The opening scene of Romeo and Juliet creates a mounting sense of tension and violence Essay Example For Students

The opening scene of Romeo and Juliet creates a mounting sense of tension and violence Essay Romeo and Juliet, written by the world renowned William Shakespeare, is the classical and timeless tragic tale of two hapless adolescents who fall for each other, regardless of the mutiny between their two families. It is one of the most famous love stories ever written. The plot is quite simple; there are two aristocratic families, the Montagues and Capulets, each with an unrivalled hatred for the other. Romeo is a Montague Juliet, a Capulet. In this love story, they fall in love, disregarding the families long-standing grudge, but in doing so aggravate these hostilities more, with the final result being that Romeo and Juliet both die in terrible circumstances, not fulfilling the life they could have had. Baz Luhrmanns on-screen adaptation of this story tries to fit this 16th century drama into modern-day life, but doing it in a way that it keeps the essential essence of Shakespeare in the film. In this essay I intend to describe the effects of Shakespeares original text in creatin g a sense of mounting tension and violence to Baz Luhrmanns cinematic interpretation of the play. We will write a custom essay on The opening scene of Romeo and Juliet creates a mounting sense of tension and violence specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now First of all, before I comment on the tension and violence, I must explain Shakespeares intentions with this first scene. In the prologue, a Chorus explains to the audience what will happen in the play. A pair of star-crossd lovers take their life This lets the audience know that Romeo and Juliet will die. Therefore when the first scene opens, the ultimate ending of the play is known so that the plot of the play is instead about how the two star crossd lovers reach their untimely end. The author wanted to give the background information, wanted to lay the foundations for the story, in this first scene. With the fight between servants of the houses Montague and Capulet, Shakespeare explains to the audience, the reader, that there is a hate and an all-mighty grudge between the two families which is a very integral part of the story, as well as creating a great tension that does not leave the play thereafter. Afterwards, the strong reprimand of Prince Escalus to the noble families builds on the tension; If ever you disturb our streets again, Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace. It is a warning to them that if they step out of line again the perpetrators will lose their lives. This adds to the already present tension in a very sinister way as the audience and reader will foresee that the chances of the Montagues and Capulets being able to keep the peace is extremely unlikely, and therefore they believe a death is imminent. Finally, the first scene introduces us to Romeo, the main character, and his troubles. The reader learns Romeo is actually in love with a girl, but that it is unrequited love. Shakespeare explains that to him, Romeo, the matters of his family (the Montagues) do not concern him, that he believes the extreme dislike held by the two households for each other is foolish, pointless and that he is against it. When Romeo hears of the fray earlier in the day he asks of it, then says: Yet tell me not, for I have heard it all. This line sums up the contempt Romeo has for the feud, his exasperation with it as he is heard it all before. The events in the opening scene set up what is to come and are incredibly important to the tale. In Shakespeares original on-stage portrayal of the story the techniques used for the creation of tension in the first scene would have been limited compared to what Baz Luhrmann had available to him when making the film version. For Shakespeare to create the tension and the sense of looming violence, his main resource would have been the language that was used with maybe, to some extent, the use of music also. Whereas this differs immensely to the film version as Luhrmann uses not so much the language, as the advantages of music, lighting and exceptionally quick camera cuts to his advantage in creating the unease that is intended. .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc , .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc .postImageUrl , .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc , .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc:hover , .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc:visited , .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc:active { border:0!important; } .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc:active , .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ude3abea36d1733f3f201fced5f92c6bc:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Dickens' description EssayTo start with the language, it was Shakespeares main tool for achieving the desired effects of his play. In Shakespearean times the language used in Romeo and Juliet was very strong and was also the very soul of the play. Surprisingly enough, parts of the speech written by Shakespeare was comical, and laden at times with sexual innuendo. As the first scene opens in the play, two Capulet servants are in a public place. They are discussing how they wont stand for being insulted, how if insulted they would stand and fight. Their lines are quite humorous with Gregory calling Sampson a coward, and Sampson then speaking about sex and about being sexuall y active with: and tis known I am a pretty piece of flesh. All this would have had the audiences rolling around with laughter. But at the same time they were speaking of their great dislike for all Montagues and therefore, on the two Montagues entering (Abram and Balthasar), the atmosphere changes as the reader can sense the animosity between the two parties. The author then establishes the tension more by having the Capulets insulting the Montagues (by biting their thumbs at them which, at the time, was a great insult), and the Montagues being aggressive back: Do you bite your thumb at us, sir? All the while the tension is mounting, with the language heated and on the verge of being insulting, and then the looming, expected violence finally breaks out as a fight starts. When Tybalt joins the fray he is intent on fighting and his language is that of a brutal, remorseless man: Drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word, As I hate hell, all Montagues and thee With the fighting being then stopped by civilians the role or tension-creator switches to Prince Escalus when he angrily calls for the fighting to stop (as he is the law-enforcer), and threatens the families with their lives if they disturb the peace. His words are firm, hard and angry leaving a sense that the Prince means what he is saying. But with all this, the most striking aspect of Shakespeares language is that as he uses it to great success in concocting tension, it keeps its poetic-ness throughout, gripping the audience or reader. As for Luhrmann in the film he does not change lines from the play, although he might leave some out, yet the speech and language isnt used, as it was by Shakespeare, to really create a tension and that sense of menace and threat. Instead the director of the film uses the advantages of cinema to get those intentions across. For example Luhrmann opens with a rowdy crowd of Montagues in a car, raucous and bold, screeching into a garage. Without virtually any words, the director has given the impression that these boys could be troublesome and menacing. There are quick camera cuts, to and fro, adding excitement, and then on showing the Capulet boys, a real tension is made. The language is unnecessary in this case. The great advantage Luhrmann had was the music he could insert at any stage. In the section of scene 1 that was the fight, music contributes enormously to what the directors intentions are. From spaghetti western style, to dramatic orchestral sounds, added to obvious high-temp o stirring beats, all fitted in at the right time, Luhrmann can replace Shakespeares need for language with what is, in my view, a far more effective and successful inclusion of music. Another contrast between the play and film is the setting. Shakespeares classic is set in Verona, Italy but Luhrmanns modern day adaptations setting was, cleverly enough, in Verona Beach, California. The intention was clearly to keep close relation to the original. .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907 , .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907 .postImageUrl , .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907 , .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907:hover , .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907:visited , .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907:active { border:0!important; } .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907:active , .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907 .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua51ac02fd1ee50b6adeaabdbba0af907:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: A Dolls House, by Henrik Ibsen EssayThere are other differentiations between both versions, with plenty of modern items replacing things from Shakespeares era. For example, swords were replaced by guns, obviously enough but also the part of the chorus being played by a newsreader on television, was a masterful stroke in keeping a Shakespearean device, yet finding a way to fit it in, in an up to date way. To conclude, Romeo and Juliet on-screen differs enormously from Shakespeares original version but I believe that Baz Luhrmann has achieved the difficult task that was adapting the play for film. He keeps the Shakespearean idea of the story, in keeping of the chorus and most importantly the language, but succeeds in reinventing it for a different audience. In my own personal opinion I enjoyed Luhrmanns interpretation more, simply because he has a wide variety of tools to make the film exciting, which he uses to great effect, even though Shakespeares timeless masterpiece is inarguably brilliant, and definitely enjoyed by countless people.

Renassiance art essays

Renassiance art essays During the Renaissance, artist were no longer regarded as mere artisans, as they has been in the medieval past, but for the first time emerged as independent personalities, comparable poets and writers. They began to express their ideas even though the art still remained religious in nature but add their own individual style and emotions. However art also went through many drastic changes and was influenced by many great arts like Giotto, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Masaccio. Giotto was one of many artists who expressed his ideas in Italian art. He used three-dimensional images, which was a drastic change from classical art where depth was not used. At he was one of the first artist who painted something from his opinion. However, Giotto expressed his opinion and thoughts so greatly that he inspired even the great Michaelango. This great artist was ahead of his time and was able to paint ideas that were very popular in the time. Giotto expressed the ideas by giving depth to his to the artwork and the illusion of movement. Even thought, not much of his work is left it is obvious that he expressed the Renaissance ideas in his art work in many ways and contributed in helping express the ideas of the times. Another great artist who expressed his ideas in artwork was Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519). Leonardo Da Vinci is considered the Renaissance Man since he was skilled in many different things such as being a painter, writer, engineer, scientist and other things. However, Leonardo Da Vinci is know mostly for his great art work such as the paintings of Mona Lisa and Moses which show pure beauty. Leonardo expressed new ideas in his artwork by using new techniques and exploring new ways to looking at certain things. Leonardo was a great artist who influenced the artwork of future artists. He was a great artist that showed people that new things were possible and they should not be scared to try new things. Leonardo Da Vinci w...

Colorado School of Mines GPA, SAT ACT Requirements

Colorado School of Mines GPA, SAT ACT Requirements Admission to Colorado School of Mines is selective, and in 2015, only 38% of all applicants were admitted. To get in, youre going to need grades and standardized test scores that are well above average. In the scattergram above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. You can see that the majority of successful applicants had high school averages of 3.5 or higher, SAT scores (RWM) of about 1200 or higher, and ACT composite scores of 24 or higher. The higher those numbers, the better your chances of receiving an acceptance letter. The average ACT composite for accepted students is 30. Note that there are many red dots (rejected students) and yellow dots (waitlisted students) hidden behind the green and blue throughout the graph. Many students with grades and test scores that were on target for Colorado School of Mines did not get in. Note also that a few students were accepted with test scores and grades a little bit below the norm. This is because Mines uses has holistic admissions admission decisions are based on more than numerical data. The Mines application asks for information about your extracurricular activities and awards, and you also have the opportunity to provide a personal statement. The college also pays close attention to the rigor of your high school courses, especially in math. How Do You Measure Up? Calculate Your Chances of Getting In with this free tool from Cappex. To learn more about Colorado School of Mines, high school GPAs, SAT scores and ACT scores, these articles can help: Colorado School of Mines Admissions ProfileWhats a Good SAT Score?Whats a Good ACT Score?Whats Considered a Good Academic Record?What is a Weighted GPA? If You Like Colorado School of Mines, You May Also Like These Schools   Stanford University:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT GraphCornell University:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT GraphCal Poly:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT GraphCarnegie Mellon University:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT GraphPurdue University:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT GraphHarvey Mudd College:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT Graph

Effects of French Revolution WWI and WWII to the Social Fabric Essay

Effects of French Revolution WWI and WWII to the Social Fabric - Essay Example Germany was fined a carousal amount of money which forced it to borrow from USA. It also led to increased hostilities between the nations and races. Moreover, the war was a huge economic burden to the nations involved and the world in general. Failure of the world nations to learn from the WWI lead to the emergency of the WWII in 1945. The WWII was later followed by the Cold War that led to collapse of Soviet Union and USA emerging as the sole super power. (Mugambi, 2005, p15) Effects to the social fabric of the Western community. The French revolution led to the transfer of power from tyrannical monarchs to republicanism and democracies of the 21st centuries. The uprising characterized by modern society against any oppressive government is much as a result of French Revolution political ideological influence. Secondly, separation of church and state as two entities and subsequent emergency of secular states in western societies is traced back to French revolution. Thirdly, French revolution is the genesis of popularization of Civil Rights, equality, toleration, individual liberty and freedom which later had liberal influence in USA and Britain. French revolution is more or less linked with the origins of political factions for instance left wing, centre and right wing and conservatives versus liberal/ democrats the political characteristic of the western societies. Moreover, French revolution and culmination of events that followed will always be remembered as the origin of the monumental French constitution that define human rights that stand to be the point of reference in almost every country bill of rights as defined by United Nation (UN) and separation of powers that is still being the essence of western societies political arrangement. Above... The French revolution led to the transfer of power from tyrannical monarchs to republicanism and democracies of the 21st centuries. The uprising characterized by modern society against any oppressive government is much as a result of French Revolution political ideological influence. Secondly, separation of church and state as two entities and subsequent the emergency of secular states in western societies is traced back to the French revolution. Thirdly, French revolution is the genesis of popularization of Civil Rights, equality, toleration, individual liberty and freedom which later had liberal influence in USA and Britain. The French revolution is more or less linked with the origins of political factions for instance left wing, center and right wing and conservatives versus liberal/ democrats the political characteristic of the western societies. Moreover, French revolution and culmination of events that followed will always be remembered as the origin of the monumental French constitution that define human rights that stand to be the point of reference in almost every country bill of rights as defined by United Nation (UN) and separation of powers that is still being the essence of western societies political arrangement. Above all, French revolution promoted the idea of change and progress as good things. This has become a very distinctive mark of the modern western world.

Critical Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Critical Analysis - Essay Example Greek Resistance Movement succeeded in making the Germans withdraw in 1944, the Greek Civil War broke out in 1946 between the communist-led rebels and the Greek government. A prolonged period of fighting followed at the end of which the rebels were completely defeated by October 1949 (The World Book Encyclopedia). Mark Mazower is a renowned British historian, reputedly one of the leading global specialists in Greek history (Wikipedia). His book â€Å"After the War was Over† contains 14 essays that show how the Civil War affected the family, the law, and the State of Greece, providing fresh insight into missing records, and delving into events that were hitherto unknown to the world (Finney). The first revelation concerns the subject of justice, a theme in 5 essays of the volume (Finney). Mark Mazower’s essay â€Å"Three Forms of Political Justice: Greece, 1944-1945† (Chapter 1 of the volume) deals with the unpredictable understanding of concepts of justice in Greece; he writes about how frequent attempts (‘how Greece recovered from the most prolonged and traumatic experience of its brief life as a nation-state’ {p.21}) to restore justice and take legal action against collaborators were ruined by the re-emergence of the anticommunist right wing faction. Eleni Haidia’s essay â€Å"The Punishment of Collaborators in Northern Greece, 1945-1946† (Chapter 2) reviews trials of collaborators in Thessaloniki, revealing how the initial intention to mete out strong punishment eventually broke down and vanished after encountering malignancies such as improper administration practices, corruption, and lack of funding. Procopis Papastratis’ essay â€Å"Purging the University after Liberation† (Chapter 3) explores the efforts to cleanse Athens University of Germans and the pre-war Metaxas regime collaborators, telling how the University used academic and political tactics to successfully repulse the threat of cleansing it. Susanne-Sophia Spiliotis’ essay â€Å"An Affair

Industrialized Building Systems in Malaysia

Industrialized Building Systems in Malaysia Industrialised Building System does not have a commonly-approved definition. There are a few definitions by authors who studied into this area previously were found through literature emphasizing on prefabrication, off-site production and mass production of building components (Rahman Omar, 2006) (Warszawski, 1999) (Trikha,1999). This method will enable cost saving and quality improvement through the reduction of labour intensity and construction standardisation. Apart from this, it offers minimal wastage, less site materials, cleaner and neater environment, controlled quality, and lower total construction costs. In other countries, IBS is known as off-site construction, offsite manufacturing and pre-fabrication. The used components are pre-fabricated. Successful IBS implementations in the world are Sekisui Home (Japan), Living Solution (United Kingdom), Open House (Sweden) and Wenswonen (Netherlands) (Oostra Joonson, 2007). In Malaysia, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has classified the IBS system into 5 categories as follows (IBS Roadmap, 2003): Precast Concrete Framing, Panel and Box Systems Steel Formwork Systems Prefabricated Timber Framing Systems Steel Framing Systems Blockwork Systems IBS has been introduced in Malaysia since early 1960s by the use of pre-cast concrete beam-column element and panelised system (Thanoon, 2003). The projects in Jalan Pekeliling, Kuala Lumpur and Rifle Range, Penang used Danish System and French Estoit System respectively. However, due to the leaking issue and high cost in producing panel components the technologies did not take off as planned. IBS Roadmap 2003-2010 was developed and published to steer the direction of IBS implementation and promotion activities and guide the practitioners and policy makers on IBS related issues (IBS Roadmap, 2003). The importance of IBS was highlighted under the Strategic Thrust 5 of the Construction Industry Master Plan 2006-2015 (CIMP 2006-2015) which has been published as means to chart the future direction of the Malaysian construction industry in 2006 (CIMP, 2006). Problem Statement IBS Survey 2003 stated only 15% of construction projects used IBS in Malaysia (IBS Survey, 2003). IBS Mid Term Review in 2007 indicated that approximately only 10% of the complete projects used IBS in the year 2006 as compared to forecasting IBS usage of 50 % in 2006 and 70% in year 2008 as projected in the roadmap (Hamid et al 2008). The availability of cheap foreign labour which offset the cost benefit of using IBS is a main cause of the slow adoption (Kamar et al 2010). According to Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, at June 2007, 69% (552,000) out of total 800,000 of registered workers is foreign workers (CIDB, 2007). It is a huge number which distress the stability and growth of domestic economy and created social problems. Besides, small contractors are already familiar with the conventional system and for them the technology suit well with small scale projects and therefore not willing to switch to mechanised based system. Furthermore, small contractors lack financial backup and are not able to set up their own manufacturing plants as it involves very intensive capital investment (Rahman Omar, 2006). It was highlighted by many that the idealism, processes and management and skill sets behind IBS is differs from the traditional method. Lack of knowledge in IBS construction technology is equally important. There are cases, where building projects are awarded and constructed using IBS system but were contribute to the project delays and bad qualities. This has leaves the industry with a noticeable difficulties when using IBS. As a result, the industry is reluctant to embrace in IBS unless it is required by the clients. A wider understanding on the characteristics and what is involved in IBS is needed. By using the old processes is now critical if the industry is to move forward. The industry requires change management to encourage new mindset. A STUDY INTO FACTOR OF SLOW ADOPTION OF INDUSTRIALIZED BUILDING SYSTEM (IBS) IN MALAYSIA Aims Objectives The aim of this study is to identify the factor of slow adoption of Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Malaysia. The following will be the objective: To identify/determine cost issue is the factor of slow adoption of Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Malaysia. To identify/determine low standardization of IBS component is the factor of slow adoption of Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Malaysia To identify/determine lack of knowledge of IBS is the factor of slow adoption of Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Malaysia. To identify/determine negative perception to IBS is the factor of slow adoption of Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Malaysia. Hypothesis Cost issue is the factor of slow adoption of Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Malaysia. Low standardization of IBS component is the factor of slow adoption of Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Malaysia. Lack of knowledge of IBS is the factor of slow adoption of Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Malaysia. Scope of Study Research Methodology Literature Review In the beginning, literature review was conducted to determine an overall idea of Industrialized Building System. The data and information will be collected from books, journals, dissertations, and information from internet. These materials will be used as background study to understand about the topic. By having all the information, it wills shows the critical path and leads to the research purpose. Questionnaire Survey The questionnaire survey method is used for data collection. The questionnaire will be distributed to the construction players such as developer, consultant and contractor. The respondents will be asked about their knowledge on Industrialized Building System (IBS), the preference of promotion and marketing of Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Malaysia in the future and why they are choosing or not choosing to use Industrialized Building System (IBS). Interview Interview was conducted to understand the market needs and to understand more about IBS. The target of interview will be CIDB officer, developer, consultant and contractor. Chapter 2: Literature Review 2.1 Industrialized Building Systems in Malaysia Malaysia construction industry is now being developed from conventional construction methods towards more effective construction method. Through the Ninth Malaysias Plan, the Malaysias government is encouraging the usage of Industrialized Building System (IBS) as an alternative to the conventional construction method. IBS is a construction method consisting of assembling separate structural components on the site. In IBS, the suitable size of IBS components such as beams and columns are very critical. Besides that, the type of connection between the structural element play the key role to make sure the building is functional, economic and safe. The structural member and connection used should be able to transfer any load applied without having severe damage. The Malaysias government through the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has a strategic plan to improve the effectiveness and productivity of the construction in Malaysia. It can be achieve by introducing the IBS into the Construction Industry. During the early use of IBS in Malaysia, there is several problem occur. The IBS usage in the building construction is much lower than the infrastructure. The system is more expensive. Besides, leaking is a major problem and it has less aesthetic appearance. In 1960s, there is no comprehensive plan that can be used as guidance to the construction industry. So, the industry is depending to the existing conventional technology that needs high quantity of labour. In order to make Malaysia as a develop industry country in the year 2020, Roadmap IBS is conducted by CIDB with collaboration of the Public Work Department of Malaysia. The roadmap has been released in 29 October 2003. The Roadmap IBS is made as guidance and reference to all activities that help the industrialization of the Malaysias construction sector. 2.1.1 Types of Industrialized Building System in Malaysia According to CIDB Malaysia (2001), the IBS is a construction process that utilizes techniques, products, components, or building systems which involve prefabricated components and on-site installation. Base on the structural aspects of the system, IBS can be identified into five major groups: Precast Concrete Framing, Panel and Box Systems Precast concrete elements are the most common IBS type. There are precast concrete columns, beams, slabs, walls, lightweight precast concrete, and permanent concrete formworks. Besides, it is also consist of 3D components such as balconies, staircases, toilets, lift chamber, refuse chamber and etc (CIDD Malaysia, 2001). Steel Formwork Systems They generally involve site casting, and therefore subjected to structural quality control. So, it is considered as the low level or the least prefabrication IBS types. However, this system does offer high quality finishes and fast construction with less site labour and material requirement. These include tunnel forms, tilt-up systems, beam and column moulding forms and permanent steel formwork like metal decks (CIDD Malaysia, 2001). Prefabricated Timber Framing Systems The products of prefabricated timber framing system are timber building frame and timber roof truss. Among these two timber roof truss is more popular. Timber building frame also have its own niche market where it is offering interesting designs from simple dwelling units to buildings requiring high aesthetical values such as chalets for resorts (CIDD Malaysia, 2001). Steel Framing Systems This system commonly used with precast concrete slabs, steel columns and beams. This systems have always been the popular choice and used extensively in the fast-track construction of skyscrapers. Recent development in this type of IBS includes the increased usage of light steel trusses. It is consisting of cost-effective profiled cold-formed channels and steel portal frame systems as alternatives to the heavier traditional hot-rolled sections (CIDD Malaysia, 2001). Blockwork Systems By using this effective alternative system, the tedious and time consuming traditional brick laying tasks are greatly simplified. The construction method of using conventional bricks has been revolutionized by the development and usage of interlocking concrete masonry units (CMU) and lightweight concrete blocks (CIDD Malaysia, 2001). 2.1.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Industrialized Building System By using IBS, the manufacturer can provide quality controlled end products through the controlled prefabrication process. The IBS required simple on-site installation. Besides, it can provide faster completion of construction. This is because IBS using the standardized prefabricated components. Another advantage of IBS is it will create a neater, cleaner and safer construction site. There will be reduction on the construction debris, site workers and materials involved on the construction site when using prefabricated components. For a long term period, IBS will be a cost saving construction method. The formwork that are made by steel and aluminium allow for repetitive use and this leads to considerable cost saving. Besides, IBS also have the flexibility of design. It can provide some additional aesthetic value to the project design and at the same time provide higher quality and better finishes. IBS also have its disadvantages. The initial cost of IBS is usually high. The initial cost is for supporting machinery and factory. The prefabrication system relies greatly on sophisticated machineries, which have to be well controlled and maintained by skilled operators. Problem of joints is one of the major problems in building constructed using IBS which leads to water leakage. Producing IBS components require a large working area for setting up factory, machineries and storage to store the component. IBS may also cause delay because of supply delay and shortage of raw materials. Delay may also happen due to lack of expertise. 2.2 Cost issues 2.2.1 Incentives for Industrialized Building System (IBS) are not sufficient Giving out incentive is one of the ways to attract more IBS user. The government through CIDB has introduced exemption of the construction levy (levy 0.125 % of total cost of the project according to Article 520) as an incentive on contractors that used IBS at least 50% IBS components in construction of new residential project since 1st January 2007 (CIDB, 2010). Even though, there is only a slight increase in the number of IBS user. This can say that the incentives for IBS are not sufficient. IBS adoption requires more pull and push factors from the government. Changing from conventional method to IBS was not possible due to the small profit margin unless more attractive incentive systems and benefits which can attract the conventional user to IBS (Kamar et al 2010). 2.2.2 The availability of cheap foreign labour The availability of cheap foreign labour which offset the cost benefit of using IBS is a main cause of the slow adoption. As long as the industry can easily to obtain foreign workers, the labour rates will remain low and contractor will find it is unattractive to change from conventional method to IBS (Kamar et al 2010). ÂÂ  With high demand for construction activities in previous years, the industry has attracted a huge number of foreign workers into this country to take up employment on site as unskilled labour doing manual jobs. According to Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, at June 2007, 69% (552,000) out of total 800,000 of registered workers is foreign workers. It is a huge number which distress the stability and growth of domestic economy and created social problems. The locals are reluctant to join the industry due to the low salary scheme being offered to foreign workers and wrong image projected by the industry. Therefore, government put in place measures to encourage industries to move-up the value chain and, where possible, to automate and mechanise their operations and in areas where automation and mechanisation was not possible, efforts were being made to replace foreign workers with skilled workforce (Kamar, 2010). 2.2.3 High Initial Investment Capital Many small contractors are reluctant to adopt IBS system and prefer to continue using the conventional method of construction. This is due to the fact that small contractors lack of financial backup and are not able to set up their own manufacturing plants as it requires huge investment capital. In this case, financial issues become the main obstacle for small contractors to move forward with the IBS system (Rahman Omar, 2006). In the perspective of components manufacturer, IBS construction requires high initial investment capital for them to purchase new machinery, mould, importing foreign technology and wages of skilled operator for installation process (Thanoon et al. 2003). 2.3 Low Standardisation of components Low standardisation of components also hinders successful use of IBS. The tailor-made components which do not fit into another project will increase initial costs due to the cost of the mould and design. Lack of standardisation was due to a lack of a certification and accreditation scheme on IBS and the poor response to Modular Coordination (MC) promotion under MS 1064. Modular Coordination (MC) is defined as a coordinated unified system for dimensioning space, components, fitting, etc. so that all elements fit together without cutting or extending even when the components and fittings are manufactured by different suppliers (Trikha, 1999). The dimensional control of building is very important because it is necessary to place the building parts so they can fit and function properly. In the conventional construction practice, the control of dimension is relatively simple. However, due to the industrialization of construction scenario, the structural component is prefabricated. The dimensional coordination of these components is importance. The full benefit of industrialization is impossible without standardization. No effective standardization is possible in the building industry without dimensional coordination (Warszawski, 1999). Modular coordination system will be pursued aggressively in next millennium in order to make housing delivery be more efficient since components can be systematically factory-built and installed on-site. This will help to reduce the industrys dependence on foreign labour. All buildings are to be designed according to modular coordination principles as laid down in Malaysian Construction Standard 1 and 2 (Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia, 1999). MC is an industrial friendly construction method. Its able to cater for manufacturing, transportation and assemble requirements. MC has high quality finished products and minimal wastage. It also has faster completion due to replacement from conventional systems to prefabricated components. Its application can produce neater, cleaner and safer sites due to reduction of construction debris, site workers and materials. This construction method just required less use of heavy equipment during the construction. The heavy equipment is needed for the assembly purpose only. The implementation of MC may improve the productivity of construction industry through industrialization. MC can facilitate guidance to building component sizing. This can reduce as much as possible the need to further trim and shape of the materials to fit together in construction in economics of scale. Thus, it can reduce the wastage of labour and materials. Besides, the mass production of building components at factories can ensure a good quality and consistent workmanship. It does also can simplify the site operation by rationalizing, setting out, positioning and assembling of building components at the site. Through standardization, an increasing number of building components may be prefabricated. MC can facilitate the achievement of greater production in the building industry by its ability to discipline the dimensional and coordination of building and its components. Its allowed for a more flexible open industrial system to take place. Standardization not only leads to flexibility in the manufacturing and assembly process but also promises saving in time, energy, material and cost to the designers and the builders. 2.4 Lack of knowledge and to IBS technology Lack of knowledge in structural analysis and design of pre-fabricated components among civil engineers and those related to construction discourages further implementation of IBS system. Knowledge in construction technology is equally important. There are cases where building projects are awarded and constructed using IBS system but were carried out with many difficulties. The most common problems encountered are improper assembly of the components that normally involved the beam-to-beam and column-to-base connections. These problems arise due to the fact that the parties involved in the construction underestimate the important of accuracy in setting out the alignment and levelling of the bases. Basically, accurate levelling and alignment of the bases are the two most important aspects for the successful rapid erection of precast concrete components. Other related technical issues are lack of knowledge capability in designing the details of ties and connections of the pre-fabricated components particularly in precast concrete construction. Poor connection system may cause problem to site work such that the connections cannot be joined properly due to poor construction details (Goodier Gibb, 2004). There are many cases where buildings were designed to imitate the conventional reinforced concrete structural system. This concept results in exposed steel beams and columns. Eventually this invites many serviceability problems such as leakage. Rain water can easily seep into the internal building through the joint between the wall and steel beam. Dampness leads to corrosion to the lighting system and the steel beam. Specialized and additional engineering knowledge will be required to design, manufacture and construct a good IBS system. All parties involved from designers to erectors must have enough knowledge about the pre-fabricated component based construction. In terms of design, the engineer must have competent knowledge in analysis and design. In the construction field, the contractors and site engineers must have enough knowledge on the safe and accurate methods of erecting and assembling loose components into a global structure. Therefore, a broader and comprehensive training program must be taken on board to cater vast demand in these specialised skills (Clarke, 2002) References CIDB, CIDB News, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Publication, first quarters 2010, 2010 Kamar, K. A. M., Mohd Idrus Din, Noraini Bahri, Mohd Azmi Dzulkifly, Mohd Rizal Norman, and Zuhairi Abd Hamid. The adoption of Industrialised Building System (IBS) construction in Malaysia: The history, policies, experiences and lesson learned, 2010 Kamar, K. A. M (2010) A Project Management Guideline for the Implementation of IBS, IEM Professional Engineer Report CIDB Malaysia, Manual for Assessment of Industrialised Building Systems, CIDB, Kuala Lumpur, 2001. Clarke, L. (2002) Standardisation and Skills; A translational study of skill, education and training for pre-fabrication in housing, University of Westminster Business School, London Goodier, C. Gibb, A. (2004) Barriers and Opportunities for Offsite Production, PROSPA, Loughborough University, Loughborough Trikha (1999). Industrialised Building System: Prospect in Malaysia. Proceeding of World Engineering Congress, Kuala Lumpur. Warszawski (1999). Industrialised and Automated Building System. Israel: Techinion-Israel Institute of Technology Construction Industry Master Plan 2006-2015 (CIMP 2006-2015) (2006), Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, December 2006, Kuala Lumpur Hamid, Z. A., Kamar, K. A. M., Zain, M. Z. M., Ghani, M. K. and Rahim, A. H. A. (2008) Industrialised Building System (IBS) in Malaysia: The Current State and RD Initiatives Malaysian Construction Research Journal (MCRJ), 2 (1), 1-11. IBS Roadmap (2003-2010) (2003) Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Kuala Lumpur IBS Survey 2003 (2003), Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), Kuala Lumpur Oostra, M., Joonson, C., C. (2007) Best practices: Lesson Learned on Building Concept (edited by) Kazi, A. S., Hannus, M., Boudjabeur, S., Malone, A. (2007), Open Building Manufacturing Core Concept and Industrial Requirement, Manubuild Consortium and VTT Finland Publication, Finland Rahman, A. B. A, Omar, W. (2006) Issues and Challenges in the Implementation of IBS in Malaysia. Proceeding of the 6th Asia-Pacific Structural Engineering and Construction Conference (ASPEC 2006) 5-6 September 2006 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Thanoon, W. A. M., Peng, L. W., Abdul Kadir, M. R., Jaafar, M.S. and Salit, M.S. (2003), The Experiences of Malaysia and Other Countries in Industrialised Building System in Malaysia, Proceeding on IBS Seminar, UPM, Malaysia

Ethnic Identity and African Americans Essay

Ethnic identity is the sum total of group member feelings about those values, symbols, and common histories that identify them as a distinct group (Smith 1991). Development of ethnic identity is important because it helps one to come to terms with their ethnic membership as a prominent reference group and significant part of an individuals overall identity. Ethnic reference group refers to an individuals psychological relatedness to groups (Smith 1991). These reference groups help adolescents sense, reflect and see things from the point of their ethnic groups in which they actively participate or seek to participate. What is ethnic identity? The establishment of identity is an important, complex task for all adolescents, and is considered a major developmental task for all adolescents. It is particularly complicated for adolescents belonging to ethnic and minority groups. Ethnic identity of the majority group of individuals is constantly validated and reinforced in a positive manner where as the minority group is constantly ridiculed and punished in a negative manner. What does this say for those adolescents who are the minority and not the majority? It is important to study or research ethnic identity because it provides better knowledge to help one understand striving for a sense of unity and connectivenesss in which the self provides meaning for direction and meaning of ethnic identity (Spencer, 1990). It is also important to study or research the differences between these groups due to beliefs and values. Adolescents that are the minority are confronted with their ethnicity at an earlier age then Caucasian adolescents majority and they are constantly aware of ethnic differences, which means it is of greater importance to understand the development of the minority individual. It should lead to different assessments when it comes to ethnic identity. For example, African American adolescents are psychologically compared to Caucasian American adolescence diagnoses, which are sometimes inaccurately assessed. Bronfenberner explains the theoretical perspective such as the ecological perspective by saying, The implications for clinical treatment of African American adolescents, mental health workers must be sensitive to the ecological context of their clients. Mental Health workers must realize that there is no single entity called the black family . The black families compared to the other families established their American family. He suggests that these families vary dramatically in backgrounds, social economic status, values, and degree of acculturation to the norms and values of mainstream America (1990). There are also, significant differences that may exist in preparation of African American adolescent, at the level of rearing family practices and in schools (1990). That is, schools continue to reflect historical values that deal with racial-stereotypes and prejudice and beliefs. At the same time there are families trying to avoid and make light out of such situations. These families and communities continue to show constancy by instilling their own beliefs and values through child rearing which maybe different from Caucasian Americas. Identity and ethnicity as adolescent issues Identity has been defined in many ways. It is the concept used to describe an individual’s sense of who he or she is (Dashefsky and Shapiro, 1976). Changes in identity occur throughout the life cycle, however, the changes in identity are usually most notable during adolescence. Integrating a positive sense of ethnic identity into one’s overall personal identity is an important task of late adolescence (Steinberg, 1996). Ethnic identity has been defined as the aspect of one’s sense of identity concerning ancestry or racial group membership (Steinberg, 1996). Ethnic identity development is an essential human need because it provides a sense of belonging and historical continuity. Ethnic socialization Minority children are confronted with their ethnicity at an earlier age than their majority counterparts (Smith, 1991). Parents can help to speed up the early stages of ethnic identity development by taking an active approach to ethnic socialization. Ethnic socialization, according to Steinberg(1996), refers to the process through which parents teach their children about their ethnicity and about the certain experiences they may have with the broader society. Ethnic socialization consists of three themes: 1) understanding one’s own culture, 2) getting along in mainstream society, and 3) dealing with racism (Steinberg, 1996). Possible outcomes of ethnic identity development. There are four ways to deal with ethnicity (Steinberg, 1996):  ·Assimilation–adopting the cultural norms of the majority while rejecting the norms of one’s own culture.  ·Separation–rejecting the majority culture and associating only with members of one’s own culture.  ·Marginality–living within majority culture but feeling estranged.  ·Biculturalism–maintaining ties to both cultures. According to Steinberg (1996) many believe that biculturalism is more successful than the other four. With biculturalism minority youth have access to the norms of the majority and minority culture depending on the situation. References  ·Smith, Elise J. Ethnic Identity Development: Toward the Development of A Theory within the Context of Majority/Minority Status. Journal of Counseling and Development: JCD. v70. n1. Sept. 1991. p. 181-188.  ·Spencer, Margaret Beale. Child Development. v61 n2. Apr. 1990. P. 290-310.  ·Dashefsky, A. (Eds. ). (1976). Ethnic identity in society. Chicago: Rand McNally College Publishing Co. Smith, E. J. (1991). Ethnic identity development: Toward the development of a theory within the context of majority/minority status. Journal of Counseling and Development, 70, 181-187.  ·Steinberg, L. (1996). Adolescence. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc.