Comparative Critique Essay Example

Comparative Critique Essay As a journalist and critic for Time Magazine, James Poniewozik concentrates on how the classic fairytale of Cinderella has been reinvented multiple times to correspond with the viewpoints of feminist authors. Poniewozik claims in his article The Princess Paradox that girls choosing the fairy-tale ending is not such a bad thing (667). However Peggy Orenstein, a contributing writer for The New York Times, would completely disagree with that statement. Orenstein stresses in her article Cinderella and Princess Culture that the princess craze and girlie-girl culture is ruining young girls as they feel constantly pressured to be perfect (673). Poniewozik and Orenstein have conflicting claims in their articles as both define Cinderella differently. Poniewozik does not see an issue with the Cinderella story and believes it does not have any negative effect on girls, while Orenstein would have to disagree because of her strong feminist beliefs. This leads Orenstein to believe that the princess culture does indeed have a negative effect on girls. Peggy Orenstein clearly states and argues throughout her article that the princess craze is a world-wide phenomenon and is damaging young girls. The damage Orenstein is referring to is depression caused by girls feeling that they must fulfill the princess image, and when they do not, it makes them feel as if they are not good enough the way they are. Orenstein also goes as far to say that women who are perpetually nice are more likely to be depressed and less likely to use contraception. (673) We will write a custom essay sample on Comparative Critique specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Comparative Critique specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Comparative Critique specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Both Poniewozik and Orenstein recognize the fact that large companies like Disney are responsible for pushing the princess craze. In Orensteins article she notes the fact that Disney executives claim that the princess is on its way to becoming the largest girls franchise on the planet (671). These large companies are distributing the princess products mainly because that is what sells and Disney executives also saying that it is the fastest-growing franchise ever created. (671) Poniewozik quotes Marlo Thomas in his article stating what women have ried to achieve for other women and young girls is a choice in every step in their lives. (667). The task that has been tried to achieve that Poniewozik is referring to is the earlier generation of women working to be able to do everything that men could (667). Both Poniewozik and Orenstein acknowledge the fact that young women need to assert their independence, but in modern times it seems that is not a main focus for girls anymore. Even t hough Poniewozik is male he still notes some feminist views in his article that Orenstein would agree with. Poniewozik states the fact that reinventing fairy tales has been a favorite project of feminist authors (667). Another issue that Orenstein also hints at in her article by using the childrens program, Dora the Explorer as an example of how merchandise and shows are being changed to correspond with the princess craze (671) Orenstein has noticed the transition from the old story of princess movies to a newer more modern form of the princess. Some modern fairytale movies such as The Prince Me, which is mentioned in Poniewoziks article, have changed their story line to have a non-fairy-tale ending. Poniewozik then notes the fact that the director of the movie, Martha Coolidge, admitted she knew the ending was wrong after she watched it (667). Poniewozik states in his article that filmmakers are much more message conscious and by also noting that the girls fight to control their destiny; the boys good-naturedly learn to accept theirs (668). This is an example of what Poniewozik is referring to by his idea of the new Cinderella and how he feels the thought of Cinderella should be altered. Poniewozik briefly mentions the idea of nature or nurture which are innate qualities versus personal experiences or learned behaviors. This shows an example of his belief that it is a naturally occurring affair for young girls to want to be a princess or conform to Orensteins idea of girlie-girl culture (667;671). Orenstein drifts more toward the idea of the nurture part as she says that the princess image has been thrown at girls since a very young age which is where she quotes Andy Mooney, a former Nike executive, the meaning of princess is so broadly constructed that it actually has no meaning (673). hat Orenstein is referring to is how any girl could be referred to as princess another example of her princess craze. Although Poniewozik and Orenstein both address some of the same topics and issues, their overall ideas of the princess craze are far different from one another. Orenstein is more negative toward the idea of princesses by taking a more feminist stance on the issue. Ore nsteins highly feminist views are prevalent throughout her article and constantly adverting back to her belief that Cinderella has a negative impact on girls. Poniewozik, even though recognizing the feminist stance, still has a more positive outlook and believes it is a natural process for girls to go through a princess phase. Works Cited Orenstein, Peggy. Cinderella and Princess Culture. Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum. 11th Edition. Behrens. Rosen. Boston: Longman, 2011. 670-673. Print. Poniewozik, James. The Princess Paradox. Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum. 11th Edition. Behrens. Rosen. Boston: Longman, 2011. 670-673. Print.

Athena essays

Athena essays Athena is the Greek goddess of war, arts, skill, and most of all, wisdom. The Romans identify her as Minerva (Hamilton 29). She sprung fully grown from her father's head, but there are many different versions of how that came to be. Some believe that she had no mother, while others think Metis, one of Zeus's many consorts, led to the birth of the Athena (www.pantheon.org). When people conjure up the image of Athena in their mind, a woman wearing a full armor is usually envisioned. In most pictures, she also carries a lance and a shield with Medusa's head mounted upon it. Athena is also frequently revealed with an owl perched on one of her shoulders, the owl being a symbol of wisdom. In many vase paintings, she is also depicted with birdlike wings (www.wikipedia.org). One of Athena's admirable traits is her compassion, as proven in many of the myths told about her. The story of Arachne and Athena's weaving contest is well known. Athena is not only known for wisdom, but also for her skills in weaving. Arachne however, was also popular in that aspect. Her weavings were so beautiful nymphs left their homes to watch her while she worked (www.goddess-athena.org). Arachne boasted that her work was greater than the Goddess's, and the contest more or less proved that her weavings were equal to Athena's, if not better. Any Goddess would not be able to stand being surpassed by a mere mortal, so Athena, in a fit of rage, tore Arachne's hard labor into pieces. The woman tried to commit suicide, but Athena took pity on her, and allowed her to live on as a spider, forever weaving webs (www.homepage.mac.com). During other times, when criminal trials came to conclusions in which votes were split equally, Athena voted to free the accused, revealing the side of the Goddess that understood and forgave human errors (www.arthistory.sbc.edu). Athena played a great influential role in her time. During a society in which women were "reduced to ...

Economics Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Economics Project - Essay Example He started developing the ‘dialectical materialism’ which addresses the economic order efficiency and its inherent weaknesses and contractions that lead to its own decay/ collapse. The concept attempted to critic capitalism tenets and prediction of its own collapse. His constant revolt against the current rulers saw him exiled in Belguim, France and Britain where he eventually died in London (Heilbroner, 136 - 139). Economic Ideas and concepts Karl Marx is often referred to as the father of Socialism and Communism owing to his Marxist theories and The Communist Manifesto. He was a critique of capitalism which dominating Europe by them after overthrowing feudalism. According to Marx, current tenets of capitalism were not sustainable as they had little regard for laborers who are important in the production process. While critiquing the capitalism, Marx argued that while capitalism was revolutionary, industrializing and driven by universal qualities of development, it expl oited and alienated laborer resulting to high unemployment rate. As a result, the system was subjects to depression shocks and the exploitation led to suffering of most laborer. These conditions were the recipes that would lead to class struggle, system decay and eventual collapse of capitalism. In essence therefore, what Marx was suggesting is a form of production process that would give decency to the working class. Such a method of production would be socialism or what is referred to as inexorable system of Karl Marx’ (Heilbroner 167). His assertions make sense when viewed in the light of modern capitalism as modern practices have come to recognize the importance of labor as a factor of production. Most companies are concerned about the welfare of their staff where business objectives are being driven by triple bottom line. Such an approach will most likely reduce tension between owners of capital and laborers. Karl Marx also contributed immensely to labor relations and in dustrial actions. He viewed the society as comprising of two classes i.e. the owners of capital and laborers who provided labor. According to him there exists a class struggle as each wants to maximize from each other. Unfortunately, the owners of capital who often forms part of the ruling class oppress the workers through long working hours and poor pay. Given the power of the ruling class and increased population, are able to maximize value at the expense of the laborers. Welfare of the workers is not a priority, maximizing surplus value and profit is. Heilbroner (32) noted that the English ruling class ‘failed to understand what fluid and mobile labour force would seek to achieve’. According to Marx, Capitalists optimize the discrepancy between labor markets and produce market to make surplus value. Surplus value is realized when input costs are lower than output price and the surplus according to Marx is taken away from laborer due the imbalance. The surplus value a rises from unpaid work as they are only paid enough to keep the body and soul together i.e. to make laborers survive. He noted that in the long run as class struggle continues, the surplus value reduces considerably a situation which forces the owners of capital to rescue their capital. In labor relations, the argument makes sense in that most laborers will go on