Person Centred Approaches to Geriatric Care

Person Centred Approaches to Geriatric Care INTRODUCTION In planning a care approach to your patient or client, there are a lot of factors that you should put in to consideration. You should be aware of your client’s history to begin with. The history of your client is very important because from it you will gain a lot of information about your client which in turn will help you a lot on how your care plan will be. You can gather this information by personally talking or interacting with the client or by reviewing his documents if the client is not as oriented with himself. The clients history is only one of the many principles that you will put in to consideration, these principles will be discussed in this report. Other than the principles, the reporter will also be discussing some of the techniques on how to meet your clients’ needs. This report is to give a comparison between person-centered and non-person-centered approach in giving care to people with dementia and other common geriatric health condition, to assess the scope of techniques to meet the fluctuating abilities and needs of clients, to determine the impact of equality, and cultural and diversity issues on the provision of the person-centered approach to the clients, and to analyse the effects of legislation and policy on the person-centered practice approach for patients with dementia and other common geriatric health conditions. The report is descriptive in nature. The data were analysed and interpreted. Question 1 Discuss and review the principles used in Person-Centered approach in taking care of patients with Dementia and other geriatric health conditions. Individuality – In this principle, the caregiver should focus on the client’s history, interests, hobbies, and work. This can be gathered from the client or from the client’s family. Each client is unique from each other that is why this principle is very important. With the use of this principle, it will be easier for the caregiver to connect with the client and the caregiver will be aware of the things that he would avoid since they know what the client dislikes or has no interest with. Rights – In this principle, the caregiver should always put in mind that the client is a human being. He should never forget that the client has rights and should always be respected regardless of the degree of his illness or his cognitive impairment. Choice – The main point of this principle is to give the client a voice and an option to choose from. It is important for the client to have a â€Å"say† on his care plan. Even as simple as his meals, it would be a great help if the client is involved and could be given choices for him to choose. This principle is also very vital in matters or procedures that involves the life of the client. There should be a consent that the client has agreed on or if not capable there should be a court order or any procedures to be undertaken by the client. Privacy – This is the main principle behind the â€Å"Patient to Doctor Confidentiality† rule. This goes to all health worker that is involve in the care of the patient. Only with the patients consent can his case or data be disclosed to other party outside his care. Independence – This is very vital for patients with dementia. Independence gives them self-worth and somehow makes their brain do more critical thinking which in turn battles their illness. Being the caregiver, you will need to determine in what way the patient can be independent. This will help them surpass their daily challenges. Dignity – This principle is about the totality of the patient. To make the client feel dignified, he must be full-filled on all aspects of his being. To achieve this, holistic care should be provided to the client. Respect – Same as with the principle â€Å"Rights†, we need to keep in mind that we are caring for a human being, and these patients are elderly as well. Same as with how we treat other people, we should never forget to be respectful, this is not just a principle in care but should be practiced in life as well. Autonomy – If possible, each care plan for different patients should be unique. It should be tailored to the patient’s needs. The patient should be involve in making a care plan for them. In this way they can be autonomous. Question 2 Critically review the non-person-centered approach to dementia and other common geriatric health condition’s care, from the Institution perspective – This type of care is based on the establishment’s policy. The patient’s physical, social and spiritual needs are under this care, but to include all the other aspects of care like the diet, total well-being and personal care, legal actions may be required. This type of care varies between different institutions. Bio-medical perspective – This perspective of care is mainly focused on the illness itself. The treatment, medications and the diagnosis is based on the disease, there is not much about the patient that is involved in this perspective of care. Question 3 Discuss and evaluate Five techniques to meet the abilities and needs of persons with dementia and other common geriatric health conditions. Reality-orientation approach – In this approach of care, the staff and the client are doing activities that reinforces what is real around the client. The patient is being oriented with his surroundings at the same time he is familiarizing what is around him. This is very important for clients with dementia since memory is the one that is being affected by this disease mainly. The staff will be using a lot of memory aids and signs in their activity together with the client. Validation approach – In this technique, the staff is mainly a listener and the one that is doing the intervention. The staff will be focusing on what the client will be saying and is going to interpret its emotional content and literally understanding it. A lot of information can be gathered by this technique because some demented patient are answering questions in a sub-conscious manner. Assistive technologies – In this approach the staff will be using assistive technologies in the care of the patient. This devices helps the client in their activities of daily living, it will make their tasks easier and also the job of the caregivers. This devices lets the clients explore their surrounding more, it adds to their self-confidence, gives them hope and increases their self-esteem. Some examples of this devices are hoists, wheelchairs and walkers. Reminiscence techniques This technique uses the life events of the client. By letting the client reminisce on his past, he is developing his memory. It supports their identity and lessens their disorientation about their personality and history. Caregivers uses this technique because it helps their clients with dementia to keep what is retained in their memory. It is important for the caregiver to ask open ended questions in this technique so that the client can share more about their life story and let them reflect on their lives. Holistic approach – In this approach, the caregiver should focus on the totality of the client. This includes the client’s spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional dimension. This technique provides integrated therapies that combines all of the dimensions to develop wellness from the inside of the client in an uninterrupted healing environment. Question 4 Critically analyse and discuss the impact of equality, and cultural and diversity issues on the provision of the person-centered approach to individuals with dementia and the other common geriatric conditions within Public health and health promotion – These are organizations and programs by these organizations or the government that helps the elderly. These groups are working together with the government in their cause. Most of them are also being funded by the government. They do programs like education campaigns about geriatric health conditions, they do advocacy work, they help spread awareness and have services that are focused on the elderly and their diseases. In health promotion, there are 6 activities for the aged citizens with dementia (National Service Framework, Department of Health, 2001) Reducing the discrimination of aged people Care that is person centered should be developed more Minimizing the cases of strokes Minimizing falls from happening to the clients Enhancing mental health Promoting healthy and active lifestyle for the aged Attitudes to health and demand for the healthcare – As a healthcare provider we should be conscious on how we act towards our client. We should be cautious on our behavior and be mindful that we take in to factor our clients’ ethnic and diversity. We should focus our care plan on their illness at the same time taking in to consideration that most of our client are not of the same ethnicity as us. If possible, the caregiver should do a brief study about their clients’ culture so that as a health care provider, we can avoid what is offensive for our client. Having a healthy relationship with your client helps both party, as a caregiver, having a healthy relationship with your client is a priority because this will lead to a mutual understanding that gives your client peace of mind and helps eases their difficulties. New Zealand is a very diverse nation that is comprised of multiple cultures. At the same time, its population is aging at a high rate, that is why there is a great demand for health care workers like caregivers that will take care of their elderly. To be trained to provide care for people of any culture is a vital qualification to get in to their healthcare roster. Question 5 Critically analyse and discuss the impacts that health sector standards and codes of practice, and other published standards have on the person-centered practice approach for individuals with dementia and other common geriatric health conditions. The health sector standards and codes has a great impact on the healthcare sector mainly because it is the governing body that regulates on how the aged patient should be taken care of. All of the hospitals, care homes, and all those organizations and service provisions is under this standards and codes. All of the policies of these organizations is based on the standards and codes that is approved by the Ministry of Health. The care that will be administered to the patients with dementia maybe unique and tailored specifically to a specific individual, but we must not forget that this care plan should not go away with the standards and codes of the health sector. RECOMMENDATION In taking care of an elderly client, there are a lot of factors to consider. For the caregiver to generate an effective care plan, he must be informed about the principle involved in doing a person-centered approach. With this knowledge, the caregiver can generate an effective care plan. Also, to be aware of what his care plan’s approach is, the caregiver should know the different approaches there are that are being used for geriatric patients with dementia and other common geriatric health conditions. CONCLUSION As a member of the health care sector, upon making this report, I have reached to the conclusion that knowing the different principle involved in the person-centered approach in taking care of a patient with dementia and other geriatric health conditions plays a vital role in formulating a care plan. Knowing all this principles ca make your care plan complete on all aspects of care. This principles benefits the client most since this is in a person-centered approach. In a non-person-centered approach, it is important to know their perspective as well, since the health care professional and the client is under the policy of the institution that they are in. In this manner, the caregiver can put in to consideration the institutions’ policy so that there won’t be any conflict between them. The caregiver is aware that the institution where he is working is under the standards and codes of the health sector, therefore he should keep in mind that the policies of that institution is being regulated and controlled and is up to standards. BIBLIOGRAPHY Electronic Sources Holistic Care Approach. Our History. Retrieved on August 7, 2014 from http://www.holisticcareapproach.com/about.html 1

Succubus Shadows Chapter 22

I wandered into the hotel, still a bit stunned by the situation I found myself in. Seth was†¦in Mexico. Presuming Jerome was holding true to his bargain, of course. I had to believe he was, but the question was if he'd actually sent me near Seth. That was a wording in my request that could be blurred a little. Glancing up at the hotel, I hoped Jerome's minions had gone as far as to search local hotels for Seth's name when they tracked the plane ticket. With a quick smile to the man who'd helped me, I headed toward the hotel's entrance. In a place that catered to so many tourists, plenty of the staff spoke English, not that it mattered much to me. I went to the front desk, asking if they had a guest named Seth Mortensen. The woman working there looked it up, and when she found him in their computer, I caught my breath. He was here. I'd really found him. Well, kind of. When I asked her for his room number, she told me the hotel couldn't disclose that information. She could, however, connect me to his room. I hesitated before accepting. If Seth truly didn't want to be found, he might change his hotel or even city once he knew I'd located him. Still, I didn't necessarily have any other way to get in touch, so I let the woman connect me. It did no good. There was no answer. Thanking her, I headed out to the back of the resort, figuring I'd walk off my frustration and hopefully clear my thoughts as I determined my next course of action. The pool and beach stretching out behind the building were intended for guests only, but it was easy enough to slip past security. I even took the opportunity, when briefly alone in a hall, to shape-shift into more appropriate clothing: a red bikini and sarong. Outside, the heat hit me once again, and I paused, letting the sun soak into me. The time zone wasn't far off from Seattle's here, but even in early evening, the temperature was intense – which I loved. Beyond the pool and its bars, I could see a stretch of soft golden sand curving around blue, blue water. Still not as vivid as what I'd grown up with, but beautiful nonetheless. Lounge chairs and cabanas were scattered along the beach as sunseekers tried to grasp the last of the day's rays. I walked toward it, hoping to find a chair of my own and maybe a mai tai. If I wasn't going to find Seth right away, I might as well – There he was. I came to an abrupt halt, nearly causing a young, giggling couple to walk into me and spill their drinks. I couldn't believe it. God might work in mysterious ways, but Hell worked in efficient ones. I murmured apologies to the couple and started toward Seth, stopping again after a few more steps. What would I do? What would I say? Seth had broken an engagement and fled from everyone he knew. Now, here I was, intruding on his escape. I'd run through a few mental scenarios but hadn't decided on anything concrete. With a deep breath, I decided to just push forward and wing it. I came up behind his chair, my shadow falling over him as I grew closer. He lay sprawled out in shorts and a Tootsie Pops T-shirt. A drink that looked suspiciously alcoholic sat by his side, and he was reading a book whose cover I couldn't see from this angle. Once more, I halted, confused over how I felt. â€Å"The perfume,† he said without warning. â€Å"Even out here, I can smell it. I'd know you anywhere. Tuberose and incense.† I walked around, coming to stand off to his right side. I put my hands on my hips. â€Å"You don't seem surprised to see me.† He took off his sunglasses and studied me, one of those small, amused smiles on his face. â€Å"I am†¦and I'm not. I thought I did a good job of disappearing. But I knew if anyone did find me, it would be you.† â€Å"Because I'm well connected?† â€Å"Because you're you.† Searching for a clear spot of sand, I lowered myself to sit, but Seth scooted over on his lounge chair and indicated the space beside him. Hesitating only a moment, I sat next to where he lay, looking over him as our legs touched. He reached for his drink – a peach-colored monstrosity with enough sliced fruit for a salad in it – and took a sip. â€Å"What's that?† I asked. â€Å"They call it el Chupacabra.† â€Å"They do not.† â€Å"They do. I think it's got about fifty kinds of vodka in it. You'd like it.† â€Å"I'm surprised you like it.† â€Å"If you're going to become a villain, you might as well go the whole way,† he replied, gesturing for a waiter to bring another drink. â€Å"You're not a villain,† I said softly. â€Å"Yeah? Is that what they're saying back home?† I glanced away and watched small waves break on the shore. â€Å"I haven't really talked to that many people. Mostly your family is worried.† â€Å"You've neatly dodged the question.† â€Å"Do you want to talk about it?† I turned back to him. He gave a small shrug. â€Å"What's there to say? I broke her heart. I broke your heart. I don't think someone like me is meant to be in relationships.† â€Å"That's ridiculous. You're not the one who sucks people's souls away.† â€Å"Depends how literally you take the metaphor.† â€Å"Seth, stop. Stop making a joke out of this. Why'd you do it?† â€Å"You have to ask?† The new drink arrived remarkably fast, and he handed it to me. He was right. It did taste like it had fifty kinds of vodka. â€Å"I didn't feel it. Not the way I should. You know that.† I did, and I was surprised at the frank and honest nature of our conversation. We hadn't had anything like this†¦well, not since we were dating. It had all been awkwardness and guarded feelings since things fell apart. â€Å"But why now?† It was his turn to look away, gazing off at the postcard view without seeing it. The sunlight hadn't quite turned orange yet, but it was bringing out the copper in his hair and amber of his eyes. I stared at him, taking it all in, hardly noticing how long it took him to answer. â€Å"Georgina,† he said at last, eyes still elsewhere. â€Å"When I ended things with us at Christmas†¦I did it so I wouldn't hurt you someday. And, I suppose, so you didn't hurt me. I went to Maddie for the wrong reasons then, but it didn't seem so bad since I actually cared about her – I mean, aside from the fact you had to live with it in front of you every day. I never meant for that part to happen.† â€Å"It's okay,† I said automatically, hating the sadness in his voice. â€Å"I don't – â€Å" â€Å"Shh,† he said, holding up a hand. â€Å"I'll actually talk for once, so you better let me before I lose the nerve.† I smiled – though none of this was all that funny – and nodded. â€Å"Anyway, I wish I'd chosen someone I didn't like or respect. It would have made things simpler. But as time went on, I found myself growing closer to her – but not farther from you. My plan wasn't working. I was only hurting the two of us more and more. Maybe I should have disappeared then.† I bit my lip on any comments. â€Å"The only one who wasn't hurting was Maddie – because we were keeping her in the dark. And after you and me†¦well, you know. After we were together, I felt so horrible†¦so guilty†¦I hated myself for what I'd done to her. I wanted desperately for one person to come out of this happy. I wanted her to stay in blissful ignorance. I wanted to make it up to her.† I'd deduced as much. And I also knew about the guilt†¦the guilt from the sin that had left a stain on his soul. Seth didn't know about that part and probably shouldn't ever. â€Å"But whatever happiness I could give her wasn't real,† he continued. â€Å"And I realized that the other day when we were at Erik's, and I†¦hell, Georgina. I don't really know what happened or even what I saw. There are only two things I'm sure about. One was that when Jerome came and said he needed me to come with him to help you, I did. If he'd said he had to take me to Hell itself, I would have.† I closed my eyes. â€Å"Seth – â€Å" â€Å"And when I was there and Erik sent me wherever he did, I felt†¦well, it was beyond anything I'd experienced. At first, I was so confused and disoriented. I didn't get what they were saying about finding you. It seemed surreal. Then, it was the easiest thing in the world. I just looked for you, and there you were. In all that space and all that chaos, reaching you was like looking into myself. We were so close†¦it defied physics and every rule of nature I knew. It didn't seem real that I could be together with anyone like that. â€Å"And when it was over, it's like I said – I wasn't sure what I'd just been a part of. But I knew that I had never experienced any bond like that with any other woman. Maybe you're the only one, maybe there's another†¦but regardless, I didn't have it with Maddie. She's amazing. I do love her. But in that situation again? I would never find her. And I knew it wasn't fair to lead her into a life without that connection. You and I†¦I don't understand what's between us, but I'd rather spend my life alone than with someone who isn't you.† He fell silent, and it was one of those weird times where I had no quick response. Instead, I linked my hand with his and stretched alongside him in the place he'd made on the chair, resting my head on his chest. He placed his hand on my shoulder, his fingers pressing into my skin to make sure I stayed. His heart beat against my ear. â€Å"How's this going to end?† I asked bleakly. â€Å"I†¦don't know, any more than I know how Cady and O'Neill are going to end.† He sighed. â€Å"I have a feeling I will be alone. In spite of everything that's changed between us, nothing's actually changed.† â€Å"I†¦I don't know.† Again, my clever words were gone, but he was right. A lifetime seemed to have passed since we had split up, but all the same problems were still there. I might wax poetic about the universal connection of our souls, but it could never be matched physically, not so long as I refused him that. And mortality†¦always there was mortality beating down upon us. Seth wouldn't live forever, and that knowledge – figuratively speaking – killed me. Which reminded me of something. I lifted my head and propped myself onto him so that my hair hung around us as I looked down at his face. â€Å"When are you coming home?† He brushed some of the hair away, tucking it behind my ear. It came loose again. â€Å"Who said I'm coming home?† â€Å"Don't joke. You have to.† â€Å"I'm not joking. Do you think I can go back there? I can't see Maddie†¦. I can't stand to see what I've done to her.† â€Å"You don't have to see her,† I said. â€Å"Don't go to the store. People break up all the time and don't have to move.† Seth shook his head. â€Å"Yeah, but with my luck, we'd still run into each other. At a movie. A restaurant. Something. I'm a coward, Georgina. I don't want to see her†¦not after†¦well, you didn't see her face when I told her.† â€Å"I saw her face afterward,† I said. â€Å"It was probably close enough. I can't believe you're seriously saying you'd never come back to Seattle just to avoid her.† â€Å"She's not the only one I'd be avoiding.† Again, he tried to tuck the unruly hair back. When he failed again, he simply slid his hand down my arm, tracing its curves with his fingertips. â€Å"I don't think I can handle seeing you either. Even being with you now†¦it's like the best thing in the world and the worst. Seeing you all the time would just drive home how we can't be together – and we would see each other all the time, you know. If I've learned anything, it's that fate doesn't let you and me stay apart for long.† Seth's words were such an odd contradiction. On one side, they were all filled with love and romantic sentiment about how agonizing his life was without me. Yet†¦there was more than just that. There was a defeatist attitude throughout it all, one I'd never seen in him before. Somewhere in all of this, Seth had gained a new bitterness, and I had the uneasy thought that if I could see his soul like Hugh could, the stain of sin would be even darker than before. I made one more attempt. â€Å"Pull me out of the equation. You have to go back for your family. They need you. Andrea's sick.† â€Å"Everyone gets sick. That's not a convincing argument.† â€Å"No†¦you don't understand. They didn't tell you. She doesn't have the flu†¦she's got cancer.† That got a reaction. His expression went rigid. â€Å"No, she doesn't.† â€Å"She does. Brandy told me.† â€Å"She must have been confused,† he said adamantly. â€Å"They would have told me.† â€Å"I don't think she'd mistake ‘cold' for ‘ovarian cancer.' And do you think she'd make something like that up?† He considered a moment. â€Å"No, no, she wouldn't. But why didn't they say anything?† â€Å"I guess they didn't tell anyone so they could find out more. Don't you see?† I leaned closer, hoping to drive home my plea. â€Å"They need you. You have to go home for them.† For a moment, I thought I had him, and then he slowly shook his head. â€Å"They'll be fine without me. And you said yourself they're waiting to find out more. It might not be that bad.† â€Å"Seth! It's cancer. It's going to be some level of bad, regardless. How can you abandon them?† â€Å"Damn it,† he said, about as angry as I ever saw him – which always came off pretty mild. â€Å"I don't need a moral angel on my shoulder right now. Just let me†¦just let me be selfish for once. I want to just be away from it all. I want to hide from my problems for once, instead of always being the responsible one. If you're just here to torment me with what can or can't be, then you should just†¦you should just go. Let me hide out and be free. Let me write the new series and forget about everything else.† It was almost a mirror of what I'd done so long ago. Only, instead of trying to forget my problems, I made everyone forget me. Sometimes, I kind of wished I added that last part to the bargain. Consequently, I could understand where he was coming from. I could understand that longing to just make all the bad things disappear. I'd wanted it too. I'd made it happen. The thing was, I'd expected more from him than from me. Sensing my hesitation, he cupped my face between his hands and drew me down into a small kiss. I drew back and stared in astonishment. â€Å"What was that?† I asked. â€Å"I might ultimately be trying to avoid you, but if I've got you now, I might as well enjoy it for the moment.† There was a wicked gleam in his eyes, one I couldn't help but smile at, despite all the misgivings within me. â€Å"You're a hypocrite,† I said. â€Å"An opportunist,† he countered. â€Å"What are you really doing here, Georgina? What do you want?† I lowered my gaze. I didn't know. I didn't know why I was here. I'd come to make sure he was okay†¦but then what? I was always going back and forth. I loved him. I had to forget him. Back and forth. â€Å"I don't know,† I admitted. â€Å"That's the best I've got.† And with no more deliberation, I kissed him again, longer this time, surprised at how easy it was to fall back into the kinds of kisses we used to do – the ones that just pushed the envelope of when I started to take his energy. He seemed like he was ready to go further, so I was the one who stopped him and returned to lying against him as we watched the sun sink down and paint the sky with brilliant colors. He gave no protest, seeming content just to have me close. We ate dinner inside one of the resort's restaurants, my lack of packing not being a problem with shape-shifting. I pulled out a sexy v-cut evening dress whose violet shade reminded me of our first meeting. And as we talked and drank over dinner, our conversation slipped into the funny, comfortable manner we'd always shared. With Maddie removed from the equation, it was exactly as he'd said: so much had changed yet not changed. The rapport, the connection†¦it all burned between us – as did the sexual tension while we studied each other intently through the effortless conversation. He came alive more than I'd seen him in a while, but whether that was from the drinks or his freedom, I couldn't say. Though my heart sang at finally being with him again, I was still battered with a million doubts. He'd told me to push them aside, but it was hard. Maddie. His underlying pessimism. His desire for escape. His family. My own selfishness. But when we finished dinner, all such worries fled. As soon as we were back in his room – a wide and spacious suite that looked out to the now-dark water – we were all over each other. The longing that had built up between us exploded. His hands undid the zipper of my dress, peeling it from my body. We fell onto the bed, and I tore at his shorts, reason and responsibility nonexistent. His hands ran the length of my body, down the sides of my hips while his mouth moved from my collarbone to the spot between my breasts and then finally onto one of the breasts and its hardened nipple. I was prying off his pants when I felt the glow of life energy start to creep into me. For a few moments, I was able to ignore its implications. I just wanted him. I wanted to feel what I'd felt months ago when his body had been in mine and I'd had that sense of perfect union. The life energy was an aphrodisiac, enhancing the desire my physical body felt. Maybe it was a kneejerk reaction from the days of dating, but once more, I was the one who had to stop it all. I put some distance between us, though we were still intertwined. â€Å"Okay,† I said, my heart pounding in my chest. â€Å"We're about to cross the line.† There was lust in Seth's eyes. Lust and love and that same burning need I had to reach ultimate completion. â€Å"We crossed it a little, didn't we?† he asked breathlessly. â€Å"I felt it.† â€Å"Yeah,† I admitted. â€Å"Not much.† Not much is too much. He frowned a little, his hand still running over my leg. So, so dangerous. A little more and we would teeter over the edge again. â€Å"I've felt it before,† he said. â€Å"When you started to take some of me. Just a vague sense, but it was there. Somehow†¦somehow, it didn't seem quite as bad this time.† He was right, and that was because of that slight darkening on his soul. Sure, he was nowhere near as bad as a lot of Hell-bound people, but even that slight mark made a difference. I could feel it. Before, he'd been pristine and pure, all sparking silver and undiluted life. Most of it was still there†¦save that slight shadow, a shadow that I suspected was increasing the more he decided to turn his back on the people in his life. And the darker a soul was, the less of it I took. â€Å"You're right.† I didn't bother getting into the technicalities. â€Å"But it'd still be bad.† â€Å"Too bad to risk just one time?† An old argument. â€Å"What happened to you giving me up?† â€Å"I will if I have to. I was ready to. But that was before you came here†¦you still haven't told me why, what you want. I'd do it again. I'd be together again, but no more physical boundaries.† He cut off my protests. â€Å"I know, I know the risks. And I know – as should you – that what's between us is about more than sex. But that was still a thorn, no matter how much we knew it shouldn't be. I don't want anything like that happening again. I'll take the risk. It's my choice.† â€Å"I – I don't know. I just don't†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Well, that's better than ‘I can't.'† He chuckled. He moved closer, his lips just brushing mine. â€Å"And if you decide no, then that's how it'll be. But maybe†¦maybe just this once we could†¦maybe just once you could give in†¦.† I closed my eyes as his lips pressed against mine once more, harder this time, and our bodies moved back together. Again, he was right. I could almost give in this time. I'd been through too much recently, so much emotional and spiritual upheaval. Being with him felt like the most natural thing in the world right now†¦but my warning alarms were still going off. If I shortened his life with a dark soul, he'd be that much closer to Hell. â€Å"No,† I said at last. It was growing more difficult to keep pulling back. â€Å"I still can't. Not yet. I'm not saying never†¦I just. I'm so confused. I'm sorry.† He looked disappointed, but to my relief, he didn't push the issue again. I might not have been able to resist if he did. â€Å"But you'll stay? You'll stay the night with me at least?† I nodded. â€Å"I can stay for three days.† â€Å"Three days. That's perfect. I can handle that. Three more days to think about it all. If we can stay together†¦then we will. If we can't, then I'll be alone until there's another Georgina.† His wry tone indicated his doubts about that. â€Å"For now, this is enough.† We lounged in each other's arms naked after that, miraculously managing to keep things from escalating. Of course, it was a skill we'd perfected while dating, so we fell into it naturally – though also reluctantly. We stayed up talking for a long time, as though we hadn't seen each other for years and had a lifetime to catch up on. Which really wasn't that far from the truth. At last, he slept, but I was restless. I watched his peaceful breathing in the darkness, his sleep heavy from the drinks. His skin was warm against mine, and I felt safer than I had in a while. Three days. We'd have these three days, and for a little longer, I could pretend he was mine again, just like he used to be. If I chose, I could even make this permanent. I'd told him I'd think about it. The one problem with it all was that things weren't like they used to be. The dream replayed in my head, the dream that might have been a lie. Seth had been the man in the dream, the one I could have been with if what the Oneroi had showed me was true. But was this Seth lying in my arms the man in the dream? The one I'd dreamed of had been infinitely kind and good – the one I'd fallen in love with. The real Seth had changed – gradually, yes†¦but the change was there. It was wrong of me to judge, seeing as part of the change over the last year had been a result of me in his life. Yet, once more, that selfish part inside me thought he should have resisted. I'd fallen for Seth because of his moral character, something that always attracted me to a man. Ironic and possibly hypocritical for a servant of Hell. I still loved Seth, still felt that connection, but things were off now. This bitterness, this attitude that made him want to lock himself away in easy, selfish retreat was not what I'd expected of him. I'd expected more. I didn't want to lose him. I wanted these last few days with him. I wanted forever with him, but if I stayed, I'd be furthering this attitude I hated. I'd encourage the darkness to build within him. I didn't want to see it. And as much as I loved him and yearned to cling to a few more moments with him, I realized staying with this Seth who disappointed me so much was a bad idea. Seth had said he'd rather be alone than be with the wrong woman. I'd rather be apart from him than see him like this. I wanted my memories of him to stay pure. And so, though it broke my heart, I untangled myself from him. In his heavy sleep, he didn't stir. Again, the hypocrisy wasn't lost on me. I'd tried so many times to coax him into one drink, and now I looked down on him for using cocktails as a way to dull the pain. How stupid, I thought, that his darkened soul made it easier for us to finally be together†¦and yet, for my heart, it made it impossible. I shape-shifted into jeans and a light tank top and found some hotel stationery. On it, I scrawled: Seth, I'm sorry – but I have to leave. I told you I'd consider everything, but I was wrong. I love you too much to stay. Cryptic much? A meager way to express all those feelings, but somehow, I suspected he'd understand. He knew me. I left it on the bedside table and then watched him for a few moments, admiring the man I loved and always would. Finally, my eyes wet, I turned away and left the room to catch a taxi to the airport.

Perspectives on conflicts and disputes Essay

Legal positivists postulate that individuals are intrinsically greedy, which is the main root of conflicts among them. Thomas Hobbes posits that beings are doomed to dispute because of their primeval nature, which is deduced to selfishness that causes them to struggle to maintain their social status. In this milieu, Charles Darwin furthered this stance by conjecturing that species’ selfish ways are embedded to their genes because life is nothing but a struggle for survival. To curtail this selfishness, law is of necessity because only it provides rules and restrictions to protect the interest and upholds the rights of each individual. The advancement on the epistemological aspect of conflict starts at the ontogenetic condition of the specie and continues in its phylogenetic condition. Ontogenetic state means that the being develops from the conception of its genes up to the end of its life cycle. Conversely, phylogenetic event transpires in between of the beings conception and death, meaning the individual develops throughout the time it exists. Therefore, Homo sapiens understanding of conflict’s anatomy begins at phylogenetic level and its full comprehension happens when Homo sapiens reaches the end of ontogenetic level. The epistemic acquisition of conflicts thrives in human playground or to events and settings that necessitates human actions and interactions. Conflicts undergo a succession that perpetually exists within the life-world of beings such as their surroundings, environment, politics, business, science, etc. Having drawn this conclusion, we can infer that in existing innumerable of conflicts there is a myriad of ways of resolving it. Conflict is impossible to annihilate because of the following reasons: first, it thrives at the very heart of human volition, which is the source of human selfishness, and second, it has been part of human psyche to transfer it from one generation to the other, which resulted to a vicious cycle within the epistemic system of conflict. And throughout history, individuals have learned the art of conflict, and some even mastered the usage of conflict in their everyday lives. Handling conflict is very vital to human existence because it can totally change the landscape of one’s own existence. The coming of twentieth century proved that beings are becoming more and more aware of how to comprehend the nitty-gritty details of conflict, and what are the effective means of handling conflicts. There is no panacea that will medicate continuous existence of conflict, but humans strive to find a better solution to satisfy the needs of a prominent conflict because they are challenged by the difficulty it embodies. It must be noted that conflict is getting more complicated as time passes by, which means that better solution must be concocted to counter-attack more severe problem. The vastness of the universe implies a far more serious condition because the contingency of the world can necessitate an unknown conflict, which greatly needs a novel constructs or to put it simply, man has to go out of the box to resolve a new or unknown prevailing issue. This kind of conflict serves a greater challenge to human reason because it is something that our very reason has not yet encountered. The enigmatic characteristic of such new issues demands transcendence in our rationality. Using Karl Marx philosophical stance, we can infer that conflict has a crisis-response blueprint or a thesis-antithesis pattern. Multiplicity of conflicts has evolved into a more complex manner within the continuum of time, as well as the individual effort to manage and to elucidate it. In order for a human specie to understand the mechanism of conflict, he/she must know its intrinsic values, and in doing so, he/she can decipher appropriate solution for different conflicts. The epicentre of conflict lies on the innate nature of man and its solution lies on the rules that have been drawn to curb the natural operation of human volition. Development is the life-source of conflict, ironically speaking, the more we formulate means to make life easier the more we recognize new conflicts. In the primeval condition of humanity the only existing problem is the source of food, and then it further develops into the issue of territory, and finally when men resolved these issues another conflict sprouted when they realized the significance of property. The birth of science and technology intensified the man’s struggle to annihilate conflicts. Science and technology successfully medicated the prevailing conflicts of our society but it also paved for the birth of novel conflicts, and in some condition aggravated an existing issue. As of this modern day period, science and technology provides a myriad of solutions in human crises in the field of poverty, education and medicine. But it also exacerbates war between nations because technology brings forth weaponry of mass destruction. Man by Nature is Selfish According to Richard Dawkins introduction in his book The Selfish Gene, man’s attitude is greatly affected and designed by our genetic composition. Our genes made us. We animals exist for their preservation and are nothing more than their throwaway survival machines. The world of the selfish gene is one of savage competition, ruthless exploitation, and deceit. But what of the acts of apparent altruism found in nature – the bees who commit suicide when they sting to protect the hive, or the birds who warn the flock of an approaching hawk? Do they contravene the fundamental law of gene selfishness? At the onset of Dawkins book, he clearly stipulated that all species either man or animals are machines fashioned by their genetic design. As mentioned earlier, Hobbes believes that men are naturally born selfish, and it is the same in Dawkins case. According to him, the selfishness of man is deeply embedded in our genes, and due to this we must learn the virtue of generosity and altruism because if we failed to do so, men will perpetually live on catastrophic state. Dawkins stance must not be misconstrued as an ethical justification of human behaviour or a moral treatise that must be followed since his insight is loud and clear; that men are selfish because of their genes, no more, no less. Having said this, it is a challenge for us to control it if not exterminate it because we are the only species who can desired to do it. In the furtherance of man’s selfish genes, Dawkins incorporated Darwin’s biological conjecture that man is doomed for the battle of its own survival. However, the former believes that survival is not controlled by man; rather man is machinated by genes to strive for its own survival. The genes are the building blocks of human existence, it is the one that created us, and these genes even dictates how we should reason out. Men are innately selfish for the sole reason of life preservation or prolongation. They are willing to do everything just to ensure that their interests are satisfied. Satisfaction of interest is tantamount to the validation of one existence. This is the embodiment of human existence, chaotic and full of struggle. The machination of individual is further elucidated by Dawkins through his explanation of gene mechanism. Dawkins adopted G. C. Williams’ definition of genes, which stated that gene any portion of chromosomal material that potentially last for enough generations to serve as a unit of natural selection . The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of man thrives within our body. It must be noted that DNA is not contained in a particular body parts rather it is widely disseminated within our cells. Approximately speaking, a human body is made of a thousand million cells, and each of these cells contains an exact blueprint of all DNA in our body. The significance of the ontogenetic control of genes is its capability of self-continuation and self-propagation, meaning, genes can preserve itself under the condition of numerous struggles. The survival of genes lies on the efficiency and power of our corporeal body, which they inhabit for its own development. The existence of each human species is not everlasting, it is ephemeral. Dawkins uses an analogy wherein each card in a deck represents the genes. According to him, when a deck of card are being shuffled they undergo a process of survival. And this process of survival is exactly the mechanism of genes wherein every time they are shuffled a gene only assumes the position of another gene, instead of being destroyed, and after the shuffling process genes are still genes that continue to march on. Dawkins draws a conclusion from this analogy, which stated that genes are basically the replicators and we are their machinery for survival. And when we have fulfilled our function we are automatically became useless, but gene will perpetuate its existence because it is a denizen of geological time . In view of that, Dawkins also posits that gene is the basic unit of survival because it competes for its own preservation against their alleles for a slot in the chromosome. With this picture, we can infer that genes struggle for survival of future generation in the gene pool in the expense of its own alleles. Therefore, selfishness is indeed the fundamental foundation of selfishness. The genes are the master programmers, and they are programming for their lives. They are judged according to the success of their programs in copying with all the hazards that life throws at their survival machines, and the judge is the ruthless judge of the court of survival . This phrase only strengthened Dawkins claims that man is nothing but a machinery of genes for its own survival. As pointed earlier, man is different from other specie because a human being has a will power and reason, meaning man can go against the dictate of its gene i. e. a person can choose not to reproduce. In addition, reason has its own domain wherein it has the capability to manipulate habitual operation of gene machine, to envisage what lies beyond its own future, and most significantly, to act according to its own course of nature. Because of rationality, gene machinery is able to be in command of outlining what direction individuals must follow. Rationality can curtail the dictate of gene, meaning, a person can transcend his/her selfishness and reach the condition of being generous and altruistic. The emancipation of man from his selfish nature is only possible if and only if he succumb himself to an agreement. Being established that human beings to be innately selfish also indicate that they are self-regulating. But generosity and altruism can only be actualized if the self-regulating beings surrender their self-regulating prowess. Selfishness is the anti-thesis of the said virtues but because of rationality human beings will submit to an agreement to satisfy the insufficiency of self-regulation. The universal antidote for this insufficiency is the construction of law through its rules. In the vein of Hobbes social contract theory, man must give in to an agreement to restrain his natural tendencies, but he must only surrender to a contract if and only if others will surrender to it in equal footing. But in the provision of rules it is a prerequisite to understand the intricate schema of conflict. The Role of Rules In Using Conflict Theory, Otomar Bartos and Paul Wehr claim that in the wide range of epistemic knowledge regarding conflicts there are two guiding principles that must be comprehended: one, to concentrate on general theories, and second, to carry out these theories on a simplified fashion. The former necessitate an application of theories to innumerable types of conflicts. While the latter focuses on the specific arguments or application of the former. One good example of general theories is elucidation of poverty in the third world countries using the framework of dialectical materialism by Marx. If we convert this general theory into a simplified manner, one must look at the specific causes of poverty such as shortage of natural resources, lack of capital, misallocation of funds, graft and corruption, and the likes. If one is successful in outlining the appropriate general theories in an existing conflict, then he/she translates these theories in its simplified form. And if this will be the case, then concoction of rules will be easier. Rules must embody the principle of the entire society and it must cater to the needs of its citizenry. Rules can be perceived in two ways: Kantian or Utilitarian. Immanuel Kant posits that rules must be made in the context of universal imperative, meaning it must not be used as means of advancing one’s interest rather it must be created for its own sake and for the goodness and betterment of humanity. In lieu to this, Utilitarian advocates such as J. S. Mill argues that rules must be conceptualized in the essence of achieving the goodness of the majority and resulting to the production of best consequences. Kant postulates that a rule must be encompassing and must not reside on the band wagon of majority votes because it contradicts the reason of man, and because number of votes does not imply truth. For example, killing another being is morally unjustified is a universal rule because it affirms the importance of life, which is true to all beings. Conversely, J. S. Mill believes that rules are justified if and only if the â€Å"greatest happiness for the greatest number of people† is reached. But it must be noted that utilitarian theory also entails a qualitative measurement through the intensity and duration of happiness, meaning, it must have greater impact to the society and its intensity must last for the longest time if not forever. For example, death penalty can be either permissible or impermissible depending on the context of society, but the point is, morally justifiability of death penalty lies on majority votes since it can serve the interest of more people. There are voluminous conflicting issues regarding these theories because both of them are in extreme opposition. Kant rejects utilitarianism because it does not uphold a consensual quest for universal truth and it only served the interests of the majority of population in a given social context. On the other hand, utilitarian advocates refute the Kantian theories because of its impossibility or tedious system in knowing the universal truth. But in the modern day period, utilitarian theories are more adopted than Kantian theory because it is more feasible in creating rules for present conflicts and for future conflicts. In most cases, before a rule can be ratified it must undergo an election and must meet certain number of votes to quantify its validity i. e. three-fourths of the voting population or majority votes. But it must be noted that most rules fashioned in utilitarian perspective must follow a universal precept so that it will not contradict the constitution of a specific nation. For example, murder is universally not accepted, which one of the reason why death penalty is not easy to endorse because it contradicts a universal precept, though some countries provided an reasonable exemption on the matter, killing will still be universal precept that they must consider. Rules main goal is to promote the interest of every individual as possible as it can, and to restrict the selfish ways of human beings, in order to maintain an ordered society. Because of this guideline, law has delineated the scope of public and private sphere to guarantee the possibility of generosity and altruism. Public sphere is far more superior to the private sphere because the former promotes national interest and the welfare of the entire populace. Law provides countless rules to reinforce the supremacy of public sphere, which is the apparent implication on the significance of reason. Rules are the product of our reason to rebel against the dictate of our selfish genes. In the furtherance of rules, justice must be encapsulated in its formulation to ensure an effective implementation of it.

Analysis Of The Movie 12 Years A Slave - 1429 Words

In 12 Years A Slave (2013), directed by Steve McQueen, the audience is provided with an understanding of characters, place and main character’s experience through mise-en-scene and cinematography. 12 Years a Slave surrounds a black man named Solomon Northup, who was sold into slavery in the 1850’s. It is a graphic retelling of a slave’s existence in Louisiana. The specific sequence used for analysis is one where Northup attempts to escape, but stumbles upon a lynching ritual. By use of cinematography and mise-en-scene, Steve McQueen allows the audience to view slavery in its every day format, and learn that this part of history was simply a reality. Characters Experience. Through mise-en-scene and cinematography, McQueen provides us with†¦show more content†¦Northup’s expression as he immediately comes across the party, compared to the expression as he walks away, is key in understanding the thematic intention of the film. To start it is one of shock and fear, an immediate reaction to the ritual he fell upon. After the quick understanding of what is occurring, he makes eye contact with the men in the nooses. Their expressions are pained, there is no hope left, they are now only bodies primed for hanging. Solomon walks away from the bodies of the hanged slaves, his expression gradually changing from shock to acceptance. An understanding that this is common practice. The lighting develops this idea, as in this sequence it is entirely natural, and sun is beaming down on all characters. This suggests to the audience that this act of violence is not hidden, it isn’t executed in the dark when there is lesser cha nce of being seen. it is a reality. Compare this with the scene of Solomon’s own attempted lynching. While he is strung up by a noose struggling to survive, the slave children begin to play in the background. They are fully aware that he is there, however this form of violence is part of their life, it is not shocking. Through this we are made aware of the theme in the film- slavery, and the violence accompanied with it, was not shameful nor kept secret. Black people in this environment lived a life constantly plagued by the threat of a hanging noose. Character. The dynamics between characters areShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Movie 12 Years A Slave 1735 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction In the movie â€Å"12 Years A Slave†, we are introduce to a middle class well educated African American free man, name Solomon Northrop, who was married man with two children; a son and a daughter. He was coerced, deceived and fell victim of Human Trafficker, who sold him to slavery for 12yrs. Even though this event happened in 1841, before Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln in January 1863, which set freed every slave in the United States, the same crime still happensRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie 12 Years A Slave 1279 Words   |  6 Pages12 Years a Slave The antagonist in this film was Master Edwin Epps. He is a cotton plantation owner, who owns many slaves. He is an unstable drunk, who is his worst when intoxicated. He is married to a woman named Mary, yet is infatuated with his best cotton picker Patsey. Many of his slaves called him a cruel and unjust man. His love for a Patsey leads him to become in a way, crazy. He doesn t know how to control his feelings of love and hate for her, so he feels he does horrible things to herRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie 12 Years A Slave 1083 Words   |  5 Pages12 Years a Slave Change can sometimes be overwhelming for those who are used to being where they have been for a while. Change can be beneficial or it can be horribly uncomfortable to adjust to. Change can come through the minds that want a difference and it can also be forced upon someone like a hurricane or an unapproved marriage. One fact about change is that no matter how hard one tries to avoid it, it will eventually happen and there is nothing he/ she can do about it. It’s unavoidable. SometimesRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie 12 Years A Slave 1051 Words   |  5 Pages 12 Years a Slave is a drama film about a free African American man, Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped and sold to slavery. The movie was released in 2013 starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Brad Pitt. 12 Years a Slave has earned three Academy Awards and a Golden Globe. The movie is based off of a memoir written in 1853 by Solomon Northup. The film is for people who are fascinated with history and enjoy dramatic scenes. However, it is also a movie that informsRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie 12 Years A Slave 1114 Words   |  5 Pages12 Years a Slave is based on a true story which occurred in 1841 where a free African-American violinist name Solomon Northup who lived in Saratoga New York with his wife and children was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the pre- civil war under the name of Platt. He faced cruelty by many slave owners as well as unexpected kindness from others. He finds that cooperation generally gets some nowhere and sometimes gets you into trouble due to jealousy. There were times when he thought he could trustRead More12 Years a Slave movie-analysis Essay1093 Words   |  5 Pages12 Years a Slave The movie  «12 Years a slave » is based on the book  «12 Years a Slave » by Soloman Northup. Its his life story of how he got lured in a trap and kidnapped in 1841. Its about how he was sold into slavery in the south, and what happened during those 12 years a slave . The movie was released in 2013, but the book was first published in 1853. The setting of the movie was in the US, mostly in the states New York and Louisiana. The film was directed by Steve McQueen, hes also knownRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie 12 Years A Slave By Steve Mcqueen1396 Words   |  6 Pages The movie 12 Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen, depicts a free black man, Solomon Northup, from New York who was drugged and kidnapped in order to be sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War South. The movie is filled with powerful scenes and moments of tension that portray the cruel, gruesome years that millions of slaves experienced. For the next twelve years of Solomon’s life, the movie illustrates how he became a piece of property under several different masters. Solomon spent the bulkRead MoreAnalysis Of Django Unchained And 12 Years A Slave1543 Words   |  7 PagesAt first, I wanted to analyze the movie Django Unchained and how it took a somewhat satirical approach on slavery and how slaves were treated in the 19th century. But when I saw 12 Years a Slave, and how it took a more serious approach on how slavery was in the 19th century. There were a lot of compare and contrasts that came up as I finished watching both films. So nonetheless, this is a double feature analysis on Django Unchained and 12 Years a Slave. Here I will summarize and discuss about theRead More12 Years a Slave and Fruitvale Station Essay1389 Words   |  6 Pagesjustice to be truthful. Through analysis of present day motion pictures that stem from American history such as â€Å"12 Years A Slave† and â€Å"Fruitvale Station† reveals some of the legal and ethical concerns that are prominent today can be revealed: Historically law has been altered but the integrity of the law still remains in question. Literature Review Let’s start with some of the issues that were brought about in the film â€Å"12 Years A Slave†. After viewing the movie twice, not only did it show thatRead MoreThe Effect Of Sound On A Film Scene1353 Words   |  6 Pagesof the scene. Music in a film creates a point of experience for the spectator. Patterns of tension and release exemplified by the sound of the scene provide a sense of organization, connection and meaning to the audience. In my short clip from 12 years a Slave I have used music as a part of cinematic diagesis as well as a means of communication to my audience the psychological drama of the narrative at the subconscious level. Sound in a scene can communicate meaning and give life to a moving image