Racism in Ernest Gainess A Lesson Before Dying Essay

After the civil war ended many blacks and whites especially in the south, continued living as if nothing had changed with regards to the oppressions and poor treatment of African Americans. Narrator Grant Wiggins, of the novel A Lesson Before Dying, By Ernest Gaines, finds himself in a similar situation towards racism. Through his experience Grant is forced to transform Jefferson who was wrongly accused of a murder from a â€Å"HOG† into a man. Although Grant was forced to make jefferson a man, he himself became more of one as a result. Grant transformed from an ignorant pessimistic person into a sensitive and compassionate human being. Grant Wiggins, one of the few black males in his town to have a college education, is a teacher at a all†¦show more content†¦Grant consistently refers to them as the â€Å"Babies†. Grant throughout the novel also complain a lot about how he wants to leave and move out from his town. He refuses to accept the task he is being off ered and do a good for his own society as a black male. In addition,Grants attitude begins to change after a few visit at the the cell with jefferson. Jefferson opened up to Grant about how he never had owned a radio or ate a bowl of ice cream in his life. Grant stated â€Å"I saw a slight smile come to his face, and it was not a bitter smile. Not bitter at all†. This action was a turning point for Grant. Jefferson’s thoughts revived Grants emotions and helped him see the actual person he was. Grant learned how to become educated and think like a man, rather than being negative all the time. He figured out that he wasn’t just accomplishing a good for Jefferson, but teaching his students that as an African American, you shouldn’t allow the white take control nor advantage of you. At the beginning of the book, Grant more than anyone else hated Jefferson and refused to teach Jefferson how to become a man, but after a few visits to the cell Grant became Jef ferson’s friend. Grant became one of the few he could trust and share his thoughts with. Jefferson opened up to grant and took his advice for granted. At that point, Grant completely transformed from an angry man to a loving and caring person. Grant realized what it was to actually be a man and how a man becomes a hero! AShow MoreRelatedA Lesson While Living by Ernest Gaines1639 Words   |  7 Pages A Lesson While Living In a society where hardships occur daily, it is vital to have something to hold on to as an anchor. This reliance or commitment is in the form of friends, family, or even tangible possessions; however, humans sometimes have to fulfill deeds for others instead of continually thinking of themselves. Given these obligations, there results both a need and a desire to complete certain tasks for other individuals, for a community, or even for a higher power. In his novel, A LessonRead More Racism in A Lesson Before Dying Essay1677 Words   |  7 PagesA Lesson Before Dying is set in rural Louisiana in the 1940’s. The setting is ripe for the racism displayed in the novel. Ernest J. Gaines weaves an intricate web of human connections, using the character growth of Grant Wiggins and Jefferson to subtly expose the effect people have on one another (Poston A1). Each and every character along the way shows some inkling of being a racist. However, Paul is an exception. He treats eve ryone as if he or she is equal to him whether the person is blackRead More Racism and African-American Family Breakdown as Themes in Essay2349 Words   |  10 PagesIconic Contemporary Themes Displayed: Ernest J. Gainess A Lesson Before Dying I was not there, yet I was there. No, I did not go to the trial, I did not hear the verdict, because I knew all the time what it would be... (3). Ernest J. Gaines begins his contemporary masterpiece with a captivating and explosive first paragraph. Immediately capturing the readers attention, the fast paced novel takes us on a voyage of thematic discovery. Through the voice of Grant Wiggins, a school teacherRead More Comparing Dignity in A Lesson Before Dying, Jane Pittman, and Of Love and Dust2674 Words   |  11 Pagesin Southern Society in A Lesson Before Dying, Autobiography of Jane Pittman, and Of Love and Dust      Ã‚  Ã‚   The ante-bellum Southern social system put blacks in a low economic and social class and limited their pursuit of happiness.   The aristocracy firmly held blacks in emotional and spiritual slavery. Cajuns, Creoles and poor whites maintained a low status in society, which frustrated them because they felt they should be superior to blacks and equal to whites. Racism was a base of southern societyRead More The Evolution of Grant in Ernest J. Gaines A Lesson Before Dying2726 Words   |  11 PagesAfter the Civil War ended, many blacks and whites, especially in the South, continued living as if nothing had changed with regards to the oppression and poor treatment of African Americans. Narrator Grant Wiggins, of Ernest J. Gaines A Lesson Before Dying, possesses a similar attitude toward race relations. Through his experiences with a young man wrongly accused of murder, Grant transforms from a pessimistic, hopeless, and insensitive man into a more selfless and compassionate human being who

Organizational Behavior Case Study Using Free Essays

Abstract We chose to look at a military case that was exposed by the media last year in which Brigadier General (BG) James BG Botchie of the United States Air Force was accused of conduct that was unbecoming of an officer. By examining the roots of classical organizational theory as well as the systems theory approach to management, we will be able to see what aspects and principles should be better utilized and enforced in order to prevent such incidences from reoccurring. ? Organizational Behavior Case Study Using Classical Organization Theory and Systems Theory In order to see where Brigadier General James Botchie’s management went wrong, we will use the classical organization theory and systems theory to evaluate his action and decisions. We will write a custom essay sample on Organizational Behavior Case Study Using or any similar topic only for you Order Now To provide support to our conclusion, Tommy will share a personal encounter he had with BG Botchie. Quotes from various texts will also offer support to our position that BG Botchie’s approach to management was not only ineffective, but also inappropriate for an officer in the United States Air Force. Classical Organization Theory While some aspects of classical organizational theory can be considered out of date, it has been constantly progressing over the past century to better suit current workplace environments. From Taylor’s scientific management theory to Weber’s bureaucratic theory all the way to Mooney and Reiley’s administrative theory, classical organizational theory has developed some of the most fundamental principles to help better manage people in the workplace. In order to effectively understand how classical organization theory could help a situation, such as the one regarding Brigadier General James Botchie as reported by the Air Force Times, one must first look at the basic principles behind the theory. One of the four central points in Frederick Taylor’s scientific management theory is to, â€Å"closely supervise workers, and use reward and punishment as motivators† (Kinicki Kreitner, 2009). In BG Botchie’s situation, he provided little to no supervision to his subordinates and was described as â€Å"hands-off, uninformed and at times uncaring† (Fontaine 2). This lack of upervision caused the military equal opportunity office (MEO) to be an unorganized and nonproductive environment that allowed discrimination and intimidation to go undisciplined and undocumented in many cases. Another â€Å"Taylorism† stated that â€Å"the task of management is planning and control† (Walonick, 1993). From what the Air Force Times showed, BG Botchie did not follow either of these guidelines. Military organizations require all parties to abide by strict codes of conduct in order to function as a well-oiled machine. BG Botchie’s actions not only reflect poorly on his work ethics, but also his moral ethics. He did not act as is expected of a United States serviceman; â€Å"†¦Personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and ethics. At a minimum, all personnel shall comply with directives issued by the Secretary of Defense†¦ regarding the Standards of Conduct and Government Ethics. † (Dalton, 1997). Much like the rank levels involved in military organizations, Max Weber’s bureaucratic theory â€Å"emphasized the need for a hierarchical structure of power† (Walonick, 1993). In order to continue maintaining control among soldiers or workers alike, there is a need for definite rules and a â€Å"clear line of authority and control† (Kinicki Kreitner, 2009). BG Botchie allowed this line to become blurred when he developed friendships with his subordinates. Not only did this lead to unprofessional conduct in the form of creating an inner â€Å"boys only† clique that harassed female coworkers, it also raised an ethical dilemma in that BG Botchie engaged in business deals with subordinates and possibly used government resources to further his profits (Fontaine 4). There is a reason for positions of authority and that is to maintain control and productivity in the office. BG Botchie instead used his authority to foster sexual harassment and gender discrimination, build unprofessional relationships and misappropriate government resources for his own benefit (Fontaine 1). Mooney and Reilly’s administrative theory proved to be the most rigid out of the classical organization theories. This theory put the emphasis on â€Å"establishing a universal set of management principles that could be applied to all organizations† (Walonick, 1993). It is now realized that this is not possible with the fast paced changing of times; however, this method could be used to help remedy the inconsistencies that occurred in BG Botchie’s wing. For example, if there was a uniform set of rules and procedures set in place and enforced regularly, people like BG Botchie would not have a chance to abuse their power. Throughout examining the classical organizational approach to resolving Brigadier General James Botchie’s erroneous behaviors, the key solution is enforcement of hierarchy. None of this would have occurred if BG Botchie’s superiors had paid closer attention to his actions. While people in positions of authority should not have to instill fear in order to get results, they should be treated with the respect they deserve. That respect facilitates efficiency and respect for fellow coworkers as well. By maintaining the proper order of ranks, work is accomplished as a result of a sense of pride in work and duty to one’s job. In addition to an increase in productivity, the level of discrimination and harassment would decline for fear of punishment. When the rules are enforced and there are positive and negative repercussions for behaviors, people are more inclined to follow the regulations set forth. Simply put, to avoid negative situations, such as BG Botchie’s, enforce the rules and regulations that are set forth. Systems Approach This situation could have also benefited from the systems approach to the Ohio Air National Guard Organization. The United States Air Force maintains a strict code of conduct as an entire organization and also employs separate, more detailed rules and regulations for those enlisted and those who are officers. The enlisted ranks are seen as the workers or followers to the officer ranks. The officer ranks are seen as the leaders of the organization and they are expected to set the tones for how those that follow them are to conduct themselves. Rules are established to help keep the distinction between the appointed leaders and those who are the followers and to prevent any bias from effecting promotions or allowing preferential treatment from the leaders of the organization. Brigadier General James Botchie was fortunate to experience both the leader and follower sides of the Air Force. BG Botchie started out in the enlisted ranks before he was commissioned to the officer ranks. I had the opportunity to work for BG Botchie after the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centers in 2001. He was the flight commander and highest ranking officer for the mission. As a unit, the 121st Air Refueling Wing (ARW) was assigned to support Operation Enduring Freedom at the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. My job as an enlisted worker was for various electronic functions of our airplane. My ultimate goal was to make sure that the pilots could complete their mission, which required all of the aircraft to be operational. We accomplished this mission and pleased BG Botchie. He attempted to reward us (the enlisted workers) with alcoholic beverages in an enlisted only establishment. I tell you this story to give yet another example of the rules being established and BG Botchie acting as though he was above them and as if there would be no ramifications for breaking them. Systems theory can be described as having all components of an organization interrelated. By changing one variable, many others may also be effected (Kinicki Kreitner, 2009). Modern day management has to understand that the decisions imposed on one part of an organization can have a great impact on other members of the organization, even if they are not directly related to the initial decision. BG Botchie’s decisions were not thoroughly thought out and he did not consider the impact that they would have across the organization. The decisions he made for his immediate group not only affected the morale, behavior, and work ethics, but it also reached throughout the entire Air National Guard. The 121st ARW is always partnered with other units from all across the United States. This behavior is observed by others who may have had a different managerial style and expectation. This is also evident in the following quotes: â€Å"The organizational systems theory also infuses a culture that is transformed to a learning environment. A creative learning environment will also help the organization and its members realize that the small decisions made today may affect a global impact tomorrow† (Smith Taylor, 2000). The Central premise behind holding a vision is that somehow I can shape my future, systems’ thinking helps us see how our own actions have shaped our current reality, thereby giving us confidence that we can create a different reality in the future† (Smith Taylor, 2000). BG Botchie did not infuse the culture with the set of values and morals that the USAF instilled in his appointment as commanding general. If Brigadier General James Botchie analyze d his decisions using the systems approach for his managerial and decision based processes, his career may have had a different outcome. Conclusion In conclusion, it is generally in everyone’s best interest to abide by the rules and regulations of an organization since they are set forth as a way to maintain order and protection for the employees. The classical organization theory and systems theory have clear cut principles that help to build a strong organization, when the policies are followed correctly. Having employees that respect the hierarchy of the organization is also essential to a successful workplace. Brigadier General James Botchie did not follow these guidelines and it cost him the respect of his peers and nearly cost him his job.? Bibliography Dalton, J. H. (1997). General Regulations: Administration of Discipline. U. S. Navy Regulations, 1990 Interim Change, 101-102. Fontaine, S. (2012, May 23). Report Details 1-star’s Inappropriate Conduct. Retrieved from Air Force Time Mobile: http://www. airforcetimes. com/mobile/index. php? storyUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww. airforcetimes. com%2Fnews%2F2011%2F04%2Fair-force-ig-details-conduct-BG Botchie-041811w%2F Kinicki, A. Kreitner, R. (2009). Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior. The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. Smith, K. D. , Taylor, W. G. (2000). The learning organisation ideal in Civil Service organisations: deriving a measure. The Learning Organization, 194-205. University, C. M. (2008). In Administration, Globalization and Multiculturalism (pp. 25, 30, 79, 360). McGraw Hill Companies, Inc. Walonick, D. S. (1993). Organization al Theory and Behavior. Retrieved from http://statpac. org/walonick/organizational-theory. htm How to cite Organizational Behavior Case Study Using, Free Case study samples

Let me put this heavy load down and take some of t Essay Example For Students

Let me put this heavy load down and take some of t Essay hese bulky clothes off andIll tell you about how I became a short story and novel writer. My name is John Griffith London. But I like to be called Jack. I was born in SanFrancisco in 1876. Most of my childhood I was very poor. I had to help my parents earna living by doing odd jobs. I delivered papers, worked on ice-wagons, cleaned up bowling alleys, helped in the cannery and only made ten cents an hour. I usually workedten hours a day. I learned what it was like being a member of the working-class and Ialways had a distaste for its drudgery. I kept telling myself, Jack, some day you will berich. I loved to read and often borrowed books of adventure, travel, and sea voyages. At fourteen, I left school to lead a wandering and adventurous life, so I thought. Jobswere hard to find but I was employed by the fish patrol in San Francisco Bay. Imaginehopping on every boat that pulls into the bay and counting the number of fish on boardand having to write fines to the sailors that had too many fish. This sure wasnt a popularjob in the bay area. I was smart enough to figure I could be on the other side of the lawand rob and steal vessels so I became an oyster pirate. I had a real passion for the sea and so in 1893 I took a job as a common sailor aboarda sealing vessel that ventured as far as Japan. This lasted about a year. When I returnedback to the bay area I drifted from job to job. I told you I liked to wander. I left the bay and headed for New York City. I went onthe road and lived as a tramp. Without any place to stay I was soon jailed for vagrancy. I spent one month in jail and there I realized I needed to make something of myself. Ireturned to California and to school. My reading continued. Rudyard Kipling andRobert Louis Stevenson became my liteary gods and Darwin, Herbert Spencer, andKarl Marx made me a Socialist. I began writing while in college but could not find amarket for my writings. In the mid-1897s I joined the Klondike gold rush. I packed 8,000 pounds of suppliesand books to take with me. After a year I became very ill and had to return home withouthaving mined an ounce of gold. Upon my return to the San Francisco area, I began towrite about my experiences. My stories finally began to be accepted by magazines. Myfirst collection of short stories, The Son of the Wolf, was bought and published in 1900by Houghton Mifflin for $500. I was so excited to have made money from my writings, Idevoted every minute to telling my colorful life. I wrote more than 50 books and mademore than a million dollars on them. My first best selling novel was The Call of the Wild.In this novel I included my adventure of the Klondikes. The story dealt with the reversion of a civilized creature tothe primitive state. On assignment to cover the Russo-Japanese War I was stranded inLondon and lived in the poverty-stricken East End. I gathered materials for my novel,People of the Abyss. I became popular outside the United States and my works weretranslated into eleven languages. My dream had become a reality. I was now verywealthy. I built a fantastic castle but had to write incessantly to meet my bills. I wrote The Sea Wolf based on my experiences on the sealing vessel. John Barleycorn became a novel about my struggles with alcoholism. My style-brutal, vivid,and exciting was set in localities where the struggle could be most obvious: in the wildsof Alaska, on remote Pacific Islands, on ships at sea, in industrial communities duringstrikes, and in the underworlds of various cities. These were the places I recounted myexperiences. .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0 , .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0 .postImageUrl , .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0 , .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0:hover , .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0:visited , .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0:active { border:0!important; } .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0:active , .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0 .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u2276d9577cf4d71ea8404193a76dfee0:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Dead EssayMy life was very stormy. I had two unhappy marriages, a problem with alcohol, afire that destroyed my castle before it was finished, and many bills to pay. So at the age of 40, I ended my own life.