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Data Governance is the practice of ensuring that collected and stored data are s ...

Data Governance is the practice of ensuring that collected and stored data are subject to quality and security standards. Implementing a robust data governance architecture will support our efforts to protect customer data and will be an investment in protecting future lines of business as well.

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An effective data governance architecture must cover systems, processes, accountability, employee practices, and external practices to ensure that escapes in quality and security are minimized.

Utilizing the DGI Data Governance Framework from The Data Governance Institute (citation) we will define the People & Organizational Bodies, the Rules & Rules of Engagement, and the Processes for Data Governance at AirBnB using their 10 piece framework.

Rules and Rules of Engagement

1. Mission and Vision

We are very clear about what we want to accomplish and why we are implementing this plan: customer security is our priority, and we must implement a data governance plan that both internally and externally demonstrates our commitments to our customers. Losing customer trust means losing customers, so it's imperative for AirBnB to take these steps to renew our customer's faith in our service.

2. Goals, Metrics, Success Measures, and Funding

The area of data governance that we will focus on is data security, with the emphasis on anomaly detection. We have established key business assumptions, key business requirements, and acceptance criteria for these cybersecurity measures. A business case has been provided to AirBnB executive leadership that illustrates the negative financial impact of not implementing these measures to mitigate security risks.

3. Data Rules and Definitions

Additional rules and standards will be put in place regarding Access Management, Data Usage, Anomaly Detection and Data Access. We will also clearly map out the data stakeholders (internal and external) that are represented and impacted by this new governance process, and ensure that any new procedures and standards are effectively communicated.

4. Decision Rights

We will develop an RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consult, Inform) of stakeholders and employees to define data governance responsibilities across AirBnB and externally.

5. Accountabilities

We must cultivate a culture of accountability at AirBnB that doesn't begin and end with IT, but throughout the data flow. Once this data governance process is implemented, we will monitor processes and use dashboards and reports to track our progress to plan.

6. Controls

Our data infrastructure and data rules are being modified with an emphasis on data security. Using secure systems such as Microsoft SQL as our data engine and [TBD] as our data lake configuration, and data rules around security will help prevent and uncover security issues.

7. Data Stakeholders

Our data stakeholder map will show who and what in the AirBnB ecosystem generates data, uses data, and makes decisions about data. This will be useful as we implement processes throughout the data flow stream, so that we can understand who is impacted and how.

8. A Data Governance Office (DGO)

A Data Governance Office (DGO) will be established in this new governance model to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of our data governance implementation. The DGO will be responsible for managing and developing the data governance roadmap elements, advocating on the behalf of stakeholders, bridging gaps between business units at AirBnB, and otherwise serving as a Center of Excellence for the enterprise.

9. Data Stewards

A critical part of our data governance process is ensuring that it is viewed as a shared responsibility across the enterprise, rather than just the responsibility of the DGO, so Data Stewards will be distributed across the business units.

10. Data Governance Processes

The DGO will be responsible for establishing the above framework and overseeing its execution at AirBnB. The combination of buy-in at the executive level and detailed data stakeholder mapping by the DGO will support a successful implementation and long-term success.

Comparison of Risk/Benefits of two Database Engines

1. Microsoft SQL Server is a database engine that operates both on the cloud-based and local servers. When properly set, this engine can function on both servers at the same time. It is available on both Linux and Window based platforms of Microsoft. However, the cost of Microsoft SQL Server is too high and may be beyond the company’s affordability. The management at AirBnB can use this database engine until they are able to track changes made to data over time. The engine also has a dynamic data masking which ensures only authorized people are able to see the sensitive information of the company. When installed, the AirBnB clients will be able to access the firm’s services on their mobile devices. It is also fast and stable. Nonetheless, this database system could be subjected to a certain level of risks like it can gobble resources, as well as the challenge of integration of services when importing files.

2. PostgreSQL is another database engine that the AirBnB Ltd can use for data protection. It is common in web databases and is essential for the management of both structured and unstructured data. Its latest version is PostgreSQL 9.5 which offers large volumes of data and increased number of the concurrent users. The company will be able to increase the number of users of the users of its database while at the same time keep track of every user ensuring that the activities of any illegitimate users are promptly detected. AirBnB using this system will enjoy the benefits of improved security which will support the DBMS-SESSION and expanded password profiles availing more interfaces. The cost of this database, however, could be too expensive that if the firm has a limited budget, they may not be able to afford it. Its usage may also be subjected to risks like configuration challenge. AirBnB users may also suffer from accessing the business information, particularly during large bulky operations.

3. AirBnB can also use MongoDB as a database system for securing its information. MongoDB uses both structured and unstructured data and is a very versatile system that operates by connecting databases to applications through Mongo DB database drivers. It is cheap from the cost perspective. if the management of AirBnB decides to use this database, they will enjoy benefits like speed and easy to use. Also, whether structured or unstructured, the data stored in this system can be traced easily. The system, however, is subjected to risks like its default settings not being secured and so where a query language is critical, the database may not help the company.

4. MariaDB is a free DBMS and is also offered in a free version. It is a fastest growing open source database available. When applied for data security management, AirBnB will enjoy benefits like faster and stable processing speed which increases the firm’s performance. The database similarly has a progress bar which enables the users to know the progress of any query. However, the use of this engine will subject AirBnB to the risk of no guarantee to further updates and versions in future. When it comes to the cost of establishing this system, it is relatively cheap compared to Oracle or MySQL.

How the chosen engine will support the business needs

Microsoft SQL will be the ideal database engine for this company. This is because AirBnB is working to develop a system that meets the security standards. That is, it has a dynamic data masking, user-friendly and is fast enough to meet clients’ needs.

Risk/Benefits of Data Lake configurations

1. By the mobile and websites that are developed by Adobe Systems. Its cost is fairly cheap and users can only spend less than $ 9.99 monthly subscription without annual commitment. It is simple and user-friendly.

2. As a Data Lake configuration component, Mapreduce is a programming model associated with the implementation of processing and generation of big data using both parallel and distributed algorithm on a cluster. This system functions by marshalling the distributed servers, running the various activities parallel, managing all the communications and data transfers. It's relatively expensive but performs more complex functions compared to Spark.

3. The Google Cloud Platform is another Data Lake configuration that runs the same infrastructure that Google Uses for its end-user products. No upfront cost is required. However, using this application post a lot of threats on the security of the firm’s data. Where the management of AirBnB chooses to use this system, they are likely to enjoy benefits like better pricing and improve the performance of their activities.

How the chosen Configuration will support the business needs

Google Cloud Platforms is the best selected Data Lake configuration for AirBnB Ltd. The company is likely to benefit from openness, flexibility and the cheap cost of this application. Besides, the system provides a platform that is user-friendly and is likely to meet the needs of all the clients if this company across the globe.

One of the Data Lake configuration components is Hadoop. Hadoop is a collection of open source software utilities that facilitate the use of a network of many computers in solving problems that involve massive data and computations. It is cheap and suitable for organizations that are unable to fully install IT. Where AirBnB uses this Data Lake Component, they are likely to face the risks of Big Data Security like difficulties to implement enterprise security requirements such as role-based authentication since it relies entirely on Kerberos. The firm may, however, benefit from a fast and flexible nature of this component as well as its resilient to failure.

Data Governance

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Modern Data Governance comprises the following two main technologies. These include data ingestion tools that support the process of bringing data into analytics ecosystem. There is also a data-cataloguing that manages the inventory of the data sets. AirBnB will need this tool to connect its clients with the necessary information they may need about the company. Data Preparation is another tool of governance useful for improving, enriching, formatting and blending data making it ready for analysis and reporting. Reporting and Analysis is the last tool of data governance which companies use to explore, model and visualize data to establish trends, patterns and insights thereby making it easier for consumers to interpret the information.


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Table of contentsData Mining TechniquesData mining involves three steps:Data Min ...

Table of contents

  1. Data Mining Techniques
  2. Data mining involves three steps:Data Mining Algorithms And TechniquesA. ClassificationB. ClusteringC. RegressionD. Association ruleE. Neural networks
  3. Conclusion
  4. References

Data Mining Techniques

With the development of Information Technology a large amount of databases and huge amount of data in various areas has been generated. The research in different databases and information technology has always given rise to an approach to store and manipulate this precious data for further decision making. Data mining is a process of extracting useful information and patterns from large amount of data and is called as knowledge discovery process, knowledge mining from data, knowledge extraction or data analysis or pattern analysis.

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Data mining is a logical process that searches useful data from a large amount of raw data. The main goal of this technique is to find previously unknown patterns. Once these patterns are found, they can further be used to make certain decisions for machine learning and predicting analysis.

Data mining involves three steps:

A. Exploration: firstly the data is cleaned and transformed to important variables and then nature of data based on the problem are determined.

B. Pattern Identification: After the exploration, refining and defining of data for the specific variables the second step is to form pattern identification. Identify and choose the patterns which make the best prediction.

C. Deployment: Finally the patterns are put into use for desired outcome.[2]

Data Mining Algorithms And Techniques

Knowledge is discovered from available databases with the use of different kind of algorithms and techniques like Classification, Clustering, Regression, Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks, Association Rules, Decision Trees, Genetic Algorithm, Nearest Neighbour method etc.

A. Classification

Classification is a data mining technique that assigns categories to a collection if data in order to aid in more accurate predictions and analysis. One of its several methods is decision tree. The goal is to set of classification rules that will answer a question, make decision or predict behavior. To start a set of training data is developed that contains a certain set of attributes as well as the likely outcome. The job of classification algorithm is to discover how the set of attributes reaches its conclusion. Different types of classification models are classification by decision tree, Neural Networks, Support Vector Machine.

B. Clustering

Clustering can be said as identification of similar classes of objects. By using clustering techniques we can further identify dense and sparse regions in object space and can discover overall distribution pattern and correlations among data attributes. Clustering approach can also be used for effective means of distinguishing groups or classes of object. But, it becomes costly so clustering can be used as pre-processing approach for attribute subset selection and classification. For example, to form group of customers based on purchasing patterns, to categories genes with similar functionality. Partitioning Methods, Hierarchical Agglomerative (divisive) methods Density based methods, Grid-based methods Model-based methods are the different types of clustering methods

C. Regression

Regression technique can be adapted for prediction. Regression analysis can be used to model the relationship between one or more independent variables and dependent variables. In data mining attributes already known are independent variables and what we want to predict are the response variables. Unfortunately, many real-world problems are not simply prediction. For instance, sales volumes, stock prices, and product failure rates are all very difficult to predict because they may depend on complex interactions of multiple predictor variables. Therefore, more complex techniques (e.g., logistic regression, decision trees, or neural nets) may be necessary to forecast future values. The same model types can often be used for both regression and classification. For example, the CART (Classification and Regression Trees) decision tree algorithm can be used to build both classification trees (to classify categorical response variables) and regression trees (to forecast continuous response variables). Neural networks too can create both classification and regression models.

Different types of regression methods are Linear Regression, Multivariate Linear Regression, Nonlinear Regression, and Multivariate Nonlinear Regression

D. Association rule

Association and correlation is usually to find frequent item set findings among large data sets. This type of findings helps to make certain decisions, such as catalogue design, cross marketing and customer shopping behavior analysis. Association Rule algorithms need to be able to generate rules with confidence values less than one. However the number of possible Association Rules for a given data set is generally very large and a high proportion of the rules are usually of little value.

Different types of association rule are Multi-level association rule, Multidimensional association rule and Quantitative association rule

E. Neural networks

Neural network is a set of connected input/output units and each connection has a weight present with it. During the learning phase, network learns by adjusting weights so as to be able to predict the correct class labels of the input tuples. Neural networks have the remarkable ability to derive meaning from complicated or imprecise data and can be used to extract patterns and detect trends that are complex to be noticed by either humans or other computer techniques. These are well suited for continuous valued inputs and outputs. Neural networks are best at identifying patterns or trends in data and well suited for prediction or forecasting needs.

Conclusion

Data mining is an essential process where intelligent methods are applied to extract data patterns. It has an important significance regarding finding the patterns, forecasting, discovery of complete knowledge etc., in different field of Information Technology. Data mining techniques and algorithms such as classification, clustering etc., helps in finding the patterns in accordance with the certain similar characteristics of the data. Data mining has wide application domain almost in every industry where the data is generated, this is why data mining is considered to be one of the most important frontiers in database and information systems and also the most promising interdisciplinary developments in Information Technology.

References

[1] Jiawei Han and Micheline Kamber, Data Mining Concepts and Techniques, published by Morgan Kauffman, 3rd edition.

[2] Mrs. Bharati M. Ramageri, “Data Mining Techniques And Applications” ,Indian Journal of Computer Science and Engineering Vol. 1 No. 4, ISSN : 0976-5166 pg: 301-305.

[3] Ke Jie, Dong Hongbin, Tan Chengyu and Liang Yiwen, ”PBWA: A Provenance-Based What-If Analysis Approach for Data Mining Processes” Chinese Journal of Electronics Vol.26, No.5, Sept. 2017

[4] LiHua Wang BeiHang Zijun Zhou, “Congestion Prediction for Urban Areas by Spatiotemporal Data Mining”, International Conference on Cyber-Enabled Distributed Computing and Knowledge Discovery 978-1-5386-2209-4/17 2017 IEEE

[5] Sagardeep Roy Anchal Garg,” Analyzing Performance of Students by Using Data Mining Techniques A Literature Survey” 4th IEEE Uttar Pradesh Section International Conference on Electrical, Computer and Electronics (UPCON) GLA University, Mathura, Oct 26-28, 2017, 978-1-5386-3004-4/17


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Software installation and MaintenanceGet original essayA DBA often collaborates ...

Software installation and Maintenance

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A DBA often collaborates on initial installation and configuration of a new database. DBA installs the “Database software” and configures it for use. As updates and patches are required, the DBA handles the on-going maintenance. Once there is a new server the DBA handles the transfer of data from the old server to the new platform

Data Extraction, Transformation, and Loading

This is known as ETL (Data Extraction, Transformation, And Loading) this refers to the efficiently important large volume of data which come from extracting multiple systems data into a data warehouse environment. This external data has been cleaned up and transformed to fit the desired format so that it can be imported to a central repository.

Security

A DBA needs to know the potential weaknesses of the database software and the company’s whole system and to minimize the risk of the database software. There isn’t a single system that is one hundred percent immune to attacks, but the risk can be minimize to the lowest.

Backup and Recovery

DBAs creates backup and recovery plans and procedures based on the industry best practices, then make sure all steps has been followed. Backups cost a lot of time and money so the DBA may have to manage to take necessary precautions to preserve data.

The Advantage of a database management system:

A database management system(DBMS) is an application software that allows user to define, create and manager/maintain a database while providing the ability to maintain multiple access control and security of the data stored.

Controlling Data Redundancy:

With a DBMS it allows you to control data redundancy, this means in a non-database system each application program has its own private files. This means a duplicated copies of the same data are created in many places. But in the other hand with a DBMS all data of an organization is integrated into a single database file, and this means that the data is recorded in only one place in the database and it is not duplicated at multiple places.

Sharing of Data:

In a DBMs data can also be shared by authorized users of the organization. This means that the database administrator manages the data and give rights to users that are allow to access the data and this allows multiple user to access the same piece of the information simultaneously. And the data of the same database can be shared between different applications programs.

Data Consistency:

Data consistency is obtained by controlling data redundancy. For example, if a data appears only once, any update done to it has to be performed only once and the update is immediately available to all users. The database system enforces consistency when the DBMA has controlled redundancy.

Integration of Data:

Data in a database are stored in table forms in a DBMS. So in a single database it contains multiple tables and then this enables relationships to be created between tables. This can make it easier to retrieve and update data.

Integration Constraints:

DBMS allows us to apply integration constraints to database so that it ensure the data that has been entered to the database is correct. The constraints may be applied to data item within a single record or to a relationship between records.

Data Security:

The forms are very important object of a DBMS. To create a form is very easy and quickly and it provides very easy ways to enter data into database, edit, and display the data from database. So that non-technical users can also perform operations on database with the form without going into technical details. So Data security is important.

Report Writers:

In most of the DBMSs there will be a report writer, this tool is used to create reports. this can be created very easily by the user. The create report are also save along with database and it behaves like a software component

Control Over Concurrency:

With a file base system when 2 users are simultaneously accessing the data it is possible that they will interfere with each other. So most Database Management system have sub-system to control the concurrency so that all transaction are always recorded with currency, this means that users that are accessing data simultaneously won’t interfere each other.

Backup and Recovery Procedures:

The user can create the backup of data to protect all the valuable data from damaging due to fails to computer system or application programs. And it will take very long to back up large amount of data with a file-based system. So most of the DBMS provide a sub-system that will create the backup of data and restore the data automatically if required.

Data Independence:

In a DBMS the user can change the structure of database without modifying the application program this is call data independence.

Categories of database models:

Relational model:

The Relational model also known as RM for database management is a leading to managing data using a structure and language consistent. This model sorts data into tables, also known as relations, each of the table consists of columns and rows and each column lists an attribute of the entity

Object model:

An object database is a database management system in which the information is represented in for of object known as object-oriented programming. This model defines database as a collection of objects or reusable software element. For example, a multimedia database is an object database due to that it contains medias such as images.

XML model:

This is data persistence software system which enables data to be specified properly, and sometimes stored in format of XML. This data can be queried, transformed, exported and then returned to a system that requires the data.

What is the difference between a database schema and a database state?

  1. When a new database has been created we specify that it’s a database schema (only to the DBMS).
  2. When the database is first loaded with initial data it’s an initial state of the database
  3. Database state can also refer to update operation has been done to the database.
  4. The DBMS is also responsible to ensure that the state of the database is a valid state-that is, which means the state that satisfies the structure and constraints specified in to the schema.

So overall Database schema is the design of the database. It’s a mind map that represents the logical view of the whole database and it tells how the data is organized. And database state is the content of the database at a moment in time.

UML Notation for Entity Relationship Models:

UML (unified Modeling Language) this method is use for specifying, visualizing, and documenting all the artifacts or an object-oriented system that’s under development. UML is a combined of Booch, Objectory, and OMT.


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In the biblical narrative, David is a young shepherd who first gains fame as a m ...

In the biblical narrative, David is a young shepherd who first gains fame as a musician and later by killing Goliath. He becomes a favorite of King Saul and a close friend of Saul's son Jonathan. Worried that David is trying to take his throne, Saul turns on David. After Saul and Jonathan are killed in battle, David is anointed as King. David conquers Jerusalem, taking the Ark of the Covenant into the city, and establishing the kingdom founded by Saul.

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As king, David arranges the death of Uriah the Hittite to cover his adultery with Bathsheba. According to the same biblical text, God denies David the opportunity to build the temple and his son, Absalom, tries to overthrow him. David flees Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion, but after Absalom's death he returns to the city to rule Israel. Before his peaceful death, he chooses his son Solomon as his successor.

He is mentioned in the prophetic literature as an ideal king and an ancestor of a future Messiah, and many psalms are ascribed to him.Historians of the Ancient Near East agree that David probably existed around 1000 BCE, but that there is little that can be said about him as a historical figure.

There is no direct evidence outside of the Bible concerning David, but the Tel Dan Stele, an inscribed stone erected by a king of Damascus in the late 9th/early 8th centuries BCE to commemorate his victory over two enemy kings, contains the phrase ???????, bytdwd, which most scholars translate as "House of David".

Ancient Near East historians generally doubt that the united monarchy as described in the Bible existed.David is richly represented in post-biblical Jewish written and oral tradition, and is discussed in the New Testament. Early Christians interpreted the life of Jesus in light of the references to the Messiah and to David; Jesus is described as being descended from David. David is discussed in the Quran and figures in Islamic oral and written tradition as well. The biblical character of David has inspired many interpretations in fictional literature over centuries.


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Charles Edward Stuart. The rebellion failed and several Scottish Jacobites wer ...

Charles Edward Stuart. The rebellion failed
and several Scottish Jacobites were imprisoned or executed.
  • Idea of a Perfect Commonwealth. This first appeared as essay 12 in PD (1752). In this essay Hume presents his conception of the most ideal plan of government

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    In 1580, French writer Michel Montaigne created a literary genre with the public ...

    In 1580, French writer Michel Montaigne created a literary genre with the publication of his Essais. Montaigne’s work is a collection of over 100 musings on a variety of subjects, including “Of Idleness”, “Of Liars”, “Of Fear”, “Of Friendship”, and “Of Cannibals”. After Montaigne, hundreds of collections of essays appeared by noted writers such as Francis Bacon, John Dryden, Alexander Pope, Joseph Addison, and Samuel Johnson. Although some writers published formal essays that might be better termed “treatises”, the quintessential essay was informal, personal and, above all, entertaining. In 1741 Hume published his Essays, Moral and Political in which he consciously followed the tried and true model of informal essay writing. Part of Hume’s motivation for producing a collection of informal essays stems from the poor public reception of his more formally written Treatise of Human Nature (1739-1740). In his essay “Of Essay Writing”, Hume expresses his hope that his own collection of essays would be of interest both to learned people and conversational people. In the opening section of his first Enquiry (1748, first titled Philosophical Essays), Hume argues that essays are a good forum for discussing common life philosophy – in contrast to abstract philosophy. From 1741 until his death, Hume continually added to his collection of essays, which, from various editions, totaled 47 different compositions. As time when on, Hume’s essay writing became more formal, both in style and content, and Hume even removed some of the earlier essays that he thought were too frivolous. The subjects of Hume’s essays are as diverse as those by Montaigne or Addison. However, the bulk of Hume’s essays fall into one of three distinct subject groups: aesthetic theory, political theory, and economic theory.

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    Table of Contents

    Hume’s Place in Early Aesthetic, Political, and Economic Theory

    Summary of the Essays

    Overview of the Early Responses

    1. Hume’s Place in Early Aesthetic, Political, and Economic Theory

    To better understand Hume’s contributions to aesthetic, political, and economic theory, it is helpful to examine the context in which Hume developed his views. Concerning aesthetic theory, several of Hume’s essays discuss issues such as taste, cultural refinement, oratorical eloquence, essay writing, and aesthetic pleasure derived from artistic depictions of tragedy. During the 18th century, most of these issues were addressed in books on rhetoric, which laid out the principles of good writing and good speaking. Hume’s principal contribution in this arena concerns his theory of taste. In 18th century discussions, the term “taste” referred to a mental faculty that enables people to appreciate and critically judge aesthetic objects. Theorists on this topic described both the instinctive mental mechanisms of this faculty, and how we refine our judgments of taste through experience. The expression “delicacy of taste”, which Hume often uses, refers to a refinement of this faculty, which gives a person a greater and more subtle range of experiences. In An Inquiry into the Original of our Ideas of Beauty and Virtue (1725), Francis Hutcheson described the taste mechanism as an internal sense of beauty that produces pleasure when we are presented with objects “in which there is uniformity amidst variety.” For Hutcheson, this includes objects in nature, artistic representations, and even mathematical theorems.

    Hume’s essay “Of the Standard of Taste” appeared in 1757. Although paralleling Hutcheson’s account, Hume parts company with Hutcheson in two important ways. First, Hume does not discuss the psychological details of the taste mechanism, and Hume even leaves it open as to whether the sense of taste is an internal or external sense. Second, unlike Hutcheson who offers a criterion of beauty, namely, form of purposeness, Hume does not specify any criterion. Shortly after the appearance of Hume’s essay, Alexander Gerard published his Essay on Taste (1759). In this work Gerard presents a detailed account of the different kinds of internal senses, and also distinguishes between several types of taste senses. At the close of the century, in his Essays on the Nature and Principles of Taste (1790), Archibald Alison developed an even more detailed psychological account of the various mental mechanisms involved in taste. Hume’s theory stands in contrast to both Gerard’s and Allison’s insofar as Hume minimises reliance on psychological faculties and mechanisms.

    As to political theory, Hume’s essays on this subject deal with popular political controversies of the time, particularly involving party disputes between Whigs and Tories. The Whig and Tory parties of England date from 1679 when the House of Commons tried to exclude the Roman Catholic duke of York (later James II) from succeeding to throne, currently held by the duke’s older brother Charles II. Charles supported his younger brother as successor, which ultimately required Charles to dissolve Parliament in 1681. During this time, Scottish Presbyterian rebels formed the Whig party in opposition to Charles. The Tory party, by contrast, emerged as a party that gave loyal support to the King. In 1685, Charles died and his brother succeeded to the throne as James II. After advocating several pro-Catholic policies, the Whig party instigated James’s overthrow in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. In later years the Whigs justified the revolution by appealing to Locke’s theory that people can remove political authorities when those authorities fail to protect the rights of the people. Accordingly, the newly empowered Whig party supported constitutional government. Their Tory counterparts ultimately accepted much of the Whig’s constitutionalist position and, after 1714, the Tories declined as a political force.

    In Hume’s political essays, two consistent themes emerge. First, in securing peace, a monarchy with strong authority is probably better than a pure republic. Consequently, Hume sides with the Tories, given their traditional support of the monarchy. Except in extreme cases, Hume opposes the Lockean argument offered by Whigs that justifies overthrowing political authorities. Hume does note, though, that monarchies and republics each have their strong points. Monarchies encourage the arts, and republics encourage science and trade. Hume also appreciates the mixed form of government within Great Britain, which fosters liberty of the press. The second theme in Hume’s political essays is that revolutions and civil wars principally arise from zealousness within party factions. Political moderation, he argues, is the best antidote to potentially ruinous party conflict.

    Turning finally to economic theory, in ancient and medieval writings, economics was not an isolated discipline, but part of a larger moral, religious, and political quest to optimally organise society. For example, in Book I of the Politics, Aristotle discusses the art of acquiring wealth, which he argues is a necessary part of households; and households, for Aristotle, comprise the state. Views about economics changed during the Renaissance when individual autonomous states actively sought to increase their wealth. The mercantile system emerged based on the concept of the “balance of trade”, the view that a country increases its wealth by increasing the quantity of gold and silver in that country. Three means were commonly employed to this end: (1) capture gold, silver and raw material from other countries through colonisation; (2) discourage imports through tariffs and monopolies, which keeps acquired gold and silver within one’s country’s borders; and, (3) increase exports, which brings in money from outside countries. In Great Britain, mercantile policies were instituted through the Navigation Acts, which prohibited trade between British colonies and foreign countries. These protectionist laws ultimately led to the American revolution.

    During the late 17th through mid 18th centuries, several writers chiselled away at the central doctrines of mercantilism. The most notable of these were a group of French economists known as physiocrats — a term which means rule of nature as opposed to human rule. In opposition to mercantilists who held that wealth was gold, the physiocrats argued that all economic production was based on sound agriculture. Also, contrary to the mercantilists’ protectionist policies, the physiocrats believed that a country’s economy would naturally and automatically attain optimal results when people do not interfere with its operation. This is the basis of the term laissez-faire, which means “let it be”. This aspect of the physiocrats directly influenced Adam Smith in his Wealth of Nations (1776). A leading proponent of the physiocrat school was Anne Robert Jacques Turgot (1727-1781) who was minister of finance in France from 1774-1776, during which time he unsuccessfully tried to institute physiocratic reforms. Hume and Turgot were friends and the two frequently corresponded on economic issues in the late 1760s.

    In 1752, Hume published a series of economic essays in his Political Discourses, which, like the writing of the physiocrats, makes a decisive turn away from mercantilist theory. The most famous of Hume’s anti-mercantilist arguments is now called Hume’s gold-flow theory. Contrary to mercantilists who advocated locking up money in one’s home country, Hume argued that increased money in one country automatically disperses to other countries. Suppose, for example, that Great Britain receives an influx of new money. This new money will drive up prices of labour and domestic products in Great Britain. Products in foreign countries, then, will be cheaper than in Great Britain; Britain, then, will import these products, thereby sending new money to foreign countries. Hume compares this reshuffling of wealth to the level of fluids in interconnected chambers: if I add fluid to one chamber, then, under the weight of gravity, this will disperse to the others until the level is the same in all chambers. A similar phenomenon will occur if we lose money in our home country by purchasing imports from foreign countries. As the quantity of money decreases in our home country, this will drive down the prices of labour and domestic products. Our products, then, will be cheaper than foreign products, and we will gain money through exports. On the fluid analogy, by removing fluid from one chamber, more fluid is drawn in from surrounding chambers.

    In 1755 a posthumously published work appeared by Irishman Richard Cantillion (1680-1734), titled Essai sur la Nature du Commerce. Though explained less precisely, Cantillion offered a gold-flow theory similar to Hume’s. In fact, some of Cantillions observations were so similar to Hume’s that, in a review of Cantillion’s work – apparently unaware of Cantillion’s death date – William Kenrick writes that Cantillon frequently “quotes Mr. Hume in justification of his own sentiments; but does not appear always to comprehend the arguments, or see clearly into the design of that masterly writer.” Although Adam Smith cites Cantillion in the Wealth of Nations (1776), Cantillion’s work was largely forgotten until the late 19th century. Consequently it is Hume’s name that is associated with the gold-flow theory.

    1. Summary of the Essays

    The chronology behind Hume’s collected essays is complex and only a general outline can be given here. The essays were published in different volumes during a period of over 35 years. The original sources of the published essays are these:

    Essays, Moral and Political (abbr. EMP)

    Vol. 1 first edition (1741)

    Vol. 1 second edition (1742)

    Vol. 2 first edition (1742)

    Combined third edition (1748)

    Combined fourth edition (1753, in Essays and Treatises on Several Subjects)

    Political Discourses (abbr. PD) First edition (1752)

    Second edition (1752)

    Second edition (1753, in Essays and Treatises on Several Subjects)

    Third edition (1754)

    Third edition (1754, in Essays and Treatises on Several Subjects)

    Four Dissertations (abbr. FD)

    Only edition (1757)

    Essays, Moral, Political, and Literary (abbr. EMPL; in Essays and Treatises on Several Subjects)

    Eight editions: 1758, 1760, 1764, 1767, 1768, 1770, 1772, 1777

    In 1758 Hume compiled his essays into a two-part collection titled Essays, Moral, Political, and Literary. Part I includes the essays from Essays, Moral and Political, plus two essays from Four Dissertations. The contents of this part largely covers political and aesthetic issues. Part II includes the essays from Political Discourses, most of which develop economic themes. The total two-part collection appeared within a larger collection of Hume’s writings titled Essays and Treatises on Several Subjects. Below is a brief description of the content and bibliographical history of the Essays, Moral, Political, and Literary.

    Part 1

    1. Of the Delicacy of Taste and Passion. This first appeared as essay 1 in EMP (Vol. 1, 1741). In this essay Hume distinguishes between (1) delicacy of passion, which makes people sensitive to life’s joys and sorrows, and (2) delicacy of taste, which makes people sensitive to the arts. Hume argues that delicacy of taste helps improve delicacy of passion.2. Of the Liberty of the Press. This first appeared as essay 2 in EMP (Vol. 1, 1741). In this essay Hume argues that the liberty of the press in Great Britain owes to its mixed form of government “which is neither wholly monarchical, nor wholly republican.”
    2. That Politics may be reduced to a Science. This first appeared as essay 4 in EMP (Vol. 1, 1741). In this essay Hume argues that there is a real difference between different forms of government and that “an hereditary prince, a nobility withoutvassals, and a people voting by their representatives, form the best MONARCHY, ARISTOCRACY and DEMOCRACY.” Hume discourages political zeal and recommends moderation when a constitution is fundamentally good.
    3. Of the First Principles of Government. This first appeared as essay 5 in EMP (Vol. 1, 1741). In this essay Hume argues that governments are founded primarily on (1) opinion concerning public interest, and (2) opinion concerning rights to power and property. Other foundational principles are self-interest concerning rewards, fear of a tyrant’s fury, and affection for a sovereign’s wisdom and virtue.
    4. Of the Origin of Government. This first appeared as essay 5 in EMPL (1777). In this essay Hume argues that the aim of all government is to maintain justice. We recognise the need for justice in securing peace, but human weakness keeps us from always acting justly. We thus institute a government and invent the duty of obedience. Although such authority is essential to society, it is always balanced against liberty.
    5. Of the Independency of Parliament. This first appeared as essay 8 in EMP (Vol. 1, 1741). In this essay Hume argues that party loyalty makes people despise their adversaries. Accordingly, government powers should be divided with checks on each other. Hume notes that the British Parliament has an imbalance of checks, since the House of Lords requires support from the King to be effective. However, the House of Commons does not exploit that weakness since “such an usurpation would be contrary to the interest of the majority of its members.”
    6. Whether the British Government inclines more to Absolute Monarchy, or to a Republic. This first appeared as essay 9 in EMP (Vol. 1, 1741). In this essay Hume argues that the British government is moving more towards absolute monarchy. Although absolute tyranny is bad, a republic is worse since factions will divide it and civil war will result. “This may teach us the lesson of moderation in all our political controversies.”
    7. Of Parties in General. This first appeared as essay 10 in EMP (Vol. 1, 1741). In this essay Hume condemns the institution of political parties since “factions subvert government [and] render laws impotent”. Factions are either (1) personal, based on friendship and mere party loyalty, or (2) real, based on genuine differences of interest, principle, or affection.
    8. Of the Parties of Great Britain. This first appeared as essay 11 in EMP (Vol. 1, 1741). In this essay Hume argues that the two main party orientations in Great Britain are the court party and country party, divided both in principle and in interest. According to Hume, established clergy side with the court party, and dissenting clergy with the country; the Round-heads sided with the country, the Cavalier with the court. Tories and Whigs are harder to classify, especially since the revolution.
    9. Of Superstition and Enthusiasm. This first appeared as essay 12 in EMP (Vol. 1, 1741). In this essay Hume argues that superstition and enthusiasm (fanaticism) are the main sources of false religion. He defends the views that (1) superstition gives rise to priests and ceremonies, but enthusiasm does not; (2) enthusiastic religions are more violent than superstitious ones; and, (3) “superstition is an enemy to civil liberty, and enthusiasm a friend to it.”
    10. Of the Dignity or Meanness of Human Nature. This first appeared as essay 14 in EMP (Vol. 1, 1741) under the title “Of the Dignity of Human Nature” and renamed in EMPL (1770). In this essay Hume argues that we are more inclined towards morality if we hold an optimistic view of human nature rather than a pessimistic one. He believes that many discussions of human nature err by drawing faulty comparisons between humans and other species above or below us. Hume criticises those who hold that all human actions are selfish.
    11. Of Civil Liberty. This first appeared as essay 15 in EMP (Vol. 1, 1741) under the title “Of Liberty and Despotism” and renamed in EMPL Part 1 (1758). In this essay Hume argues that arts and sciences flourish under absolute governments, but commerce flourishes more in free governments. Although all forms of government have recently improved, Hume believes that monarchies have improved the most. Free governments tend to degenerate because of excessive debts and taxes.
    12. Of Eloquence. This first appeared as essay 2 in EMP (Vol. 2, 1742). In this essay Hume argues that ancient societies were superior to modern societies in oratorical eloquence. Hume refutes commonly offered reasons to explain the difference, such as the simplicity of ancient laws, modern disdain for rhetorical tricks, and the severity of ancient crimes. Hume concludes that modern orators should not mimic the ancient rhetorical style, but stress philosophical argument as they do. However, some modern style may be corrected.
    13. Of the Rise and Progress of the Arts and Sciences. This first appeared as essay 5 in EMP (Vol. 2, 1742). In this essay Hume argues that the rise of arts and sciences is not a matter of chance but of definitive causes. Hume observes four causes. First, arts and sciences first arise only in free governments. Second, politeness and learning spread through international commerce. Third, once established, a republic is most favourable to sciences, and a civilised monarchy most favourable to arts. Fourth, when arts and sciences decline in a country, they seldom revive in that same country.
    14. The Epicurean. This first appeared as essay 6 in EMP (Vol. 2, 1742). In this essay Hume poetically expresses the Epicurean view that human happiness is found in pleasure.
    15. The Stoic. This first appeared as essay 7 in EMP (Vol. 2, 1742). In this essay Hume starkly expresses the Stoic view of natural order and finding happiness through honest and hard work.
    16. The Platonist. This first appeared as essay 8 in EMP (Vol. 2, 1742). In this essay Hume expresses the Platonist view that happiness is found in the contemplation of the most perfect object.
    17. The Sceptic. This first appeared as essay 9 in EMP (Vol. 2, 1742). In this essay Hume expresses the Sceptical view that “no objects are, in themselves, desirable or odious, valuable or despicable; but that objects acquire these qualities from the particular character and constitution of the mind, which surveys them.” Philosophers assist in establishing a larger context within which we may survey things.
    18. Of Polygamy and Divorces. This first appeared as essay 10 in EMP (Vol. 2, 1742). In this essay Hume argues against both polygamy and divorce. Polygamy is bad since it undermines intimate friendship and promotes inequality and jealousy. Although voluntary divorce allows us to retain a sense of liberty, it is bad because of its affects on children, the “deadly hatred” that erupts at the prospect of separation, and the insecurity that it generates for each partner.
    19. Of Simplicity and Refinement in Writing. This first appeared as essay 11 in EMP (Vol. 2, 1742) under the title “Of Simplicity and Refinement” and renamed in EMP (1748). In this essay Hume argues that writing style should neither be too natural, as in common conversation, nor too refined or ornamented. He notes that writers have some latitude between these two extremes, and that no rule can establish the best middle ground.
    20. Of National Characters. This first appeared as essay 24 in EMP (1748). In this essay Hume argues that the varying characteristics of people in different countries owe principally to “moral causes” such as governments, and very little to “physical causes” such as native food and climate. He argues against physical causes by illustrating that two specific societies in the same geographical conditions may have highly diverse characteristics. Also, two societies in vastly different geographical conditions may have similar characteristics. In the 1753 edition, Hume included a controversial note arguing that blacks are inferior to whites.
    21. Of Tragedy. This first appeared as dissertation 3 in FD (1757), and later included as essay 25 of EMPL Part 1 (1758). In this essay Hume discusses the psychological reasons why we feel pleasure when observing artistic depictions of tragic events. Hume argues that “the energy of expression, the power of numbers, and the charm of imitation” convey the sense of pleasure. Hume particularly stresses the technical artistry involved when an artistic work imitates the original.
    22. Of the Standard of Taste. This first appeared as dissertation 4 in FD (1757), and later included as essay 26 of EMPL Part 1 (1758). In this essay Hume argues that there is a uniform sense of artistic judgment in human nature, similar to our uniform sense of moral judgment. Specific objects consistently trigger feelings of beauty within us, as our human nature dictates. Just as we can refine our external senses such as our palate, we can also refine our sense of artistic beauty and thus cultivate a delicacy of taste. In spite of this uniform standard of taste, two factors create some difference in our judgments: “the one is the different humours of particular men; the other, the particular manners and opinions of our age and country.”

    Part 2

    1. Of Commerce. This first appeared as essay 1 in PD (1752). This essay is an introduction to the essays that follow. Hume argues that a country’s happiness and military strength both depend on strong industry. In time of peace excess workers can produce luxuries and improve the arts, and thus increase a country’s happiness. In time of war, excess workers can serve in the military. Hume argues further that foreign trade also increases happiness and strengthens the military. Foreign trade acquaints people with the pleasures of foreign luxuries and thus raises the quality of life. Foreign trade also increases industry, which strengthens the labour pool for possible use in the military.   2. Of Refinement in the Arts. This first appeared as essay 2 in PD (1752) under the title “Of Luxury” and renamed in EMPL Part 2 (1760). In this essay Hume argues that private and public happiness increases with the growth of cultural refinement in the arts and sciences. Hume also notes that when people are lazy and indifferent to other people, then luxury is harmful to political society.3. Of Money. This first appeared as essay 3 in PD (1752). In this essay Hume argues that the wealth of a country consists of its labour and commodities, not in the quantity of its gold or silver. For Hume, an increase or decrease of money in a country does not increase or decrease the country’s wealth. As the quantity of money increases or decreases, the prices of both labour and products increase and decrease proportionally. However, Hume argues that the overall economy suffers when prices increase because of an increase in money; for, when prices are higher, domestic industries cannot compete with cheaper foreign labour and products. For this reason, Hume sees a danger in paper credit; for, when banks issue credit, this increases the quantity of money in a country, which in turn raises prices, which in turn again makes domestic products less competitive.
    2. Of Interest. This first appeared as essay 4 in PD (1752). In this essay Hume argues against the mercantilist view that an increase of money in a country will result in lower interest. Hume notes again that increased money will only result in higher labour and commodity prices. For Hume, interest rates change based on three factors: the demand for borrowing, the amount of money brought together to supply borrowers, and the high or low profits arising from commerce.
    3. Of the Balance of Trade. This first appeared as essay 5 in PD (1752). In this essay Hume argues against the mercantilist fear of losing gold through buying foreign imports. Instead, he proposes what is now known as Hume’s gold-flow theory: the balance of trade between countries will ultimately attain equilibrium, and that a country cannot permanently lose its wealth by purchasing too many foreign imports. Hume’s reasoning is that, if a country loses money, then prices will drop within that country; this, in turn will make the country’s exports more competitive and enable it to bring in new money from foreign countries. This is similar to how fluids in interconnected chambers will always remain at the same level: when fluid is removed from one chamber, it will draw on the fluids in other chambers. For Hume, if we “suppose four-fifths of all the money in Great Britain to be annihilated in one night,” then prices would drop, exports would increase, and new money for their purchase would enter the country.
    4. Of the Jealousy of Trade. This first appeared as essay 6 in EMPL (1760). In this essay Hume argues against the mercantilist fear that national wealth is hurt when foreign neighbours prosper. For Hume, a nation will typically prosper only when its neighbouring countries do too. For, a nation’s export industry will decline unless its foreign neighbour has enough money to purchase the exports.
    5. Of the Balance of Power. This first appeared as essay 6 in PD (1752). In this essay Hume argues that the notion of a balance of power among foreign governments is not a modern invention but practised in ancient times.
    6. Of Taxes. This first appeared as essay 7 in PD (1752). In this essay Hume argues that, to an extent, workers can cover increased taxes by increasing their labour, rather than by receiving an increase to their wages. This is parallel to situations in which workers in some countries increase their labour to overcome natural disadvantages such as harsh climate. Hume argues that it is best to tax luxury items, rather than necessities, since the purchase of luxuries is to some extent voluntary.
    7. Of Public Credit. This first appeared as essay 8 in PD (1752). In this essay Hume describes several unfavourable economic consequences of Britain’s national debt, and he warns of a forthcoming national bankruptcy. The worse consequence is that perhaps at some time the interests of millions of creditors may be sacrificed for the benefit of a smaller number of debtors. But even if disaster strikes, Hume argues that people will forget this tragedy and once again engage in risky credit practices.
    8. Of some Remarkable Customs. This first appeared as essay 9 in PD (1752). In this essay Hume discusses three peculiar political practices. First, as a rule, legislators must be free to discuss and prose any law, without fear of punishment. However, in ancient Athens, the judiciary could punish legislators if the judiciary determined that the enacted law was unjust. Second, as a rule, a government cannot have two legislative bodies with equal power, with no checks on each other. However, Roman legislature had two legislative bodies of this sort. Third, as a rule, laws enacted by a magistrate are friendlier to liberty than laws enacted through violence. However, an exception to this is the Royally-backed practice in Great Britain of forcefully conscripting sailors; more liberty would in fact result from a violent usurpation of this law.
    9. Of the Populousness of Ancient Nations. This first appeared as essay 10 in PD (1752) and is the longest of Hume’s essays. Contrary to the views of Isaac Vossius, Montesquieu and others, Hume argues that the world is more populated in modern times than it was in ancient. Hume argues that the widespread practice of slavery in the ancient world curbed population growth. Wars were frequent and especially devastating to population. Agriculture in the ancient world was primitive and could not support a great population. Hume examines the population numbers given by various ancient historians and argues that some especially high figures are inaccurate exaggerations.
    10. Of the Original Contract. This first appeared as essay 25 in EMP (1748) and was moved to EMPL Part 2 (1758). In this essay Hume discusses the philosophical differences between the Tory and Whig parties as concerns the origin of government. Hume briefly notes and agrees with the Tory argument for political authority from divine right. Against the Whig argument for political authority from the original contract, Hume argues that when we examine revolutions that establish governments, we find violence, and not contractual agreement. In fact, people are in least agreement when forming of new governments. Hume also argues that moral duties are either natural (based on instinct) or artificial (based on the necessities of society). Political allegiance is artificial and ultimately based on “the general interests or necessities of society”.
    11. Of Passive Obedience. This first appeared as essay 26 in EMP (1748) and moved to EMPL Part 2 (1758). In this essay Hume discusses the practical differences between the Tory and Whig parties as concerns the doctrine of passive obedience, that is, the unlawfulness of armed uprising against the King’s authority. Contrary to the Tories, Hume argues that resistance is justified in extraordinary emergencies “when the public is in the highest danger, from violence and tyranny”. However, Hume opposes the Whig view that resistance is justified as a check to the power given to the sovereign in the British constitution.
    12. Of the Coalition of Parties. This first appeared as essay 14 in EMPL (1760). In this essay Hume discusses the historical issues that led to the differences between the Whig and Tory parties, particularly at the outbreak of the British civil war. Hume argues that the popular party’s position was better founded than the Royalist party’s position, but that the Royalist position had law on its side. Hume argues that political moderation is now required to bring coalition to the Whig and Tory parties.
    13. Of the Protestant Succession. This first appeared as essay 11 in PD (1752). In 1701 the English Parliament passed the Act of Settlement, which prevented the continuation of the Roman Catholic Stuart dynasty in the line of royal succession, and established instead the Protestant Hanover dynasty. The Act specifi

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    Table of contentsIntroductionLeadership Communication StyleLeadership Style -- B ...

    Table of contents

    1. Introduction
    2. Leadership Communication StyleLeadership Style -- Blake and Mouton Managerial GridMaintaining ControlFollowing StyleThe Sea Organization
    3. Conclusion
    4. Recommendations

    Introduction

    Ever since its inception, the practice of Scientology has been of great interest to many outside of it due to its unconventional customs. The Church of Scientology was founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1950 (Wood). Hubbard passed away in 1986, naming no clear successor (Howell). David Miscavige rose to the challenge shortly after, and he continues to lead with the title of Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center. This role affords Miscavige a variety of responsibilities, particularly as an “ecclesiastical leader” ("David Miscavige"). This report will analyze how David Miscavige employs effective and ineffective leadership qualities as the head of Scientology.

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    Although this report will focus on the leadership of Miscavige, it is important to establish what Scientology is through describing some of its major practices and beliefs. In Hubbard’s writing, Scientology is defined as “an applied religious philosophy and technology resolving problems of the spirit, life and thought” (Hubbard 2-5). The beliefs followed in Scientology are reportedly as follows:

    “75 million years ago[,] Earth was known as Teegeeack and ... an intergalactic warlord named Xenu brought billions of his enemies here from other stars and vaporized them with hydrogen bombs. The souls of those beings still haunt our planet, and auditing exorcises them” (Wood).

    Many tout Scientology’s credo as bizarre, though others argue “the Scientologists’ beliefs are no more bizarre than any other religion” (Bradshaw). Undoubtedly, David Miscavige must dedicate a large amount of effort in the act of dispelling rumours in regards to Scientology in order to preserve the organization. It is time to take a look at what Miscavige does to lead The Church of Scientology and maintain its very existence.

    Leadership Communication Style

    David Miscavige believes in an authoritarian leadership style. He "maintains strict control over followers by directly regulating policy, procedures and behaviours" and also "create[s] distance between himself and his followers as means of emphasizing role distinctions" (Hackman and Johnson). This is alleged by past and current figures, including one of the most respected figures of the Church; Debbie Cook suggested that the organization has lost its way under Miscavige's direction. He, according to some, is listed as a tyrant who is unafraid to punish those who stand in his way or remove executives from their post (Miami). Rathbun, a former senior executive and spokesperson of the Church of Scientology, who once defended Miscavige against any allegations now claims that he is nothing more than a 5 foot 5 bully who physically attacks underlings (Nark). The current leader abuses those in his command and isolates followers from their families, using his fists to touch people's lives. It is also alleged that actor Tom Cruise was made to divorce Nicole Kidman in 2001 at Miscavige’s behest. Kidman’s father was known to be a critic of Scientology. A strict authoritarian leader such as Miscavige would not allow for his authority to be questioned (Howell). This also contributes to the power distance that is perceived by Scientologists. There is a large power distance, as is consistent with his strict authoritarian leadership. His word is law and any argument can lead to an individual being cast out of the group (Growing Clear). Although Miscavige greatly inspired many current and past followers, he continues to maintain a strict control over the Church, ensuring that each individual is doing what he believes will benefit the religion.

    To some well-known individuals like Tom Cruise, who identify themselves as Scientologists, Miscavige is viewed as a competent, intelligent, tolerant or compassionate man (Nark). Since Cruise is such a high profile celebrity, Miscavige expertly manipulates him by rewarding good behaviour. After Miscavige convinced Cruise to divorce Kidman, Cruise and Miscavige returned to good terms again. According to Ortega, “by 2004, Tom Cruise was the most gung-ho Scientologist in the world, and Miscavige wanted to recognize him for it. He called it ‘The Freedom Medal of Valour’ and they put together this thirty-five minute video. In it, they just pop up this idea that Tom Cruise is the Ambassador of Scientology to the world” (Going Clear).

    John Travolta has also been a faithful Scientologist for many years. Travolta said, “I’m part of a frontier, in a way, that very few people get to be a part of” (Howell). Although not referring to Miscavige's leadership style, these personality traits can be exemplified in his humanitarian efforts. Following in Hubbard’s footsteps, Miscavige holds that he holds an important role in the global community as a religious leader, as he is part of a Church that is recognized as a legitimate religious institution. Miscavige has used his power for a wide variety of initiatives, including drug rehabilitation and prevention as well as working against illiteracy ("David Miscavige").

    Leadership Style -- Blake and Mouton Managerial Grid

    David Miscavige's leadership style fits into that of Authority Obedience Management under the Blake and Mouton Managerial Grid. This type of leadership focusses less on the people within the organization and more on the task at hand. There is little to no concern for the value of human life (Hackman and Johnson). "Some ex-members have alleged abuses under his command. Some have called Miscavige a dictator who isolates followers from their families and uses his fists to touch people's lives” (Nark). The efficiency of operations within the church is a result of "arranging conditions of work in such a way that human elements interfere to a minimum degree” (Hackman and Johnson). Miscavige is a leader who lets nothing stand in his way. In order for certain tasks to be completed, he is not afraid to abuse and mistreat members of the Church. In the past, those who stood in his way faced disciplinary action, and many executives have even been removed from their post (Miami). According to Rathbun, “Miscavige is a true believer. He uses and abuses people on a personal level. Its how he got to the top. That’s how he stayed at the top” (Going Clear). The best situation was when Miscavige’s paranoia led him to “turn against the Sea Org’s most high-ranking executives” (Alex Gibney, Going Clear). DeVocht said, “He very definitely wiped out that organizational pattern in order to be able to have ultimate power” (Going Clear). “In 2004, Miscavige ordered the top officers of the Sea Org. to Scientology’s gold base in Southern California. He forced them to live in a pair of double-wide trailers that came to be ‘the Hole’” (Alex Gibney, Going Clear). According to Rinder, former Church of Scientology Spokesman, “The doors had bars put on them. The windows all had bars put on them and there was one entrance door that a security guard sat at twenty-four hours a day” (Going Clear). DeVocht recounts, “We were told that we had to come up with what each other’s crimes were against Miscavige and Hubbard so that we could eventually get out of the hole” (Going Clear). With tactics such as those shown above, it is evident that David Miscavige has little regard for the followers of the Church of Scientology, only caring for the tasks the need to be done to benefit either the church or himself.

    Maintaining Control

    Miscavige upheld Hubbard’s dreamt up policies and procedures after his death. The “Fair Game” policy was the most compelling in Scientology’s history. Tony Ortega, a journalist, explains (Going Clear), “This comes right out of Hubbard’s policies from the sixties. He [Hubbard] said: ‘We never defend, we always attack.’ And they followed it ever since. They called it ‘Fair Game’ and anybody who criticizes Scientology is ‘Fair Game.’” Scientology had always had problems with the government because they considered themselves to be a religion and should not have to pay taxes. When Hubbard was in power, he fled the United States in order to avoid paying millions of dollars in taxes (Going Clear). However, a pivotal moment for Scientology was on October 1, 1993, when the IRS deemed Scientology to be a religion and granted them tax exemption. Miscavige said, “What we are going to talk about today is a war that will end all wars” (Going Clear). Lawrence Wright, author of the book Going Clear, further explains, “Faced with this crisis, Miscavige formulated a strategy” (Going Clear). Not only was the church suing the IRS, but Scientologists also started suing individuals within the IRS and investigating the IRS for general crimes that had nothing to do with the Church (Going Clear). Alex Gibney concluded, “It [IRS], forgave the billion dollar tax bill and granted Scientology its tax exemption...Miscavige let Goldberg know that if they could get exempt status, all those lawsuits will go away overnight” (Going Clear).

    The entire organization is also set up on a bait-and-switch concept. According to Paul Haggis, when he first joined, he thought that Scientology was something simply meant to help accomplish their personal goals in life (Going Clear). However, Ortega explains, “You need to be a Scientologist for seven or eight years and in for a couple hundred thousand dollars before you finally learn about the backstory of Xenu the galactic overlord. Now if you were told that on day one, how many people would join?” (Going Clear). This success inspired followers to remain a part of the Church and proved Miscavige a worthy leader, thus allowing him to maintain control over his followers.

    Hubbard invented the electropsychometer in order to perform what he called “auditing sessions.” These sessions were meant to help people solve their inner anxieties and issues. What many people did not realize was that the Church recorded and used their confidential information to control their behaviour. “One of the reasons for Cruise’s loyalty to Scientology, the film [Going Clear] alleges, is that Miscavige maintains a folder of spy info documenting the church’s claim that Cruise engages in ‘perverted sex’. That description of Cruise’s sex life, which isn’t elaborated upon, comes from one of the many former Scientologists interviewed by Gibney” (The Star). “Cruise ended his 11-year marriage to Kidman in 2001 after Miscavige became suspicious of Kidman’s father, a prominent Australian psychologist who was critical of Scientology. As for Boniadi, also an actress and a series regular in TV drama Homeland, the film says Cruise cruelly cast her out, after she was carefully groomed to be with him (including orthodontic work and $20,000 worth clothes), because she accidentally disrespected Miscavige” (The Star). Because of Miscavige’s friendship with and influence over him, Cruise is easily manipulated to do whatever Miscavige decides will benefit the Church.

    Following Style

    Scientologist believers are conformists; "they are committed to organizational goals but express few thoughts of their own" (Hackman and Johnson).They closely follow the rules set by both the book of Dianetics and by their past and current ecclesiastical leaders. According to Lorne Dawson, a professor at the University of Waterloo, "They [followers] sincerely believe that their lives [due to joining scientology] gain purpose and meaning, and that they have superior insight into the world" (Allemang). Under the authoritarian leadership style of David Miscavige, who maintains strict control over believers, Scientologists have been led to withhold thoughts and ideas due to fear of authority (Beebe et al 88). Ms. Jenna Miscavige, niece of David Miscavige, believes that "Scientology makes it hard for devotees to leave the faith . . . since the church threatens its dissidents with severe reprisals." Many followers are often groomed from early childhood. To Ms. Miscavige, this tactic is disgusting. "It's completely taking advantage of someone who's innocent, vulnerable and has no one there to protect them" (Globe & Mail). Members are conformists, being trained at a young age and with an institutional fear of the executive members of Scientology. They are afraid to speak up or speak poorly of the religion, thus holding back ideas. Conformity may also be the reason why Scientology continues to grow. Canadian Scientology leaders claim that there are 100,000 scientologists within Canada, although a past census conducted by the government only recorded 1,525 (Allemang). Although it is not attracting as many followers as executives desire, with followers obeying the rules of the church, the member count will continue to increase. "Scientology's growth strategy depends on retaining the children of the most fervent Scientologists, people who are nurtured in the faith and accustomed to its ways." Many current scientologists were born into the religion, and have no choice but to take part in their beliefs (Allemang).

    The Sea Organization

    The book Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape is written by Jenna Miscavige Hill, the niece of Scientology leader David Miscavige. Jenna Miscavige Hill is an American former Scientologist in Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape, Jenna describes growing up in the church, her life as a member of Sea Org, the church’s most devoted core group. Jenna explains in detail in her book what it was like to be sent away as a child to receive an education in Scientology, the labor that was forced upon her, the harassment she faced from officials throughout her life (Hill). Not only is she related to Scientology’s most powerful member, but after leaving the Church of Scientology in 2005, she has become a prominent critic of the organization and of David Miscavige himself. Jenna Miscavige appears on "Piers Morgan Live" to discuss her book, "Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape." There she admits to Piers that her uncle, David Miscavige would be classified "evil." She speaks out regarding David Miscavige, stating how “someone who decides if thousands of people can’t have kid, runs a church where he forces abortion, has people performing labour duties and separates them from their families would be indeed considered “evil” ("Jenna Miscavige on Piers Morgan Tonight, 2/05/2013."). In addition, Miscavige inspired fear among the members in the Sea Org. He was also described as controlling and acting as if he is superior authority figure among the organization. She also explains that he forms a group that is difficult to leave, and guilt is thrown upon you if you attempt to leave. He also makes the people of the organization not trust themselves either, always making them second guess themselves so they feel as if they are not able to make decisions (Hill). Considering the personality of David Miscavige described through his niece Jenna Miscavige, it is evident that the leadership style David Miscavige, the Scientology leader adopts is the Authoritarian style. "My experience in growing up in Scientology is that it is both mentally and at times physically abusive," Miscavige's niece, former Scientologist Jenna Miscavige Hill, told The Hollywood Reporter. "We got a lousy education from unqualified teachers, forced labor, long hours, forced confessions, being held in rooms, not to mention the mental anguish of trying to figure out all of the conflicting information they force upon you as a young child” (Corneau). One of the several consequences in Authoritarian led groups would be; “the followers exhibit more dependence and less individuality under authoritarian leaders.” Therefore, it would make sense that children in authoritarian groups are more submissive than those in other groups. These children in these organization are “less likely to initiate action with the approval of the leader and less likely to express their opinion and ideas than children in the democratic and laissez-faire group” (Hackman and Johnson 75). As Jenna Miscavige describes, this was the situation due to the fact that David Miscavige as an authoritarian leader in this group would “dictate follower behaviour,” and control them by using power and fear (Hackman and Johnson 75).

    Conclusion

    As the head of Scientology, David Miscavige displays an authoritarian leadership style. This is exemplified in his maintenance of “strict control over followers by directly regulating policy, procedures and behaviours” (Hackman and Johnson). Miscavige also demonstrates his authoritarian leadership style through the emphasis of role distinctions and the creation of a large power distance between himself and his followers. The members of the Church of Scientology exhibit a conformist follower style, which befits the use of authoritarian leadership. On Blake and Mouton’s Managerial Grid, Miscavige’s leadership can be categorized as “Authority Obedience Management” (Hackman and Johnson).

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    Recommendations

    There are a few strategies that David Miscavige should consider in order to strengthen his leadership. Authoritarian leadership comes with specific drawbacks. Though it is more positively accepted in larger groups, it is known to increase turnover rates. This situation is not ideal for Scientology, where followership is meant to be a lifetime commitment. Authoritarian leadership is also known to increase aggression from followers (Hackman and Johnson 78). Since Miscavige is fashioned as an ecclesiastical leader, the loyalty and trust of followers is imperative for success. Miscavige should lessen this strict authoritarianism if he wishes for the Church to be prosperous in the future. This can be accomplished by lessening power distance and incorporating more democratic methods. Allowing followers to feel they have some control in how Scientology is run can decrease the negative effects of authoritarian leadership. Miscavige may also consider distributing some of his power for making decisions more evenly across other executives. An example of this would be instituting a Board of Directors who, along with him, make important choices for Scientology. In addition to gaining the expertise of people from a variety of backgrounds, followers may feel more supported and represented (Hackman and Johnson). There are a multitude of ways in which Scientology can be lead, each with its own merits; Miscavige would do well to consider the benefits of each.


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    Table of contentsIntroduction Daydreaming and pseudo-realityConclusionIntroduct ...

    Table of contents

    1. Introduction 
    2. Daydreaming and pseudo-reality
    3. Conclusion

    Introduction 

    Pseudo-reality is an approach in which a changed image of reality is portrayed as true. Pseudo-reality is an apparent reality that is a desilution. It is also known as pseudorealism in art. Pseudo-reality throughout this project is linked to zoning out, spacing out, and the challenge of finding the balance between reality and dreams. This informative essay explores the concept of daydreaming and pseudo-reality, examining the challenge of finding the balance between reality and dreams.

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    The challenge portrayed and discussed is finding the balance between reality and dreams. Finding out what reality is and how do we perceive it? Is it really what we see in front of us, or is it our mind inventing a fake scenario?

    Daydreaming and pseudo-reality

    As human beings, it is normal to experience dreams when sleeping, but dreams can also occur in our day-to-day lives. It happens when our mind spaces out and we lose track of time. Then our minds travel far away into a fake reality.

    Some of the fake realities presented may be a pleasant and comforting world, a preferred world. Anything is possible here. In other words, they can represent day-to-day scenarios, but with a twist. A twist, like a holiday place or a place where we have physically travelled before. Other fictitious scenarios include fairytale realms and altered technological universes where anyone can be and do whatever they want.

    On the other hand, some of the fake scenarios that we experience can also lead to experiencing a third-person view. This is more of a negative experience as one feels as if they are looking at the situation through a glass. This experience makes the person space out so much that it is very unpleasing and hard to stop.

    Fairytales are an example of where dreams might lead, as fairytales have been embedded in our culture and passed through centuries as storytelling. Fairy tales can vary depending on the person's likes and understanding of them. They can be inspired by movies, books, or podcasts.

    The artists for this project are Kat Fedora, Trippy Draws, and Robert Longo. The influence of similar styles means that they are all perfectly linked with my project. Kat Fedora's work is based on dreams and a preferred world. Her art style connects to an altered reality that mixes and matches with outer space and fairytale landscapes. Her paintings tell stories about the place where the mysteries of the universe meet gently with nature and humankind. Moreover, Trippy Draw's art focuses on the psychedelic side, where reality and dreams combine. Her work, featuring vibrant and bold colours with few details, shows how simple it is to create art using just colours and glitter. The phycadellic side of her art is based on outer space, related to astronauts, aliens, and planets. Finally, Robert Longo's art is mainly focused on the body moving. The people that were photographed had to jump and pose, so they represented the series of men in the city that Robert Longo portrayed. As he has done black and white photography, it relates to the astronauts that I have done throughout the project because of the black and white colours and the body jumping poses.

    Representing reality through reflections on mirrors is a connection to what we know as reality from our point of view. Looking at ourselves through a mirror is the only time we can see our perception of our true selves in real-time. The reflection in the mirror is caused by the reflection of light that bounces into one's eyes. In this way, we can see ourselves in the mirror. The reflection in the mirror is an important point throughout this project, as it is how we see reality and understand it. It is the way that our brain works to place us in the most realistic and pleasant environment, where human beings can flourish and learn throughout life.

    Connecting dreams to reality mean linking them to space, as in distancing ourselves from the real world and understanding what is happening to us and in that moment. Dreaming does not just happen when one sleeps; it can also happen in our day-to-day activities. It is when our brain, in a way, turns foggy and stops functioning. During this time, anything that happens is not taken into account, so amnesia is a side effect. During this time, our brain escapes and we are left with the feeling of an out-of-body experience. This experience can last hours or even days. In most common cases, one can never remember what happened or where the brain switched off during this experience, but in some cases, it has been said that dreaming happens. Negative and positive dreams come out of this experience.

    The Astronauts are a resource and a tool that I have used throughout my project as a metaphor for explaining the challenges of pseudo-reality from a personal point of view. The astronauts are sent to space to a very lonely place where time seems to slow down compared to the earth's time. They are isolated from their friends and families back on earth. They represent dissociation and spacing out into an outer universe throughout the project.

    Throughout this project, I have drawn them in different positions that transmit different meanings. They are the closest metaphors that I could ever use to represent dissociation, so the meanings behind their positions are key to understanding the project.

    First of all, the colour is a key point, as it is just black and white. These two colours represent the meaning of simplicity. They balance each other out perfectly in a way that the figure drawn stands on its own. Using colours was not very relevant as these two colours make a bold statement on their own.

    Furthermore, the poses that the astronauts are in emphasise the outline of this project. From carrying the world on its back just like Atlas in Greek mythology to punching or meditating between the planets, all show how dissociation happens. Carrying the world on your back means having the weight of all the judgements, criticisms, and ideas about how the world works on your back as a guideline of how one should act. This is a heavy load that we all carry around. Also, being physically and mentally ill can compromise your own body and put a limit on how much one can handle on its own.

    Another metaphor that I used in this project is the moon phases. This metaphor is linked to outer space and is used in the same context as the astronauts. The meaning of them is the passing of time and calling what is happening at that moment a phase. The way that the moon changes each month and goes through the different eight moon phases when we dissociate our emotions, they have a similar cycle. As people, our emotions change constantly. Even throughout just one day, we might experience several different moods. In this way, we can show the people around us how we are feeling at that moment without the use of words.

    After all, dissociation isn't all that different from the moon phases. It starts when the brain switches off, and then it travels, experiencing all sorts of emotions and images created. It is like it is travelling and finding the right path to go on. After that experience, it is very hard to remember ad put into words what exactly happened. When this happens the most normal diagnosis for this is called amnesia.

    The challenges of pseudo-reality are based on the contrast between reality and dreams, which is the main point discussed throughout this project. How we see and perceive reality through the reflections of mirrors is linked to us as human beings perceiving the world around us.

    The challenges of pseudo-reality are based on the contrast between reality and dreams, which is the main point discussed throughout this project. How we see and perceive reality through the reflections in mirrors is linked to how we, as human beings, perceive the world around us. Daydreaming as a positive term related to escapism happens in quiet reading areas, bookstores, gardens, or just sitting on a terrace drinking coffee. At this moment, our brain travels to an alternative universe where everything is good and peaceful as it allows the mind to rest.

    Sometimes, negative dissociation can happen when one is in a social gathering. This is usually triggered by social anxiety or other mental illnesses that can lead to a person feeling very uncomfortable in their surroundings. When the brain switches off inexplicably and uncontrollably, the person just stares into the abyss. This has the potential to irritate those around us and cause serious misinterpretation of the situation. In this case, these events have to be spoken about as it is important to understand the people around us.

    This project started with the use of acrylics and pen sketches, as both art forms are very visual and easy to understand. The idea of black and white contrasting the blue in the background is intriguing. The blue represents outer space and is linked to the astronauts. It is also linked to confusion and emotional sadness when we dissociate. On the other hand, the black and white colours used are a link to the astronaut and, in simpler terms, us humans, as we perceive life in black and white. The good and bad experiences that come with it make us who we are.

    Finally, the other medium that I have used is called printmaking. I used this method as it is also a visual art form and very easy to understand. I altered a couple of them and experimented with different materials on top to add detail to the prints. All of them are linked to the contrast between reality and dreams and the challenges of pseudo-reality.

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    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the concept of pseudo-reality explores the idea of a changed image of reality portrayed as true. This project has linked pseudo-reality to zoning out, spacing out, and finding the balance between reality and dreams. Daydreaming and pseudo-reality are normal human experiences that happen when the mind spaces out, leading to the perception of a fake reality. The challenge is finding the balance between reality and dreams and understanding how we perceive it. Reflections in mirrors play an important role in representing reality from our point of view, and space is used as a metaphor throughout the project to represent dissociation and spacing out. The use of astronauts in different positions and black and white colours perfectly represents the meaning of simplicity. Overall, the project highlights the complexities of the human mind and how it perceives reality and pseudo-reality.


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    We live in a society where the importance of financial benefits/aids cannot but ...

    We live in a society where the importance of financial benefits/aids cannot but be overemphasized. In a world where one cannot be 100% financially able, a world incapacitated by heavy financies which cannot but be scaled except with the aid of a public credit business used for distributed credit chain. This invariably makes the importance of the credit chain system one that cannot be swept under the carpets as it has proven to be more than just a financial service for example, many exist which cannot single handedly cater for their financial needs without the aid of the credit/loan sector which could either be financial institutions say banks etc who provides them with the necessary funds to solving this needs with a "pay-back"grants/credit cards.

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    Loaning has become an "everyday" thing that we can't avoid. The more we try to avoid it, the more situations arise that would entail us taking loans in order to meet up and solve our urgent financial needs. A "financial need" is a need of whatsoever that can be solved with "money", and checking around our present day economy, you will find out that Lending/loaning has become our culture and indeed cannot be avoided. However, this isn't as mouthering as we think, as the credit business is still being disrupted and ladened by some circumstances as the credit chain business in each country is filled with loopholes at every phase of the process such as; the issue of monopoly, high operational costs archaic and analogous cooperation model, centralization, lack of privacy protection and breach in privacy. These glitches partly lie in the delivery of services through a centralized systems etc. A future for an underlying public financial credit business becomes more and more necessary and needed. It was for this reasons that Distributed Credit Chain was born. Hence, Decentralized credit chain, a new and advanced decentralized credit business presents a new and convenient way to servicing the credit business. This system boasts of being more than a traditional financial system, but an integrated ecosystem of distributed financial services.

    What Is DCC

    Distributed Credit Chain abbreviated to (DCC) is the number 1 world's ever distributed banking public blockchain born with the aim to revolutionizing and and creating a decentralized ecosystem for financial service providers around the world. DCC’s vision lies with the need to establish the public credit chain system, while it's mission is to transform and implement different financial scenarios and realize true inclusive finance in the ecosystem. In other words, Distributed credit chain (DCC) is what I tag "the game changer".It is a virtual ecosystem empowered by blockchain technology to bridge the gap between the traditional credit business and modern credit business making effective use of the distributed credit reporting, debt registration, wealth management, and asset transactions etc.

    How DCC Seeks To Solve The Problem

    To any problem, lies a solution (s). The problems faced with the financial credit business is what didn't start today. In the bid to making the ecosystem purposeful, user friendly and welcoming, DCC then steps in to put off some shackles and to bring a resolution to the ecosystem in the following ways;

    Bridging the monopoly of traditional financial credit business.

    Eradicating the traditional cooperation model and introducing the new and advanced peer-2-peer cooperation model across the globe.

    Transforming the traditional debts and assets business to distributed wealth management.

    Ensuring a privacy data management through the use of blocking. This is because, any data or information coded by blockchain cannot be altered.

    Eradicating data monopoly.

    Etc.

    The efficient use of blockchain technology would create an enabling environment for DCC to make an effective chain in the banking, financial and credit business all together thereby leading to an instantaneous sharp surge in the operation and communication in the ecosystem. This will also go along way transforming the old cooperation model and bringing in a new model of cooperation in the banking and credit businesses around the globe.

    In conclusion, Distributed credit chain (DCC) will be the next big thing happening in the crypto space, as it will impact a positive change through its solid potentials with the help of the Team. A close look should be paid to the technological innovations behind the concept of DCC and that of the credit chain system. And you will agree with me that DCC is what we need to scale through the hurdles of the monopolistic,centralized and data-leakages habouring in the credit chain business.

    The token sale will find the development and adoption of the DCC platform. The tokens will be able to be exchanged by eth.

    In summary, The DCC's payment is conducted based on the DCC smart payment contract, which is responsible for the DCC payment guidelines for multi-payer input. In DCC system, the individuals that need data or reports from data establishments need to pay DCCs. Such system will help in transforming the unique way data establishments create revenue, which is, from making profit through amassing and reselling user data and providing better services to consumers and many more.


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    Through Deaf Again, an account of Mark Drolsbaugh’s life, readers are drawn in ...

    Through Deaf Again, an account of Mark Drolsbaugh’s life, readers are drawn into a world of a deaf individual and the hardship that come with learning and growing in a world full of very different people. As I hearing person, this book proved to be very enlightening and I found myself drawn further into Mark’s story with every turn of the page.

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    Right off the bat, I learned that just because someone has two deaf parents doesn’t mean their life will be easier as a deaf child. All families and children face problems, and, as a parent, it is hard to know what the right thing is to do when it comes to your child’s health and future. This was very clear throughout the beginning of the book.

    Additionally, I learned more about Gallaudet University. While we have learned some of the history of the school in class, I discovered more in this book about what it means to have a Deaf-centered university. The book really highlighted the significant of going to university where only ASL is used. It was clear that achieving a college education after facing years and years of adversity is a huge success. Also mentioned in the book, watching older deaf kids go off to college really inspires younger kids to keep their heads up and reach for the stars.

    Also, through reading this book, I learned what it is like to truly feel different in school. While every middle schooler and high schooler feels “different” at the time, being a deaf child in a school full of hearing peers is very much unlike most people’s lower education experiences. This book really demonstrated the emotions that come with feeling so different and how important it is to overcome these feelings. This insight that Mark brings to the readers is a big part of what makes this book great.

    What really impressed me about this book was Mark Drolsbaugh’s ability to really put the reader in his shoes. As a hearing person, I could never imagined that I would relate so much to Mark’s story. A really great example of this is in Chapter 6 when Mark asks the reader to imagine themselves as a scuba diver. He explains what it would be like to live underwater and then come to realize you fit better on land. This really spoke to me and not only puts the reader in the author’s shoes, but also shows Mark’s talent as a writer.

    I was also very impressed with Mark’s discussion of spirituality. In my opinion, it can be very hard to address your own personal spirituality and questions regarding a higher power and religion. This book approached the topic in a very honest way. I found these sections very easy to relate to and just made the book that much better.

    On the other hand, I did find something a bit irritating about this book. Mark had a tendency to blame a lot of problems on his hearing loss. While I’m sure most, if not all, of his hardships were complicated and possibly worsened by his deafness, he seemed to use it as a scapegoat occasionally. This seemed to be especially true in his early years as he struggled with language and learning. I think the work would be deeper if Mark had examined other aspects of his personality.

    Moreover, reading this book about Mark’s life really has opened my eyes to more about Deaf culture and ASL. Firstly, this book really illuminated how much of a godsend ASL is to those who are deaf. Reading about Mark’s struggle to read lips and understand what was going around him without hearing anything was painful to read. I can’t even imagine how difficult that must have been for him. When he was opened up to a world of ASL through his friends at Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and then with his interpreters, his life was drastically enriched. I found it shocking that Mark was encouraged by his doctors not to sign. ASL is truly a gift to those who can’t hear and communicate with spoken English.

    Also, this book definitely showed lots of Deaf culture. It illuminated how different it is from typical hearing culture and how beneficial it is to those who are deaf. One thing that I loved reading about was Deaf Chat Syndrome. I can’t think of anything like it in my own culture!

    The author’s experience if Deaf Again really expanded upon what our class learned on the first day of class with the Deaf Awareness Quiz. I found that Mark’s experiences gave context and proof to the facts we learned on the quiz. For example, Mark really showed what the Deaf community values and effective vs ineffective communication strategies through personal stories and experiences.

    Furthermore, while both this author and our class guest speaker are deaf, their life experiences differ significantly. The author Mark was born to two deaf parents, while the speaker was born to a completely hearing family. Mark’s family largely denied his hearing loss when he was a child and discouraged his use of ASL and participation in the Deaf community. The speaker’s family seems to be very, very supportive of her deafness from the very beginning. She looked fondly on her elementary years while Mark frowned on his parent’s and grandparents choices and described his youth with disdain and sarcasm. Mark also was very oral and used his voice throughout his younger years. The speaker learned ASL as a young child and used an interpreter all through school. Nonetheless, they both share the experience of growing up deaf surrounded by hearing people. They both graduated from Gallaudet University and went on to be leaders in the Deaf community.


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