The Breakdown of Fructose

The Breakdown of Fructose First of all I would like to describe the term enzymes. Basically enzymes are protein which is used in the chemical reaction and they act as a catalyst in these reactions. Their function is to speed up the chemical reaction without using themselves. If they are not used as a catalyst in the reactions than the reaction speed would be very slow and in this way the products of the reactions will not come. So it is now clear that enzymes are very important in certain biochemical reactions which are taking place in our body and without these enzymes our body will not be able to perform these biochemical reactions and as a result we will not be able to continue our life. Enzymes are involved in the breakdown of fructose. Basically fructose is simple sugar that is present in our food like honey and fruits. Fructose is basically a carbohydrate which provides energy to our body. it is very important to mention that fructose do not gave energy to our body directly but certain enzymes are require to breakdown this fructose into simpler sugar and then into usable form of energy. The process of the breakdown of fructose is as follows: Firstly when fructose in enters in our body then initial catabolism of fructose is takes place in our body and this process is referred to as fructolysis. The cycle of fructose breakdown begins with the enzyme called fructokinase which is found in liver. This fructokinase will produce fructose 1- phosphate so this is the end of first step. In the next step another enzyme named aldolase B will convert the fructose 1-phosphate into dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and glyceraldehyde. These two products are used by the body in order to get energy so without these enzymes the body will not be able to carry out the breakdown of fructose and in this way our body will not be able to ingest the food containing fructose. (Seller et al., 1969) Explain how a deficiency in aldolase B can be responsible for hereditary fructose intolerance. First of all I would like to explain the term fructose intolerance. Fructose intolerance is basically a condition in which the person is not able to digest the sugar fructose. After taking fructose containing diet like honey or fruits the person with fructose intolerance may experience nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting etc. Basically mutation in Adolab gene leads to the hereditary fructose intolerance. This Aldolab is responsible for the formation of Aldolase B enzyme. As I already mention that this enzyme is present in Liver and causes the breakdown of fructose and thus convert this fructose into simpler sugar which is then used as a source of energy in our body. A deficiency in the enzyme Aldolase B may cause the accumulation of the fructose 1-phosphate in the liver cell, small intestine and kidney and thus make our body unable to convert the fructose into simpler sugars and as a result the sugar level of the body will fall and cause the formation of the toxic substance that damage our liver. This damage to the liver cell leads to the liver dysfunctions, hypoglycemia and hereditary fructose intolerance. (Gitzelmann et al., 1989) Explain the role of aldolase B in the breakdown of fructose. Aldolase B plays an important role in the carbohydrate metabolism like it catalyzes one of the major steps of the glycolytic-gluconeogenic pathway. Along with its importance in the glucose breakdown it is also very important in fructose metabolism and it is very important to mention that fructose metabolism is occurring mostly in the liver, renal cortex and small intestine. The action of mechanism of this enzyme is that when fructose is absorbed by our body it is than phosphorylated into fructose 1-phospahte by the action of fructokinase. Then in the next step Aldolase B catalyzes the fructose 1-phosphate and converts it into glyceraldehyde and DHAP. After this step another enzyme triose kinase convert this glyceraldehyde into glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate which is then used in glycolytic-gluconeogenic pathway and that can be modified to become either glucose or pyruvate. (Peanasky et al., 1958) Discuss the specific substrate acted on by aldolase B. Aldolase B is equally active toward the substrate F-l-P (Fructose-1-Phosphate). Fructose-1-phosphate is a derivative of fructose. It is generated by fructokinase which is present in liver. It is converted by aldolase B into glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. The action of the adolase B on the substrate can be explained with the help of following figure: A description CASE 2- MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE Explain what would happen to the cells energy reserves if the interconversions of the Cori cycle occurred and remained within a single cell. If interconversion of the coricycle occurred within the single cell then it would cause the futile cycle. Basically in the futile cycle glucose is used by the cell and re synthesized at the cost of ATP and GTP hydrolysis. And loss of ATP during this futile cycle would be 4 and thats why the futile cycle is regarded as an uneconomical cycle. (Nelson et al., 2005). Construct a dynamic model to show the doctor why the citric acid cycle is central to aerobic metabolism. The citric acid cycle can be regarded as an important metabolic center of the cell. It basically act as portal to the aerobic metabolism that has the ability to form acetyl group or dicarboxylic acid. The citric acid cycle is not only act as fuel for the cell but it is also a building block of many other molecules like amino acid, cholesterol, and porphyrin (the organic component of heme). There are infact different reactions like oxidation and reduction reactions which are takes place during Krebs cycle, and these reactions will result in the oxidation of an acetyl group to two molecules of carbon dioxide. The Kreb cycle was named after the person who introduce this cycle for the first time. Different biochemical changes are noticed during Krebs cycle which will enable the cell to store the energy for future use. The other name for this Kreb cycle is tricarboxylic or citric acid, cycle. ( (Lowenstein JM 1969). Explain the role of co-enzyme Q10 in ATP synthesis. First of all I would like to give a brief introduction of Co-enzyme Q10. Co-enzyme Q10 is basically a vitamin like substance which is present in every cell and its purpose is to generate energy. And due to this property it is also called as Ubiquitous. It is necessary in energy production in the 70-100 trillion body cells. Basically the co-enzyme Q10 is required in order to convert the energy from carbohydrate and fats into Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and this process of production of ATP is carryout in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The process is like first of all the electrons which are produced during the fatty acid and glucose metabolism, Co-enzyme Q10 accept these electrons and then converted them into electron acceptors. At the same time Co-enzyme Q10 transfer the proton outside the mitochondrial membrane and in this way cause the formation of a proton gradient across that membrane. The energy released when the protons flow back into the mitochondrial interior and in this way it is used to form ATP. (Tomono et al., 1986) Explain where in the citric acid cycle a hypothetical defect could occur that prevents an increased conversion of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in response to an increased energy need and how the products of the citric acid cycle are converted into ATP. Basically during the Krebs cycle, a small amount of energy is released in order to cause the formation of molecule of ATP. It is very important to mention that in fact four-carbon molecule(oxaloacetic acid) is again created after the formation of CO2 mainly through oxidation reactions that occur in the Electron Transport Chain therefore any defect in ETC will prevent the conversion of ADP to ATP. Basically a gradient is formed in the ETC which is used to produce the ATP and this ATP is generated when H+ ion move down to its concentration gradient by a special enzyme called ATP synthase so it is now clear to us that if there is any defect in Electron transport chain then this will prevent the conversion of ADP to ATP. The products of Citric acid cycle are converted into ATP with the help of Oxidative- phosphorylation which is taking place in mitochondria. The NADH and succinate which is the product of Krebs cycle are oxidized and this will release the energy. This energy will power the ATP synthase and this enzyme will facilitate the production of ATP. (Mitchell and Moyle 1967).

Diary of My Mexican Trip :: essays research papers

Dear Journal,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Today I boarded an airplane in Philadelphia. I haven’t been on a plane before, so I was very nervous. The takeoff was pretty smooth. I finally relaxed, then we landed in Atlanta, Georgia. From here I rented a green compact car from Hertz. I drove from Atlanta to Tula in one night. I eventually arrived at the border and showed the officials my voter registration card and driver’s license. I finally crossed the border into Mexico. From here I wen to my first stop, Tula. I stayed at the Sharon, a seven-story modern hotel, is placed right across the street from the town hall and not far from the archaeological area. August 5, 2002 Dear Journal,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I woke up this morning to a beautiful snow covered ground. I drove over freezing roads to a Toltec site. The most spectacular site I saw while I was at the site was the Atlantes, the giant stone sculptures. They are said to be guarding the Pyramid of the Morning Star. After exploring the ancient site, I went back to the hotel and ate at the hotel’s fine restaurant. I had to be sure not to get anything that may make travelers such as myself sick. Shortly after, I checked out of the Sharon and drove into Mexico City and checked into the Matrol for the night. August 6, 2002 Dear Journal,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Today I went to the National Art Museum, Museo Nacional de Arte, and saw the beautifully crafted building. There is a lovely double staircase made of bronze and marble enclosed by a semi-circular window three stories high. The artwork in the museum was incredible. The museum has 24 galleries ranging in Mexican art in every form. After an exhausting trip to the art museum, I decided to have dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. Then I had drinks in the lobby bar where a pianist plays nightly as hotel guest can enjoy the music and scenery of the beautiful hotel. August 7, 2002 Dear Journal,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I watched some TV in my room last night as I went to sleep. I was glad to have taken Spanish classes in school, so I could have a slight understanding as to what was being said on TV. Today I went to the Catedral Metrolitana. It is the biggest church in Latin America. The church was so beautiful and very large. There were hundreds of paintings and sculptures throughout the building. The wonderful clocktower was full of statues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. I went back to the hotel, gathered my things, and drove to The Casa Gonzalez, where

The Fab Five :: Essays Papers

The Fab Five Women of Today in Arizona Politics The women of the state of Arizona have always played a significant role in politics. Before most women even had the right to vote, two women from Arizona, Frances Munds and Rachel Berry, were the first women elected into the state legislature. Today, Arizona has the highest percentage of women in the state legislature. More impressive is the fact that Arizona is the first state ever to have an all-female elected line of succession. There is no doubt that these five women greatly contributed to making 1997 the "Year of the Woman," where there was a dramatic increase in women's representation in the House and Senate. Why women in Arizona have flourished in the political arena and continue to do so is a question our group will try to answer in our research. More specifically, I will discuss women in current Arizona politics. In reviewing the role of women in current politics today, I will discuss the reasons as to why women have such strong political power in the state of Arizona, a nd the difference, between the views of voters in Arizona and other states. I will also discuss not only the future of women in Arizona politics but the future of women in national politics as well, and what to expect as the new millenium approaches. It is no coincidence that Arizona’s five highest offices are held by women. These women, Governor Jane Hull, Secretary of State Betsey Bayless, Attorney General Janet Napolitano, Treasurer Carol Springer, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Keegan, did not simply win these elections because they are women. All of them are experienced, highly educated, intelligent people who worked hard to get to the top. In an interview, Council Member Janet Marcus stated that these women have outstanding experience and background, and though being women may have helped them, it is their credentials that won the elections. The five women elected agree that it was not an issue of gender but rather of who was most qualified for the job. Lisa Graham Keegan was actually pleased at the small attention given to the gender issues. She said, â€Å"It really wasn’t about voting for women. It just happened that these women ran for office and won† (Khoury 2). Governor Hull ag reed with Keegan, â€Å"You see a group of women who have all been in government, are all experienced, who all ran very positive campaigns.

Marcel Duchamp Why Is the Fountain Art

The In-depth Artist of the What was Fountain originally submitted for and what happened to it? The 1917 urinal aka Fountain was originally put on display during a show promoting Avant grade art. Avant grade means advance guard which is a military term. Avant garde was art movement which originated in France in 1850 in order to open the eyes and more so, make fun of or shock the average or elite viewer. To put an everyday, ordinary item on display and call it art. For many of the upper class directors of the showing, this piece was ridiculous and they did not understand it and thought it an insult of sorts. Shortly after its first and only exhibit, the Fountain just happened to vanish. This particular piece was one of the more remembered pieces of these ready-mades that Duchamp produced. Other artists from 1850, which was the beginning of the Avant Garde Movement, to approximately 1970, also had well known pieces of art that was displayed to the elite, rich, and upper class viewers, including Andy Warhol, Rockefeller and Basquit. The pieces were to rattle there conscience and make them look deeper at ordinary pieces and more or less humble them in a way or make fun of their elite, snobbish, uptight, society waysSalvador Dali The Love of Zero, a 1927 film by Robert Florey. Is a piece of art like the Fountain plagiarism or is it art by virtue of selection? The piece of art similar to the Fountain could be considered plagiarism by some because the originality of the piece was not created by the artist themselves but by someone else. The artist merely used another persons ordinary, everyday invention or household item per say and displayed it as a piece of art. The ordinary item then transformed from the ordinary item with a humble use and purpose to a piece of art on display causing the viewer to search deeper for what the artist might have meant by using it. The same piece could also be considered Art by virtue of selection as well. Being that the particular art piece on display has a different meaning for each viewer; the same piece put on display by different artists would again have a different meaning to them as well. Any artist could have a collection of pieces that he feels is his very best masterpieces while a viewer may see that same collection as the worst thing he has ever seen. It is all in the eyes of the beholder. Art by virtue of selection means that is a selection from or by the artist as to what he feels is a appealing or is what he would like or prefer for himself. With that, we have to appreciate that each of us are unique and have our own individual tastes. 3. What is the Dada movement? What piece of art spawned the Dada movement? Dada movement originated in Zurich in 1916-1923 was also called (The Non Movement By Shelley Esaak). A group of artists and writers, during World War 1 went against the war and the society and cultures of the viewer that condoned the war or caused its production . This group were similar to the hippies of the 60s, who protested against the government and war, but did so with humor, wittiness and sarcasm but not anger as the later. , Duchamp, being among that group, was the creator of many of those sarcastic pieces and had made fun of already well known pieces of art. They took different subjects, altered them in hoping that the upper class citizens or the elite would love it, hate it or take it as the sarcastic, humorous and witty piece they had intended for it to be. A good example of this is the portrait painting of the infamous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Duchamp had doodled a mustache and goatee on the womans face. Of course this was humorous. to many and insulting to others, more so to the elite, high society followers of the latter. Duchamp and his fellow artists were not necessarily defiling or demeaning the art nor trying to be angry and confrontational; but more so get the attention of the viewer to not focus on the war at hand, their high life living, governmental rules and beliefs 4. Look through Duchamps other artwork? What pieces do you like and why? What was his inspiration for those pieces? After researching with great intrigue and interest in the meanings of not only Marcel Duchamps work, but his entire lifes events. He seemed to have such a deep, comical at times to the point of almost sadness image and view of the world around him. It is hard to decide if he is mocking society, making fun of it and thinks him superior to just very observant to the human perception. I was especially interested on his self portrait of himself as an infamous, black, socialite, librarian, Belle da Costa Greene. Whose parents had. Resided in the nations capital until they divorced . Her, her mother and siblings were able to play off that they were of a white heritage with their light skin. She went on to be the personal librarian to JP Morgan and then to his son Jack. With her profound beauty and outspoken intelligence, she became accepted as a highly elite socialite among the tradesman, dealers and Madison Avenues society. She had never married and lived as the Morgans personal librarian till her death retirement in 1948 and death two years later. Her well known expertise and unlimited available funds to make trades for her extensive built library she was very well respected and able to be mingle amongst the highest society groups, she once announced, Just because I am a librarian with a and inheriting a large sum of money An announcement she had made as a motto per say for herself, Just because I am a librarian, doesnt mean I have dress like one. She had designer clothing and rare exotic looks, was once asked if she was Mr. Morgans mistress and her only response was We Tried Mr. Morgan had left her $50,000. 00 in his will. The in-depth information was forthcoming to the conclusion of my personal perception and Marcel Duchamps meaning behind the portrait of himself dressed as an elegant socialite: Rrose Selavy Was he making fun of her and the secrets she kept of hersefl througout her life or was he just intrigued by her as well as others who was her aqaintances? I find it interesting take as to think he would be using her as a readymade perhaps Rrose Selavy (Marcel Duchamp).

Sometimes It Snows In April

It was just another typical evening at Silver Town. Rowan, Shannon, Reeve, and I were five friends from Madison high and we were driving past Rose Hall (the famous haunted house) on that Halloween evening. The house lay in ruins. Not a single soul had lived in it for over fifty years. There, it stood, alone in the hills, rising from the green cane fields. There were no other houses near by. It stood there day and night, all alone. Every one said the devil lived there and that anyone who slept in the house will die violently and mysteriously or survive, hopelessly insane. Nevertheless people did go into the house from time to time. We all went in as well but that was in broad daylight, of course. We visited the grand rooms and we went down the back staircases to the cellar, where Annie Palmer used to practice black magic and where the dark brown stain that was said to be the blood of her last murdered husband. Rose Hall was not a nice place at all. Even in bright sunshine the windows were broken and black with dust and grime. Every Halloween night the five of us, oh sorry I forgot to mention Mace, he has a record for violent disorder, well to me he has†¦. it as 2 years ago on an Autumn evening me and Mace went down to the new arcade arena, and for nothing Mace beat up a young boy in the toilets, I had to hold him back. Mace has always been a bit odd and he always picks on people for no reason. He may be a mad person, but he sure is my friend. Anyhow back to the story†¦ the 5 of us went down to our high school where other friends would come, and we used to have a Halloween party, sometimes everyone used to dress up as vampires and other weird things. But really, we use to get together with everyone and play games, sit around telling horror stories and mostly for fun. On that night we turned up to the party quite late and found every one busy playing games and talking. We walked in and found a round table near the corner and went to sit down. Just when we were all starting to get bored Shannon came up with the idea about playing truth or dare. We started to play and that's when all the trouble started to come. We all wrote out our separate dares on pieces of white paper, folded them and placed them in a vase. We picked out our dares. First Rowan, then me, Mace after, followed by Reeve and then Shannon. One by one every one started to leave as it as getting quite late and it was only the five of us left and with one or two people that were on the other side of the hall. It all started when it was Shannon's dare, I could tell it was something bad by the look on Mace's face. Shannon's dare was to go to Rose Hall, knock on the door and say trick or treat. At first we all thought that it was a very good idea and that we should all go trick or treating. It was really dark with hardly any one on the streets. All the little children had gone home and nearly all the lights were switched off. We drove up slowly and we could see the dark deserted house all there lone and it felt as though it was waiting for us. For some strange reason the journey up the hill seemed to take years and what more it was starting to rain, and not only that Mace was driving. It started to thunder and lightning struck, and then it looked at us, smelled us, it was as though the lightening and the fear from it was its light. The house never looked more evil, every film, nightmare, anything scary that makes me want to run under my parents covers when their not there flashed before my very eyes, It gave me the shivers and I felt that something inside was telling me; This is not right; turn back, evil dwells here†. These words were running through my head over and over again. At that moment I remember Reeve calling me. I told them to turn back the car in a very quiet voice. They all looked at me as though I was stupid or something. Then Reeve asked me what was wrong for the second time, but this time I didn't bother as I was starting to get really scared. Nobody was listening to me. I thought they were all thinking I had gone mad. Just then I heard a whisper saying `I can't turn the car'. Straight away I looked at Mace's face. I heard him say it again to the four of us. This time he said it in fear. We all went silent staring ahead. The only sound to be heard was the rain. It was getting louder and louder as we drew closer and closer to the grim Rose Hall. In a flash we were there. It was dark. The rain had stopped now and I could feel a cold breeze rushing past my face; it did not feel like the normal winter breeze, it was a shivering breeze, an evil, deathly breeze. Shannon walked towards the door slowly. We followed behind her and it felt as though each step that we took towards the door was the last. `Knock, knock' We felt the sound vibrate in the silence surrounding us. At this instant I grabbed Mace's arm with the thought that something was going to open the door. We waited and waited till we all felt relieved that nothing was there to let us in. We all turned back with the intention of leaving, but just then we heard the door start to creak open slowly. Before we even had the chance to look back Shannon, had gone and we heard it. We heard the faint scream for help. My legs started to shake, I was weak, I felt as though I was at a funeral, my heart was soft, and I could feel it beat, it was fast. The tears were there. Rowan screamed and then she urst into tears and fell down on her knees. We could feel the silent night looking down at the four of us, helpless, knowing that there was no turning back now, but only to face the fear ahead of us. It felt like as though we were in the part of a film, a funeral, everyone crying, sad music at the background, everywhere you look there was sorrow. The door was left there wide open for us, and we knew that there was no way out. We made the final decision that we had to go into Rose Hall and find Shannon. We went in pairs: me and Mace, Rowan and Reeve. We all had the fear hidden inside us, but outwardly we showed raveness as we stepped into the forbidden house. As we walked in, we found our selves in the middle of the hallway with only two straight narrow paths ahead of us that were never there before. Looking at these paths we knew that one of these path would lead us home where as one would lead us to another world, the world we did not want to enter, the world contradicted by hope, but we did not know which was which. Mace and I decided that we would go right, but Reeve and Rowan wanted to go the same way as well. We sensed that we only had a short period of time and we had no time to argue, so I ecided that Mace and I should go left and let the other two go right. As we approached our paths we all turned around at the same time, and looked at each other, thinking that it's the last time. I ran towards Reeve and my closest friend, Rowan, and gave them both a big hug, which felt to me as if it was bringing back all the memories of the five of us together with smiles on our faces. I felt Mace's warm hand around my shoulder drawing me away from Reeve and Rowan. I remember Mace telling me that there was nothing we could do, except to face what was coming, we did not have a choice because, the door ad closed behind us. I managed to pull my-self away from both of them. We said good-bye to each other for the final time, and we started to walk. Our footsteps sounded very loud on the wooden floor. Everything smelt damp and moldy and there was silence as if many ears were listening to our footsteps. I felt as though I had been walking for many days without stopping, not realizing how much pain I was in, but instead realizing the fear. Mace and I started to walk faster, after a couple of minutes or probably hours, I began to feel as though I was reaching destiny, only not knowing what it was. Mace suddenly stopped. He grabbed my hand and pulled me back. We stood there for a couple of minutes and then we heard two screams. At first I did not want to believe what I had heard but I had to and I decided to go back for them. I didn't know what was going through my head; I started to run as fast as I could until I tripped over something and for a minute I thought I was dead. I was sitting there when I felt something dripping on me. It was really dark which meant I couldn't see what it was, but I decided to smell it. It smelt weird. It smelt like blood. Just then I let out the oudest scream that I had ever screamed in my whole entire life. I heard Mace's footsteps coming towards me as yet I did not look up. He came and sat next to me. I remember Mace whispering in my ear and asking me what was wrong. I told him I felt something dripping on me and it smelt like blood. Mace smokes, so he always carries a box of matches' in-case his lighter never worked. We were both sitting there and it felt as though we had given up hope. Mace took a cigarette out of his pocket and a box of matches to light the cigarette. When the fire flicked on the match something took it out. I started to get really scared; I knew something or someone else was in there apart from the both of us. I sat there silently, trying my hardest not to make a move, I even held my breath, and although it was dark, I closed my eyes. Those couple of seconds felt like a couple of hours. He flicked his match again and this time the flame did not go out. He looked around to see if anything was there, but he couldn't find anything. Just then he felt something drip on him. He looked up slowly. I remember him being quiet for a long time until I looked up. It was a horrible site, a photographical site and memory, and I hate hinking about it. I was too shocked to cry or even say anything. I could feel my heart beat getting faster and my body getting cold and hot and cold and hot. It was Shannon. She was covered in blood, her eyes red and wide open, her mouth also open with her tongue sticking out, accompanied with her ever slow blood flowing to the end of her tongue where it built up only to drip, there was blood all over her body, and there was only distinguishable as a pole trusted in her belly, flowing with blood, holding her, supporting her to the ceiling. She was a mess. All hope that I ever had was lost, it felt like a child getting its ost awaited toy and only after getting it, it was taken away, I felt what the people walking aimlessly in the desert with a dry throat felt, after running with joy at the first site of water only to discover it was a mirage. We couldn't do anything apart from walking ahead. Every step felt like the last one. We walked and walked in total darkness, with the presence of our recent memories until our legs couldn't carry us any longer so we both had to sit down. I put my head down and I remember thinking about what my family was doing and what time it was. Just then Mace told me to look up, he told me that e reached it; he told me that we have reached our destiny. Without saying a thing I stood up in amazement, speechless. â€Å"Mace, Shannon, Rowan, and Reeve we're home†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ â€Å"Darling, wake up†. I opened my eyes so many people, my own people. `I'm home, I'm home†¦ Where are the rest where are they? ‘ `I'm sorry darling. They†¦ , they died in the car accident. Thank god that you survived'. From that day to this I don't know how we ended up in the car accident, and I don't know why I came back but Mace didn't. Every time I drive past Rose Hall I hear the screams of Reeve and Rowan and still see the body of Shannon. Twenty-five years have passed and things have changed in the outside world, but I have not changed. For me my past is still living and haunting me. I have still not yet uncovered the mysteries of that night in Rose Hall. It's a normal evening at Silver Town. Halloween night has come back to me again. And as I'm driving towards Rose Hall I hear again the same voice, the voice that I once heard twenty-five years ago but this time it is saying `Come†¦ come†¦ come'. I still don't know if Mace lied when he said he couldn't turn the car around, but I do believe that he is still alive and I am going back for him†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..

Homosexuality as a Deviance: Discrimination In Society Essay

Deviance is a behavior that does not conform to social norms, therefore is socially created. Since most people in the United States believe that homosexuality is wrong, society has created homosexuality to be a deviance. Since deviance is relative and not absolute to a society, homosexuality is not a universal form of sexual deviance. There are many cultures that accept forms of homosexuality. The Western society is not accepting of it though, and many times this non-accepting view cause discrimination towards homosexuals. Is homosexuality a way for some people to deviate, or is it just the way some people need to live their lives? If that is the way of life for some people than society has to become accepting towards this lifestyle. Homosexuals are a minority since they differ from the accepted sexual orientation. They become objects of discrimination and contempt. Some of societies anti-homosexual attitudes come from homophobia. Homophobia is â€Å"the irrational fears of homosexuality in others, the fear of homosexual feelings within oneself, or self-loathing because of one’s homosexuality. It stems from ignorance and popular myths that give rise to homosexual prejudice†(Crooks 255). Homophobia is expressed in many ways, both subtle and direct. Telling jokes about queers, belittling their lifestyle, denying them housing, employment, membership into organizations, and engaging in violence against homosexuals. Heterosexuals also express homophobia by avoiding acts that would cause people to think they were gay. It affects men the most like this because it hinders male friendships. Men do not want to get too close to their male friends, or express emotions because they might be considered gay. Homophobia restricts the lives of both gay and straight people. Laws against homosexual behaviors have been very punitive. In the American colonies homosexuals were put to death by burning or drowning. Sodomy, which is oral or anal sex, was against the law in the United States until 1961. Illinois became the first state to repeal the sodomy laws. Now only 13 states continue to have sodomy laws. Even though these laws apply to all segments of the population, they are usually enforced against homosexual men. † Sodomy laws are used to harass homosexuals, especially gay men,  because women in general and lesbians in particular are socially invisible in society†(Eitzen 304). An example of the injustice of sodomy laws is the case of Matthew Leeman. He has been sentanced to 17 years in prison under Kansas State sodomy laws. The details of the case are 18 year old Leeman was convicted of giving a 15 year old boy consensual oral sex due to violation of the state’s sodomy laws. In Kansas sex with any minor is illegal, but there is also a Romeo and Juliet law that states sex with a minor is less of an offense if there is little age difference. Therefore if Leeman had given consensual oral sex to a 15 year old girl he would have received a 12 month sentance. But under the sodomy laws all same sex activities are illegal regardless of age, so the Romeo and Juliet exception does not apply to him. The case was appealed all the way to the Kansas State Supreme Court with the ruling upheld. So 18 year old Matthew Leeman will be in jail until he is 36 years old. The Supreme Court has upheld the right of states to prohibit sodomy in the case Bowers v. Hardwick in 1986. Recently the Supreme Court has decided it will revisit the issue of whether states can continue to prosecute homosexual men for having consensual sex in their homes. A descion is expected in June of 2003. Bars where homosexuals frequent are often raided by the police and many are arrested under the sodomy laws. This practice makes it difficult for homosexuals when they apply for jobs. Applications for employment ask if a person has a criminal record. Since some gays have records for violation sodomy laws, they must write it on their application. Both these offenses, having a record and being gay, makes employment less likely. Homosexuals, especially males, are highly discriminated against in activities considered to be super manly. Up until recently a person could not be gay in the military. Homosexuals were honorably discharged from the military. In 1993 President Clinton attempted to change this tradition. He received much opposition from politicians, citizens and the military. The result was a compromise, a don’t ask, don’t tell rule. This meant that the military personal was not to inquire about sexual preference, and that service members were not to be blatant about their sexual orientation. Another macho activity is sports. Gay men in sport have not been accepted. † There is much at stake in maintaining the silence about gay men in sports and in  discouraging gay male athletes from revealing their identities†(Coakley 234). To even talk about homosexuals in sports would threaten the system of gender classification. The fact is though there are homosexuals in sports and they are discriminated against. In the locker room athletes use anti- gay banter as part of daily life. Homosexuals in sports live in fear of the truth about their sexuality coming out. Although recently studies have shown that organized sports are becoming less homophobic. People in sports are becoming more tolerant of homosexuals. But the value of a homosexual athlete is of core importance. † Gay athletes with high human capital are much more likely to come out of the closet to their teams than are gay athletes with medium or low human capital†(Anderson 12). As homosexuals are slowly accepted by society, the gender lines that inhibit so many will slowly be erased. Another way homosexuals are discriminated against is through family rights. No State in America allows marriage between members of the same sex. Aside from the emotional benefits, there are legal benefits that come with marriage. Health insurance coverage, inheritance of property, and tax benefits are just a few advantages that come with a legally recognized relationship. Parenthood is another aspect of life that homosexuals are disadvantaged. The rights of gay parents are usually denied. When two people divorce it is most often the mother that gains more custody. â€Å"However if the mother is an acknowledged lesbian, this may jeopardize her claim to custody†(Crooks 266). A homosexual man has an even harder time gaining custody, because he has a double disadvantage. Many gay couples are also denied the right to adopt children; in some states it is even illegal. Some lesbian couples have children through artificial insemination. The problem with this is that only the mother of the child is legally recognized as the parent. There are only eight states that â€Å"second-parent adoptions by lesbians and gays have been approved in California, Oregon, Alaska, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Washington D.C.†(Strong 356). Being homosexual should not prohibit people from raising a legally recognized family. There are two ways that homosexuals deal with living in a hostile society.  The first is to conceal their sexual preference from the world. When they are in the straight world they act heterosexual, and only within the confines of privacy do they act gay. The second strategy is to be a gay liberationist. Instead of keeping their sexuality a secret, they are openly gay at all times. They challenge societal norms in hopes that there will be a change in attitudes. Gay liberationist rose about in the early 1970s, after an event that took place earlier. On June 28, 1969, the police raided Stonewall Inn, a gay hangout. Instead of dispersing as usual, the customers rioted. This incident drew a lot of needed attention to problems of police harassment that homosexuals faced. â€Å"In effect Stonewall resistance came to symbolize the birth of the modern gay rights movement†(Eitzen 312). Since Stonewall there have been many positive changes for gay rights. Now there are laws to protect the rights of homosexuals, where as before they had no laws protecting them. More and more people are coming out of the closet and are proud to be gay (A). As time continues homosexual rights will become stronger. This will only happen with the help of heterosexuals. Education is very important in the fight for gay rights. People must be informed that homosexuality is not a disease, or a sin; it is just the way of life for some people. Homosexuals are not monsters who should be put to death. Homosexuality has been around since before the written word, and each society deals with it differently. Our own society is not accepting of it. These are just humans who have a different sexual preferences than the members of normal society. Homosexuals have relationships, families, and even children, most of which are happy and healthy. They do things heterosexuals do such as serve in the armed forces and play sports. Yet society discriminates against them, even to the point of violence. Even though gay activists have made some difference in how society views their lifestyles, it is not enough. There needs to be more of a change. We as society should be more accepting of these people. If not we are the ones being deviant, with our policies of discrimination and harassment. Work Cited. Anderson, Eric. Openly Gay Athletes: Dealing with hegemonic Masculinity And Homophobia. University of California Coakley, Jay. â€Å"Sport in Society: Issues and Controversies† 7th ed. Boston: McGrawHill, 2001. Crooks, Robert. Our Sexuality. 6th ed. Pacific Grove: Brooks and Cole, 1996. Curtan, Jim. â€Å"Gay Liberation=Spiritual Liberation.† Genre 81 (2000): 74. Eitzen, D. Stanley. Social Problems. 7th ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1997. Strong, Bryan. The Marriage and Family Experience, Intimate Relationships in a Changing Society. 7th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth, 1998.

Not Either an Experimental Doll

Ryan Shellady Professor Mtisi Paideia October 31st, 2012 Placing Fault: A Look at Determining Who is to Blame for Lily Moya’s Downfall in Not Either an Experimental Doll The Separate Worlds of Three South African Women In today’s Western culture, it is hard to imagine a world without education. Adults and children alike view education as a common practice that is essential to everyday life. For Lily Moya, this is not the case. In Not Either an Experimental Doll, edited by Shula Marks, letters of correspondence reveal a relationship between Dr.Mabel Palmer, a well-known European supporter of black education, and Lily Moya, a girl growing up in apartheid South Africa. Lily writes to Palmer requesting acceptance into a school. Due to Lily’s amusing writing style, Palmer feels a connection to her. In turn, Palmer decides to find a way to fund Lily’s education. Throughout the letters, Lily alludes to this idea that she desires a more intimate friendship with Pa lmer; however, Palmer continues to assertively state that the relationship Lily seeks is impossible.In the end of the correspondence, Dr. Palmer releases her sponsorship from Lily’s education which means Lily can no longer attend school. For these two reasons, some critics will argue that Palmer is to blame for Lily’s mental breakdown at the end of the book. These people are mistaken; Mabel Palmer’s actions are not to blame for what happens to Lily. Fault lies in the differing cultures between Lily and Palmer, and in Lily’s stubbornness, egocentrism, and her inability to follow simple instructions.It is easy to infer that there are inevitable differences in culture between a European woman in her seventies and a fifteen-year-old African girl living in apartheid-ruled South Africa. In the introduction of the book, editor and expert in the field of South African studies Shula Marks articulates that the cultural differences between Lily and Dr. Palmer make f or a difficult understanding of correspondence etiquette. Not surprisingly, the world of the busy academic was remote from the concerns of a lonely and aspirant fifteen-year-old in Umtata.For Lily, still living in a world in which misfortune was explained in terms of individual wickedness and witchcraft, Mabel’s failure to reply could only be the result of the evil counsel of her advisers (Marks 18). Lily has been raised in a place where academia is not prominent. To understand why Dr. Palmer didn’t reply swiftly and quickly to each of Lily’s letters, Lily would have to understand all the work Dr. Palmer’s occupation entails. Lily would have to realize that people are sometimes simply too busy to write; however, as Marks notes, Dr.Palmer’s failure to reply was likely explained to Lily in terms of â€Å"individual wickedness. † Later in the same paragraph of the introduction, Marks goes on to describe Palmer’s point of view. For Mabel, Lily’s intense if adolescent religious experience was to appear as ‘religiosity’ and ‘self-righteous’, while she had difficulty remembering whether her ‘protegee’ was an Anglican or a Catholic, and had no idea that she was Xhosa, not Zulu (Marks 18). Palmer is under the impression that she understands Lily’s background, but Marks exposes Palmer’s ignorance of Lily’s culture.This lack of knowledge leads to poor communication between Lily and Palmer. However, Palmer does attempt to lessen her ignorance by asking Lily to write a paper, â€Å"The Life of a Native Girl in a Native Reserve† (Marks 87). In this paper, Palmer asks Lily to detail activities, problems, and daily routines experienced by a girl living in Lily’s society. Due to this attempt, Palmer’s failure to comprehend Lily’s expectations can be forgiven. Palmer tries to understand Lily and her background, but Lily cannot communica te any information in return.In the greater scheme, neither Lily nor Palmer is to blame for cultural variances. The only thing at fault in this particular case is that the two grew up in completely different environments. Circumstance is not solely to blame, however. In other cases, Lily’s personal faults are also to blame. The first of Lily’s individual weaknesses that lead to her demise is stubbornness; it plays a large role in why Palmer has such a difficult time dealing with Lily. On a number of occasions through the correspondence, Lily attempts to treat Palmer as though the two of them are close, intimate friends.Lily even goes as far as saying to Palmer, â€Å"I hope you stay for years, with me† (Marks 113). If this is not pressure enough, Lily goes on to guilt Palmer by proclaiming, â€Å"You cannot leave me alone in this merciless world† (Marks 113). When faced with these remarks, she needed to address Lily’s outlook on their relationship to make sure Lily understood that their interaction had to remain professional. You say that one of your reasons for wishing to be in Durban is that you want to see more of me, but have you ever asked yourself whether I wish do see more of you?As a matter of fact I do not. Your romantic and self-centered imagination has built up for you a picture in which you are to be my devoted and intimate friend. Now you must forgive me for saying that this is all nonsense. Even if you were a European girl of your age it would still be nonsense (Marks 136). Palmer makes it very clear that Lily’s feelings for her are simply not reciprocated. Palmer says she does not wish to see Lily, and that Lily’s perception of their connection is just â€Å"nonsense†. Critics will argue that Palmer’s tone here is too aggressive though.They’ll argue that Palmer should have anticipated that her words would hurt Lily deeply. They’ll back up their assertions with quotation s like the following where Lily jumps to drastic conclusions about Palmer not responding swiftly enough. â€Å"Your silence impresses me severely, in so much that patience fails me† (Marks 87). â€Å"I’m really worried now. It is a long time I have been waiting for yours [letter]† (Marks 91). One might claim that Lily displays great sensitivity and anxiety because of Palmer.These critics therefore argue that if waiting for a response from Palmer causes Lily this much distress, then it should be obvious to Palmer that critical words would cause Lily worse sorrow and anguish. These critics are wrong for two reasons. First, Lily still goes on to address Palmer on January 28th, February 6th, and again on February 16th of 1951 (Marks 143-145). All of these dates are after Palmer’s direct note from page 136 mentioned previously. Lily did not receive a letter from Palmer between these three instances.It is fair to say that Palmer’s annoyance is justified when she very recently asked Lily to respect boundaries. Secondly, the quotes these critics may use do not show that Lily is sensitive; rather they show that Lily is impatient and bullheaded. Lily keeps writing to Palmer so Palmer does not neglect her promise to help Lily get into school. Lily actually reminds Palmer of this promise. â€Å"So, please do not forget your promise that you would send me to school to complete the Matriculation Course† (Marks 94).Because Palmer does not write back quickly, Lily is worried that she isn’t getting her way, and stubbornly writes another letter out of impatience. Lily’s stubbornness to both get her way and to create a friendship that is deeper than a professional level shows a character flaw that certainly leads to her downfall. Lily cannot accept anything less than her own expectations; when she is faced with a disappointment, she spirals into a depression. Stubbornness is not the only character flaw leading to Lilyâ€⠄¢s downfall though. When Palmer addresses Lily about their relationship, she notes that Lily is â€Å"self-centered†.Lily’s egocentrism is yet another trait that ultimately leads to her breakdown. Palmer is correct when she states that Lily writes amusingly when it is about herself. â€Å"Looking back over my correspondence with you I realize that you only write interestingly and amusingly when you are writing about yourself† (Marks 138). For example, in Lily’s letter written on the 26th of January, 1949, the tone she uses in her writing has a pleading, begging feel because it is one Lily is writing to further her own attempt at finding an education.Kindly sympathise with me, a helpless orphan, I beg you †¦ I can be very glad if you answer me at your earliest possible and please I beg you do sympathise with. You can only show your sympathy by taking me to a college where I shall work with my level best my school work, and, I’m sure I’l l please you in any way in my character (Marks 59). For being a student with so little education, Lily really shows finesse in her writing ability. Her use of description in the â€Å"helpless orphan† bit tugs at Palmer’s heartstrings. Lily is even smart enough to know that tone and word choice an sway a person’s ethos, but like Palmer says, Lily only uses this for personal gain. Palmer, however, is not the only person that notices Lily’s egocentrism. Palmer notes that one of Lily’s caretakers also feels that Lily focuses on self too much. â€Å"†¦I understand Mrs Bomback thinks that she [Lily] is already inclined to think too much of herself†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Marks 128). Lily’s self-centered personality is clearly not seen by Palmer alone. This egocentrism leads Lily to see only her own needs in Palmer. When Palmer revokes her funding, Lily sees it as a great personal loss.This is yet another fault leading Lily to her mental breakdown at the end of the correspondence; moreover, it also leads to her difficulty following rules. An inability to follow instructions has already been demonstrated in Lily’s inability to accept a non-personal friendship with Palmer. This is, in fact, one of many instances in which Lily defies rules. In one instance, upon being told not to do so, Lily â€Å"entered a men Lecturer’s hostel with the purpose of receiving a lesson from one of them† (Marks 133). This is a clear violation of rules laid out by caretaker Mrs.Bomback. In another instance Lily was expected to come to an appointment with Palmer, yet she failed to show up (Marks 183). Arriving at an appointment punctually is an easy task to accomplish, yet Lily failed to do as she was told. This reason alone is one that Palmer lists as a reason for revoking funding for Lily’s education. Palmer confronts Lily twice for not following directions (Marks 136; 161). It is very clear to see that obstinate behavior causes Palmer to withdraw her funding leading to Lily’s mental break down.Some argue that Palmer’s withdrawal is ultimately to blame for Lily’s downward spiral. It is easy to see how misguided these people are if one considers that Palmer never wished to stop funding Lily’s education. She went out of her way to ask Sibusisiwe Makhanya for help to try and repair the problems Lily had been facing (Marks 121-122). It was only when Lily continued to break rules and disrespect Palmer’s wishes that Palmer had to quit. Lily made herself a lost cause. Is it fair to blame Palmer for Lily’s affairs after Palmer spent money out of her own pocket to assist Lily in all of her needs?No, it is absolutely absurd to claim Palmer is at fault. In Not Either an Experimental Doll, it is clear to see that Dr. Mabel Palmer is not to blame for Lily’s depressed state. Circumstance is responsible for the cultural differences between the two main characters thr oughout the correspondence. It is easy to identify Lily’s sense of stubbornness through her insistent attempts at making an intimate friendship with Palmer. Lily’s egocentrism shows in how her writing style changes depending upon whether she is writing about herself or others.It also is fair to call Lily egocentric due to the fact that more than one person identified her self-centered personality. An inability to follow instructions is apparent in different examples and Palmer notes that this is a reason why she terminated her sponsorship for Lily. Critics can continue to argue that Palmer is to blame for Lily’s psychiatric state, but ultimately the circumstances in which the two grew up, and Lily herself, are truly at fault. Works Cited Shula, Marks, ed. Not Either and Experimental Doll. Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana UP, 1987. Print.