoding transcripts and audio recordings, participants will be given a number. Also, audio recording will be destroyed after the study. Data Analysis After we gathered the information; we will listen to the recorded audio a number of times. Next, we will transcribe the information and we will carefully read it numerous times. Then, we will summarize the gathered information. All of the content that will address the research questions will be included. Also, the ideas and wordings of the participants will be rephrased at a minimum. We will chart and discuss the information from the narratives of the ten rebounders. Afterwards, we will come up with meanings and eventually, will lead us to themes that will answer our research questions. Data from ten adults in the midst of rebound relationship will be analyzed using thematic analysis; thematic analysis is a method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (themes) within data. It minimally organizes and describes your data set in rich detail (Braun Clarke, 2006). With this, we will replicate Braun and Clarke (2006) method. This method will be using six phases; 1.) familiarizing yourself with your data which includes taking notes or marking ideas for coding that we will then go back to in subsequent phases; 2.) generating initial codes which includes production of initial codes from the data;3.) searching for themes which re-focuses the analysis at the broader level of themes, rather than codes, includes sorting the different codes into potential themesand beginning to examine codes, and consider how different codes may combine together to form an overarching theme;4.) reviewing themes which includes two levels of reviewing and refining themes. Level one wi ll include reviewing at the level of the coded data extracts. Level two will consider the validity of individual themes in relation to the data set, but also whether the candidate thematic mapâ€Å"accuratelyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ reflects the meanings evident in the data set as a whole; 5.) defining and naming theme; we will then define and further refine the themes that we will present for our analysis, and analyses the data within them; 6.) producing the report, this phase will start when we already have a set of completely worked-out themes, and we will include the final analysis and write-up of the report. After forming the themes, it is important that the analysis will give concise, coherent, logical, non-repetitive, and interesting account of the story the data will tell – within and across themes.

Essay --

Ocean Acidification Water is the dominating force of life; it has etched, carved and determined the fate of humanity itself since the beginning of time. All living organisms are reliant on water; forced to migrate or adapt at a turn of events as simple as a drought. Despite pipes, wells and most other man made engineering, even humans still spend their days chasing clouds. So for once on this planet there are no arguments, no debates, as to the fact that we need water to survive. We even depend on the undrinkable oceans coating the earth; that act as a shelter for tens of thousands of ecosystems, food chains, and organisms. Some of which have achieved such a precarious balance, that the loss of any creature in a food web may lead to the downfall of the planet itself. â€Å"We are already well into a new geological era†¦ where human interference is the dominant factor in nearly every planetary ecosystem, to the detriment of perhaps all of them† (Lynas, 49). So why exactly are humans shifting such an important balance for the sake of excess? We’re tipping the scale; and might not be able to tell when the water starts to burn. Ocean acidification is a process that disrupts some of the most important biological functions and processes that all living organisms are dependent on. What is Ocean Acidification? Ocean Acidification is the act of CO2 dissolving into seawater, decreasing its alkalinity and increasing it's hydrogen ion concentration; making organisms sensitive to shifts in the water. Anything from temperature change to toxic waste inflicts some sort of change upon the ocean and the creatures it engulfs. As most people are aware, humans are altering the earth’s climate through producing greenhouse gas that is blanketing our atmosph... ...of coral. Zooxanthellae provides corals with their pigmentation as well as glucose and amino acids. Loss of zooxanthellae leads to "bleaching", a loss of coloration and stamina within the coral that lends the organism prone to disease. Conclusion Somehow our oceans maintain the balance between being some of the most powerful forces on the earth, and the most easily disturbed masses on the planet. There are so many things that could go wrong within the countless cycles, and the delicate processes that stabalize nature and sustain the biosphere; and people are continually interfering with these cycles. Ocean acidification is one of the most obvious results of human interference upon nature. â€Å"Pollution is nothing but the resources we are not harvesting. We allow them to disperse because we've been ignorant of their value.† ("R. Buckminster Fuller, in Memoriam").