Absolute Moral Rules - 1954 Words

Absolute Moral Rules One may believe that an absolute rule against killing humans is essential because killing is always evil and inhumane. Others believe that there are great exceptions to killing humans, such as self-defense, that need to be taken into account when making an absolute rule about killing humans. If someone tries to kill your family member or tries to kill you, should you stand there and die because you do not want to violate the absolute rule, even if your reason behind breaking the rule brings about more happiness and outweighs the consequences of breaking the rule? Immanuel Kant believes that good will, what he sees to be the ultimate intrinsic good, along with following the categorical imperative determine whether†¦show more content†¦Kant argues that the right action is one that follows the categorical imperative, in this case, abiding by the moral rule not to kill anyone. Kant believes that no matter the circumstance, if humans violate the categorical i mperative, and there are bad consequences, they are responsible for these consequences. If humans act under the categorical imperative and there are still bad consequences, they are not responsible because they abide by their duty- to follow the exceptionless moral rule. The only way to violate the moral rule is if the individual breaking the rule creates a new maxim, in which, for instance, it is always permissible to kill under self-defense. The issue with this new absolute rule is that by saying humans can kill in self-defense are the intentions of the humans good-willed or are their intentions faulty? Also, is killing under self-defense really going to bring about a new universal maxim in which everyone can kill under self-defense, no matter the circumstance? It would be impossible to create this self-defense universal maim because creating this new maxim would just bring about new exceptions within that rule. Utilitarians, on the other hand, go against Kant’s idea that t here should be absolute moral rules. They believe that moral rules should be followed if the consequence for one’s action brings about the most happiness and the least amount of pain. In Utilitarianism, John Stuart MillShow MoreRelatedNo Moral Rule Is Absolute909 Words   |  4 Pages No Moral Rule Is Absolute The simple definition of Utilitarianism is â€Å"the belief that a morally good action is one that helps the greatest number of people†(Utilitarianism, ). However, Utilitarianism is far from a ‘simple’ philosophy, and while there is no perfect doctrine when it comes to Normative Ethics, Utilitarianism comes the closest for a number of reasons. The first is impartiality; or rather equality of concern for everyone’s well-being. The second is that Utilitarianism is not basedRead MoreAbortion And The Morality Of It921 Words   |  4 Pagesperformed to save the life of a woman. This exception to the rule gives insight into the battle that exists today and the ethical debate of abortion. As stated in Landau (pg. 232), â€Å"Every moral theory we have considered thus far is absolutist. Most of these views are monistic, defending the idea that there is just a single absolute moral rule.† This theory cannot be followed for abortion if we look at it and say there are exceptions to the rule. Abortion is unethical and immoral because it kills a humanRead MoreMoral Particularism : A Deeper Level And Oppositions Essay1561 Words   |  7 PagesMoral Particularism is the philosophical theory that there are no moral principles that determine what one should or should not do. This theory is a stark contrast to other moral theories such as Utilitarianism or Kantian Ethics, which are moral theories that rely on absolutes to determine which actions or morally correct or incorrect. Moral Particularism relies on the context of each varying situation to guide one’s moral compass. One can pick and choose which moral assertions to subscribe to forRead MoreHacking As A Co mmon Act And Scandal Essay1413 Words   |  6 Pagesconsequences of the act in order to determine whether this act is moral and ethical, which indicates that ‘the moral worth of an action is determined solely by its utility in providing happiness or pleasure as summed among all sentient beings’ (Christians, 2006, p. 7). According to the act Utilitarianism, the act is morally right if it could contribute to the maximal utility for all involved parties. The rule Utilitarianism indicates that the rule is right if it could bring the overall and maximal benefitsRead MoreUtilitarianism Vs. Kantian Theory1100 Words   |  5 Pagessupporter of Utilitarian theory; which focuses on overall happiness and consequences of an action (EMP 122). While Kant believed in his own theory that moral rules are absolute (EMP 129). Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics have few strengths and notable weaknesses, thus proving both theories implausible when compared to the minimum concept of moralit y and the moral issue of Euthanasia. According to Jeremy Bentham and Utilitarianism, morality is about making the world as happy as possible (EMP 99). This conceptRead MoreEthical Ethics And Normative Ethics1078 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is a right or obligation? What is good or bad? These two questions are examples of why mete-ethics and normative ethics exist. To be able to create an environmental ethic, one must have a sense of moral conclusion. Whether these morals are categorized through self-interest or obligation, meta ethics and normative ethics try to decipher these notions. To derive a normative ethic, meta-ethics needs to explain the language of morality, and how do humans come to a consensus of specific actions andRead MoreRobbing the Rich to Give to the Poor Essay917 Words   |  4 Pageshouses that living conditions are less than tolerable around the world. Though it is easy to empathize for the poor, it is sometimes harder to reach into our pocketbooks and support them. No one desires people to suffer , but do wealthy nations have a moral obligation to aid poor nations who are unable to help themselves? Garrett Hardin in, Lifeboat Ethics: The Case Against Helping The Poor, uses a lifeboat analogy to expose the global negative consequences that could accompany the support of poorRead MoreThe Cultural Landscape Of Church And Culture1257 Words   |  6 PagesRelativism â€Å"Moral relativism of the cultural, as opposed to individual or personal, variety is commonly understood as the view that the truth or justification of moral claims and values can only be judged in relations to the moral code of the culture in which they occur (Sikka, 2012).† Morality is based on culture and according to Sikka, culture is swayed by the elite seeking their own benefit (2012). The elite convince enough people in their culture to believe a specific way to make something moral or immoralRead More Kant and the Categorical Imperative Essay897 Words   |  4 Pagesconsequences of an action. He believed that consequences were no guide to whether an action was moral or not. His theory is known as deontological, or duty-based, where ends can never justify the means.He believed that there were general rules which must be adhered to in every circumstance. He called these absolute rules of what is good or bad Categorical imperatives. These rules were rationally determinable. Individuals must never be reduced to the level that they are a Read More Deontology and Homosexuality Essay887 Words   |  4 Pagesresearch by Herek (1987), religion is one of the most important social agents in defining viewpoints against homosexuality, and their intolerance reflects on both the academic community and the entire society. As a moral realist, I cannot form prejudices because the main rule of moral realism states that the objective truth is not related to subjective beliefs. The perlocutionary analysis will be used in evaluating and responding to the issue because my goal is to persuade the faculty advisor that

John F. Kennedy s President Of The United States

Although all on Earth we do not look alike, there are people whose similarities never cease to amaze us. The resemblance is so strong that one wonders if he has never been a relationship between those two people in a previous life. In this case it is the former president of the United Sates John F. Kennedy, one of the most legendary president of the United States. He is listed as the youngest elected president and die at the heart of its mandate to the presidency of the United States, killed two years after entering the White House. Today it remains the only American president of the Catholic faith; and the current president of the United States Barack Obama considered the first black president of the United States. The two men who have†¦show more content†¦The United States had never elected a president of a Catholic religion, and above all a source of Irish Boston. For the record, during the late 19th century and early 20th century, According To the Griot Irish immigrants were very scorned by so-called Americans native . In the 1870s and 1880s the Irish are drunks and the silly caricature. Going to the policy, Irish began to gain momentum and power, especially in Boston or lily was too populated. But that s no problem, the issue of religion still always be a big problem during the presidential campaign of Kennedy. Until he was even invited to meet in a speech to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association September 12, 1960. I am not the Catholic candidate for president, said participants. I am the Democratic Party candidate for President who also happens to be a Catholic. I m not talking about my church on public matters and the church does not speak for me. Similarly, during his presidential campaign, Obama was invited to give a speech that speaks to both his race and religion in Philadelphia on March 18, 2008 (The New Times). In this speech, like John Kennedy, Obama spoke of reports which meant that the Americans are united and not to those that divided. In their race for the presidency, the two men shared messages highlighting the service. Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country, Kennedy said in his famous inaugural address, January 20, 1961.

In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream Essay Example For Students

In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream Essay Horror is a film genre seeking to draw a negative emotion from the viewer by manipulating the primal fear of human. Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginative content such as time travel, space travel, parallel universes, extraterrestrial life; all were involving with futuristic setting and high technology. Above these points, the film Alien combined the two factors in one movie, and introduced a new kind of science fiction horror, which also made it a classic movie ahead of all the other film that comes afterward. The threat still comes from the unknown, but the environment and method of attack were different. Moreover, all the effect in the film were done before CGI, making the realistic appearing of aliens bursting out of chests and of bloody gory deaths all the more amazing since there is no help of computer. First, the idea of alien as the main plot is quiet unique at that time, since all the unknown thing makes people scared. As we watched the film in class before, such as the killer in the movie Time Machine and Psycho, or the demon that was not suppose to be dug out in The Exorcist. One common thing in these horror films, all the female character is always vulnerable and weak who waits for help or to be killed somehow. However, in Alien, they created the first heroine character- Ripley, who is hard, competent and ruthless in the big screen that showed the spirit of independent female power. The film begins with an obvious hierarchy of male dominants; however, as the films goes and men are killed or fall under the chain of command to woman, another first. The environment was also very distinctive from other horror film; a group of people out of nowhere in the space, lacking of substantial resource to call for help. Its already a dangerous act to put a group of people in a sealed container, since youve known about how humanity works under the temptation of power and desire. If something bad happened no one can hear you scream from space. Ridley Scott surely knew how to create the atmosphere of fear and create the fidgety surprise to the audience. Many scenes in the movie successfully gave me a fright. Dallas unsuccessfully attempts to remove the creature from Kanes face, discovering that its blood is acid. Eventually, the alien detaches on its own and seems dead or not, which is terrified. Afterward, the small alien creature burst out from Kanes chest and quickly escapes and began to haunt them one by one. Its quite similar contrast from the film Psycho, instead of being haunting by the unknown slasher in a creepy old mansion, the crew startling and attacking by the alien creature and fears its dangerous ability and unpredictable hostility. In the end, Ripley fought alone in the spacecraft against the alien, the fear from her eyes and a bit of desperation really expressed the feeling of in space, no one can hear you scream. Always be careful of you ambition, it might cause a catastrophe. A famous quote form Neil Armstrong: Thats one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. Since the great astronaut printed his footstep on moon for the first time, the outer space becomes a whole new paradise to human cover with mysterious color. People are so eager to find out whats out there from earth. In the film, Ash tried to preserve the skin-color squirmy stuff, this showed the character of curiosity and ambition in human instinct somehow always brought a calamity. It seems to be some kind of pattern in both horror film and science fiction film that people always looks for trouble through their ambition. It also exists in other film, the ambition of the time machine inventor who curious about time travel though he want it to be used in a good purpose, however, not only causing a lot of troubles also pay a huge price for his aspiration. .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2 , .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2 .postImageUrl , .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2 , .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2:hover , .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2:visited , .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2:active { border:0!important; } .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2 { 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; } .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2:active , .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2 .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; } .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2 .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .udd85643b0737c8bc488b1c9d8c2651b2:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Space Exploration EssayIn The Exorcist, based on curiosity and the spirit of archaeology, they dug out the thing which draws the snake out of its hole. Humanity is a reverse track which rotating nonstop in the train of tragedy; human is the master of trouble-maker, but they know how to clean the mess up. In despite of facing the high form alien, it still defeated by a woman with courage. A spirit of pure and justice conquered the demons trick. With the strongest will, it can knock down any fear. So you can scream as loud as you like when youre scared, however, shatter your fear is all that matters.

Situation Significant Compelling Circumstances †MyAssignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Situation Significant Compelling Circumstances. Answer: Introduction: This is to inform you that under the migration agent code of conduct as established by the Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations 1994 it is my duty to provide you with the most relevant advice on the prospects of you making a successful visa application as per s319 of the Migration Act. It has been provided to me that both of you want to get married within one year. The visa application of MR. HENRY LI had been cancelled with respect to a student visa. Sandra who been in a previous relationship had sponsored ex-husband for a period of 3 years. According to Migration Act a person has to wait for 5 years before he can provide sponsorship to another person in relation to a Partner Visa. However the above specified requirement may be waived under the Migration Act if it can be shown that compelling situation have occurred for the visa applicants which should lead to the waiver of the requirement. Generally a person is not allowed to apply for a further Visa on shore in case a visa application has been refused since the person have last entered Australia what the person holds of bridging visa other than a substance abuser as provided by section 48 of the Migration Act. However if a person is applying for a partner visa then the bar under section 48 can be exempted. Therefore there are significant chances that you can apply for a partner visa while staying in Australia and holding a bridging visa even when you are holding a bridging Visa and your student visa application has been cancelled. Under the code of conduct it is my duty to provide you with a fair quotation of price for making a visa application. It is advised you that you include your partner in the visa application as $6,685 are charged for making a partner visa application and only $1,800 for adding a partner to such application. In the given situation if a way waiver is provided you would be able to attain a Bridging C visa through which you would be entitled to make an application for partner visa while staying in Australia. The hospitalization of Sandra and her dependence on MR. HENRY LI can be claimed as a significant compelling circumstances under which the 5 years sponsorship period may be waived by the Minister. Any medical certificate which may be required for making the application can be obtained from any doctor practicing in Australia as per the convenient of the clients. In case Sandra is not able to attend the 5 years waiting period then she may leave Australia by applying for a Bridging B Visa and make an application from outside Australia for a partner. Although some provisions are against your visa application if the application is made in a proper way you may be able to attain the visa Bibliography Migration Act 1958 (Cth) Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth)

10 Common Sentence Mistakes in English

10 Common Sentence Mistakes in English Some mistakes are common when writing sentences in English. Each of these 10 common sentence mistakes provides correction information as well as links to more detailed information.   Incomplete Sentence or Sentence Fragment One common mistake many students make is the use of incomplete sentences. Each sentence in English must contain at least a subject and a verb, and should be an independent clause. Examples of incomplete sentences without a subject or a verb might include an instruction or a prepositional phrase. For example: Through the door.In the other room.Over there. These are phrases we may use in spoken English. These phrases shouldnt be used in written English as they are incomplete.   Sentence fragments caused by dependent clauses used without an independent clause are more common. Remember that subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses. In other words, if you use a subordinating clause beginning with a word such as because, though, if, etc. there must be an independent clause to complete the thought. This mistake is often made on tests asking a question with Why. For example: Because Tom is the boss. Since he left work early without permission.   These sentences might answer the question: Why did he lose his job? However, these are sentence fragments. The correct answer would be: He lost his job because Tom is the boss. He lost his job since he left work early without permission. Other examples of incomplete sentences introduced by subordinating clauses include: Even though he needs help. If they study enough. As they had invested in the company. Run-on Sentences Run-on sentences are sentences that: Are not connected by appropriate linking language such as conjunctions.Use too many clauses rather than using periods and linking language such as conjunctive adverbs. The first type leaves out a word - usually a conjunction - that is required to connect a dependent and independent clause. For example: The students did well on the test they didnt study very much. Anna needs a new car she spent the weekend visiting car dealerships. The first sentence should use either a conjunction but, or yet or a subordinating conjunction although, even though, or though to connect the sentence. In the second sentence, the conjunction so or the subordinating conjunction since, as, or because would connect the two clauses. The students did well, yet they didnt study very much. Anna spent the weekend visiting car dealerships since she needs a new car. Another common run on sentence occurs when using too many clauses. This often occurs using the word and. We went to the store and bought some fruit, and we went to the mall to get some clothes, and we had lunch at McDonalds, and we visited some friends.   The continuous chain of clauses using and should be avoided. In general, do not write sentences that contain more than three clauses to ensure that your sentences do not become run-on sentences. Duplicate Subjects Sometimes students use a pronoun as a duplicate subject. Remember that each clause takes only one sentence. If you have mentioned the subject of a sentence by name, there is no need to repeat with a pronoun. Example 1: Tom lives in Los Angeles. NOT Tom, he lives in Los Angeles. Example 2: The  students come from Vietnam. NOT The students they come from Vietnam. Incorrect Tense Tense usage is a common mistake in student writing. Make sure that the tense used corresponds to the situation. In other words, if you are speaking about something that happened in the past do not use include a tense that refers to the present. For example: They fly to visit their parents in Toronto last week. Alex bought a new car and drives it to her home in Los Angeles. Incorrect Verb Form Another common mistake is the use of an incorrect verb form when combining with another verb. Certain verbs in English take the infinitive and others take the gerund (ing form). Its important to learn these verb combinations. Also, when using the verb as a noun, use the gerund form of the verb. He hopes finding a new job. / Correct - He hopes to find a new job. Peter avoided to invest in the project. / Correct - Peter avoided investing in the project. Parallel Verb Form A related issue is the use of parallel verb forms when using a list of verbs. If you are writing in the present continuous tense, use the ing form in your list. If you are using the present perfect, use the past participle, etc. She enjoys watching TV, play tennis, and cook. / Correct - She enjoys watching TV, playing tennis, and cooking. Ive lived in Italy, working in Germany and study in New York. / Correct - Ive lived in Italy, worked in Germany, and studied in New York. Use of Time Clauses Time clauses are introduced by the time words when, before, after and so on. When speaking about the present or future use the present simple tense in time clauses. If using a past tense, we usually use the past simple in a time clause. Well visit you when we will come next week. / Correct - Well visit you when we come next week. She cooked dinner after he was arriving. / Correct - She cooked dinner after he arrived.   Subject-Verb Agreement Another common mistake is to use incorrect subject-verb agreement. The most common of these mistakes is the missing s in the present simple tense. However, there are other types of mistakes. Always look for these mistakes in the helping verb. Tom play guitar in a band. / Correct - Tom plays guitar in a band. They was sleeping when she telephoned. / Correct - They were sleeping when she telephoned.   Pronoun Agreement Pronoun agreement mistakes take place when using a pronoun to replace a proper noun. Often this mistake is a mistake of use of a singular form rather than a plural or vice versa. However, pronoun agreement mistakes can occur in object or possessive pronouns, as well as in subject pronouns. Tom works at a company in Hamburg. She loves his job. / Correct - Tom works at a company in Hamburg. He loves his job. Andrea and Peter studied Russian at school. He thought they were very difficult. Correct - Andrea and Peter studied Russian at school. They thought it was very difficult.   Missing Commas After Linking Language When using an introductory phrase as linking language such as a conjunctive adverb or sequencing word, use a comma after the phrase to continue the sentence. As a result children should start studying math as early as possible.  /  Correct -  As a result, children should start studying math as early as possible.

Free Essays on Asian Parents Vs. The Asian American Child

Amy Tan’s â€Å"Two Kinds† and Janice Mirikitani’s â€Å"Suicide Note† are two literary pieces dealing with Asian American daughters and expectations their Asian parents hold. In â€Å"Two Kinds,† the daughter is an adult looking back on her pressured childhood with her mother. In â€Å"Suicide Note,† the poet, a young college student, who feels it is impossible to please her parents. Although the two works are similar, Tan uses characterization and symbolism to comment on the impact of the daughter’s relationship with her parents, while Mirikitani uses symbolism and voice to convey her message. Amy Tan uses characterization very strongly in the short story â€Å"Two Kinds† for the daughter, Jing Mei. Characterization is used as a literary element through actions, dialogue, and the relationship with others to assist in building Jing Mei’s strong character. Jing-Mei’s mother is a determined Chinese immigrant with high ambitions for her daughter but little practical idea of how they can be achieved. Her mother is motivated by both her haunting past and her hopes for the future. This is seen is the opening paragraph of the story as Tan states, â€Å"America was where all my mother’s hopes lay. She had come to San Francisco in 1949 after losing everything in China†(320). Having come from a traditional Chinese culture, Jing-mei’s mother expects certain behavior of her daughter, such as obedience, respect for her parents, and gratitude for their sacrifices made on her behalf. But she is raising this daughter in America, and Jing-Mei is influenced by many factors that are in conflict with those traditional Chinese values. Her mother wants American success for her daughter, but she wants it on Chinese terms. In characterizing Jing-Mei, Tan allows the reader a number of glimpses into the duality of human nature. Jing-Mei is neither fully Chinese nor fully American, but a blend of both. She is torn between the influences of these... Free Essays on Asian Parents Vs. The Asian American Child Free Essays on Asian Parents Vs. The Asian American Child Amy Tan’s â€Å"Two Kinds† and Janice Mirikitani’s â€Å"Suicide Note† are two literary pieces dealing with Asian American daughters and expectations their Asian parents hold. In â€Å"Two Kinds,† the daughter is an adult looking back on her pressured childhood with her mother. In â€Å"Suicide Note,† the poet, a young college student, who feels it is impossible to please her parents. Although the two works are similar, Tan uses characterization and symbolism to comment on the impact of the daughter’s relationship with her parents, while Mirikitani uses symbolism and voice to convey her message. Amy Tan uses characterization very strongly in the short story â€Å"Two Kinds† for the daughter, Jing Mei. Characterization is used as a literary element through actions, dialogue, and the relationship with others to assist in building Jing Mei’s strong character. Jing-Mei’s mother is a determined Chinese immigrant with high ambitions for her daughter but little practical idea of how they can be achieved. Her mother is motivated by both her haunting past and her hopes for the future. This is seen is the opening paragraph of the story as Tan states, â€Å"America was where all my mother’s hopes lay. She had come to San Francisco in 1949 after losing everything in China†(320). Having come from a traditional Chinese culture, Jing-mei’s mother expects certain behavior of her daughter, such as obedience, respect for her parents, and gratitude for their sacrifices made on her behalf. But she is raising this daughter in America, and Jing-Mei is influenced by many factors that are in conflict with those traditional Chinese values. Her mother wants American success for her daughter, but she wants it on Chinese terms. In characterizing Jing-Mei, Tan allows the reader a number of glimpses into the duality of human nature. Jing-Mei is neither fully Chinese nor fully American, but a blend of both. She is torn between the influences of these...

An Annotation of Incident by Countee Cullen Essay

An Annotation of Incident by Countee Cullen - Essay Example The author starts off with a nostalgic stanza; a nostalgia that is filled with the hope of meeting new people and gaining memorable experiences in Baltimore. He tells of his sojourn in Baltimore—‘once riding in old Baltimore’—with an emphasis on the word ‘old’ to perhaps inform his readers that Baltimore has changed a lot since the incident. Or perhaps to stress that ‘old’, racially prejudiced Baltimore is no more. Then he describes what he feels and thinks about while passing by ‘old’ Baltimore—‘heart-filled, head-filled with glee’ (Nielsen 29). He uses the words ‘heart’ and ‘head’ to express the delight that he felt and the hopeful thoughts that he has in seeing Baltimore. But instead of using the word ‘happiness’ he says ‘glee’, perhaps to moderate the intensity of his feelings. This gleeful emotion intensify when he suddenly encounters someone from Baltimore—‘I saw a Baltimorean’ (Nielsen 29); a Baltimorean that would quickly change his views of and hopes for Baltimore. He describes their encounter- ‘Keep looking straight at me’. His description of this encounter leaves the reader guessing: will this be a friendly encounter or a hostile one? The author then gives important details about this particular incident. The reader is informed that this story is a childhood memory—‘Now I was eight and very small’ (Lown & Steinbergh 106).... This revelation perhaps surprises the reader because of how vivid the author recounts the incident, as though it only happened recently. Knowing that the author was only eight years old when it happened heightens the essence of the story. It becomes a story about an innocent child who, at a very young age, already has something to share to the world through poetry. After revealing his age at the time of the incident, the author describes the ‘Baltimorean’- ‘and he was no whit bigger’ (Nielsen 29). This depiction implies that in terms of stature, they are clearly equal. And seeing that the ‘Baltimorean’ seems harmless, the author shows amicability—‘And so I smiled’ (Nielsen 29). However, immediately afterward, he reveals how the ‘Baltimorean’ responded to his friendly gesture—‘but he poked out His tongue/ and called me, ‘Nigger’’ (Nielsen 29). This revelation may have taken aback t he reader, for the author starts off his poem with a cheerful tone, and then drastically changes the mode into something unpleasant. The final stanza portrays how the incident affected the author’s perspective, not only of Baltimore, but the entire state of affairs during that time. It describes how, at a very young age, this very important incident scarred and opened the eyes of the author to reality. It shows how all positive expectations can be crushed by a single incident. The author equates this incident or, more particularly, the attitude of the Baltimorean toward him, to the entire Baltimore—‘I saw the whole of Baltimore’ (Lown & Steinbergh 106). He is implying that ‘old’ Baltimore is a racially prejudiced place. He then tells the reader how long he stayed in Baltimore, that is, ‘from May until