America's Post-Civil War Growing Pains Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

America's Post-Civil War Growing Pains - Essay Example During this major era of the US history, the major events that lead to the turning of the entire society were the emancipation of slavery and the passing of two amendments i.e., thirteenth and fourteenth. The Civil War provided the African Americans freedom from their masters by outlawing slavery within the country. They now had more control over their own lives. Many wanted to buy land so they could continue on with the planting life. This freedom allowed blacks to control their own lives in their own ways. They were used to cultivate lands and hence started to buy land of their own to continue their cultivation life. Yet following the Emancipation Proclamation, war of two more years, served by African American groups, and the crush of the Confederacy, people were even unwary to address the question of complete citizenship for its freshly released black population (Guelzo, 2006). The passing of the 14th and 15th amendment was prominent. The fourteenth amendment assured all citizens that they can experience the â€Å"due process† in case if any of their constitutional rights are breeched. So due to this, an individual was provided the right to explain his/ her part of the tale before the formation of a decision. The fifteenth amendment allowed voting rights to every male citizen irrespective of their color, race or former condition of slavery. Thus the black males were able to vote and be a part of the electoral process to elect the government of their choice. The affect of the above mentioned turning points on the present America is that nowadays there is no discrimination in the whites and non whites within America and the biggest example of the level of equality is the Victory of President Obama who himself is non white. The cultural change is that today inter marriages among the two are common. The economy booms due to efforts from all corners of society and the overall society has developed the concept of equal rights for all humans. These Reconstru ction Period amendments constituted the rights that, thru extensive proceedings, extended to rulings of the Supreme Court initiating in the early 20th century that outlawed state laws based on discrimination. The Civil Rights Movement proved to be a second reconstruction as it headed to civil rights laws in the year 1964 and 1965. These laws enforced and protected complete civic rights of Afro-Americans. The reconstruction period might have been different if President Lincoln had not been assassinated because he would not have let the radicals to gain position within the government. Moreover the regain of white rule on the South at the end would not have resulted in depriving the non-whites from their civil rights that were formerly provided by amending the constitution (Rife, 2002). The rapid industrialization and urbanization resulted in the development of more jobs and the freed slaves were now ready to be used for the work in industrial processes. Overall the economy boomed and the average man life enhanced due to increased employment and more available products. After the passing of the amendments to ensure the civil rights of non-whites various attempts were made from the law enforcing agencies to continue the discrimination. The Southern Democratic force to continue blacks in their "previous status"

World Cup Impact on South Africas Tourism Sector Essay

World Cup Impact on South Africas Tourism Sector - Essay Example The FIFA 2010 world cup contributed to a massive increase in the number of international tourists arrivals. In this regard Francheska (2011) stated that most of South Africa’s tourists are drawn from other African countries and Europe, which offers the country the highest number of tourists arrivals annually. Among the major tourists, attractions in South Africa include the country’s national parks, world heritage sites, and cultural and historic sites. Additionally, the country has a vibrant wine sector that has also been able to attract high number of tourists and even the Robben Island where the country’s iconic figure, Mr. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for twenty-five years has been a key attraction sites mostly for scholars in the field of history, this is according to Mattner et al. (2012). Equally, it is of essence to that the tourism sector in the country has substantially contributed to the country’s growth in terms of job creation, infrastructure development, and source of foreign exchange. The weather pattern affects South Africa’s tourism sector in equal measures as it does in other countries. This is to say that during harsh climatic conditions such as winter the tourism sector usually experience low activities or low tourists arrivals while during favorable climatic conditions such as summer it experience a boom in the sector. Altbeker (2009) stated that the key factor that negatively affects the South Africa’s tourism sector is the crime level in the country, which makes many international tourists shy away from visiting the country for fear of their own safety. Â  

The Power of One: Analysis of Peekay

The Power of One: Analysis of Peekay In Pursuit of a Dog Pile Introduction: The Power of One is about the life of a boy named Peekay who overcame his rough and humble beginnings and later achieved his dreams of becoming a professional boxer. Peekay is a simple white English South African who grew up in South Africa during World War II and the beginning of the Apartheid era. He is an extremely likeable and competent young man who represents many qualities of generosity and unselfishness. Moreover, Peekays generosity and care for others leads him to find ways of helping black prisoners write and receive letters as well as teaching them to box. Because of Peekays sense of humor and his ability to criticize himself, we, the reader, are able to identify ourselves closely with him on extraordinary levels. Although we see his generous and unique background throughout this early childhood and later adulthood, he did not grow up with much of a family. His mother was often unnoticeable in his life as she constantly had nervous breakdowns which resulted in her absence when he was just five years old. His Nanny Zulu, on the other hand, was the woman to whom Peekay prayed and sought to obtain advice. His grandpa, although being a grumpy racist, helps Peekay convince his mother to allow the teaching of black inmates to box. In the end, Peekays childhood and acquaintances had an extensive impact on Peekay that not only transformed him into the man he dreamed of becoming, but also into the man he became.Through Peekays life struggles and honorable victories, the reader understands that it is not what we accomplish that makes us great; it is the journey and the limits we strive to overcome to achieve our goals that defines us as true champions. Bullying: As a child, Peekay was sent away to Afrikaans boarding school where he was constantly bullied and hazed for being a young white Englishman. The Judge, an Afrikaans boy who solely diminishes Peekay throughout the novel, along with the jury, tease him for wetting his bed: The pissing upon me by the Judge and the jury had them rocking and moaning and holding their hands to their ears. Such an indignity was surely beyond even the white manà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦In the sudden way of Africa it was dark now (12). On a more personal level, the Judge convinces him that Hitler is on a mission to kill all Englishmen, take over England, and throw them into the sea: Adolf Hitler is the king of Germany and God has sent him to take South Africa back from the English and give it to us. He jabbed at the swastika on his arm. This is his sign . . . the swastika! (31). The hazing continues as the Judge and his jury interrogate Peekay about the origin of his name and pull down his pants in the process: I stepped forward to stand directly in front of where he sat cross-legged on his bed. The Judges arm came up and my hand flew up to protect my face, but instead of hitting me he pulled at the cord of my pajama pants, which collapsed around my ankles (37). Furthermore, during his last days of his first year at boarding school, Peekay is forced to eat human feces and although as a young boy this traumatizes him, this unthinkable act embeds drive and determination into his fragile heart. The torture continues when Peekay discovers that diseases are present on a nearby chicken farm where his grandpa and mother are living. After being categorized as a prisoner of war, Peekay was afflicted Chinese torture: I was required to hold the bar out in front of me while he timed each session, so that I would have to hold the bar up longer than the previous time before dropping it (43). After Chinese torture, Peekay was used as shooting practice for troopers, Nazis, and any other personnel who wanted to enhance their skills: For shooting practice I was required to stretch my arms out on either side of me with my palms open and turned upward. An empty jam tin was placed on either hand, and each of the storm troopers was allowed two shots to try to knock the tins down (43). However, he is able to overcome his problems and gain a spirit called, The Power of One, and is eventually given boxing lessons at a prison as he gets one step closer to this childhood dreams. Bullying has many effects on people that often go unrecognized and more literally, unnoticed. For Peekay, the fact he was bullied was a gift for three simple reasons. First, because of the Judges harsh humor toward his bed wetting issue, Peekay was cured of this problem by his Nanny Zulu. More importantly, he received a unique spirit and unrivaled determination that led him on a path to success throughout his life. Second, he was given the drive and heart he needed to become a boxer as he learned that it is our differences that make us strong and talents that define who we are. Third, not only was his personality changed for the better, but also his mindset was astonishingly altered as he began to believe in himself which allowed him to chase and accomplish his dreams. Role of Apartheid and Camouflage in Peekays Life: Throughout the novel, a theme that takes shape is the power of Apartheid and what affect it ultimately has on Peekay. Apartheid, in South Africa, is the system of segregation and discrimination of specific races. The birth of Apartheid began with the 1913 Land Act which marked the beginning of territorial segregation by forcing black Africans to live in new places and made it illegal for them to perform any kind of work around their homes. Later, the Great Depression and World War II brought a surplus of economic difficulties to South Africa which not only put them in debt, but also convinced the government to increase their policies of racial segregation. A few decades passed and after the election of the Afrikaner National Party, whites were separated from whites and non-whites were separated from non-whites. However, cross-racial marriages and sexual relations were banned. Following a series of new land acts, more than eighty percent of land was marked to white control and private facilities were built for each race. There were many oppositions to Apartheid which took form immediately in South Africa as riots, protests, and non-violent actions constantly broke out. Police open fired on a group of Africans where about eighty seven were killed and nearly two hundred wounded. When Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, international attention was brought to the controversy and as a result, in 1973, Apartheid was abolished. However, the United States and United Kingdom provided economic sanctions on South Africa. In The Power of One, Apartheid is a symbol of both fear and confusion. Peekay is confused as a young boy when he sees local signs that say, Blacks only, as he is unable to understand the difference his elders see: Half a dozen Africans were asleep at the far end of the verandah, where there was a second entrance to the shop. Above this entrance was written BLACKS ONLY. I wondered briefly why whites were not allowed to enter (55). Furthermore, as Peekay grows up, he fears that Apartheid is becoming r outine and ordinary for his country and people thus he seeks to find change. As a feeble young five year old, in order to endure boarding school, Peekay developed the classic technique of camouflage where he would blend in. Not only was camouflage important for his survival at school, but also it was a necessity to ensure his survival of life. He learns that it is extremely dangerous to stand out and that hiding in the shadows is the best form of camouflage. This is how he survives prison, boarding school, and the Apartheid era. At one point, Peekay loses himself and forgets his camouflage: I tried to cover my face but my arms refused to life from my lap. Look what happens when you forget your camouflage, (33). Moreover, it was extremely important for Peekay to always be aware of the situation and who was around him because he never knew what the next few minutes could hold. Snake Symbol: Throughout segregation and discrimination, the symbol of a snake beings to take place in the novel. At boarding school, Peekay was hazed for having a circumcised penis and often brought to shame because of it. Later in the novel, however, the symbol of the snake shedding its skin is used to show when Peekay goes home after each term of school, he is coming into his true self and accepting who he is as a person: Going home at the end of each term was like sloughing a skin. The joy of a small town lies in its unchanging natureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦I liked the idea of nothing ever changing in Barberton, it gave me a sense of belonging (379). Following, when Peekay goes to visit Doc, a hometown best friend, he sees a black mamba which is suggesting danger and forewarns his future: Then the head of the black mamba rose above the edge of the shelf two feet from where I sat. Its flat anthracite head froze inches above the shelfà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦The snake could only have come out of the cave. Doc has sent me a sign. I knew what I was required to do (473). Peekay describes the nature of a black mamba snake as it is the most deadly snake in the world. If its partner is killed, the second snake will often wait for the killer to return in order to take revenge. Revenge: An important question that comes up in the novel is, Is revenge everything? Toward the end of the novel, Peekay fights his childhood nemesis, the Judge, and after beating him gruesomely, he carves his initials over the Judges swastika tattoo: The blood, before it started to run down Bothas arm, made a perfect Union Jack. Across the jagged blue lines of the swastika the mamba-driven blade cut PK. Then followed the injection of poison (512). The poison traveled throughout the Judges body and ultimately killed him. Thus, we are left with the idea of revenge and the question, Is violent revenge of past experiences ultimately the answer to a rough and bitter childhood? In Peekays mind, the answer was simply yes: I felt clean, all of the bone-beaked loneliness birds banished, their rocky nests turned to river stones. Cool, clear water bubbled over them, streams in the desert (513). Peekay felt cleansed as he diminished a once childhood fear. But, do we see a different side of Peekay? Is th ere a violent and uncharacteristically violent Peekay we have not been introduced to? Or, is this type of act moral and righteous? There are many instances of revenge that have occurred throughout my life as a young adult. It was the start of my annual travel soccer season and the team had one goal in mind-beat Marlboro Gold. Last season, we lost in the championship to Marlboro Gold who had won the title for the last five years. Everybody despised them not only because they were practically impossible to beat, but also because they lacked sportsmanship and respectful fans as the parents were constantly rude and ejected to the nearby parking lots. In preparation for our challenge, we trained hard and long every day starting two months before the season. However, first we had to win our group title in order to advance and play Marlboro in the playoffs. With little doubt, we demolished every team in the surrounding area and we were playoff bound. After cruising by the quarter-finals and the semi-finals with ease, it was time for the ultimate test. The whistle sounded and the championship game began. Five minutes into the game, breakaway, goal!! Marlboro scored quite easily and took a strong 1-0 lead. Another ten minutes and another goal was scored my Marlboro and my teammates began losing hope. They bowed their heads, lowered their shoulders and became limp and life-less. For a second, I thought it was over and our dream of winning a championship was destroyed. It seemed like an eternity, but finally it was half-time. After dousing ourselves with water and an intriguing half-time speech by our coach, the second half began. Five minutes went by, then ten minutes, then fifteen, and all of a sudden, there were only a few minutes left in the game. Our captain stole the ball, dribbled down the field, took a long shot and scored!! Suddenly we had life! The game began again, we regained possession and with quick combination play I was on a breakaway and another goal! We had scored two goals in only three minutes and now we awaited ov ertime, a first goal wins format. I had never been more nervous in my life when overtime began. After constant chances for both teams, we had our opportunity. We had a fast break down the sideline and a cross in on goal. As the ball floated, for what seemed like forever, I adjusted my body and put myself in position to head the ball into the net. And after a blink, the ball landed in the net and we won the championship. Upon the crying of sore-losing nine year olds, I was immediately dog piled in the middle of the field. I share this story not to exemplify one of my favorite childhood soccer memories, but to prove that with hard work and effort, dreams can be accomplished just as Peekay fulfilled his ambition of becoming a boxer and obtaining revenge on a childhood bully. Creed Relation: Similar to Peekays story as well as mine, there exists extreme synergy between the fight and determination of Peekay and that of Adonis Johnson in the compelling movie, Creed. Creed is the story of a man named Adonis who is the son of an accomplished former heavy weight boxer, Apollo Creed, who is serving time in Los Angeles youth prison. Not knowing his mother, she bails him out and takes Adonis in for herself. As an adult, Adonis obtains a steady job at a security firm, but he walks away in order to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional boxer. His mother quickly opposes his idea as Apollo was killed in the ring and fears the same will happen to her son. Ultimately, the decision is Adoniss and after being rejected from many different boxing academies, he travels to Philadelphia to connect with his fathers old friend and rival, Rocky Balboa. Adoniss journey to become a boxer is rough and unsettling and similar to Peekay, Adonis learns the hard life and uneasy task of becoming a professional boxer. Adonis travels to a local gym where the trainer is a family member who has shut him out of his life since early childhood. Adonis enters the ring, puts his Mustang up for wager, and challenges the number six ranked light heavyweight boxer in the world. After a few seconds, Adonis knocks him out proving his worth. Next up is Danny Wheeler, the number two ranked light heavyweight boxer in the world, with a record of thirty-one wins and zero losses. Adonis is knocked out after laying a few hits. We see how an ego can get the best of someone and how important it is to be humble. Here is the signifying difference between Peekay and Adonis. However, at the end of the film, Adonis has to start his legacy as he challenges Ricky Conlan, the number one ranked light heavyweight boxer in the world. It is an extremely rough fight, and halfw ay through, Adoniss left eye is completely shut from taking a beating. His coach wants him to give up, but Adonis thinks otherwise: I gotta prove it. Prove what? That Im not a mistake. The final round begins with Adonis landing some shots of his own on Conlan. With ten seconds left, Adonis lands a hit so powerful, it sends the Conlan to the mat, but he rises to his feet after nine seconds of the ten second count. In the end, the decisions comes down to the judges where they declare Ricky Conlan the victor. Relating back to The Power of One, Peekay is clearly Adonis in the situation and uniquely, Ricky Conlan is the Judge. Conlan gave Adonis little respect throughout the film calling him a failure and incapable of becoming a boxer. The main difference between the two examples is Peekay ends victorious, while Adonis comes up short. However, both stories teach us that it is not the end result that is important; it is the drive, determination, and heart you hold within yourself that makes you a true champion. Conclusion: I learned much about who I am from reading The Power of One and furthermore, found ways in which I relate to Peekay I never thought possible. Although this may sound completely conceded, I found that like Peekay, I am also extremely talented and always find ways to achieve my goals. Also, my talents and accomplishments represent the kind of person I am and the kind of person I want to be. This led me to discover that it is our personalities that distinguish us, but our talents that define us. Furthermore, this reminds me of a time during my sophomore year that shaped me into the person I am today and the person I am proud to be: It happened on a frigid ten-degree day in Mercersburg. I was the backup lacrosse goalie and looked forward for my chance to play in a varsity game. When there were thirty seconds left in the game and our starting goalie received a penalty, without hesitation, I threw down my over-sized football coat and jogged out to the net, my legs frozen from standing on the sideline. There was a shot after ten seconds that hit the post and rolled to the back corner of the field. Mercersburg retrieved the ball and maintained possession. With fifteen seconds remaining in the game, a shot was taken that bounced and hit me in the chest and landed in front of me. I immediately pounced on the ball to make sure Mercersburg could not scramble the cage, and after a few seconds, the whistle sounded, the game was over, and our team won. My teammates dog piled me for having stopped the goal that would have tied the game and forced overtime. In conclusion, Peekay taught me to always believe in yourself. It is important to always strive for your dreams, no matter the difficulty, and to never sell yourself short. Peekay learned in his life-from the rough bullying, Apartheid, and other struggles he experienced-that after hard work, he achieved his dreams and obtained his revenge. In Creed, Adonis trained his whole life to follow in his fathers footsteps and, although he fell short in the end, his heart was greater than other light heavyweight champions in the world and that is what truly made him unique. In my life, I sought revenge in the championship game against a rival soccer team. Also, I made two incredible saves in lacrosse that won the team the game. Most importantly, it is not what we accomplish that makes us great, it is the journey and the limits we strive to overcome to achieve our goals that defines us as champions-the pursuit of a dog pile, the power of one.

Catcher in the Rye: Holdens Relationships Essay -- essays research pap

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout â€Å"The Catcher in the Rye†, Holden Caufield longs for intimacy with other human beings. One of Holden’s main problems is that he sees childhood as the ideal state of being. He thinks that all adults are phonies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the first relationships that is mentioned in the story, is Holden’s relationship with D.B., his brother. Throughout his childhood, it is obvious that Holden has idolized his older brother. Now that D.B. is a writer for Hollywood, Holden considers him a phony, and accuses him of prostituting himself by agreeing to work for the film industry.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Holden has a close relationship with his younger sister, Phobe. They are total opposites. She has a positive outlook on life, while Holden hates life and figures he’s doomed. Phobe was his â€Å"ray of hope†, and brought him true joy. To Holden, she is young, and hasn’t become phony. He would do anything to protect her and other children away from adulthood, and preserve their childish innocence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At Pencey, Holden meets Robert Ackley. Ackely has horrible hygiene, and does not hide it. Although this is disgusting, Holden has more respect for him than for his roommate, Stradlater. Holden calls Stradlater a â€Å"secret slob†. Stradlater is like many adults, because he tries to hide his imperfections. Holden is the complete opposite, because doesn’t care what people think of him, just as long as he feels go...

Presidential Cabinent notes

To form a more perfect union. Purpose two; to establish government Purpose 3: to insure domestic tranquility. A primary function of government is to maintain order and peace within a country. Purpose 4: To provide for the common defense. Purpose 5: to [remote the general welfare. The services mad protections that our government provides. Like health care, protection of environment. Etc.. Purpose 6: To secure the blessings of liberty, â€Å"you can only be free if I am free† Body: Article I † The legislative Branch Article al- The executive Branch Article Ill-The judicial branch Article IV – Interstate Relations (States of the Union) Article V – The amending Power, how the constitution can be changed. Article VI – The supremacy Act Clearly states that the federal gob Is supreme over state. Article VII – discusses the manner In which the states will adopt the constitution Part One: The Storm â€Å"The Storm: Chaos and Tragedy†: Answer the following questions as you view the PBS video excerpt â€Å"Chaos and Tragedy. † 1. According to Frontline, what problems were caused by the following groups: o The Local and state officials? O The U. S. Military? FEM..? O The Government?The main problem was that all waited too long and it caused more deaths and losses in people. 2. Why was the Louisiana National Guard unable to help? They waited too long and got trapped in headquarters. 3. Why were rescue efforts hampered in the first 24 hours? All the headquarters were underwater and the rescue efforts were trying to fix themselves. 4. What were the Mayor's responsibilities prior to the hurricane? To stock the shelters with food and water. Also he was responsible for having buses for transport. 5. Where were state and local officials during the aftermath of Strain? Why was this a problem?They were on the ground . It was a problem because they became very overwhelmed. 6. What were the critics pointing out as trouble with th e governor of Louisiana? She was unprepared and was given vague requests to the government 7. According to then-FEM.. Director Michael Brown, when does FEM.. Take over for state and local governments? FEM.. Takes over state officials against FEM..? The main complaints were that FEM.. Had no sense of urgency and barely sent out help, but FEM.. Claimed they didn't get any necessary help calls† 9. How many days did it take for the government, under President George W.Bush, to acknowledge they were late and inadequate in its response? It took the government 5 days. â€Å"The Storm: What Went Wrong in New Orleans†: 10. After reading the interview excerpts from the federal, state, and local officials, what do you feel went wrong in New Orleans? The main thing that I think went wrong was communication. In life they teach you that communication is key and unfortunately the officials were Just not being communicative and many officials were eyeing passive of the entire situation and no one took it seriously until it was too late.Review Questions: Evaluate and discuss the challenges for each level of government. Which level 11. Faced the greatest challenges? The challenges faced were helping the civilians, all of the levels of government had that problem, But the level which had it worse was the local and state officials because they had to deal with the crisis first when it was more chaotic and they were unprepared. 12. What lessons do you think were learned as a result of Hurricane Strain? I think as a nation we learned that we must have emergency plans and take every natural disaster seriously to save as many lives as possible. 3. After reviewing the problems caused, what type of assistance should the citizens of New Orleans have expected from the federal government? They should of expected imminent care with supplies and service. 14. In what ways do you think this storm has changed the city of New Orleans? Make sure to explain social and economic impact s. The way the city of New Orleans has changes is that the entire community has become one economic and social system. A bunch of individuals became a whole piece. 15.How has the aftermath of Hurricane Strain affected national politics? It affect national politics by the people second guessing the representatives they chose. 16. How can students help the citizens of New Orleans recover? They could donate money and help out their community. 17. What do you think is the most difficult part about being a victim of a natural disaster? The hardest thing in your life would be avoiding any situation like the natural disaster again. Part Two: Is Your Community Prepared? Go to wry. FEM†¦ V and click on one of the disasters that may occur in your community. After learning about this disaster, answer the questions below. 18. What type of disaster did you choose? Flash Flood 19. What preparations does FEM.. Recommend to avoid loss in this type of disaster? Avoid Roads and get to high groun d. 20. What steps can you take to better prepare your home and family for this type of disaster? Give examples. Stay focused on the weather and if a flash flood warning was given in an area get off the roads and make sure loved ones don't travel. Your Own InterviewsUsing the space provided in the Work File for this activity, write up your interview as if you were presenting it for use on the PBS Frontline web site â€Å"The Storm. † Be sure to include the person's full name, Job title or relationship to you, and contact information in your write up. If you are unsure of how to write up your interview, rich text format (. RTF). Place your interview write up here: Option 2: Interview a friend or family member who has experienced a natural disaster. Before conducting your interview, please view the slide presentation of Guide to Conducting an Interview for helpful tips and guidelines.Consider the following questions for your interview and include at least two additional question s of your own: o What type of disaster did you experience? O When and where did this disaster occur? O What did you do to prepare for the disaster? O What steps did you take during the disaster to protect yourself or your home? O What was the experience like after the disaster? O What did you learn from this experience? O What could you have done make your experience better? O How could you have improved your preparation? – â€Å"The disaster I experienced was a tornado. It was April of 2003 in Oklahoma.

Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo Essay

Both novels, the Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) and the El Filibusterismo, (The Filibuster) inspired by the patriotic ideals of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, depict the abuses suffered by the native indios at the hands of Spanish tyrants. The Noli paints us an ugly, yet clear picture of the so-called â€Å"social cancer† that deteriorates the society. The first of those two masterfully-crafted works, the Noli lays the most liberal, realistic and fearless view of the country’s well-being during the 300-year Spanish regime. It illustrates the rotten system of governance, the illicit ways of the church and the unfavorable trade of the privilege class. The Noli also relates how the government, the church and the privilege class manipulate the people. The government deprives the youth of education and how they use the people’s ignorance to their advantage. The treacherous friars by means of God and faith controlled the people, making them dummies of all sorts. On the other hand, the privilege class used their elite status to get ahead of everybody, by hook or by crook — employing the â€Å"me first† attitude. In the Noli, the weak and disposed seemingly lose hope resulting to unfortunate deaths (as the case Pilisopo Tasyo) and sometimes insanity. (as the case of Sisa) Hence the oppressed formed a brotherhood that hopes to liberate the country by use of force. To no avail, due to disorganization and lack of arms, each and every attempt at resistance failed. In Noli, the character of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra was introduced, an intelligent and promising young man who has high hopes of changing the course of the country.