The Truths and Lies of Belief - A Definition of Truth

The Truths and Lies of Belief - A Definition of Truth'Where does this I believe in come from?' If you ask most people, they'll answer that question with a lot of confusion. There are lots of beliefs out there that we call 'true' and then there are many more 'lies' that we accept without a second thought. So what is really the definition of truth or lies?Most of us assume that the truth is somewhere in between those two extremes. What most people don't understand is that the truth does exist in the middle area of lies and truths. When we're asked about our beliefs, people will tend to gloss over the fact that they may be just like everybody else. However, some of us truly are born with a sense of belief and direction.When you ask someone to identify their beliefs, you'll find that the answer will vary from person to person. For some, belief can be more generalized than others. When we look at many different people and try to determine who their beliefs are, we tend to be able to pick out a few characteristics that stand out. However, when we take a closer look at the actual people that we know personally, we'll find that the answer changes from one to the next.You will also find that the beliefs that you bring with you from one situation to the next may be slightly different than the beliefs that you've adopted in the past. However, it seems like the responses tend to be pretty similar. People will have a tendency to repeat things that they hear, see or read.However, when you ask the people that you know about their beliefs, they will often have no idea what you're talking about. Instead, they'll tell you that they're not really sure what you're talking about, but they assume that you're asking about religion. They may even assume that you're referring to religion. In other words, their response will vary from person to person and each will have a different answer for a different question.As far as we can tell, there are certain people that aren't inclined to sh are their beliefs. There are others that share their beliefs but they're not proud of them. These are the ones that are probably the ones that you should ask about their beliefs. You'll find that they're a little less concerned about making you feel good than you were in the past.The people that you meet in your social circle will likely have a lot of opinions and beliefs, but they won't tell you who they are. If you need to find out who they are, then ask them about their beliefs. Just because they're the ones in the social circle doesn't mean that they have to come right out and say it. When you ask them about their beliefs, they may have something to say, but you might have to wait for a little while to get a straight answer.When you're trying to figure out if someone's beliefs are true or not, the best thing to do is ask them. Don't keep your suspicions to yourself or you'll get a whole lot of pointless questions. Of course, the only real way to find out is to ask, so don't let the silence hold you back.

Discuss some of the similarities and differences between Independence Day and War of the Worlds with particular reference to narrative and genre features Essay Example

Discuss some of the similarities and differences between Independence Day and War of the Worlds with particular reference to narrative and genre features Essay The War of the worlds by Steven Spielberg can be categorised as a hybrid genre, containing a mix of a sci-fi and a family drama. The audience establishes that it is a sci-fi with aspects of family drama right from the start of the film, as there seems to be two openings to the film. The first opening is a voice over by Morgan Freeman, using scientific words to describe how people (referred to as a swarm of ants small and insignificant) were being watched by another intelligent group of people. The speech finishes with the use of paralanguage, a technique whereby his voice takes a more serious tone when discussing how others are going to take over the world. These words are combined with the imagery that appears, as a white light starts to increase, which could be described like an eye, which obviously portrays someone watching. The other opening to the film is used to establish the main character Ray Ferrier and his family. This is where the other genre of a family drama appears. Dr amatic irony is instantly set up as the audience knows that doom is about to occur; however the characters dont. We follow the family throughout the film as they struggle to survive against the aliens, and watch their relationships with one another being tested, as Ray learns more about his family. This is completely contrasted to Independence Day by Roland Emmerich, as this film is categorised as a sci-fi and action film. This film is a lot more involved with the government rather than the family aspect, unlike War of the Worlds. However, there are elements of romance during Independence Day, as one couple gets married and the second couple who broke up before the film started, hold hands and we see a shot of the wedding ring that the man has worn throughout the whole time of their separation. There is also an opening sequence at the beginning of Independence Day. As the title credits appear, the music is very military like, which includes snare drums and even gunshots. The very first image that the viewer sees is the American flag, together with a stretch of footprints on top of the moon. This portrays to the audience past glories that the Americans have achieved. However, this does not last long as the footprints slowly vanish from the scene, perhaps showing an extermination of mankind. After this opening scene finishes, the scene cuts to a shot where the music that starts up contains the lyrics its the end of the world as we know it. This is subtle irony, as obviously the audience knows the end of the world is about to come. Numerous other clichà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s like this one appear constantly throughout the film such as the use of cigars, to highlight the stereotypical America, but are completely taken out during the War of the Worlds. We will write a custom essay sample on Discuss some of the similarities and differences between Independence Day and War of the Worlds with particular reference to narrative and genre features specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Discuss some of the similarities and differences between Independence Day and War of the Worlds with particular reference to narrative and genre features specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Discuss some of the similarities and differences between Independence Day and War of the Worlds with particular reference to narrative and genre features specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The music in War of the Worlds is completely different to Independence Day. This is because the music heard at the beginning of War of the Worlds is not military and is more thrilling and emotive. This highlights further that the genre of War of the Worlds is not just a sci-fi/thriller movie, but also more of a family drama. Narrative is constantly used to make sense and to create meaning out of our chaotic experiences and is essential to our understanding of experiences of the world. Narrative structure is also used to give order and shape to the series of events. The structure identified in War of the Worlds is linear owing to the fact that it is single stranded as there is only one main story throughout the film. The film starts off as a low concept film and ends as a high concept film. This is completely contrasted to Independence Day, which has a multistranded narrative and is very fast paced with a collection of short sequences. This represents the chaos that everyone is experiencing, and the fact that everyone is bewildered. From all of these different narratives occurring through the film Independence Day, the viewer knows we will eventually come to a conjunction with all these different storylines and this appears true when the audience arrives at July the 4th and the narrative from then on is s ingle stranded. Narrative also requires a narrator, someone who tells the story from his or her point of view. In War of the Worlds, the entire film is from the point of view of Ray Ferrier and his family. This helps the viewer to relate to the characters and become more emotionally involved. This does not happen in Independence Day, as there are several main characters and all different storylines and therefore it becomes increasingly difficult for the audience to participate in the action of the film, and has to merely sit on the sidelines as an observer. The narrative of War of the Worlds also contains references to the 9/11 attacks. This is noticeable at the beginning of the film where the voice over is heard and suggests we are being watched by another intelligent group of people. Furthermore, throughout the film there are other references that signify this, such as the plane crash, clothes falling from the sky, and ash fogging up the sky. This is clearly a post 9/11 film, unlike Independence Day, which is a pre- 9/11 film that suggests that America is confident that they are the leaders and everyone else is following them. The film Independence Day portrays an idealistic view of how they would like to think America is. Firstly, President Whitmore is an idealistic representation of a president, as he is clearly hardworking, witty, an ex-warrior and a family man. Furthermore, throughout the film there are shots of certain landmarks, which show the very iconic America, such as shots of the moon landing, and the Statue of liberty. In addition to this, the scenes in Independence Day are completely varied from City scenes to the deserts. This suggests to the viewer that America is a country of a multi-ethnic society. The stereotypical America is also represented further in this film by the use of glasses being worn by important and clever people, showing that glasses signify intelligence. Also, it contains every type of character including young and old, and straight and gay. The mise-en-scene presented in War of the Worlds is a lot bleaker and darker than Independence Day, which portrays more War-like imagery. Furthermore, there is a lot more death and destruction than there is in Roland Emmerichs film. The vulnerability of the children is also a lot stronger, which highlights again the fact that War of the Worlds focuses on the family point of view. The whole script of the film is a lot more authentic than Independence Day, and contains more realism, for example when Ray says to always put yourself first. The overall film doesnt pay attention to the sci-fi genre, but is more of a sci-fi played on a modern film. This is also emphasized right from the beginning of the film, as we learn that this film is taking place in the 21st century, and the majority of sci-fi films are set in the future. Throughout War of the Worlds, there are many shots that are over exposed, which suggests that the things that are happening are beyond reality, and hyper-real. This is completely juxtaposed to Independence Day, which has a lot of different creeds of colour situated in the film. This suggests Independence Day is a more light-hearted film, rather than War of the Worlds, which is a lot more dismal. Throughout War of the Worlds, the News on the television in the film acts as an exposition tool, which gives the audience the background of the characters and the present situation. This does not happen in Independence Day, the script of this film plays out contemporary anxieties and fears which Americans have, and expresses important US values. Having looked at the similarities and differences of Independence Day by Roland Emmerich, and War of the Worlds by Steven Spielberg, it is clear that the way each film is portrayed, through the use of mise-on-scene, the music, the characters, and the way the films are structured, generates the type of genre and narrative each film can be identified as. War of the Worlds can be described as a hybrid genre, containing a mix of a sci-fi and a family drama, owing to the emotive elements and scenes of the film, whereas Independence Day could be categorised as a sci-fi/action film, owing to the usage of the strong, military music, the government, and the general alpha-male context. Although both of the films narratives are extremely identical, the structure of it is completely different. This is due to the fact War of the Worlds has a basic narrative structure, owing to the fact it is linear and single stranded, as the film has one storyline which commences as a low concept film and ends a s a high concept film. This is contrasted to Independence Day, as this film contains a multi-stranded narrative up to the last day, which keeps the film fast paced, and highlights further the chaos and tension of Americas society.

Basic Family Systems Theory free essay sample

Running Head: BASIC FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY AND MICROSKILLS Basic Family Systems Theory and Microskills Used by the Helper Basic Family Systems Theory and Microskills Used by the Helper In terms of a system, the meaning is a consistent arrangement of things connected to form unity or to operate as a whole. These systems are dated back in origins to the 1950’s and 1960’s. In this theory we must understand an individual’s family and how it works for that family daily in the community, neighborhood, social aspect, and etcetera. When one part of the system changes, the whole system changes. When everything is balanced it is said to be in equilibrium or homeostasis which seemingly is a good thing (Poorman, 2003). There are many skills involved in working in the family system. I will address the three main microskills that I would use in my own setting as a helper toward this theory. We will write a custom essay sample on Basic Family Systems Theory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page There are a few basic things that need to be addressed first to begin to understand the concept of working in family systems. Within the family system as a whole there are similar smaller systems knows as subsystems. Generally, there has been focus on three primary subsystems: marital (or couple), parental, and sibling. These can also branch off into other systems. This is where the saying, â€Å"A family is greater than the sum of its parts† comes into context (http://web. pdx. edu, 2009). The subsystems are defined by who makes up each and what their purpose or goal is in the family as a whole. Related to this concept are boundaries. Boundaries occur at every level of the system and subsystems (http://family. jrank. org, 2009). Depending on the family and how they work, some have very open boundaries and other may have tight restrictions. These boundaries affect who and what is let in or out of the family as a whole and among the subsystems. There have been many developments in approaches to family systems theories. There are a number of professionals in this field, I will try to discuss a few here in some detail and how they may be used in a helper setting. Salvador Minuchin focused primarily on structure of the relationships within the system and subsystems. I would tend to agree that you have to first identify the makeup of the whole family system and then also each individual subsystem to understand its organization. This is when you can address and understand the problems that shape not only the family problems and issues, but the individual problems and issues also. Minuchin believes there are two types of family structure; disengaged family and the enmeshed family. I believe you have to identify which family type you are working with so you can focus on how to handle and help deal with the issues at hand. The boundaries and manner in which the system and subsystems approach each other directly affects how you as the helper should and would tackle your job. Disengaged families have rigid boundaries and share little or no contact with family members. They operate in a very neglectful and isolated manner. On the opposite end of the spectrum are the enmeshed families. In this situation the boundaries seem to overlap and become over involved in each other’s subsystems (Poorman, 2003). This being said, it is my belief that when these are present they have to be addressed to get to the root of the problems or issues among the family and its subsystems. Even if you need to address one individual’s behavior above all others, it is still vital to understand the context of the family and how such problems develop. It is very crucial not to ignore or deny the importance of each individual that makes up the family system. Murray Bowen, in a sense, built on Minuchin’s beliefs and thoughts about structure. Bowen believed that triangulation would improve issues- with a third parties involvement. Bowen believed that a triangle made a strong family structure (Poorman, 2003). With this, as a helper I would see it fit to use the Family Systems Theory because using the whole family would seem to be a sure way to bring about changes. If one person can change, but nothing else can, like the environment in which the problems are occurring, then what is really going to be achieved? It is my job as the helper to facilitate the whole process. I would join the family in the discovery process, then help them understand and use their interacting with one another, then challenge them to change their interpretation of the problems and try to think of alternative ways to make things happen. It is not my job to be above them or against them but to join them and help the process. I am not there to preach or sit back and try to let them blindly discover something on their own. Communication is a very important skill for everyone to have. An equally important skill that I think gets overlooked a lot of the time is the non-verbal communication. As a helper who is focusing on the family as a whole, you will need to be able to read and understand non-verbal quos and positioning, but you will need to be able to use them well. To be affective, you need to try to help the family as a whole understand non-verbal communication. Be aware of the setting, your position in consideration to the client(s), physical distance, posture, gestures, eye contact, facial expression, and other things that your client could take one way or the other. Be aware also that silence is a non-verbal skill and use it as a listening skill. Non-verbal communication may sprout some other forms of communication that can get things that may not have been relayed out into the open. There are many ways of being a sort of intervention with a family in this type of situation. First you are going to want to use another of your micro skills and being asking questions. When your client(s) are there a lot of the time they are going to be in shut down mode. So, asking questions is a way to dig down into what is really going on and start from there. Asking questions is a skill that you want to use when a client(s) experience, thoughts and/or feelings become unclear. Sometimes probing and exploring more into the experience, thought or feeling can be useful. It may also be beneficial to help your client(s) hear what they are saying so they can begin to understand more or start a different direction so that something can be more easily understood. You want to be sure that when you are working with your client or in this situation your family that you be careful not to use poor judgment on the type of questions that you ask, or ow you ask them; it is important not to be accusatory or ask double-barreled questions, as this could lead to anger, frustration, misunderstanding and confusion. You want to be careful not to use questions that only require a yes or no answer also. Using questioning the whole time as your only approach will not get you very far, you do not want to seem controlling and uninterested in the issues (Poorman, 2003 ). When beginning with your family, you are going to want to know what their definition of family is. You also will want to identify certain other characteristics in the family concept; boundaries, power and intimacy, freedom of expression, organization and value systems (Stratman, 2009). Then you are going to want to work on addressing what the factors are that are causing the problems. Lastly, you are going to want to use Preparing for Action! In preparing for action there are many requirements that you are going to want to meet with your client(s), but the main focus of this skill is to set goals. Make the goals realistic and obtainable. You want to write them all down and then make a plan of action of how to make the goals happen. You have to operationalize the goals also. Set up a schedule with the client(s). Make time for brainstorming, a timeline and a written plan! In working with families it is definitely different from working with the individual. Working with the individual you focus on just that- the individual. Working with family in the theory is everyone combined into the system called family and finding out how it works and what makes up everything about them. Even when you are working with an individual I think the Family Systems Theory is a good one to use, to find out the root of the problems and get things on course. Poorman, P. B. (2003). Microskills and Theoretical Foundations for Professional Helpers. Pearson Education Inc. Family Systems Theory-Basic Concepts, â€Å"Family Systems Theory. † http://www. family. jrank. org (Accessed 9. 29. 09) Using Family Therapy, â€Å"Family Systems Theory. † http://web. pdx. edu (Accessed 9. 28. 09) Stratman, T. (2009) Power Point, â€Å"Family Systems Theory. † (Accessed 10. 1. 09)