Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Twilight 13. CONFESSIONS Free Essays
string(99) " with a deafening crack, effortlessly ripped a two-foot-thick branch from the trunk of the spruce\." 13. CONFESSIONS Edward in the sunlight was shocking. I couldnââ¬â¢t get used to it, though Iââ¬â¢d been staring at him all afternoon. We will write a custom essay sample on Twilight 13. CONFESSIONS or any similar topic only for you Order Now His skin, white despite the faint flush from yesterdayââ¬â¢s hunting trip, literally sparkled, like thousands of tiny diamonds were embedded in the surface. He lay perfectly still in the grass, his shirt open over his sculpted, incandescent chest, his scintillating arms bare. His glistening, pale lavender lids were shut, though of course he didnââ¬â¢t sleep. A perfect statue, carved in some unknown stone, smooth like marble, glittering like crystal. Now and then, his lips would move, so fast it looked like they were trembling. But, when I asked, he told me he was singing to himself; it was too low for me to hear. I enjoyed the sun, too, though the air wasnââ¬â¢t quite dry enough for my taste. I would have liked to lie back, as he did, and let the sun warm my face. But I stayed curled up, my chin resting on my knees, unwilling to take my eyes off him. The wind was gentle; it tangled my hair and ruffled the grass that swayed around his motionless form. The meadow, so spectacular to me at first, paled next to his magnificence. Hesitantly, always afraid, even now, that he would disappear like a mirage, too beautiful to be realâ⬠¦ hesitantly, I reached out one finger and stroked the back of his shimmering hand, where it lay within my reach. I marveled again at the perfect texture, satin smooth, cool as stone. When I looked up again, his eyes were open, watching me. Butterscotch today, lighter, warmer after hunting. His quick smile turned up the corners of his flawless lips. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t scare you?â⬠he asked playfully, but I could hear the real curiosity in his soft voice. ââ¬Å"No more than usual.â⬠He smiled wider; his teeth flashed in the sun. I inched closer, stretched out my whole hand now to trace the contours of his forearm with my fingertips. I saw that my fingers trembled, and knew it wouldnââ¬â¢t escape his notice. ââ¬Å"Do you mind?â⬠I asked, for he had closed his eyes again. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠he said without opening his eyes. ââ¬Å"You canââ¬â¢t imagine how that feels.â⬠He sighed. I lightly trailed my hand over the perfect muscles of his arm, followed the faint pattern of bluish veins inside the crease at his elbow. With my other hand, I reached to turn his hand over. Realizing what I wished, he flipped his palm up in one of those blindingly fast, disconcerting movements of his. It startled me; my fingers froze on his arm for a brief second. ââ¬Å"Sorry,â⬠he murmured. I looked up in time to see his golden eyes close again. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s too easy to be myself with you.â⬠I lifted his hand, turning it this way and that as I watched the sun glitter on his palm. I held it closer to my face, trying to see the hidden facets in his skin. ââ¬Å"Tell me what youââ¬â¢re thinking,â⬠he whispered. I looked to see his eyes watching me, suddenly intent. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s still so strange for me, not knowing.â⬠ââ¬Å"You know, the rest of us feel that way all the time.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s a hard life.â⬠Did I imagine the hint of regret in his tone? ââ¬Å"But you didnââ¬â¢t tell me.â⬠ââ¬Å"I was wishing I could know what you were thinkingâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ I hesitated. ââ¬Å"And?â⬠ââ¬Å"I was wishing that I could believe that you were real. And I was wishing that I wasnââ¬â¢t afraid.â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t want you to be afraid.â⬠His voice was just a soft murmur. I heard what he couldnââ¬â¢t truthfully say, that I didnââ¬â¢t need to be afraid, that there was nothing to fear. ââ¬Å"Well, thatââ¬â¢s not exactly the fear I meant, though thatââ¬â¢s certainly something to think about.â⬠So quickly that I missed his movement, he was half sitting, propped up on his right arm, his left palm still in my hands. His angelââ¬â¢s face was only a few inches from mine. I might have ââ¬â should have ââ¬â flinched away from his unexpected closeness, but I was unable to move. His golden eyes mesmerized me. ââ¬Å"What are you afraid of, then?â⬠he whispered intently. But I couldnââ¬â¢t answer. As I had just that once before, I smelled his cool breath in my face. Sweet, delicious, the scent made my mouth water. It was unlike anything else. Instinctively, unthinkingly, I leaned closer, inhaling. And he was gone, his hand ripped from mine. In the time it took my eyes to focus, he was twenty feet away, standing at the edge of the small meadow, in the deep shade of a huge fir tree. He stared at me, his eyes dark in the shadows, his expression unreadable. I could feel the hurt and shock on my face. My empty hands stung. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢mâ⬠¦ sorryâ⬠¦ Edward,â⬠I whispered. I knew he could hear. ââ¬Å"Give me a moment,â⬠he called, just loud enough for my less sensitive ears. I sat very still. After ten incredibly long seconds, he walked back, slowly for him. He stopped, still several feet away, and sank gracefully to the ground, crossing his legs. His eyes never left mine. He took two deep breaths, and then smiled in apology. ââ¬Å"I am so very sorry.â⬠He hesitated. ââ¬Å"Would you understand what I meant if I said I was only human?â⬠I nodded once, not quite able to smile at his joke. Adrenaline pulsed through my veins as the realization of danger slowly sank in. He could smell that from where he sat. His smile turned mocking. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m the worldââ¬â¢s best predator, arenââ¬â¢t I? Everything about me invites you in ââ¬â my voice, my face, even my smell. As if I need any of that!â⬠Unexpectedly, he was on his feet, bounding away, instantly out of sight, only to appear beneath the same tree as before, having circled the meadow in half a second. ââ¬Å"As if you could outrun me,â⬠he laughed bitterly. He reached up with one hand and, with a deafening crack, effortlessly ripped a two-foot-thick branch from the trunk of the spruce. You read "Twilight 13. CONFESSIONS" in category "Essay examples" He balanced it in that hand for a moment, and then threw it with blinding speed, shattering it against another huge tree, which shook and trembled at the blow. And he was in front of me again, standing two feet away, still as a stone. ââ¬Å"As if you could fight me off,â⬠he said gently. I sat without moving, more frightened of him than I had ever been. Iââ¬â¢d never seen him so completely freed of that carefully cultivated facade. Heââ¬â¢d never been less humanâ⬠¦ or more beautiful. Face ashen, eyes wide, I sat like a bird locked in the eyes of a snake. His lovely eyes seem to glow with rash excitement. Then, as the seconds passed, they dimmed. His expression slowly folded into a mask of ancient sadness. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t be afraid,â⬠he murmured, his velvet voice unintentionally seductive. ââ¬Å"I promiseâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He hesitated. ââ¬Å"I swear not to hurt you.â⬠He seemed more concerned with convincing himself than me. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t be afraid,â⬠he whispered again as he stepped closer, with exaggerated slowness. He sat sinuously, with deliberately unhurried movements, till our faces were on the same level, just a foot apart. ââ¬Å"Please forgive me,â⬠he said formally. ââ¬Å"I can control myself. You caught me off guard. But Iââ¬â¢m on my best behavior now.â⬠He waited, but I still couldnââ¬â¢t speak. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not thirsty today, honestly.â⬠He winked. At that I had to laugh, though the sound was shaky and breathless. ââ¬Å"Are you all right?â⬠he asked tenderly, reaching out slowly, carefully, to place his marble hand back in mine. I looked at his smooth, cold hand, and then at his eyes. They were soft, repentant. I looked back at his hand, and then deliberately returned to tracing the lines in his hand with my fingertip. I looked up and smiled timidly. His answering smile was dazzling. ââ¬Å"So where were we, before I behaved so rudely?â⬠he asked in the gentle cadences of an earlier century. ââ¬Å"I honestly canââ¬â¢t remember.â⬠He smiled, but his face was ashamed. ââ¬Å"I think we were talking about why you were afraid, besides the obvious reason.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, right.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well?â⬠I looked down at his hand and doodled aimlessly across his smooth, iridescent palm. The seconds ticked by. ââ¬Å"How easily frustrated I am,â⬠he sighed. I looked into his eyes, abruptly grasping that this was every bit as new to him as it was to me. As many years of unfathomable experience as he had, this was hard for him, too. I took courage from that thought. ââ¬Å"I was afraidâ⬠¦ because, for, well, obvious reasons, I canââ¬â¢t stay with you. And Iââ¬â¢m afraid that Iââ¬â¢d like to stay with you, much more than I should.â⬠I looked down at his hands as I spoke. It was difficult for me to say this aloud. ââ¬Å"Yes,â⬠he agreed slowly. ââ¬Å"That is something to be afraid of, indeed. Wanting to be with me. Thatââ¬â¢s really not in your best interest.â⬠I frowned. ââ¬Å"I should have left long ago,â⬠he sighed. ââ¬Å"I should leave now. But I donââ¬â¢t know if I can.â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t want you to leave,â⬠I mumbled pathetically, staring down again. ââ¬Å"Which is exactly why I should. But donââ¬â¢t worry. Iââ¬â¢m essentially a selfish creature. I crave your company too much to do what I should.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m glad.â⬠ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t be!â⬠He withdrew his hand, more gently this time; his voice was harsher than usual. Harsh for him, still more beautiful than any human voice. It was hard to keep up ââ¬â his sudden mood changes left me always a step behind, dazed. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not only your company I crave! Never forget that. Never forget I am more dangerous to you than I am to anyone else.â⬠He stopped, and I looked to see him gazing unseeingly into the forest. I thought for a moment. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think I understand exactly what you mean ââ¬â by that last part anyway,â⬠I said. He looked back at me and smiled, his mood shifting yet again. ââ¬Å"How do I explain?â⬠he mused. ââ¬Å"And without frightening you againâ⬠¦ hmmmm.â⬠Without seeming to think about it, he placed his hand back in mine; I held it tightly in both of mine. He looked at our hands. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s amazingly pleasant, the warmth.â⬠He sighed. A moment passed as he assembled his thoughts. ââ¬Å"You know how everyone enjoys different flavors?â⬠he began. ââ¬Å"Some people love chocolate ice cream, others prefer strawberry?â⬠I nodded. ââ¬Å"Sorry about the food analogy ââ¬â I couldnââ¬â¢t think of another way to explain.â⬠I smiled. He smiled ruefully back. ââ¬Å"You see, every person smells different, has a different essence. If you locked an alcoholic in a room full of stale beer, heââ¬â¢d gladly drink it. But he could resist, if he wished to, if he were a recovering alcoholic. Now letââ¬â¢s say you placed in that room a glass of hundred-year-old brandy, the rarest, finest cognac ââ¬â and filled the room with its warm aroma ââ¬â how do you think he would fare then?â⬠We sat silently, looking into each otherââ¬â¢s eyes ââ¬â trying to read each otherââ¬â¢s thoughts. He broke the silence first. ââ¬Å"Maybe thatââ¬â¢s not the right comparison. Maybe it would be too easy to turn down the brandy. Perhaps I should have made our alcoholic a heroin addict instead.â⬠ââ¬Å"So what youââ¬â¢re saying is, Iââ¬â¢m your brand of heroin?â⬠I teased, trying to lighten the mood. He smiled swiftly, seeming to appreciate my effort. ââ¬Å"Yes, you are exactly my brand of heroin.â⬠ââ¬Å"Does that happen often?â⬠I asked. He looked across the treetops, thinking through his response. ââ¬Å"I spoke to my brothers about it.â⬠He still stared into the distance. ââ¬Å"To Jasper, every one of you is much the same. Heââ¬â¢s the most recent to join our family. Itââ¬â¢s a struggle for him to abstain at all. He hasnââ¬â¢t had time to grow sensitive to the differences in smell, in flavor.â⬠He glanced swiftly at me, his expression apologetic. ââ¬Å"Sorry,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t mind. Please donââ¬â¢t worry about offending me, or frightening me, or whichever. Thatââ¬â¢s the way you think. I can understand, or I can try to at least. Just explain however you can.â⬠He took a deep breath and gazed at the sky again. ââ¬Å"So Jasper wasnââ¬â¢t sure if heââ¬â¢d ever come across someone who was asâ⬠ââ¬â he hesitated, looking for the right word ââ¬â ââ¬Å"appealing as you are to me. Which makes me think not. Emmett has been on the wagon longer, so to speak, and he understood what I meant. He says twice, for him, once stronger than the other.â⬠ââ¬Å"And for you?â⬠ââ¬Å"Never.â⬠The word hung there for a moment in the warm breeze. ââ¬Å"What did Emmett do?â⬠I asked to break the silence. It was the wrong question to ask. His face grew dark, his hand clenched into a fist inside mine. He looked away. I waited, but he wasnââ¬â¢t going to answer. ââ¬Å"I guess I know,â⬠I finally said. He lifted his eyes; his expression was wistful, pleading. ââ¬Å"Even the strongest of us fall off the wagon, donââ¬â¢t we?â⬠ââ¬Å"What are you asking? My permission?â⬠My voice was sharper than Iââ¬â¢d intended. I tried to make my tone kinder ââ¬â I could guess what his honesty must cost him. ââ¬Å"I mean, is there no hope, then?â⬠How calmly I could discuss my own death! ââ¬Å"No, no!â⬠He was instantly contrite. ââ¬Å"Of course thereââ¬â¢s hope! I mean, of course I wonââ¬â¢tâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He left the sentence hanging. His eyes burned into mine. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s different for us. Emmettâ⬠¦ these were strangers he happened across. It was a long time ago, and he wasnââ¬â¢t asâ⬠¦ practiced, as careful, as he is now.â⬠He fell silent and watched me intently as I thought it through. ââ¬Å"So if weââ¬â¢d metâ⬠¦ oh, in a dark alley or somethingâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ I trailed off. ââ¬Å"It took everything I had not to jump up in the middle of that class full of children and -â⬠He stopped abruptly, looking away. ââ¬Å"When you walked past me, I could have ruined everything Carlisle has built for us, right then and there. If I hadnââ¬â¢t been denying my thirst for the last, well, too many years, I wouldnââ¬â¢t have been able to stop myself.â⬠He paused, scowling at the trees. He glanced at me grimly, both of us remembering. ââ¬Å"You must have thought I was possessed.â⬠ââ¬Å"I couldnââ¬â¢t understand why. How you could hate me so quicklyâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"To me, it was like you were some kind of demon, summoned straight from my own personal hell to ruin me. The fragrance coming off your skinâ⬠¦ I thought it would make me deranged that first day. In that one hour, I thought of a hundred different ways to lure you from the room with me, to get you alone. And I fought them each back, thinking of my family, what I could do to them. I had to run out, to get away before I could speak the words that would make you followâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He looked up then at my staggered expression as I tried to absorb his bitter memories. His golden eyes scorched from under his lashes, hypnotic and deadly. ââ¬Å"You would have come,â⬠he promised. I tried to speak calmly. ââ¬Å"Without a doubt.â⬠He frowned down at my hands, releasing me from the force of his stare. ââ¬Å"And then, as I tried to rearrange my schedule in a pointless attempt to avoid you, you were there ââ¬â in that close, warm little room, the scent was maddening. I so very nearly took you then. There was only one other frail human there ââ¬â so easily dealt with.â⬠I shivered in the warm sun, seeing my memories anew through his eyes, only now grasping the danger. Poor Ms. Cope; I shivered again at how close Iââ¬â¢d come to being inadvertently responsible for her death. ââ¬Å"But I resisted. I donââ¬â¢t know how. I forced myself not to wait for you, not to follow you from the school. It was easier outside, when I couldnââ¬â¢t smell you anymore, to think clearly, to make the right decision. I left the others near home ââ¬â I was too ashamed to tell them how weak I was, they only knew something was very wrong ââ¬â and then I went straight to Carlisle, at the hospital, to tell him I was leaving.â⬠I stared in surprise. ââ¬Å"I traded cars with him ââ¬â he had a full tank of gas and I didnââ¬â¢t want to stop. I didnââ¬â¢t dare to go home, to face Esme. She wouldnââ¬â¢t have let me go without a scene. She would have tried to convince me that it wasnââ¬â¢t necessaryâ⬠¦ ââ¬Å"By the next morning I was in Alaska.â⬠He sounded ashamed, as if admitting a great cowardice. ââ¬Å"I spent two days there, with some old acquaintancesâ⬠¦ but I was homesick. I hated knowing Iââ¬â¢d upset Esme, and the rest of them, my adopted family. In the pure air of the mountains it was hard to believe you were so irresistible. I convinced myself it was weak to run away. Iââ¬â¢d dealt with temptation before, not of this magnitude, not even close, but I was strong. Who were you, an insignificant little girlâ⬠ââ¬â he grinned suddenly ââ¬â ââ¬Å"to chase me from the place I wanted to be? So I came backâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He stared off into space. I couldnââ¬â¢t speak. ââ¬Å"I took precautions, hunting, feeding more than usual before seeing you again. I was sure that I was strong enough to treat you like any other human. I was arrogant about it. ââ¬Å"It was unquestionably a complication that I couldnââ¬â¢t simply read your thoughts to know what your reaction was to me. I wasnââ¬â¢t used to having to go to such circuitous measures, listening to your words in Jessicaââ¬â¢s mindâ⬠¦ her mind isnââ¬â¢t very original, and it was annoying to have to stoop to that. And then I couldnââ¬â¢t know if you really meant what you said. It was all extremely irritating.â⬠He frowned at the memory. ââ¬Å"I wanted you to forget my behavior that first day, if possible, so I tried to talk with you like I would with any person. I was eager actually, hoping to decipher some of your thoughts. But you were too interesting, I found myself caught up in your expressionsâ⬠¦ and every now and then you would stir the air with your hand or your hair, and the scent would stun me againâ⬠¦ ââ¬Å"Of course, then you were nearly crushed to death in front of my eyes. Later I thought of a perfectly good excuse for why I acted at that moment ââ¬â because if I hadnââ¬â¢t saved you, if your blood had been spilled there in front of me, I donââ¬â¢t think I could have stopped myself from exposing us for what we are. But I only thought of that excuse later. At the time, all I could think was, ââ¬ËNot her.'â⬠He closed his eyes, lost in his agonized confession. I listened, more eager than rational. Common sense told me I should be terrified. Instead, I was relieved to finally understand. And I was filled with compassion for his suffering, even now, as he confessed his craving to take my life. I finally was able to speak, though my voice was faint. ââ¬Å"In the hospital?â⬠His eyes flashed up to mine. ââ¬Å"I was appalled. I couldnââ¬â¢t believe I had put us in danger after all, put myself in your power ââ¬â you of all people. As if I needed another motive to kill you.â⬠We both flinched as that word slipped out. ââ¬Å"But it had the opposite effect,â⬠he continued quickly. ââ¬Å"I fought with Rosalie, Emmett, and Jasper when they suggested that now was the timeâ⬠¦ the worst fight weââ¬â¢ve ever had. Carlisle sided with me, and Alice.â⬠He grimaced when he said her name. I couldnââ¬â¢t imagine why. ââ¬Å"Esme told me to do whatever I had to in order to stay.â⬠He shook his head indulgently. ââ¬Å"All that next day I eavesdropped on the minds of everyone you spoke to, shocked that you kept your word. I didnââ¬â¢t understand you at all. But I knew that I couldnââ¬â¢t become more involved with you. I did my very best to stay as far from you as possible. And every day the perfume of your skin, your breath, your hairâ⬠¦ it hit me as hard as the very first day.â⬠He met my eyes again, and they were surprisingly tender. ââ¬Å"And for all that,â⬠he continued, ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢d have fared better if I had exposed us all at that first moment, than if now, here ââ¬â with no witnesses and nothing to stop me ââ¬â I were to hurt you.â⬠I was human enough to have to ask. ââ¬Å"Why?â⬠ââ¬Å"Isabella.â⬠He pronounced my full name carefully, then playfully ruffled my hair with his free hand. A shock ran through my body at his casual touch. ââ¬Å"Bella, I couldnââ¬â¢t live with myself if I ever hurt you. You donââ¬â¢t know how itââ¬â¢s tortured me.â⬠He looked down, ashamed again. ââ¬Å"The thought of you, still, white, coldâ⬠¦ to never see you blush scarlet again, to never see that flash of intuition in your eyes when you see through my pretensesâ⬠¦ it would be unendurable.â⬠He lifted his glorious, agonized eyes to mine. ââ¬Å"You are the most important thing to me now. The most important thing to me ever.â⬠My head was spinning at the rapid change in direction our conversation had taken. From the cheerful topic of my impending demise, we were suddenly declaring ourselves. He waited, and even though I looked down to study our hands between us, I knew his golden eyes were on me. ââ¬Å"You already know how I feel, of course,â⬠I finally said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m hereâ⬠¦ which, roughly translated, means I would rather die than stay away from you.â⬠I frowned. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m an idiot.â⬠ââ¬Å"You are an idiot,â⬠he agreed with a laugh. Our eyes met, and I laughed, too. We laughed together at the idiocy and sheer impossibility of such a moment. ââ¬Å"And so the lion fell in love with the lambâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ he murmured. I looked away, hiding my eyes as I thrilled to the word. ââ¬Å"What a stupid lamb,â⬠I sighed. ââ¬Å"What a sick, masochistic lion.â⬠He stared into the shadowy forest for a long moment, and I wondered where his thoughts had taken him. ââ¬Å"Whyâ⬠¦ ?â⬠I began, and then paused, not sure how to continue. He looked at me and smiled; sunlight glinted off his face, his teeth. ââ¬Å"Yes?â⬠ââ¬Å"Tell me why you ran from me before.â⬠His smile faded. ââ¬Å"You know why.â⬠ââ¬Å"No, I mean, exactly what did I do wrong? Iââ¬â¢ll have to be on my guard, you see, so I better start learning what I shouldnââ¬â¢t do. This, for exampleâ⬠ââ¬â I stroked the back of his hand ââ¬â ââ¬Å"seems to be all right.â⬠He smiled again. ââ¬Å"You didnââ¬â¢t do anything wrong, Bella. It was my fault.â⬠ââ¬Å"But I want to help, if I can, to not make this harder for you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Wellâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He contemplated for a moment. ââ¬Å"It was just how close you were. Most humans instinctively shy away from us, are repelled by our aliennessâ⬠¦ I wasnââ¬â¢t expecting you to come so close. And the smell of your throat.â⬠He stopped short, looking to see if heââ¬â¢d upset me. ââ¬Å"Okay, then,â⬠I said flippantly, trying to alleviate the suddenly tense atmosphere. I tucked my chin. ââ¬Å"No throat exposure.â⬠It worked; he laughed. ââ¬Å"No, really, it was more the surprise than anything else.â⬠He raised his free hand and placed it gently on the side of my neck. I sat very still, the chill of his touch a natural warning ââ¬â a warning telling me to be terrified. But there was no feeling of fear in me. There were, however, other feelingsâ⬠¦ ââ¬Å"You see,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"Perfectly fine.â⬠My blood was racing, and I wished I could slow it, sensing that this must make everything so much more difficult ââ¬â the thudding of my pulse in my veins. Surely he could hear it. ââ¬Å"The blush on your cheeks is lovely,â⬠he murmured. He gently freed his other hand. My hands fell limply into my lap. Softly he brushed my cheek, then held my face between his marble hands. ââ¬Å"Be very still,â⬠he whispered, as if I wasnââ¬â¢t already frozen. Slowly, never moving his eyes from mine, he leaned toward me. Then abruptly, but very gently, he rested his cold cheek against the hollow at the base of my throat. I was quite unable to move, even if Iââ¬â¢d wanted to. I listened to the sound of his even breathing, watching the sun and wind play in his bronze hair, more human than any other part of him. With deliberate slowness, his hands slid down the sides of my neck. I shivered, and I heard him catch his breath. But his hands didnââ¬â¢t pause as they softly moved to my shoulders, and then stopped. His face drifted to the side, his nose skimming across my collarbone. He came to rest with the side of his face pressed tenderly against my chest. Listening to my heart. ââ¬Å"Ah,â⬠he sighed. I donââ¬â¢t know how long we sat without moving. It could have been hours. Eventually the throb of my pulse quieted, but he didnââ¬â¢t move or speak again as he held me. I knew at any moment it could be too much, and my life could end ââ¬â so quickly that I might not even notice. And I couldnââ¬â¢t make myself be afraid. I couldnââ¬â¢t think of anything, except that he was touching me. And then, too soon, he released me. His eyes were peaceful. ââ¬Å"It wonââ¬â¢t be so hard again,â⬠he said with satisfaction. ââ¬Å"Was that very hard for you?â⬠ââ¬Å"Not nearly as bad as I imagined it would be. And you?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, it wasnââ¬â¢t badâ⬠¦ for me.â⬠He smiled at my inflection. ââ¬Å"You know what I mean.â⬠I smiled. ââ¬Å"Here.â⬠He took my hand and placed it against his cheek. ââ¬Å"Do you feel how warm it is?â⬠And it was almost warm, his usually icy skin. But I barely noticed, for I was touching his face, something Iââ¬â¢d dreamed of constantly since the first day Iââ¬â¢d seen him. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t move,â⬠I whispered. No one could be still like Edward. He closed his eyes and became as immobile as stone, a carving under my hand. I moved even more slowly than he had, careful not to make one unexpected move. I caressed his cheek, delicately stroked his eyelid, the purple shadow in the hollow under his eye. I traced the shape of his perfect nose, and then, so carefully, his flawless lips. His lips parted under my hand, and I could feel his cool breath on my fingertips. I wanted to lean in, to inhale the scent of him. So I dropped my hand and leaned away, not wanting to push him too far. He opened his eyes, and they were hungry. Not in a way to make me fear, but rather to tighten the muscles in the pit of my stomach and send my pulse hammering through my veins again. ââ¬Å"I wish,â⬠he whispered, ââ¬Å"I wish you could feel theâ⬠¦ complexityâ⬠¦ the confusionâ⬠¦ I feel. That you could understand.â⬠He raised his hand to my hair, then carefully brushed it across my face. ââ¬Å"Tell me,â⬠I breathed. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think I can. Iââ¬â¢ve told you, on the one hand, the hunger ââ¬â the thirst ââ¬â that, deplorable creature that I am, I feel for you. And I think you can understand that, to an extent. Thoughâ⬠ââ¬â he half-smiled ââ¬â ââ¬Å"as you are not addicted to any illegal substances, you probably canââ¬â¢t empathize completely. ââ¬Å"Butâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ His fingers touched my lips lightly, making me shiver again. ââ¬Å"There are other hungers. Hungers I donââ¬â¢t even understand, that are foreign to me.â⬠ââ¬Å"I may understand that better than you think.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not used to feeling so human. Is it always like this?â⬠ââ¬Å"For me?â⬠I paused. ââ¬Å"No, never. Never before this.â⬠He held my hands between his. They felt so feeble in his iron strength. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know how to be close to you,â⬠he admitted. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know if I can.â⬠I leaned forward very slowly, cautioning him with my eyes. I placed my cheek against his stone chest. I could hear his breath, and nothing else. ââ¬Å"This is enough,â⬠I sighed, closing my eyes. In a very human gesture, he put his arms around me and pressed his face against my hair. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re better at this than you give yourself credit for,â⬠I noted. ââ¬Å"I have human instincts ââ¬â they may be buried deep, but theyââ¬â¢re there.â⬠We sat like that for another immeasurable moment; I wondered if he could be as unwilling to move as I was. But I could see the light was fading, the shadows of the forest beginning to touch us, and I sighed. ââ¬Å"You have to go.â⬠ââ¬Å"I thought you couldnââ¬â¢t read my mind.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s getting clearer.â⬠I could hear a smile in his voice. He took my shoulders and I looked into his face. ââ¬Å"Can I show you something?â⬠he asked, sudden excitement flaring in his eyes. ââ¬Å"Show me what?â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll show you how I travel in the forest.â⬠He saw my expression. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t worry, youââ¬â¢ll be very safe, and weââ¬â¢ll get to your truck much faster.â⬠His mouth twitched up into that crooked smile so beautiful my heart nearly stopped. ââ¬Å"Will you turn into a bat?â⬠I asked warily. He laughed, louder than Iââ¬â¢d ever heard. ââ¬Å"Like I havenââ¬â¢t heard that one before!â⬠ââ¬Å"Right, Iââ¬â¢m sure you get that all the time.â⬠ââ¬Å"Come on, little coward, climb on my back.â⬠I waited to see if he was kidding, but, apparently, he meant it. He smiled as he read my hesitation, and reached for me. My heart reacted; even though he couldnââ¬â¢t hear my thoughts, my pulse always gave me away. He then proceeded to sling me onto his back, with very little effort on my part, besides, when in place, clamping my legs and arms so tightly around him that it would choke a normal person. It was like clinging to a stone. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m a bit heavier than your average backpack,â⬠I warned. ââ¬Å"Hah!â⬠he snorted. I could almost hear his eyes rolling. Iââ¬â¢d never seen him in such high spirits before. He startled me, suddenly grabbing my hand, pressing my palm to his face, and inhaling deeply. ââ¬Å"Easier all the time,â⬠he muttered. And then he was running. If Iââ¬â¢d ever feared death before in his presence, it was nothing compared to how I felt now. He streaked through the dark, thick underbrush of the forest like a bullet, like a ghost. There was no sound, no evidence that his feet touched the earth. His breathing never changed, never indicated any effort. But the trees flew by at deadly speeds, always missing us by inches. I was too terrified to close my eyes, though the cool forest air whipped against my face and burned them. I felt as if I were stupidly sticking my head out the window of an airplane in flight. And, for the first time in my life, I felt the dizzy faintness of motion sickness. Then it was over. Weââ¬â¢d hiked hours this morning to reach Edwardââ¬â¢s meadow, and now, in a matter of minutes, we were back to the truck. ââ¬Å"Exhilarating, isnââ¬â¢t it?â⬠His voice was high, excited. He stood motionless, waiting for me to climb down. I tried, but my muscles wouldnââ¬â¢t respond. My arms and legs stayed locked around him while my head spun uncomfortably. ââ¬Å"Bella?â⬠he asked, anxious now. ââ¬Å"I think I need to lie down,â⬠I gasped. ââ¬Å"Oh, sorry.â⬠He waited for me, but I still couldnââ¬â¢t move. ââ¬Å"I think I need help,â⬠I admitted. He laughed quietly, and gently unloosened my stranglehold on his neck. There was no resisting the iron strength of his hands. Then he pulled me around to face him, cradling me in his arms like a small child. He held me for a moment, then carefully placed me on the springy ferns. ââ¬Å"How do you feel?â⬠he asked. I couldnââ¬â¢t be sure how I felt when my head was spinning so crazily. ââ¬Å"Dizzy, I think.â⬠ââ¬Å"Put your head between your knees.â⬠I tried that, and it helped a little. I breathed in and out slowly, keeping my head very still. I felt him sitting beside me. The moments passed, and eventually I found that I could raise my head. There was a hollow ringing sound in my ears. ââ¬Å"I guess that wasnââ¬â¢t the best idea,â⬠he mused. I tried to be positive, but my voice was weak. ââ¬Å"No, it was very interesting.â⬠ââ¬Å"Hah! Youââ¬â¢re as white as a ghost ââ¬â no, youââ¬â¢re as white as me!â⬠ââ¬Å"I think I should have closed my eyes.â⬠ââ¬Å"Remember that next time.â⬠ââ¬Å"Next time!â⬠I groaned. He laughed, his mood still radiant. ââ¬Å"Show-off,â⬠I muttered. ââ¬Å"Open your eyes, Bella,â⬠he said quietly. And he was right there, his face so close to mine. His beauty stunned my mind ââ¬â it was too much, an excess I couldnââ¬â¢t grow accustomed to. ââ¬Å"I was thinking, while I was runningâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He paused. ââ¬Å"About not hitting the trees, I hope.â⬠ââ¬Å"Silly Bella,â⬠he chuckled. ââ¬Å"Running is second nature to me, itââ¬â¢s not something I have to think about.â⬠ââ¬Å"Show-off,â⬠I muttered again. He smiled. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠he continued, ââ¬Å"I was thinking there was something I wanted to try.â⬠And he took my face in his hands again. I couldnââ¬â¢t breathe. He hesitated ââ¬â not in the normal way, the human way. Not the way a man might hesitate before he kissed a woman, to gauge her reaction, to see how he would be received. Perhaps he would hesitate to prolong the moment, that ideal moment of anticipation, sometimes better than the kiss itself. Edward hesitated to test himself, to see if this was safe, to make sure he was still in control of his need. And then his cold, marble lips pressed very softly against mine. What neither of us was prepared for was my response. Blood boiled under my skin, burned in my lips. My breath came in a wild gasp. My fingers knotted in his hair, clutching him to me. My lips parted as I breathed in his heady scent. Immediately I felt him turn to unresponsive stone beneath my lips. His hands gently, but with irresistible force, pushed my face back. I opened my eyes and saw his guarded expression. ââ¬Å"Oops,â⬠I breathed. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s an understatement.â⬠His eyes were wild, his jaw clenched in acute restraint, yet he didnââ¬â¢t lapse from his perfect articulation. He held my face just inches from his. He dazzled my eyes. ââ¬Å"Should Iâ⬠¦ ?â⬠I tried to disengage myself, to give him some room. His hands refused to let me move so much as an inch. ââ¬Å"No, itââ¬â¢s tolerable. Wait for a moment, please.â⬠His voice was polite, controlled. I kept my eyes on his, watched as the excitement in them faded and gentled. Then he smiled a surprisingly impish grin. ââ¬Å"There,â⬠he said, obviously pleased with himself. ââ¬Å"Tolerable?â⬠I asked. He laughed aloud. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m stronger than I thought. Itââ¬â¢s nice to know.â⬠ââ¬Å"I wish I could say the same. Iââ¬â¢m sorry.â⬠ââ¬Å"You are only human, after all.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thanks so much,â⬠I said, my voice acerbic. He was on his feet in one of his lithe, almost invisibly quick movements. He held out his hand to me, an unexpected gesture. I was so used to our standard of careful non-contact. I took his icy hand, needing the support more than I thought. My balance had not yet returned. ââ¬Å"Are you still faint from the run? Or was it my kissing expertise?â⬠How lighthearted, how human he seemed as he laughed now, his seraphic face untroubled. He was a different Edward than the one I had known. And I felt all the more besotted by him. It would cause me physical pain to be separated from him now. ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t be sure, Iââ¬â¢m still woozy,â⬠I managed to respond. ââ¬Å"I think itââ¬â¢s some of both, though.â⬠ââ¬Å"Maybe you should let me drive.â⬠ââ¬Å"Are you insane?â⬠I protested. ââ¬Å"I can drive better than you on your best day,â⬠he teased. ââ¬Å"You have much slower reflexes.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sure thatââ¬â¢s true, but I donââ¬â¢t think my nerves, or my truck, could take it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Some trust, please, Bella.â⬠My hand was in my pocket, curled tightly around the key. I pursed my lips, deliberated, then shook my head with a tight grin. ââ¬Å"Nope. Not a chance.â⬠He raised his eyebrows in disbelief. I started to step around him, heading for the driverââ¬â¢s side. He might have let me pass if I hadnââ¬â¢t wobbled slightly. Then again, he might not have. His arm created an inescapable snare around my waist. ââ¬Å"Bella, Iââ¬â¢ve already expended a great deal of personal effort at this point to keep you alive. Iââ¬â¢m not about to let you behind the wheel of a vehicle when you canââ¬â¢t even walk straight. Besides, friends donââ¬â¢t let friends drive drunk,â⬠he quoted with a chuckle. I could smell the unbearably sweet fragrance coming off his chest. ââ¬Å"Drunk?â⬠I objected. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re intoxicated by my very presence.â⬠He was grinning that playful smirk again. ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t argue with that,â⬠I sighed. There was no way around it; I couldnââ¬â¢t resist him in anything. I held the key high and dropped it, watching his hand flash like lightning to catch it soundlessly. ââ¬Å"Take it easy ââ¬â my truck is a senior citizen.â⬠ââ¬Å"Very sensible,â⬠he approved. ââ¬Å"And are you not affected at all?â⬠I asked, irked. ââ¬Å"By my presence?â⬠Again his mobile features transformed, his expression became soft, warm. He didnââ¬â¢t answer at first; he simply bent his face to mine, and brushed his lips slowly along my jaw, from my ear to my chin, back and forth. I trembled. ââ¬Å"Regardless,â⬠he finally murmured, ââ¬Å"I have better reflexes.â⬠How to cite Twilight 13. CONFESSIONS, Essay examples
Schindlers List Summary Example For Students
Schindlers List Summary Schindlerââ¬â¢s List retells the heroic actions of Oskar Schindler. Once a poor Czechoslovakian businessman, Oskar Schindler sees the oncoming world war as a chance to reinvigorate his life by taking advantage of the Nazi regimeââ¬â¢s hatred towards Jews. Oskar would find great success in his munitions factory by through securing large deals from Nazi officers, due to his close connections, and his use of cheap Jewish labor. However, as Oskar beared witness to more and more heinous crimes committed against the Jews, Oskar could no longer stand by while thousands of innocent Jews were slaughtered at the hand of Nazis. This would change Oskarââ¬â¢s goal from trying to make a fortune by taking advantage of the Jews to attempting to save as many Jews as possible. From this it is evident that Oskar Schindler is the hero from Schindlerââ¬â¢s List as he single handedly saved thousands of lives. Truly one of the greatest heroes to come out of the Holocaust, Oskar Schindler risked everything to save all the Jews he could. Initially indifferent about the poor treatment of the Jews, Schindler would change his ways and work to save the Jews, only adding to his greatness displaying his change of heart to do what is just even when it is against his well-being. Schindlerââ¬â¢s disregard for the life of the Jews in at the beginning of the film can be seen during his meeting with the old man with one arm who wanted the thank him. Rather than being receptive to the praise he received, Schindler was angered by this man as he was a liability to the profits he was so keen on making. However after seeing the cruel clearance of the Jewish ghettos, specifically the little girl in the red dress, Schindler sees just how disgusting and inhumane the Naziââ¬â¢s truly are and is determined to make a difference. After several lucrative contracts with the Naziââ¬â¢s Schindler had amasses a massive fortune, one large enough to buy the lives of over a thousand Jews. Not only this, but after saving their lives by giving them use in the ammunition factory, Schindler would go about and offset many of the machines to make his bullets and guns ineffective in combat, helping the Allied war effort. This scheme despite being ingenious was tremendously costly and while Schindler had a rather impressive fortune, he ran broke by the end of the war. This only shows his hero like characteristics even more though, as he sacrificed everything he has owned simply to save the lives of people he knew nothing about, thus truly making Schindler the hero of Schindlerââ¬â¢s List. In summation, the hero of Steven Spielbergââ¬â¢s, Schindlerââ¬â¢s List, is non other than Oskar Schindler. His actions during the Holocaust is nothing short of a real-life Superman, as he sacrificed everything, both his money and lifestyle, to save the lives of Jews. Had it not been for Schindlerââ¬â¢s strong mental fortitude and ability to place people above himself, many of the Jews seen in the film, including Itzhak Stern would have been killed in the many mass murderers that took place. While others may argue that Schindler was not a true hero as his just intention did not come about until after his viewing of the Nazi crimes, to many others this only proves that Schindler is the hero as it takes twice the courage for an ordinary man to go above and beyond to reinforce the law than a law enforcing office who had trained their whole lives to protect and preserve the sanctity of not only laws but human rights.
Monday, May 4, 2020
Anti-Oppressive Practice
Question: How might homophobia be explained and how effectively is it being challenged? Answer: Introduction Homophobia mainly refers to that particular negative feeling that many people have towards those people who are lesbian, gay and bisexual as well as transgendered LGBT. It has been seen that this often leads to harassment, victimization, and bullying. This research will help in explaining the different challenges of homophobia (Aasif and Vasishtha, 2015). The challenges of Homophobia have increased significantly throughout the world. The homophobic language has been considered to be the main cause for the misunderstanding between the people. It is very important to understand the actual meanings of the words such as gay, sexual orientation or other. Moreover, the paper will reflect the concepts of inequality, power, and the social justice among the people. Explanation The detrimental impact of the Homophobia creates the desired real consequences for the emotional health and the physical well-being of the concerned students. Homophobia affects the mental and the physical condition of the people suffering from it. On the other hand, it lowers the self-esteem of the people and there are many of the students those who suffer from the homophobic violence irrespective of the different sexual feelings (Acker, Larrington, and Shippey, 2013). The homophobic Bullying includes the3 physical violence by calling the names of the other persons, putting down jokes, threatening the other people or sexual harassment. This leads to affect the respective health condition of the people (Bank, Delamont, and Marshall, 2007). Moreover, the homophobia can be explained as the desired negative feeling of the individuals or the negative attitude that makes them feel ignorance, hatred, fear and prejudice. Challenges of homophobia There are certain challenges from the behavior of the different types of peoples regarding homophobia. Sometimes the homophobic languages are perceived to be harmless for the students. It is a matter of fact that use of the word gay does not signify the meaning stupid or rubbish as it is seen homophobic globally. There are vast changes to discuss on the diverse sexuality and the different learning areas. It is very important to develop an effective culture, as it will spread the desired message of homophobia (Bowman and Bennett, 2013). Moreover, the people should understand the importance of understanding the different aspects and the actual meaning of homophobia and the people should ensure that they should understand the meanings of homophobia bullying (Cruz, 2015). Homophobia may manifest itself in several ways but there are certainly other examples such as bullying, name-calling, exclusion, violence, sexual violence, murder and in severe cases. Asexuality is the desired term whic h signifies the lack of the sexual attraction to the respective people or having no interest in sex. The primary aim should be to understand the desired issues due to the diversity and people should respect each other regardless of the different sexual orientation (Goldsborough, 2014). The gender identity' is one of the major points that should be clear to the concerned people. It is thy own desired perception of the particular people regardless of whether its perception matches its personality or not. The concept of the homophobic languages evaluates the fact that it is the terms of abuse and mainly used for the lesbians, gay as well as the bisexual people. On the other hand, the homophobic language is used for referring the people as inferior. Therefore, these concepts highlight that that homophobia is challenged. Moreover, the desired homophobic language is used without thinking and is sometimes ignored by the students as well as the teachers. The above explanation critically hig hlights the inequality and the discrimination that is prevailing within the society. Most of the problems arise due to the homophobic language if anybody hears gay, he pretends to be the gay which has the physical relations with that of the other people, but in general, this is not the actual meaning. It has been found that more than 95% of teacher uses the phrase, you are so much gay. This critically presents double meaning for most of the people. The facts arise that, most of the students or the pupils are commenting while using these words but, in general, they do not resemble the meaning signifying the sexual orientation or the sexual life of any particular people. Therefore, these are the facts that critically suggest that; homophobia is critically challenged in most of the places (Natarelli et al., 2015). There are several impact of the homophobic language such as in most of the schools the teachers uses the word pupil' regardless of referring it to the sexual orientation. It has been found that almost two third of the gay, lesbians, and the bisexual pupils exp eriences the homophobic bullying. On the other hand, the young people who experienced the homophobic bullying leave the respective school at the age of 16. Moreover, there are a large number of the people who beehives that the homophobic bullying has created a great impact on their place of work (Puckett et al., 2015). Therefore, it was very difficult for the people to evaluate the different meanings of the words included within the homophobic language. It had many of the well-known consequences, the people or the students those experienced the homophobic burying had skipped their respective institutions or the school at some point. The homophobic language has become the most vital challenge for the people living all over the world. it is very crucial for a maximum number of the people to understand the different aspects and the meaning of the words used in the homophobic language. On the other hand, the desired culture prevailing within the society or the respective schools is impo rtant in order to understand the actual meanings of the words used in the homophobic language. It is evident to know that the school culture which permits the desired use of the homophobic language makes it difficult for the pupils and they starts suffering from bullying and homophobic name calling. Moreover, the homophobic language is the language which signifies the people who mainly thought to be the gay or lesbian or bisexual (Schmidtberger, 2010). There are certain groups of people who can be considered to be in the homophobic class such as the boys who do not play any types of sports at the school or elsewhere. Some of the girls who start behaving or acting like the boys are under this particular category. There are some of the girls those who do not take part in the sports can be affected by the homophobic language. Thus, these are the students as well as the teachers who are crucially affected by the homophobic language (Weber-Gilmore, Rose, and Rubinstein, 2011). The homoph obic language has the significant effect on the physical as well as t6he mental condition of the people. The homophobia is the desired result or the cause of the homophobic language which affects the students, teachers or any particular individual at any point in time in their life cycle, such as in their education, secondary or the primary schools or in any other places. Effective strategies The most effective strategy for reducing the effect of homophobia is to create awareness among the people coming from diverse cultures regarding the use of the words including within the homophobic language. On the other hand, the use of the words such as gay or bullying needs to be stopped in order to maintain healthy atmospheres in the respective schools or the colleges. The homophobic language has the adverse effect on the self-esteem of the people, therefore, it is the core responsibilities of common people to understand the actual meanings of these words and they should use these words if needed only. The language affects the physical as well as the mental condition of the people or the students or teachers in many other ways. It is seen that if the homophobic behavior or the homophobic language remains unchallenged then a desired culture of homophobia is created and it can create a great impact on the minds of the young people (Wei, 2013). It also affects the peoples sense of b elongings, self-esteem and the particular attainment at the concerned school. Social justice is another measure to get rid of bullying or name calling or for the harassment caused to the people. Conclusion The research paper evaluates the desired facts related to the homophobia and how it is effectively challenged. The use of the words such as gay presents two meaning for the people and it critically affects the mental condition of the people suffering from it. It is very important to develop an effective culture, as it will spread the desired message of homophobia. Furthermore, the community should appreciate the importance of understanding the diverse aspects and the real connotation of homophobia and the community should ensure that they should understand the meanings of homophobia bullying. Therefore, it is very important for the people to understand the desired effects of homophobia and its crucial impact on the mental condition of the people suffering from it. References Aasif, M., and Vasishtha, H. (2015). CBVR and Classification of Video DatabaseLatest Trends, Methods, Effective Techniques, Problems, and Challenges.International Journal of Computer Applications, 125(6), pp.28-37. Acker, P., Larrington, C. and Shippey, T. (2013).Revisiting the poetic Edda. New York: Routledge. Bank, B., Delamont, S. and Marshall, C. (2007).Gender and education. Westport, Conn.: Praeger Publishers. Bowman, D. and Bennett, M. (2013). The Next Chapter of the Tobacco Wars: Unpacking the Latest Round of Constitutional Challenges.Am J Public Health, 103(8), pp.e11-e13. Cruz, G. (2015). Systematic Review of Studies Measuring the Impact of Educational Programs against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Queerphobia in Secondary Schools of North America, Western Europe and Australia.Psychology, 06(14), pp.1879-1887. Goldsborough, J. (2014).The Paris Herald. Westport, CT: Prospecta Press. Natarelli, T., Braga, I., Oliveira, W. and Silva, M. (2015). The Impact of homophobia on adolescent health.Escola Anna Nery - Revista de Enfermagem, 19(4). Puckett, J., Woodward, E., Mereish, E. and Pantalone, D. (2015). Parental Rejection Following Sexual Orientation Disclosure: Impact on Internalized Homophobia, Social Support, and Mental Health.LGBT Health, 2(3), pp.265-269. Schmidtberger, J. (2010).Aging with HIV. Oxford University Press, USA. Schmidtberger, J. (2010).Aging with HIV. Oxford University Press, USA. Weber-Gilmore, G., Rose, S., and Rubinstein, R. (2011). The Impact of Internalized Homophobia on Outness for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals.TPC, 1(3), pp.163-175. Wei, S. (2013). The interest rate as a monetary policy instrument in China: applications, challenges and latest reforms.Law Fin Markets Rev, 7(4), pp.199-206.
Monday, March 30, 2020
Gender Stress free essay sample
The data did not reveal any significant statistical differences between sources of stress for male and female officers. The findings did however reflect significant statistical differences in the coping strategies and self-reporting of physical Illnesses between male and female officers. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT] Full Text Headphone Abstract This mixed-method research surveyed 271 officers in Florida to examine if a deference exists in critical life events (sources of stress) experienced by law enforcement officers. Descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square, NOVA andCockroachs Alpha were used to analyze the data. The data did not reveal any significant statistical differences between sources of stress for male and female officers. The findings did however reflect significant statistical differences in the coping strategies and self-reporting of physical illnesses between male and female officers. Key Words: Stress, Gender, coping strategies, Law enforcement officers. Introduction Police work is a highly stressful occupation, and police officers are frequently exposed to stresses that are unique to their Jobs. We will write a custom essay sample on Gender Stress or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Their role of protecting he public, for Instance, makes It possible to anticipate both positive and negative been empirically linked to the physiological and psychological illness of officers and to the decreased quality and quantity of police service. Moreover, the law enforcement culture plays a direct role in the causation of traumatic stress reactions, and organization factors are particularly relevant when dealing with duty related psychological trauma (Renee et al. , p. 7). Over the years, policing has been characterized as appropriate only for males and inconsistent with socially acceptable female activities (Lindsay et al. 002). With the increasing number of women Joining the profession, issues regarding the impact of the Job, its stresses, and the effect of a male dominated subculture on women have come to the fore. Historically, research into police stress is most often descriptive or anecdotal. To adequately understand, predict, and control stress among the law enforcement officers, particularly among female officers, more empirical study is necessary. To this end, this mixed-method research surveyed 271 officers in Florida to examine if a difference exists in critical life events (sources of stress) experienced y law enforcement officers.The instrument used was a modified version of Swells Law Enforcement Critical Life Events Scale (LESS) survey. The LESS is a 144-item instrument that examines police stress based on individual events (Swell, 1983). The sample for this study was drawn from a population of 734 municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in the Tampa Bay, Florida, area each of whom had a minimum of 5 years of active law enforcement experience. Officers were administered a Liker-type attitudinal scale to rate their perceived stress on a scale of O to 5, or none to very high.Agency Profile Respondents were drawn from five agencies within the Tampa Ba y each of which was accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation Law Enforcement Agencies at the national level or the Florida Commission Law Enforcement Accreditation (or both). On The successful accomplishment, the accreditation process ensures that these agencies comply with a set of law enforcement standards meeting all the professionally recognized criteria. Site 1: Florida Highway Patrol The Florida Highway Patrol is Florists largest traffic law agency.In March 2002, the Florida Highway Patrol had over 1,770 troopers (sworn law enforcement officers) and 500 non sworn staff. At the time of study, Troop F of Florida Highway Patrol, located in the Tampa Bay area, was commanded by a female major in charge of charged with managing the operations in the nine counties comprising the troops geographic district. Troop F is posed of 96 male and 16 female troopers. Twelve of the females met the minimum 5-year requirement (FOP, personal e-mail, November 14, 2005).Site 2: Alkaline Police Department The city of Alkaline covers approximately 70. 5 square miles with a population of over 90,000 permanent residents. In November 2005, the LIP authorized to have 234 law enforcement officers, although, at that time, it had only 221 officer positions filled: 193 males and 28 females (LIP, personal e- mail, January 3, 2006). There were 54 sworn supervisory personnel. The LIP command leadership included one chief of police and three assistant police chiefs (one of whom was a female).The total number of females that had a minimum of 5 years of active law enforcement experience was not available. Site 3: Sarasota County Sheriffs Office Sarasota County covers approximately 620 81,000 seasonal residents, and over 1. Million tourists and visitors per year. Sarasota County Sheriffs Office has 280 male deputies and 44 female deputies. Site 4: Tampa Police Department Tampa is the largest city in Hillsboro County and it is the third most populous city in Florida. The city is 116. 1 square miles with a population of over 333,000 permanent residents.As of November 29, 2005, there were approximately 980 sworn officers, of which 110 females had a minimum of 5 years of active law enforcement experience. Two of the three assistant chiefs of police are females. Site 5: Hillsboro County Sheriffs Office Hillsboro County covers over 1 ,OHO square miles, approximately 900 square miles of which comprise unincorporated Hillsboro County. The county has a population of over 1. 1 million permanent residents, of whom 759,000 are in the unincorporated Hillsboro County area.Seasonal residents range from approximately 20,000 in midsummer to 60,000 in the winter months. The county has approximately 17 million tourists and visitors per year. Hillsboro County Sheriffs Office is the 10th largest suburban law enforcement agency, by personnel, in the nation. The agency has 103 male and 14 female supervisors and 767 male and 159 female deputies, of which 155 f the females have 5 or more years of active law enforcement experience. Demographic Profile Of the 271 respondents to the survey, 148 (55%) were male and 123 (45%) were female. The sample in this study was more heavily female oriented than the gender composition of other law enforcement agencies with 100 or more sworn law enforcement officers, but it provided a better comparison of stresses based on gender. The summary data for 2000 for state and local law enforcement agencies with 100 or more officers indicate that female officers comprise 12% of county police, 14% of municipal police, 14% of sheriff agencies and 6% of primary Tate law enforcement (Reeves Hickman, 2004).
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Light and the Glory essays
Light and the Glory essays The United States Constitution has been the bedrock for the longest lasting government in all history. Why is it that our constitution still exists after more than two hundred years? Is it the incredible minds of those that framed it, or is it something else? In 1620, the Pilgrims departed from Holland and set out for America. Ten years later, they were followed by the Puritans. The Puritans and the Pilgrims experienced incredible hardships, which forced their reliance on God. There was little to eat, and shelter was no more than an uninsulated log cabin. As new generations grew up, they began to learn how to grow and harvest crops, which supplied them with plenty to eat, and comfortable lives. They did not have to depend on God for their survival. Gradually, as the people strayed further away from God, there began to be witchcraft and many people with no moral standards at all. These once godly people had forgotten how God had miraculously provided for their grandparents. By the mid 1700s, America was in desperate need of a revival. This burden was laid on a mans heart whose name was Jonathan Edwards. Jonathan Edwards, a graduate of Yale at seventeen, began and sustained a revival that changed the course of American history. Along with George Whitefield and countless other circuit riding preachers, Jonathan Edwards brought America down on her knees before God in repentance. America was indeed a new nation. It was about this time that America began to view itself as one nation, not just a handful of independent colonies. The only problem was that the Americans were not the only ones who had settled in the New World. They were bordered on the north and west by the French and on the south by the Spanish. If anyone attempted to settle on the west side of the Appalachian Mountains, chances of survival were slim because of hostile Indians and cruel French trappers. America was far from having e...
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Some of the Trades Women Practiced in Early America on the Colonial Coursework
Some of the Trades Women Practiced in Early America on the Colonial Williamsburg site - Coursework Example Women showed that they were able to take care of their families and carry out duties like men. 1. Women worked during these situations for various reasons. Women were at home with their children while the men were off at war. Women were left with bills and responsibilities that men once took care of. The industrial and manufacturing industry needed workers to help create items for war and shops quickly began filling up with women. 2. Working affected the lives of women in many different ways. Women felt independent and no longer relied on men. Women were able to see themselves as workers who could earn money and make decisions on their own. Women quickly became use to the fact that men were not needed for survival as once thought before. Women became very busy trying to juggle work, family and household chores. Some women enjoyed all of the responsibilities while others became overwhelmed. Regardless of feelings felt, women of early America paved a way for women of the
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
EXTERNAL OR ADVOCACY WRITTEN MEMORANDUM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
EXTERNAL OR ADVOCACY WRITTEN MEMORANDUM - Essay Example Later in the night, the defendant Kerry Knight, the varsity basketball coach arrived bringing with him a keg of beer. Although there was a note which said ââ¬Å"Do not drink if under 21â⬠on the keg, most of the guests, 21 or not, drank anyway and the defendant did not stop any of them. The plaintiff was initially offered a cup of beer by his friend Richards and later went to the keg himself for a refill. The defendant left the party at one time leaving the guests drinking and finishing up the keg. The plaintiff had several more cups and when the keg was almost empty was about to leave Devinââ¬â¢s house when the defendant reappeared. He asked the plaintiff if he had drunk beer and the latter said he had a cup. The plaintiff then got his jeep key from near the TV where the coach kept all car keys and took off with his friend Taylor who asked for a ride home. The defendant did not at any time stop the plaintiff from leaving with his jeep key. On the way home, the defendant hit a tree and broke a leg. He spent the entire summer in cast and missed the next basketball season. As a consequence, his team lost that season and so did the plaintiffââ¬â¢s hope for a Division scholarship. The plaintiff is frustrated over the fact that although he can eventually still play basketball, he can never be as brilliant as it used to be in playing basketball. To decide whether or not the defendant is liable for the plaintiffââ¬â¢s injuries, it is necessary to prove that the defendant was negligent and that if so found, it was this same negligence that was the proximate cause of the plaintiffââ¬â¢s injuries. Negligence is defined in the case of Manning v. Andy 454 Pa. 237, 310 A. 2d 75 (1973) as ââ¬Å"the want of due care which a reasonable man would apply under the circumstances. Conduct is negligent only if the harmful consequences thereof could reasonably be foreseen and prevented by the exercise of reasonable care.â⬠Moreover, the elements of cause of action for negligence had been
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