Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Coping

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Coping Depression Types Print An Overview of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 15, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on August 15, 2019 Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin More in Depression Types Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Childhood Depression Suicide In This Article Table of Contents Expand Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping View All Back To Top Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a mood disorder that occurs during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. While similar to that of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the symptoms of PMDD are much more severe and can lead to extreme mood changes that can disrupt daily life and functioning. Research indicates that women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder may have alterations in the genes that influence how the body processes stress and sex hormones. These differences mean that women with PMDD have a greater sensitivity to the hormones that influence both mood and general well-being. While PMS can have an impact on a womans life and functioning, it is not classified as a disorder and the symptoms can usually be self-managed. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is classified as a mental disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Premenstrual irritability and PMS are quite common, but approximately 3â€"8% of all menstruating women will experience symptoms of PMDD.   Different Types of Mood Disorders Symptoms Some of the major symptoms of PMDD include: Severe mood swingsPhysical symptoms including breast tenderness, bloating, and headachesFeelings of sadnessIrritability and anger that is directed toward othersLack of interest in activitiesLack of energy and fatigueSleep disturbancesFood cravings and bingesTrouble concentrating or thinking Symptoms begin during the luteal phase, or after ovulation, and end shortly after menstruation starts.   Causes Research on the causes and treatments of PMDD is emerging, but the evidence has shown that the condition is heavily influenced by a genetic sensitivity to sex hormones.  While PMDD is believed to have biological causes, research has shown that environmental variables such as perceived stress can also increase the risk and severity of the condition.   The condition is estimated to be about 50% heritable.   Research suggests that PMDD may be related to alterations in the cellular responses involved in the metabolism of estrogen and progesterone.   Diagnosis The diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder usually begins with your doctor taking a health history and doing a physical exam. In most cases, you will need to keep a calendar to track your symptoms over at least two menstrual cycles.   In order to be diagnosed with PMDD, women must experience at least five symptoms across two domains, one involving mood and the other physical symptoms. Women must experience these symptoms during the premenstrual phase and symptoms must be mostly absent within the week following menses. These symptoms must also interfere with functioning in work, school, relationships, and other important life areas and must not be related to an existing condition or caused by substance use. Treatment Treatments for PMDD are focused on minimizing and managing the symptoms of the condition. Some of the treatment options include: Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been shown to be effective for treating PMDD symptomsBirth controlLifestyle adaptations including changes in diet, exercise, and stress management techniquesMedications to treat physical symptoms including diuretics for fluid retention and anti-inflammatory drugs for painChanges in menstrual products, particularly if these tend to cause discomfort or irritation In 2010, the FDA approved a birth control pill (sold under the brand-name Beyaz) to treat PMDD. This oral contraceptive contains a combination of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol that may help alleviate symptoms of this condition, but you should talk to your doctor to determine if this option is right for you. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may also be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.   Get Treatment With the 9 Best Online Therapy Programs Coping The mood changes and physical symptoms of PMDD can make it difficult to cope with daily life and manage your relationships. You might feel irritable, depressed, and angry, which can lead to taking out those feelings on the people around you. In addition to getting treatment from a medical professional, there are self-care steps you can take to help manage the symptoms of this condition. Natural treatments such as meditation, regular exercise, and yoga can be effective for helping manage stress. Such practices may also help you cope with symptoms of anxiety and depression.  You should use caution and talk to your doctor before you try using any herbal remedies to alleviate your symptoms. Some herbal supplements such as St. John’s wort, can have adverse reactions when taken with other medications.Getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy diet can also help. Avoiding high-salt foods may help prevent bloating and water retention. Minimize sugar and simple-carbohydrate consumption in order to prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Focus on eating complex carbs, getting plenty of fiber and protein, and drinking enough fluids. One study also found that acupuncture may be a promising treatment for reducing the symptoms associated with PMDD, but further research is needed. A Word From Verywell Coping strategies can be helpful, but you should contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve with self-treatment or if your symptoms interfere with your daily functioning including your mental well-being, your relationships, or your job.   You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Or you can reach out to the Crisis Text Line for 24-hour support via text by sending a message to 741-741. What to Know About Different Types of Depression

Biography of Larry Swartz, Convicted Murderer

Larry Swartz struggled his whole life, first as a foster care child, then as one of two boys adopted by Robert and Kathryn Swartz. In the beginning, Larry was his parents favorite. In time that changed, and he became their next victim. Robert and Kathryn Swartz Robert Bob Swartz and Kathryn Anne Kay Sullivan met while both were students at the University of Maryland. Soon, they discovered they had a lot in common, most notably childhoods marked by structure and stern discipline. As devout Catholics, neither had been active in the dating scene in either high school or college. After getting married, the couple settled in Cape St. Claire, Maryland. Kay got a job teaching high school and Bob started working with computers. Kay was unable to have children so they decided to adopt. The thought of opening their home to unwanted children fit right in with their active participation with pro-life groups. Lawrence Joseph Swartz Lawrence Larry Swartz was six years old and the first child to join the Swartz family. His birth mother had been a waitress in New Orleans and his father was alleged to have been an East Indian pimp. Larry had spent his life in foster homes. Michael David Swartz Eight-year-old Michael was the second child that joined the family. Prior to that, he had moved from one foster home to another and had developed into a rebellious child. He spent two years on a probationary period in the Swartzes home before being legally adopted. Favoritism Larry and Michael were only six months apart in age, with Michael being the oldest. A bond between the two brothers developed quickly, and they became best friends. Bob and Kay wanted both boys to receive a good education, but their ambitions became a source of family tension. Michael was a smart child and a quick learner. He excelled in his first few years in school, so the Swartzes decided he was under-challenged and insisted he jump from the second to the fourth grade. The change did not work out. Although intelligent, Michael was emotionally immature. His grades dropped and his disciplinary problems increased. He was impulsive and disobedient, often had fits of anger, and did not seem to understand right from wrong. Larry on the other hand was a poor student. His parents became concerned about his academic struggles and had him tested. It was determined that he was learning disabled. He was placed in special education classes, which had a positive effect on his performance. Larry was also a quiet, mild-mannered child who followed the rules at school and at home. He rarely caused any disciplinary problems and had a close relationship with his mother. He was clearly the favorite son. Abuse The mood within the household turned volatile as the boys hit adolescence. Bob and Kay were strict disciplinarians with rigid house rules. They also lacked good parenting skills and were becoming overwhelmed with the challenges inherent in raising two teenagers. Bob and Kay subjected both boys to constant criticism and harsh scoldings, and they often punished their children for even the most minor infringements of the rules. When it came time to deal with more serious problems, like Michael being disruptive at school, the at-home punishments became more severe. During family fights, Larry would try to calm his parents. Michael would do just the opposite. He often talked back and agitated the fighting. Bob had a ferocious temper and zero tolerance for Michaels rebellious behavior. It did not take long for the verbal lashings to turn into physical abuse. Larry managed to escape the beatings, but not the verbal and psychological abuse. The Swartzes were determined not to let Larry end up like Michael, and they kept a close watch on his activities. Being around the constant fighting and the physical abuse took a toll on Larry, and he obsessed about ways to keep his parents happy. Annie Swartz When the boys were around 13, the Swartzes  adopted their third child, four-year-old Annie. She was born in South Korea and had been abandoned by her parents. Annie was cute and sweet, and the entire family adored her. She also became the new favorite child of Bob and Kay, which bumped Larry down to second place. Hit the Road One night Michael asked his parents if he could visit some friends. The answer was no, so Michael snuck out of the house. When he returned home around 10 p.m., he discovered that he was locked out. After knocking failed to get his parents to let him inside, he began to yell. Finally, Kay opened the window and informed Michael that he was no longer welcome at home. The next day Kay reported Michael as a runaway to his social worker. He was given the choice to move into a foster home or go to juvenile court, which would have likely meant going to a juvenile detention home. Michael elected to move into a foster home. As far as the Swartzes were concerned, Michael was no longer their son. Next in Line Michael and Larry remained in touch with one another and talked for hours together on the telephone. They shared their frustration and anger over how their parents were treating them. Larry could not believe that his parents had disowned Michael. It not only angered him that a parent could just throw out their child, but it also caused him to feel severely insecure. He was scared that one day he would also be cast out of his home. Now that Michael was gone, his parents were always on his back about something. Larry couldnt understand why his parents didnt seem to like him. He was popular at school and had a reputation among his peers and his teachers as a nice looking, easygoing, and polite young man. However, his mild manner and friendly nature made little impression on his parents. Just as they had with Michael, Bob and Kay soon began to find fault with everything Larry did and the friends he chose to hang out with. His relationship with his mother, which had always been good, began to disintegrate. The more she screamed at him, the harder he would try to figure a way back into her good graces. But nothing seemed to work. Backfire In a desperate attempt to regain his favorite child status, Larry told his parents that he wanted to be a priest. It worked. The Swartzes were thrilled, and Larry was sent to a seminary to begin his first year of high school. Unfortunately, that plan backfired. After failing to make the necessary grade point average after two semesters, Larry was encouraged by the school not to return. The clashes with his parents intensified after he returned home. Drivers Education Most teens start annoying their parents about allowing them to get their drivers license as soon as they reach the legal age to drive. Larry was no exception. For the Swartzes, however, this hinged entirely on Larrys grades. They agreed to allow him to take drivers education if he make all Cs or better on his report card. By the following semester, Larry managed to get all but one C. Bob stood his ground and refused to give in because of the single D. Larry kept at it. The following semester he received two Ds and the rest were Cs. Again, that was not good enough for Bob and Kay. Destructive Criticism Arguments between Larry and his parents became a regular occurrence. They fought with him in particular over his extracurricular activities. They didnt care that their son excelled at sports and was co-captain of the junior varsity soccer team—in fact, they were adamant that sports was a distraction from his studies. He was often grounded and was only permitted to go to school and church and to attend his wrestling matches and soccer events. Socializing with friends was restricted. When Larry did manage to go on a date, his parents unfailingly criticized the girl he went out with. Larrys performance in school deteriorated as a result. At 17, his C average was now a D average. His hopes for a drivers license were completely dashed. In order to numb his pain, Larry began to hide liquor in his bedroom and often got drunk after fleeing to his room after a fight with his parents. As for Michael, he had been court-ordered to go to a psychiatric facility for testing after he continued to get into trouble at the foster home. The Swartzes never wavered in their decision to cut all ties with him, and Michael became a ward of the state. Snap, Crackle, and Pop The night of January 16, 1984, was a typical night in the Swartz home. Larry had been dating a girl that Kay disapproved of and she told him she didnt want him to see her again. Shortly after that argument ended, Bob blasted Larry for messing with his computer, which had erased some work. The fight escalated to ferocious levels. Larry went up to his bedroom and began to drink from the bottle of rum he had hidden there. If he was hoping to squelch his anger, it did not work. Instead, the alcohol seemed to fuel the resentment and rage he felt towards his parents. A Call to 9-1-1 The following morning, at around 7 a.m., Larry placed a call to 9-1-1. The Cape St. Claire emergency workers arrived to find Larry and Annie holding hands at the door. Larry calmly let the paramedics into the house. First, they found Bobs body lying inside a small basement office. He was covered in blood and had several gash marks on his chest and arms. Next, they found Kays body in the backyard, lying in the snow. She was nude except for a sock on one foot. It appeared that she had been partially scalped, and her neck had been deeply lacerated in several spots. Against police protocol, one of the paramedics covered Kays body with a blanket. Larry told the paramedics that Annie woke him up because she could not find their parents. He said that he looked out the kitchen window, saw Kay laying in the yard, and immediately called for help. The Crime Scene When the detectives from Arundel County Sheriffs Department arrived, they immediately secured the crime scene. A search of the home produced several clues. First, nothing of any value seemed to have been stolen. A blood trail led outside, indicating that Kays body had been dragged to where it was found. In addition, a bloody palm print was found on the glass of the patio door. They also uncovered a bloody maul out in a wet, wooded area behind the house. A neighbor alerted the detectives to blood that he saw in the front of his home. Investigators followed that trail, along with a series of footprints, from the neighbors house through the neighborhood and into the woods. The footprints included human shoe prints, paw prints from what was likely a dog, one bare footprint, and one that may have been made by someone wearing a sock. It appeared that Kay Swartz survived her initial attack and managed to escape the house, but was then chased through the neighborhood by her assailant until she was caught and murdered. The Interviews The detectives turned their attention to Larry and Annie. Larry told them the same story he told the paramedics about looking out the window and seeing his mother lying in the snow, except this time he said he looked out of the dining room window, not the kitchen window. He was also quick to implicate his brother Michael as a possible suspect. He told the detectives that Michael hated his parents for disowning him and sending him back to foster care. Larry pointed out that the family dogs knew Michael and probably would not bark at him if he entered the house. He told them that Kay confided to him that she feared Michael, and that Michael had once joked about stabbing their father in the back. Annie told detectives that she heard a voice around 11:30 p.m. that sounded like her father calling for help. She then described a man that she saw in the backyard. His back was to her, but she could see that he was tall, with dark curly hair, and that he was wearing jeans and a gray sweatshirt. She went on to describe a bloody shovel that he was carrying over his shoulder. For as young as she was, she remembered a lot of details. When asked if the man was as tall as Michael was, Annie answered yes. Michael was over six feet tall and towered over Larry. Michaels Alibi But Michael had an alibi. According to him and the staff at the Crownsville Hospital Center, Michael had been locked inside the dormitory during the night. One of the staff members confirmed that hed seen Michael around 11:15 p.m. Based on the time that Annie said that she saw the man in the yard, that would have given Michael only 15 minutes to get to the house and kill his parents. The detectives knew that there was no way that Michael was the killer. He could never have made it to the Swartz home that quickly. Cool, Calm, and Overly Helpful Everyone who came to the Swartz home that morning—the paramedics, police, and the detectives—remarked on Larrys emotional state. For a kid who had just found his parents murdered, he was amazingly cool and calm, to the point of appearing disconnected to the horror that had gone on inside his house. The detectives were also suspicious of his attempt to make Michael look like a suspect. There was also the batch of papers concerning Michaels legal problems, which had conveniently been left in open view in the living room. The Arrest The detectives knew that if they found out who left the bloody palm print on the glass door, they would probably find the killer. It did not take long for the FBI to make a match. The palm print matched Larrys palm print, a fact that did not surprise any of the detectives. Larry was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. His bail was set at $200,000. Annie went to live with family friends in Annapolis. A Confidential Confession Three days after his parents funeral, Larry confessed to his lawyers that he was the killer. He outlined the events prior to the attack, describing the arguments hed had with his parents. He said he went to his bedroom, started drinking, and then went downstairs, passing his mother, who was watching television. She asked him about some tests he had taken at school that day, and Larry told her he thought he had flunked one but done okay on the others. According to Larry, Kays response was sarcastic and belittling. In response, Larry picked up a nearby wood-splitting maul and smash it over her head. He then stabbed her multiple times in the neck with a kitchen knife. Bob came in to see what was going on and Larry plunged the knife into his chest. He continued stabbing Bob around his chest and heart multiple times. Once Bob and Kay were dead, Larry busied himself trying to make it look like a crime that was committed by someone who had broken into the house. Someone like Michael. Final Act of Revenge—Humiliation Larry explained how he dragged his mother out through the patio door and across the snow in the backyard and laid her out near the swimming pool. He removed her clothes and then in a final act to humiliate her, he moved her body into an obscene position and then assaulted her with his finger. He then got rid of the murder weapons and his bloody clothing by throwing them into the wet, wooded area behind his house. When he returned inside he went to Annies room. She had woken up during the commotion, but Larry assured her it was a nightmare and told her to go back to sleep. Larry did not mention anything to his lawyer about chasing Kay through the neighborhood. When asked about it, Larry said he had no recollection of that happening. The Trial Larry sat in jail for 15 months before going to trial. On the day before it was to begin, his lawyers and the prosecutor reached a plea bargain. Judge Bruce Williams questioned Larry on the witness stand, verifying that he understood that he was going to plead guilty to the two counts of murder. He then announced his sentence. Judge Williams referred to the murders as one of the most tragic events in the history of the county. He showed compassion when speaking of the trouble that went on in the Swartz home. He said although Larry appeared normal, his court-ordered psychological testing showed that the teen was in great need of treatment. He sentenced Larry to two concurrent 20-year sentences and suspended 12 years from each. Freedom Larry was released from prison in 1993, after serving nine years of his sentence. Inexplicably, a family who had read about his case adopted him as their son. He lived with his new family for several years before leaving. He moved to Florida, married, and had a child. In December 2004, at the age of 38, Larry had a heart attack and died. The case was the inspiration for the best-selling book by Leslie Walker, Sudden Fury: A True Story of Adoption and Murder. In addition to the book, a movie based on the murders was made in 1993 called A Family Torn Apart, which starred  Neil Patrick Harris of Doogie Howser, M.D. as Larry Swartz. Michaels Unhappy Ending Michael continued to get in trouble, and as he got older his criminal behavior became more severe. At the age of 25, he was given a life sentence without the possibility of parole, for participating in robbing and murdering a man. His bounty? A jar of coins. Teens Killing Parents A number of articles about children who kill their parents have been published over the years, many of them in Psychology Today. Most experts agree that its the fastest-growing form of family homicide, committed primarily by males between 16 and 19 years of age. The reasons are unknown, although some doctors posit the high divorce rate may play a role. It is an area of crime that continues to be studied in great depth.

Duramold - Fairchild - Howard Hughes and the Spruce Goose

In the late 1930s, aircraft of composite materials began to appear made of plastic-impregnated wood materials called duramold. The most famous and largest aircraft of duramold construction was the eight-engine Howard Hughes flying boat dubbed the Spruce Goose. Sherman Mills Fairchild According to the Fairchild Corporation, In the mid-1930s, Fairchild pioneered the application of composite structures to airframe design and production - duramold. The adhesive bonding processes and techniques are still followed in the manufacture of composite structures today. Fairchild also developed the first nine-lens mapping camera for the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1936. Duramold Aircraft Spruce Goose The Spruce Goose was not the first airplane to use duramold material. Many small planes had been built using duramold during the early thirties by the Fairchild Aviation. The Spruce Goose was originally conceived by Henry J. Kaiser, a steel maker and builder of Liberty ships. The aircraft was designed, constructed, and engineered by Howard Hughes and his staff. The Spruce Gooses exterior was created with material using the duramold process of laminating plywood and it was the largest plane ever to fly. In 1947, Millionaire Howard Hughes became the first person to pilot the Spruce Goose. Spruce Goose Howard Hughes Becomes The First Person To Fly The Spruce Goose In 1905, Howard Hughes was born in Houston, Texas. Hughes inherited the patent rights to an oil tool drill made by the Hughes Tool Company. A millionaire, Howard Hughes both inherited and made his own money. An adventurous soul, he formed the Hughes Aircraft Corporation and loved to pilot planes and break aviation records. After flying across America, Howard Hughes turned to movie making and formed his own motion picture studio.

A Clockwork Orange Political Impacts Free Essays

A Clockwork Orange: Political Impacts When A Clockwork Orange was released in the early 70’s it was instantly seen as controversial sparking huge amounts of criticism in America and Britain from renowned film critics, government officials and members of conservative groups. In the late 60’s Western society and culture was changing along with Western Cinema as a result of the old studio system collapsing, signalling the end of Classical Hollywood films. With the rise of television into popular culture and a drop in box office successes, running from 1947 to the late 60’s, it was made apparent a new and fundamentally different product was needed. We will write a custom essay sample on A Clockwork Orange: Political Impacts or any similar topic only for you Order Now A younger audience for cinema was developing, interested in films that reflect their generations experiences, resulting in the creation of the anti-hero. Films like Easy Ryder (67), Bonnie and Clyde (67) and The Wild Bunch (69) didn’t show traditional values and ideologies usually seen in Hollywood films. Instead it showed outlaws as the protagonists fighting against the older generations dated views through violence. When A Clockwork Orange was released in both Britain and America it was given an X-rated certificate as well as limited distribution in spite of the films box office success and various awards. Upon the release of the film in America, conservative forces protested against the film being showed and a number of American newspapers refused to advertise it. In august 1972 Kubrick withdrew the film from American distribution for 60 days resulting in a reedited version, cutting out 30 seconds of the most violent material. The MPAA then promptly changed the rating from X to R although both versions continued to circulate as the hysteria died down. However in Britain the controversy of A Clockwork Orange started before its actual release. In the Mid 60’s the initial script, written by Terry Southern and Michael Cooper, was rejected by the BBFC, under government pressure, who stated ‘there is no point reading the script because it involves youth defiance of authority and we’re not doing that’. This generally showed the British attitude towards censorship at the time and pathed the way for the films future problems. The BBFC however eventually accepted a later version of the script on the grounds that the controversial materials were justified by the story. The controversy continued near its release with the Conservative Home Secretary Reginald Maulding demanding to see the film to assess it’s dangers to British society and a right-wing censorship group ‘A Festival of Light’ petitioned for the film to be banned completely. In 1973 the Hastings council banned A Clockwork Orange on the grounds that it was ‘violent for it’s own sake’ and had ‘no moral’ . In 1974 after a series of supposed ‘copycat’ killings inspired by the film caused Kubrick to withdraw the film completely from British distribution. It remained withdrawn for 27 years until Kubrick’s death in 1999. How to cite A Clockwork Orange: Political Impacts, Essay examples

What were the moral dilemmas facing writers in a communist country in order to be published Essay Example Essay Example

What were the moral dilemmas facing writers in a communist country in order to be published Essay Example Paper What were the moral dilemmas facing writers in a communist country in order to be published Essay Introduction The artists along with the writers of any nation have always been and, as we can see through precedent, will continue to be greatly affected by the political structure that prevails. Therefore, in order to answer the given question, lots of aspects have to be taken into consideration, some of them being concepts like ‘ketman’, the true essence of the communist ideology, the ‘new faith’, Marxism and other interlinked concepts, with ‘The Captive Mind’ by Milosz being used as one of the primary sources.To start off, one needs to understand the ideology behind communism and its basic objectives. In theory, Communism is a political arrangement and a socio-economic principle, which aims to promote an unrestricted and stateless civilization founded on ordinary tenure and control of the ways of production. Communism is therefore a solution to the problems of capitalism, imperialism and nationalism and according to Karl Marx, a socialist; the working cla ss is the main means of wealth generation in a society and should therefore replace the capitalist class as the ruling class in order to avoid being exploited by them. He believed that that an eventual people’s revolution would indicate the final stage of communism in any society and this would result in a society free of force where all decisions like what to produce and how much to produce would be taken democratically.With the obvious plus points of communism, the several negatives can simply not be ignored. Very bluntly put, communism is simply a utopian plan to enforce complete economic equality and achieve this by means of forced income redistribution and economic management. The practicality of this goal can be challenged without much difficulty. It mail failure can be contributed to the failure of a centralized economy to function since it is mathematically and physically impossible to manage an economy from a centralized formAnother far-fetched concept is that of hav ing complete control over industries, and this means ALL the industries that may or may not be linked to one another. The workability of this is also doubtful. As for the theoretical failures of communism, absolute impartiality of all revenues is not possible to achieve since it has a negative effect on productivity. With equality, the incentive to work harder and do better simply disappears.As far as writers are concerned, the ‘free will’ aspect under a communist regime is what matters the most to them, and it needs to be understood that no matter what, free will cannot be suppressed. This is precisely what Communism attempts to do. It aims to control human individualism by making a society completely uniform in spite of the fact that it consists of separate individuals. People cannot be forced to comply to a certain mindset since thought is free and independent and cannot be fully controlled under any circumstances, and this is just a simple clause of the human nature . Therefore, as a continuation of this, it can safely be concluded that since communism may only achieve full compliance through force, it is not meant to last and this is precisely what led to the demise of communism throughout the world when opinions and ideologies different from the government were tried to put to an end.To curtail or limit the free will of humans means to challenge the human nature as created by God. Be it communism or socialism, it is simply not possible to have unopposed, uniform agreement to the will of the government because humans are not robots and cannot be programmed to think a certain way. They are bound to ask questions and look for alternatives and this is why the success of a communist regime is short lived.With all of that said and explained, one wonders how then is survival possible under a communist regime, especially for writers. What is it that they are expected to do and how does that conflict with what they want to do? To answer all such quest ions, the communism in Central Europe in the 20the century can be taken as an example. From that, branches out Czeslaw Milosz, the poet who wrote of modern cruelties, and his book ‘The Captive Mind.’ His experience well explains the situation that writers faced in central Europe.Milosz survived the Nazi invasion of Poland and is famous for his book ‘The Captive Mind’ which he wrote immediately after he received political asylum in Paris after his break with Poland’s Communist government. Milosz learned from his experience as an underground writer during World War II and wrote critiques on the role that communism played in the lives of intellectuals.In his early years Milosz, along with many other writers got fascinated by ‘The New Faith’ or to some of the idealized aspects of Marxism which truly supports a communist system. But even then, he was strictly against dictatorship of any sort. Later on, he chose to condemn the New Faith becaus e of all the harm it caused to the intellectual ability of individuals and also how Communism crushed the spiritual values of people. He was disgusted by the way truth was manipulated to promote the political ideology of a communist party as it seemed unfair to the people. There was no freedom of criticism and no media was allowed to be published if it opposed the government or its leaders: in all, there was no freedom of speech.Throughout World War II, Milosz witnessed the Holocaust and was a lively author in the Resistance Movement. Later on, after his defection, Milosz’s works were banned in Poland but he continued to publish his works in English.‘The Captive Mind’ was amid the very influential books that denounced the communist beliefs. It centers around four gifted Polish men who have, in one way or the other; give in to the demands of the Communist state. Through their example, Milosz shows the effects that communism has on intellectuals, writers in particu lar who are expected to succumb to the wants of those.This is where the concept of Ketman needs to be explained in order to thoroughly understand the circumstances in a communist state. By definition, Ketman would be the act of showing obedience to a man or a party in power, in spite of having personal views and opinions that conflict with theirs. Its main purpose is survival in a place where you cannot openly condemn the system that prevails. During a similar time period, the cold war, The Captive Mind was the analysis of the morally corrupting and the intellectually deprived character of the Soviet.â€Å"The philosophy of history emanating from Moscow is not just an abstract theory; it is a material force that uses guns, yanks, planes and all the machines of war and oppression. All the crushing might of an armed state is hurled against any man who refuses to accept the New Faith† (Milosz, 221)In this quote from the Captive Mind, Milosz clearly explains the situation and the refore the need to practice Ketman; an act practiced by parents and children alike in order to avoid trouble with the ruling communist party.However, in spite of this, Milosz added positivity by saying,â€Å"Still, it is not hard to imagine the day when millions of obedient followers of The New Faith may suddenly turn against it.† (Milosz, 221)As far as writers are concerned, there is a long list of those who were initially firm and dedicated believers of Communism but were later repelled by it. This occurrence is common and can be explained if the nature of a writer is understood. A writer is almost always a sensitive person, sensitive to the surroundings, sensitive to the environment, sensitive to the happenings. During the 20th century, it was natural of them to be attracted to a system that promised equality, an equivalent allocation of wealth and resources held by the common man. It seemed fair. It seemed right. The picture painted my Karl Marx and other supporters of Co mmunism seemed too perfect and this is why it had the tendency to gather immense support from initial followers and similarly, many writers got caught in the same net.However, as time elapsed and the Soviet reality came into play, the practicality of a Communist system got to all those who initially supported it. This was a system that did not permit a writer to express his/ her opinions, to tell the truth, or to openly criticize what seemed wrong. Apart from all the state matters, power and supervision of arts, media, culture and literature was also a basic practice with new sets of rules for writers, publishers, and theaters. A single purpose of socialist-communist education was devised. The rest of the drawbacks and failures of Communism have already been mentioned above.The moral obligations of writers in a communist nation are therefore mainly individual. They differ from person to person depending to the intellectual priorities of a particular writer.According to some, Communi sm is the best thing that can happen to man as it promises abundance and great respect for the human personality. In such a situation, this particular writer is obliged to bring to the forefront everything that contributes towards this cause.Others may have an entirely different view and may value the morals of an intellectual more. They would assume the responsibilities of inculcating human qualities in man through their writings. In essence, even those who don’t believe in literature having an effect on the ethics of man would agree in the educating power of literature in a communist setup. Such writers would concentrate on promoting goodness, truth and beauty of man and they will only be able to do so if their own moral qualities have been perfected.To conclude, it can safely be said that the moral obligations of a writer under a communist regime remain simple if he can understand the educative rule of literature. Once he succeeds in doing this, he can later go on to estab lish himself by avoiding didacticism. He will realize that it is his duty to remain truthful and not succumb to the pressures of any communist force since he has a moral responsibility towards the masses.In short, a writer’s moral obligation is to be fair; expose evil in all its forms and depict the goodness that is to be seen. Irrespective of what each writer takes his individual moral responsibility to be, at the end of the day, it is his duty to show a clear picture, both sides of the coin, and leave it up to the readers to make their judgments instead of his own judgment being forced upon them.References:Milosz, Czeslaw. The Captive Mind. New York: Harvest, 1951. Page 221Anderson, Raymond H. â€Å"Czeslaw Milosz, Poet and Nobelist Who Wrote of Modern Cruelties, Dies at 93.† The New York Times 15 August. 2004: 41.Parker, Ralph. â€Å"Young Soviet Writers About Themselves.† Problems of Literature 1962. =http://www.sovlit.com/bonus/youngwriters/ data-wpel-link= external rel=nofollow>http://www.sovlit.com/bonus/youngwriters/.Hitchens, Christopher. â€Å"The Captive Mind Now.† 30 Aug. 2004 , Retrieved From =http://www.slate.com/id/2105821/ data-wpel-link=external rel=nofollow>http://www.slate.com/id/2105821/ What were the moral dilemmas facing writers in a communist country in order to be published Essay Thank you for reading this Sample!

Bottle ecosystem lab report Essays

Bottle ecosystem lab report Essays Bottle ecosystem lab report Paper Bottle ecosystem lab report Paper Finally we are going to have a baby! (To the King) Narrator: In the month of May, the night of the full moon, Queen Amah Maya gave birth to her son. King: (To the Wise Men) What should we name our baby boy? Wise Men: Your son shall be named Standards, meaning he shall be the one whose wishes will be fulfilled. Be cautious however, this means that if the Prince sees a dead, old, sick person, or a monk, he will give up his wealth to become a monk himself. Narrator: The city rejoiced over the birth of their new Prince. Sadly, two days after vying him life, Queen Amah Maya died. King: (Sobbing) My beautiful wife is dead! I mustnt let my son become a monk! (To Paragraph) Please, you are the sister to my wife. You must help me raise my son. Paragraph: (To the Prince) My baby, my baby! How beautiful you are! You look so much like your mama! I will raise you to become the healthiest, happiest and smartest child in your class. Narrator: And that she did. Shattered was considered popular amongst his friends for always being so considerate to all life. Shattered: (To the animals) Whos a good rabbit? Want an apple? (Squirrel yelps) Shattered: Oh no! What are you squealing about?! Youre not hurt! Dont be upset, youre okay, youre okay. (Shattered notices a boy beating a snake in the distance) Boy: Take that snake! Ha ha! Shattered: Stop it stop it! The snake is living too, for he has feelings just as you and I do! Narrator: The Prince took it upon himself to be the animal advocate and defend their lives.

10 Facts About Lagomorphs

10 Facts About Lagomorphs Rabbits, hares, and pikas, collectively known as lagomorphs, are known for their floppy ears, bushy tails and impressive hopping ability. But theres more to lagomorphs than fluffy fur and a bouncy gait. Rabbits, hares, and pikas are versatile mammals that have colonized a wide range of habitats throughout the world. They serve as prey for many species and as such play an important role in the food webs they occupy. In this article, youll learn interesting facts about rabbits, hares,  and pikas and find out about their unique characteristics, their life cycle, and their evolutionary history. Lagomorphs are divided into 2 basic groups Lagomorphs are a group of mammals that includes two basic groups, the pikas, and the hares and rabbits. Pikas are small, rodent-like mammals with short limbs and rounded ears. When they crouch down, they have a compact, almost egg-shaped profile. Pikas prefer cold climates throughout Asia, North America and Europe. They often inhabit mountainous landscapes. Hares and rabbits are small to medium-sized mammals that have short tails, long ears, and long hind legs. They have fur on the soles of their feet, a characteristic that gives them added traction when running. Hares and rabbits have acute hearing and good night vision, both adaptations to the crepuscular and nocturnal lifestyles of many of the species in this group. There are about 80 species of lagomorphs There are about 50 species of hares and rabbits. Well-known species include the European hare, snowshoe hare, Arctic hare and eastern cottontail. There are 30 species of pikas. Today, pikas are less diverse than they were during the Miocene. Lagomorphs were once thought to be a group of rodents Lagomorphs were once classified as a subgroup of rodents due to similarities in physical appearance, the arrangement of teeth and their vegetarian diet. But today, scientists believe that most similarities between rodents and lagomorphs are the result of convergent evolution and not due to shared ancestry. For this reason, lagomorphs have been promoted within the mammalian classification tree and now ran astride rodents as an order in their own right. Lagomorphs are among the most intensely hunted of any animal group Lagomorphs serve as prey for a wide variety of predator species around the world. They are hunted carnivores (such as bobcats, mountain lions, foxes, coyotes) and predatory birds (such as eagles, hawks, and owls). Lagomorphs are also hunted by humans for sport. Lagomorphs have adaptations that enable them to elude predators Lagomorphs have large eyes that are positioned on either side of their head, giving them a field of vision that encircles them completely. This gives lagomorphs a better chance of spotting approaching predators since they have no blind spots. Additionally, many lagomorphs have long back legs (enabling them to run quickly) and claws and fur-covered feet (which give them good traction). These adaptations give lagomorphs a better chance of escaping predators that get too close for comfort. Lagomorphs are absent from only a few terrestrial regions throughout the world Lagomorphs inhabit a range that includes North America, Central America, parts of South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In some parts of their range, especially islands, they were introduced by humans. Lagomorphs are absent from Antarctica, parts of South America, Indonesia, Madagascar, Iceland and parts of Greenland. Lagomorphs are herbivores Lagomorphs eat plants of various forms including grasses, fruits, seeds, herbs, buds, leaves and even bits of bark they strip off of deciduous and coniferous trees. They are also notorious for eating cultivated plants such as grains, cabbage, clover, and carrots. Since the plant foods they eat are nutrient-poor and difficult to digest, lagomorphs eat their droppings, thus causing the food material to pass through their digestive tract twice to maximize the number of nutrients they are able to extract. Lagomorphs have high reproductive rates Reproductive rates for lagomorphs are generally quite high. This offsets the high mortality rates they often face due to harsh environments, disease, and intense predation. The largest lagomorph is the European hare The European hare is the largest of all lagomorphs, reaching weights of between 3 and 6.5 pounds and lengths of more than 25 inches. The smallest lagomorphs are the pikas Pikas include the smallest of all lagomorphs. Pikas generally weigh between 3.5 and 14 ounces and measure between 6 and 9 inches long.