What extent do the news media fulfil Habermas definition of the public sphere Essay Example

What extent do the news media fulfil Habermas definition of the public sphere Essay The concept of the public sphere has had a long tradition, both in philosophy and also social sciences. The main understanding of the term is based on the work of the German sociologist Jurgen Habermas, whom provided a comprehensive analysis of the nature of the public sphere and also its historic transformations. Habermas defines ldquo;the public sphere as the network for communication and points of view, the streams of communication are, in the process, filtered and synthesised in such a way that they coalesce into bundles of topically specified public opinionsrdquo;. The public sphere is situated between households and the state. It is a space where free and equal citizens come together and share their opinions and information and also discuss their common concerns. Habermasrsquo;s social theory is interpreted as moving over the years from a Hegelian Marxist orientation to a sort of Kantian orientation, thought not without truth; this view underestimates the unity in his intellectual project. Kant occupies a central place as the theorist who offered the fullest articulation of the ideal of the bourgeois public sphere. However, in this public sphere practical reason was institutionalized through norms of reasoned conversations in which arguments or traditions were to be decisive. Even though, Habermas rejects Kantianrsquo;s theories, and its collary historical exaltation of philosophy as arbiter and foundation of all science and culture. In his current work he argues that something remains crucial from the Kantian view of modernity. nbsp;The notion of the public sphere is at the centre of participatory approaches to democracy. The public sphere is the arena where citizens come together and exchange opinions regarding public affairs, discuss and therefore form a public opinion. This arena can be a specified place where citizens gather for instance, town halls where they meet and deliberate these issues they feel needs looking into. This can also be a communication infrastru cture through which citizens send and receive information and their opinions. We will write a custom essay sample on What extent do the news media fulfil Habermas definition of the public sphere specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on What extent do the news media fulfil Habermas definition of the public sphere specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on What extent do the news media fulfil Habermas definition of the public sphere specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The public sphere can also be good governance, and without a good public sphere, government officials cannot be held accountable for their actions and citizens will not be able to assert any influence over political decisions. Moreover, the idea of a public sphere is normative since it is an ideal of good and accountable governance. Some historical roots of the public sphere will include the ancient Greeks where citizens directly participated in political discussions. The public life was tied to a specific local where their citizens will discuss and exchange their opinions on certain issues. European monarchies where the royal court was the public sphere and only the king would determine what should be said in public. Today, the public sphere is even more strongly tied to the media; it is also defined in relation to the mass media, since the mass media permits the circulation of information and also offers the conditions were forums can function. Internet and The Public Sphere; the internet is the single most important communication breakthrough of the latter half of the last century. It has revolutionalised how individuals communicate, access information including the mass media and how they respond to and comment on social and political issues. It has been argued that the internet facilitated the philosopher Jurgen Habermas. The internet is singularly the most important development in contemporary communication, which has produced a global public sphere. Every individual has direct access to global forums where they are capable of expressing their personal opinions and arguments without mediation or censorship. nbsp;Facebook and a vast number of blogs, chat rooms and discussion boards could fulfil the conditions of a public sphere as a forum for rational and critical debates. One of the theoretical perspectives is that Habermas argues that publicness or publicity of representation was not constituted as a social realm that is a public sphere; rather it was a status attribute. nbsp;Representation in the sense in which the members of a national assembly represent a nation. (Habermas, 1962). nbsp;Habermas goes on to argue that European society in the Middle Ages showed no indication of a public sphere as a unique realm distinct from a private sphere, and each stratum of power acted as mere spectators of the authority greater than theirs However, changes in the Europersquo;s political structure in the eighteenth century largely embodied in capitalist modes of production and the enlightenment philosophy culminated in the collapse of feudalism heralding the entry of the bourgeois into the centre stage. Whereas the feudal system which made no differences between the state and the society, private and public, the new social order defined the boundaries of state and private lives. More accurately a bourgeois public sphere where members of a property owning, educated reading public were engaged in rational debates on issues primarily relating to politics and literature (Habermas, 1989). Furthermore the bourgeois public sphere worn once again through structural and economic changes paving the way for what Habermas calls the modern mass society of the social welfare state, were critical debates the life blood of the public sphere has been replaced by leisure. In order words the state and society have become in twined into each otherrsquo;s sphere. Horkheimer and Adorno both argue that the change is the direct result of the mass produced, and the mechanically reproduce culture, which have been manufactures through structural changes in cultural industries. Horkheimer and Adorno suggest that the man with leisure have to accept that the cultural manufacturers offer him (Horkheimer and Adorno, 1995). Horkheimer and Adorno views are simply based on Marxist arguments which suggest the ideas of a ruling class are in every period the ruling ideas (Marx and Engels, 1976). These arguments suggest that the class which controls the means of material production also would control the means of mental production therefore the ideas of those who lack the means of production are subjected to it. Another sociologist called Antonio Gramsci argued the social groups attain hegemony; this is the dominance by inducing consent of the majority of the subaltern classes, the classes in the subordinate political position within a given social theatre. Horkheimer and Adornorsquo;s views on contemporary culture suggest the cultural industries treatment of culture as commodity and the mass media as a product filtered and packaged for customers based on the market statistics. This has created a media culture where every individual response has been carefully planned by the cultural manufacturers, since as this limits the possibility for any critical though outside of a prearranged equation. The contribution of cultural manufacturers including advertising and also public relations. Habermas arguments have manifested into refeudalisation of the public sphere, where the people in the public have been reduced to the status of spectators whilst the expert opinions have taken over the true public opinions. Every aspect of culture has been subjected to commercial imperatives of advertising entertainment and public relations and also the mass media to such an extent that any attempts of even creating the illusion of a public sphere by the mass media continue to be governed by bottom lined finances, therefore failing to conform to the broadest notions of public opinion in the public sphere. Moreover, public opinions published in mainstream media continue to be influenced by a series of commercial needs from availability of column space to consideration of possible increases to circulation figures. The internet is a freely accessible medium of mass communication; it has been introduced to this heavily commercialised theatre of mass communication and sparking great expectations in the publicrsquo;s minds that support the reinvigoration of the public sphere. Furthermore, it also should be stressed that while mass media have largely failed to create a public sphere, mass in itself at times play a very significant role in gaining and retaining democracy in numerous political threatens. It can also be argued that the internetrsquo;s potential in creating the public sphere can be and has to be harnessed by the public intellectuals, if the internet is to fulfil its potential as a forum for public spheres, this arguments can be presented in spite of the risk of over generalization as need for cyber analogues with the cafes and taverns which brought the intellectuals together, however creating an environment favourable for the sharing of ideas and hence the nourishment of a public sphere.

Cincinnati Water Air Pollution Plan Essays

Cincinnati Water Air Pollution Plan Essays Cincinnati Water Air Pollution Plan Paper Cincinnati Water Air Pollution Plan Paper Essay Topic: Air pollution Water pollution Basically, it can be defined as the presence of chemicals in the atmosphere in incinerations high enough to affect climate and harm organisms and materials (Miller, 2005). The air pollution in Cincinnati is photochemical smog, which is also called brown-air smog. Photochemical smog is a mixture of air pollutants formed by the reaction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic hydrocarbons (VOCE) under the influence of sunlight (Miller, 2005). There are several factors contributing to the photochemical smog over Cincinnati. Car exhaust, industry, coal-burning, gas-powered lawn equipment, paints and boats on the Ohio River are some of the major contributors with AR exhaust contributing 44% alone. Oak trees in the surrounding hills emit high levels of Voss which are ingredients in the development of the smog. Photochemical smog has many harmful effects to human health and the health of other living organisms but it also increases the rate Of destruction Of buildings, metals and rubbers. Water pollution in Cincinnati is just as harmful. The Ohio River ranks number three on the list of the most polluted waters in the United States. One of the pollutant sources is from Mill Creek which runs near Cincinnati and is highly industrialized. Wastes and toxins from factories and plants are dumped into Mill Creek contaminating the water which then flows into the already highly polluted Ohio River, which is also polluted from industry, agriculture and barges carrying coal, oil, wastes and chemicals. There are some naturally occurring prevention methods like rain, snow wind and cooler temperatures but these alone cannot put a stop to the severe air and water pollution in Cincinnati and its surrounding towns. Human intervention is needed and it is needed now. City, state and federal government programs need to be put into place to find and enforce solutions. To clean up the air in Cincinnati transportation planning and changes need to be implemented. New transit services, park-and rides and bicycle paths along with education would help lower emissions from vehicle exhaust. Using bodiless as a fuel source in factories rather then burning coal would lower emissions as would funding more buses to be switched from burning old fuel sources to using an alternative fuel like bodiless. Selectively replacing the large amount of oak tress in the surrounding hills with trees that emit lower levels of Voss would also assist in reducing the photochemical smog over Cincinnati. Changing factories and companies to alternative energy sources, such as solar, would assist with air quality but these costs would be very high and difficult to enforce. We have options to clean up the water in Cincinnati also. The first is to clean up the air. Pollutants from the air are transferred to the ground and to the waterways by rain, snow and winds. By reducing air pollutants the first step is taken in reducing water pollution. Factories and plants that will find substitutes to the toxic chemicals they use can reduce the harmful effects to the water and air. Source reduction and recycling within the factories and lands would greatly red cue the wastes going into the waterways. Reusing the waste water that has been treated for irrigating crops would keep the wastes from being dumped directly into Mill Creek and the Ohio River. The most cost-effective and feasible solutions to reduce air and water pollution Start with education and community involvement. TO reduce air pollution car exhaust emissions must be dramatically reduced. Providing more public transport with vehicles using bodiless and teaching the citizens of Cincinnati the benefits of public transportation along with replacing oak Reese in the surrounding hills with trees that emit lower levels of Voss air pollution can be reduced greatly. Parking garages and parking lots can be removed as a means of encouraging public transportation and replaced with parks that have organisms and plants that support the ecosystem and air quality. The best means of restoring water quality to Mill Creek is prevention of waste through source reduction. This would also be the most cost-effective strategy. Company ices setting zero waste goals by reusing and recycling would assist in preventing these wastes that are washed into the waterways and sake operational costs more efficient as well. By making pollution prevention as important as safety regulations and quality control regulations for companies these goals could be easily attained. Cincinnati, Ohio and Evansville, Indiana share similar water pollution issues as the Ohio River runs through both areas. The toxins from waste dumping in Cincinnati are washed down to the Evansville where soil erosion adds to the pollution. By following the strategies of reducing wastes in Cincinnati and preventing soil erosion through low impact development and smart growth in Evansville both communities can begin reducing pollution along the Ohio River and set an example for other communities to do the same. Cincinnati and Evansville both have high levels of air pollution but the sources differ. The main source Of air pollution in Evansville is from utilities and the main source in Cincinnati is from vehicle exhaust. Both are dangerous to life and the ecosystem and both can be controlled through education and implementing plans that follow the 4-RSI of resource use: refuse, reduce, recycle and reuse (Miller, 2005). Air and water pollution affect our ecosystems and lives more dramatically hen many citizens of the united States and citizens from all over the world are willing to admit. Lack of education plays a big role in this denial of the facts.

Famous Christmas Quotes

Famous Christmas Quotes There is something about Christmas that makes everyone feel spirited, happy, and excited. Christmas brings out the child within. The festive air is contagious; even the most despairing soul cannot help but feel enthused by the vibrancy of the season. Famous Christmas Quotes Happy holidays! Enjoy your eggnog while you read these famous Christmas quotes. Deborah WhippLike snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance each beautiful, unique and too soon gone. Mary Ellen ChaseChristmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind. John Greenleaf WhittierFor somehow, not only at Christmas, but all the long year through,The joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you. Charles DickensI will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. Janice MaeditereChristmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. W. J. CameronChristmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority. Henry Wadsworth LongfellowI heard the bells on Christmas Day; their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the word repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men! Shirley TempleI stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph. Walter Scott, Sr.Heap on the wood! the wind is chill;But let it whistle as it will,Well keep our Christmas merry still. Helen KellerThe only blind person at Christmas time is he who has not Christmas in his heart. Norman Vincent PealeChristmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. Alexander SmithChristmas is the day that holds all time together. Hamilton Wright MabiBlessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. Christina G. RossettiLove came down at Christmas; love all lovely, love divine; love was born at Christmas, stars and angels gave the sign. Calvin CoolidgeChristmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

Accounting as the Production of Financial Data in an Organization Essay

Accounting as the Production of Financial Data in an Organization - Essay Example This paper describes such authoritative sources required in the field of accounting. Among the four source genres, professional associations or credentialing associations often stand out as the most credible and authoritative sources of information on accountancy. This comes as a result of these associations offering membership to several professionals in the accounting field. In addition, these associations set the professional and ethical standards required of all the individuals in the field of accountancy. Professionals associations involve themselves in enlightening members through seminars, conferences and workshops. Moreover, many of these associations produce publications such as scholarly journals and periodicals made available to members of the association and to the general public. Therefore it becomes evident that even though all genres serve as credible sources of information on accounting, professional associations stand out more. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is a professional association of Certified Public Accountants. This association stands out as an authoritative source of information on accounting due to various reasons. First, AICPA’s history runs back many years to its founding year in 1887. Therefore, its existence spans 125 years (AICPA website). Having existed for such a long period of time makes the association credible since a record of the association’s activity for all those years prove its authority over other associations whose lifespan is shorter. AIPCA boasts its large membership of around 386,000 Certified Public Accountants. The body gets acclamation as an international body since members of the association consist of individuals from 128 countries around the world. In addition, the members of the association are associates in a  variety of disciplines, among them student affiliates, education, government, public practice, and international associates. This proves that AICPA hosts a very diverse group of associates.  

Characters personality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Characters personality - Essay Example Vonnegut believes of love as a principality to survival. He depicts that love makes an individual’s life meaningful and worth recounting. Moreover, affection that one possesses towards another can be treasured and expressed in many ways. In his short story, ‘A Long Walk to Forever’, Vonnegut portrays how conflict, sensitivity, and essential decency depict an individual’s character. This paper discusses in depth about Catharine and Newt in the short story ‘A Long Walk to Forever’. Essentially, it outlines their character traits, their perceptions, and values in life (Vonnegut 2). Newt is depicted as a shy person since although he loves Catherine, he does not confess his feelings to her until the last moment when she is about to get married in three weeks time (Vonnegut 2). Evidently, Newt is jealous since as he discovers that Catharine is getting married to another man, he quits from his job and confesses his love for her. Although he is late in making such a confession, he is determined to have Catharine for himself. He is persistent because as Catharine explains that it is impossible for them to have a life together, he still insists of an opportunity to prove his long hidden love for her. The short story uses the word AWOL to symbolize the absence Newt makes in his place of work. He sacrifices his work for the sake of love. He fails consider the consequences that will come along his illegality of quitting the army without any proper leave. Newt is also courageous since he does everything to get the love of his life. He risks his work for the sake of Catherine’s love. As a risk taker, he does not have a second thought in his actions. Catherine goes through a magazine with an aim of choosing a wedding dress. This symbolizes her vagueness in what she needs in life. She is undecided about the dress to wear on her wedding day. She is also undecided of which man to marry. On the other hand, Catharine is irresolute. For instance, she still has feelings for Newt though she is to get married to another man. Despite her denial towards Newt, deep inside her heart is immeasurable love for Newt. As they chat in the woods, Catharine bursts in tear which force Newt to ask, ‘What does that mean?’ in fear of confessing the truth about her love for him, Catharine replies, ‘If I’d loved you, I’d have let you know before’ (Vonnegut 4). Both characters are passionate since though their love is forbidden, they make are determined to realize their dream of being together. They kiss passionately and elope just a week before Catharine is to get married to another man. As evidenced from the short story, love conquers all. This is evidenced by the fact that both Catharine and Newt later find fulfillment in each other’s arms. Catharine gives up the man he is about to marry for her true love. On the other hand, Newt gives up his job for the sake of his love for Catharine. He never gives it a second thought when he quits the army. The two characters depict the triumph they endure as they walk towards their future together (Vonnegut 5). I once lost an opportunity in life when I once had feelings towards my best friend and lacked the courage to make the proposal. I felt devastated in life and lost hope in everything. I felt that I had completely lost the battle and nothing else was to be done to change things. I could not take myself face reality and express my feelings. My friend later left for another country, and I

Beauty in Hong Kong

Beauty in Hong Kong Introduction The definition of beauty is not something objective or immanent because people from different place, age or social class may form its own ideal of it. The ideal beauty is analogous with people’s aesthetic feeling at that respecting duration. In our modern society, human body is the one of the most important components used to determine the attractiveness or beauty of a person. But for sure, there is not a definite answer for an ideal body type due to the cultural difference and historical discrepancy among countries and places. In this essay, discussion will focus on the ideal body types for men and women in Hong Kong and how these ideal body types are shaped by mass media, technology and medicine. Besides, based on Sandra Bartky’s findings, impact of body modification on individuals will be analyzed. Ideal body type in Hong Kong As Hong Kong was ruled by Britain in the last century, it is at the cultural border between traditional Chinese and western culture. Possessing this unique perception, Hong Kong interpretation of ideal body type is a mix. Ideal body type for men Muscularity is undoubtedly one of the criteria for ideal body type for men in Hong Kong. It is usually represented by strong muscular arms, a large firm chest, a slim waist and board shoulders which are found to be alluring to female. Waist-to-chest ratio would be one of the indicator for men to train up their body. The smaller the ratio, the more muscle is concentrated on the upper part of the body and abdomen, generally considered as â€Å"V-shape†. In the eyes of most female, it is considered as a perfect body shape. At the same time, a sporty and athletic feeling will be delivered, giving others a message that this person is healthy and self-disciplined. With the masculine body, female believes the person has the ability to protect her and feels safer. Thus, men with a muscular body is so attracting in Hong Kong. Height also plays an important role on the ideal body type in Hong Kong. It is often measured by the volume height index (VHI). According to the research done by Hong Kong Polytechnic University[1], VHI alone can explain ca. 73% of the variance of male body attractiveness ratings. The optimal VHI will be at 17.6 l m^–2 and 18.0 l m^–2 for female raters and male raters, respectively. It shows that for men who are muscular, it would be better to be taller due to their large volume. One of the reasons behind is that most female would like to have a male partner taller than her, feeling that the man should be able to protect her. Ideal body type for women Influenced by the western culture, people believe that women ideal body shape should be slim. So they might regard keeping fit as a mission or a life-long goal. The thinner they are, the more attractive their body shape. The perception of beauty can be measured by waist-to-height ratio, which is an important determinant. Generally, the Ideal waist circumference = height x 0.382. Moreover, they perceive thinness as a sign of independence, strength and accomplishment, which implicated that they are fashionable. The attraction for a proportionate body also affects an appeal for erect posture. Apart from the body mass, women with large, firm and symmetrical breasts are considered as attractive as well. Some studies show that most men enjoy the sight of female breasts.[2] According to the findings from the New Zealand’s University of Wellington, men constantly spent more time looking at the breasts of female posed in front of them and showed more fascination on female’s breasts than their head. This culture has penetrated Hong Kong thoroughly, leading a proliferation of medical treatment center provided with chest implant surgery. Affected by traditional Chinese culture, men in Hong Kong consider wide hips and firm buttocks as sexually attractive body type, which indicates a better ability of fertility. Also, wide buttocks of women are a strong implication to men that she is very much capable of reproduction. On the other hand, women with wide hips are particularly more tempting to man when they are walking due to their shaking buttocks, even if the women do not meant to shake it. It can be seen that large buttocks are really important to determine the attractiveness of women in the perspective of cultural and sexual sense. Perpetuation of the concept for body type People are not born with an innate sense of what is beautiful or not. They learn some cultural and social standards through a process of socialization. These beauty standards are cultural creations. Mass media From a very young age, children start to learn what is most valuable in their culture for sex through mass media. By watching cartoons, they learn that girls should be princesses dressed in pink tiaras with a slim body, while boys should be princes who are muscular, tall and able to protect their partners with their strong arms. Being instilled these values at such an early age, it is not surprising to see that the definition for beauty has changed, focusing on the body shape of people. On top of the early inculcation, the mass media is doing a remarkable job of making people feel badly about themselves. Through advertisement in different channels, such as free-to-air TV broadcasting, radio and so on, the ideal body types for men and women are presented to the public. These advertisement bombard people with these ideal images by repeatedly brain-washing, internalizing people’s cultural values and ideals of appearance. By then, people become more dissatisfied with themselves[3]. The purpose of the mass media is to create body dissatisfaction, leading people to spend enormous amounts of money, time, and energy to fix the flaws. Besides, the print media, such as magazines, reinforces the notion of the â€Å"ideal† male and female bodies through constant barrage of slender, scantily clad women and muscular half-naked men. As people, especially youngsters, in Hong Kong give lots of reliability and credibility to many of the popular magazines. They read them every day, using them as signifiers of what is â€Å"cool† and â€Å"hot†. According to the findings from Benjie Achtenberg Macalester College[4], students mentioned in their journals that â€Å"they read the magazines and enjoy seeing the images because their favorite celebrities were featured.† It shows that print media is influential which acts as a platform to perpetuate the aforementioned ideal body types for men and women. Technology With the advancement of technology, more weight loss methods are introduced. For example, non-invasive surgery, such as CoolSculpting procedure[5] is invented to freeze away patients’ fats and reduce the number of fat cells in the treated areas. Unlike weight loss surgery this procedure is lasting longer and safer because once the fat cells are eliminated, they are gone for good. Apart from that, gastric bypass is a surgery that also helps lose weight by minimizing the stomach and small intestine. Undoubtedly, the innovation and advancement in technology can bring a safer and better experience for people to reduce weight. It will therefore attract more people to pursue a slim body shape under the improvement. These social standards are gradually implanted to people, internalizing their thoughts. Medicine Hong Kong people, as an Asian, usually have an enlarged masseter muscle, one of the chewing muscles, causing a squaring of the facial shape. To maintain an ideal V-shaped face, it is popular for people to undergo Botox injections. It shows that the more medicine is available for maintaining a perfect body shape, the more people would do so due to the easier access to modern beauty. [1] http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/272/1560/219.short [2] http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/2845918/Men-have-an-eye-for-womens-breasts [3] http://www.jeatdisord.com/content/1/1/14 [4] https://www.macalester.edu/educationreform/actionresearch/Achtenberg.pdf [5] http://www.coolsculpting.com/the-coolsculpting-procedure/what-is-the-coolsculpting-procedure/

Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” Essay

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is a story based on the traditional beliefs and customs of the Ibo tribe. Achebe portrays a realistic view of Africans, particularly the Ibo tribe, which opposes the view that a reader may have formed after reading other works, such as Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. Although Achebe describes the fact that the tribe does not primarily consist of savages, the reader still needs to keep an open mind about the ideas that are presented. The reader may at first be appalled at some of the beliefs, but it should be brought into consideration that they are lead chiefly by traditions and customs. Many of these traditions and customs derive from their ideas on certain events, being patriarchal, and religion. The Ibo culture involves a number of celebrated events. The Week of Peace comes at the end of the relaxed season and before the harvest and planting season. This is a time where all members of this society shall live in complete peace no matter what the circumstances. If this peace is broken, it is to be called a great evil and consequently will be punished. Achebe provides a case in point, which will be discussed later in the essay. Another Ibo occasion is the Feast of the New Yam, which resembles Thanksgiving in the American culture. This feast is to honor their earth goddess, Ani, as the American holiday is celebrated to give thanks and honor our God. â€Å"Men and Women, young and old, looked forward to the New Yam Festival because it began the season of plenty-the new year†(page 36). This excerpt from the introduction of chapter five shows the significance of the occasion. Following the New Yam Festival is the popular wrestling match. This event is more of a tradition as it occurs annually on the second day of the new year. â€Å"There was no festival in all the seasons of the year which gave [Ekwefi] as much pleasure as the wrestling match†(39). This supports Achbe’s effort to express the excitement for the friendly competition. By these examples, the reader may infer that the Ibo tribe can be described as somewhat mundane, but Achebe also goes into detail about the people of the tribe. The Ibo tribe can be depicted as profoundly patriarchal. This is where the reader may begin to feel repelled as Achebe describes man as being venerated as leader and describes women as gentle, weak and obedient to their men. The  women’s job was in the house cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the children. The men’s job was out hunting, fighting, and raising difficult crops such as yam. The men were also allowed to beat their wives, who in return could not defend themselves. A prime example of this masculine dominance is the main character, Okonkwo. Okonkwo defies any sign of weakness, including the female race. The Ibo society defines a man who is weak or acts feminine as agbala, which means â€Å"woman†. â€Å"But [Okonkwo’s] wives and young children were not as strong, and so they suffered. But they dared not complain openly†(13). This quote reinforces Achebe’s idea of masculinity. Although the Ibo culture may express dominance in the male race, their power does not exceed that which is given to the many gods they worship. Religion in the Ibo culture can be illustrated as polytheistic. Their tradition has a God for every phenomenon. This society does not use kings or police to discipline its people, like many other societies, but instead they use spirits. Their highest spiritual and judicial authority is Egwugwu. There are not any written laws so the decisions on punishments rely on the gods. â€Å"Okonkwo broke the Week of Peace by beating his wife and was punished, as was the custom, by Ezeani, the priest of the earth goddess. Okonkwo was said to â€Å"have committed a great evil†(30). â€Å"The evil you have done can ruin the whole clan. The earth goddess whom you have insulted may refuse to give us her increase, and we shall all perish†(30). This shows how much the tribe respects and depends on their gods. The Ibo religion also comes with many superstitions. The largest of the superstitions is their personal chi, or Supreme Being. The chi is unique for each tribe member and allegedly determines his or her success and character. â€Å"Man could not rise beyond the destiny of his chi†(131). It would be of no value to challenge one’s chi. Other superstitions includes warning the children not to whistle on dark nights for fear of evil spirits. Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is about the specific culture of Africans, in this case the Ibo tribe. It portrays an accurate analysis for those who may have believed Africans as being savages. The Ibo society value an adherence to their cultural traditions, as do other cultures, which makes them greatly  civilized. Although some of the traditions practice may seem quite shocking to the reader, the society cannot be described as mindless or barbaric. The Ibo tribe is a very complex society with unique values and meaning. Achebe fulfills his purpose in disclaiming the stereotype of ferocious Africans.