There is a set of grandparenting roles a person who is getting ready to fulfilling this function has to know, as they can bright about a huge emotional, intellectual, moral and education contribution in the development of a child during his or her life way. According to the opinion of Arthur Kornhaber (2002), there are the following roles a grandparent may implement in communication with a grandchild: ancestor, buddy, hero, historian, mentor, nurturer, spiritual guide, teacher and student, and wizard.
The way they are implemented in a specific set of ways and have a set of functions they are targeted at. Some of them offer the emotional connection of a grandparent and a grandchild; others have an intellectual and informative coloring, introducing the grandparents experience to the child and making him more intelligent and knowledgeable about different phenomena, events, and processes in the world. For this reason, a grandparent has to choose the role he or she considers appropriate for achieving the stipulated goals for the interaction.
Another variable influencing the choice of roles is the type of relations between the grandparent and the grandchild that have been established because of a combination of factors and the life situation in the family. Grandparents may fulfill their roles on a full-time or part-time basis, they may be step-grandparents or may raise an adopted child; they may also be long-distance grandparents who see their grandchildren too rarely to fulfill the whole scope of functions and roles they are potentially capable of.
What is necessary to remember is that grandparenting roles are dynamic and the person who exercises them may vary the choice according to the situation. To achieve better educational results and at the same time not to lose emotional contact as well as spiritual closeness the grandparent should always thoroughly think the strategy of applying his or her roles depending on every particular situation.
In order to understand grandparenting roles better, it is necessary to consider each of them separately and in more detail. So, speaking about the first role, the one of an ancestor, it is evident that grandparents exercising this role are initially the givers of experience and knowledge. This role may be applied in the minutes of sharing the life wisdom and explaining some trivial and non-trivial things in life grandchildren do not know yet. In this role the grandparent may tell his or her grandchild the history of their family, make him or her acquainted with family traditions and values, thus making the link between the past and the future and continuing the ancestral line.
The role of a buddy is almost solely emotional and does not have any educational coloring. A grandparent is a friend, a conspirator, and a supporter who may be less demanding and tough than parents, this way ensuring the grandchilds trust and devotion.
A hero is a living example of what a child may become in life under the condition of following certain rules, morals, and principles and being a good, wise person. If grandparents have their own experience to offer and may catch the childs attention, then they may become a wonderful pattern for their grandchildren. A historian is much like an ancestor, but a historian is more detached in his or her informing the child about the past, the times of his or her youth, maturity, and childhood, thus connecting the history with the present ensuring the continuation of the historical process.
The role of the mentor is more formal as the grandparent still has power over the grandchild, though less than parents. A nurturer is a role actually contrary to the one of mentor if the mentor controls the child and may even reprimand him or her for wrong behavior, then the nurturer is the childs salvation and refuge from a reprimand. Spiritual guides and wizards are a part of a mystery grandparents represent for their grandchildren, so these roles are also mostly emotional. A teacher and a student is the shifting role of a person who may not only teach but may also learn something from life even at the old age.
Thus, every grandparent should be knowledgeable about the roles he or she may exercise in the process of upbringing a grandchild and apply them in different contexts. Under the condition of the correct application of grandparenting roles, every individual may achieve much deeper and broader results than in raising their children.
When I first started attending my high school in New Zealand, I was asked to get involved in the activities of the school. Taking a look at the various clubs and organizations available to me, I thought I would like to join the track and field team. The pictures they had of the previous season made it look like an enjoyable activity that took place in an open field in the sun. I wasnt really sure how I felt about the activities involved, but I knew I liked to run and this was an activity I didnt have much opportunity to indulge in at home.
The problem was that my parents didnt want me to join the team. This wasnt because they thought I would necessarily be bad at it, but I am a girl and I was expected to fulfill other obligations. My parents come from a traditional Taiwanese background and had definite ideas regarding the proper role of female offspring. We didnt wear shorts or pants but skirts, which was always an argument between my mother and me.
We didnt play sports, we learned new recipes that would please the men. Within this tradition, I was raised to believe that everything my parents told me was right. They were to be honored and respected regardless of my own opinions. As I had been taught, my parents were older and wiser and knew more about life than I could imagine. Their knowledge, being so far superior to my own, must therefore be deferred to on every matter. When they told me I couldnt join the team because my duties were to the house and to uphold my feminine morality, I didnt question it for a moment but simply withdrew my team application.
All year long, I watched the team working out and feeling strangely resentful of my parents restrictions. Other girls ran on the team and participated fully in the various events. It was true that they shamelessly showed off their legs, frequently wearing runners shorts that were far shorter than even the walking shorts my parents objected to and certainly not anything close to the long skirts I had now become used to wearing.
Some of those girls practiced in nothing but those short shorts and the popular so-called sports bras that are really little more than a bikini top. As I watched these girls, I couldnt help thinking my parents must have known what they were talking about when they told me I wasnt allowed to join the team.
But one day, at a track meet toward the end of the season, I saw a girl on a rival team who was obviously a Muslim. I knew this was true because she wore the full headgear and veil that only the Muslim girls wore. At first, I thought she was just there to support her team in the same way that I was, but then I noticed that she was wearing the same kind of warm-up clothes as the rest of the team.
Surely, she couldnt be running with the team in those disgracefully revealing clothes and still remain dedicated to the ideals of femininity and tradition. But the more I doubted the possibility, the more convinced I became that she really was a member of the team. As the meet continued, I watched her perform on the relay race and in the long distance race, fully dressed in her warm-up outfit but also fully a member of the team and completely immersing herself in the activity she wanted to experience.
As I watched her run, I grew angry with my parents, with myself and with the rest of the world. How could I have doubted my own instincts and given up something I cared for so much on a simple objection of my parents. I never even tried to find a way of making things work. Remembering the conversation I had with them, it was relatively cut and dried, going something like this:
Mom, Dad, may I join the track and field team at school? I asked.
Isnt that a sport? Wouldnt they require you to attend practices in the early morning? Wouldnt they ask you to wear a uniform that would bare your body shamefully to the world? How can you consider abandoning your family and your reputation in such a way? Mom replied.
Dad looked at me and said, Girls do not belong in sports. They should pursue activities that will help their families now and in the future. You will help your mother and you will not join this sports team.
OK, I replied.
What was I thinking? I never once thought to challenge any of their ideas. I watched that Muslim girl all day long as she went through the various events. She even managed to win a few medals that day. I felt obsessed about her because I had a feeling our traditions were similar.
When I went home that night, I looked up what I could find about the traditions Muslim girls were expected to uphold so that I could compare. What I discovered about her traditions indicated that there are a lot of shared ideas between her cultural traditions and mine. She was expected to wear modest dress at all times, which usually involved a dress and a headscarf because only the face and the hands were permitted to be seen.
This was the most obvious thing about her because even when she was competing, she always wore the full sweat suit of the team long sleeves and long pants. She must have worn high socks, too, because even when she fell, not a flash of skin was ever seen at her ankles. What amazed me, though, was the way that she had specially designed athletic wear that properly covered her head, even when she was running long distance.
If she followed these strict traditions, she most assuredly also shared some other common characteristics between our cultures. In her culture, as in mine, a girl is expected to remain completely obedient to her family, bending all of her efforts to helping the family achieve its goals. This usually and traditionally is in the form of keeping the house looking nice and clean, feeding the children and keeping the clothing clean and mended.
One thing that seemed different was the way that Muslim women seemed more closed off from the outside than women in my culture. Where they are closed in and held indoors, the women in my tradition could often be found outside. When necessary, which was often, women were also the workhorses of the house, doing whatever was necessary to help the family earn a living even when it meant working all day out in the fields or in the factories. This didnt mean they werent expected to do the other chores of the house, too, but if they had daughters, they had help. This, I think, was an important distinction I made at this point that became much more important later.
In the short term, though, this meant that her family, like mine, depended on her as the oldest female to help get younger children ready for school in the morning. Because all the schools in the district were on the same schedule, her school also started an hour earlier than the little kids and was therefore dismissed an hour earlier. As I learned more about her specifically, I discovered that she had made special arrangements with her coach that enabled her to work out after school instead of before school with the rest of the team.
Just like the way in which she had custom designed her outfit, she had also found a way of working around her familys schedule, using what little time she had for herself to participate in a sport she loved. When I finally had a chance to talk with her, I found out that her biggest problem related back to the most striking difference I had noticed between our traditions. Her family expected her to bring honor to the home from within and did not want her drawing attention to herself participating in the manly occupations of open competition.
It occurred to me at this point that this wouldnt have been such a struggle within my own household. It was acceptable for women to gain a name for themselves outside of the home as long as it was honorable for both the family and the female. I knew I could bring honor to the family name with my own medals, too, if I could just get the chance. The only real stumbling block left was the skirt, that stupid skirt, but the Muslim girl was also expected to wear modest clothing at all times. When she was running, she remained in modest clothes, only slightly modified to make sure they would remain in place with safety during the activity.
When she wasnt actually participating in her sport, she was always in the dress Im sure her parents expected of her. When I made this connection, I was so jealous of her for her opportunity and angry that I was so restricted in what I might be able to do. By this point, I had worked myself up to a point of rage at my parents and their backwards way of looking at the world. They almost had me agreeing with their third world approach to life even though we were now living in a much more powerful and advanced nation! I was in such a place that I even forgot myself and confronted my mother on the issue.
Why did you stop me from joining the track and field team? I demanded as soon as I walked in the door. I could have run without bringing disgrace on the family with inappropriate clothes. I could have made arrangements with the coach. You wouldnt let me. You said it was shameful.
From here, I launched into a full scale recital of the various arrangements I had found out about how that Muslim girl managed to remain true to her traditions and family and still do something she loved. I was like the raging character in cartoons, pacing back and forth, waving my arms in the air, utilizing my voice in dramatic runs up and down my vocal scales. I gave a virtuoso performance for about a half and hour, during which my mother had calmly taken a seat at the dining room table and listened.
When I finally turned to her with an expectant glare that demanded nothing short of apology, my mother just looked at me in mild surprise and disappointed puzzlement. You did not tell us of these types of arrangements. You did not indicate your desire was so strong. Why did you not trust us with your feelings?
This response felt like a bucket of cold water had just dumped over my head. I couldnt seem to say another word. She was right. I hadnt argued, I hadnt brought forward the possibilities, I hadnt even told them how much it meant to me to be able to be involved with the school. How could I expect her to advise me and help me through the difficult road ahead, as parents are supposed to do and as they are so capable of doing, if I was not honest with her regarding my inner thoughts and feelings? My anger disappeared entirely as I realized the wisdom of my elders and the way in which I myself prevented them from entering my life.
Ive never forgotten that lesson from that day to this. While I still hold my parents esteem in high regard and greatly value their input in the major decisions of my life, I no longer accept these ideas at face value as I did on this occasion. I am more inclined to look into the details and try to find a means of accommodating my own wishes and progressive ideas while still honoring the traditions and beliefs of my ancestors and my parents. It is true I continue to dedicate my efforts to the betterment of my family, but it is also true that I am not uncomfortably locked away indoors within an ill-fitting shell.
Through my experience regarding the track and field team, I have learned that there are often ways of honoring my family obligations, such as working out in the fields when necessary for the family income, by following my own heart, such as pursuing an education that will enable me to command a good salary in the modern world and provide my family with better support. I may still conform to the traditional family beliefs in my daily wardrobe choice the dreaded skirt dominates but I am now capable of looking for ways to honor my family beliefs while still finding time to honor my more modern ideas of progress.
Prior to this module, I always thought that assessment and evaluation are the same but after attending this lesson I realized I was wrong. It was an eye opening lesson for me to learn ways to assess and evaluate from my lecturer and course mates during the presentation. During the lesson, I remembered my lecturer explaining in detail what assessment & evaluation is. She asked open ended questions, cited guiding examples and headed discussions on how these two could be used in our centre. My lecturer later divided us into few groups to do assessment or evaluation and to share through verbal presentations. Through the different group presentations I learnt the different ways to evaluate a centre, types of tools that can be used and my learning journey with my group members allowed me to observe, seek and identify ways to work successfully towards our group assignment.
In my group which consisted of Angela, Rose, Hazel, Linda and I, we discussed and shared opinions of what we wanted to pick assessment or evaluation. After the discussion, we chose to assess the centers menu. This was appropriate because we understood the important relationship between health and the overall learning ability of a child. We based on our evaluation on the research carried out by Murphy et al (1998) which highlighted the importance of diet and the psychosocial functioning of a child. This research pointed out that most schools provided lunch that was full of junk food. This affected the general performance of the students. A change from such junk food to fresh foods and enough water results into sharp minds, good concentration, good behavior and satisfactory growth. An experiment carried out at Appleton High School showed an improvement in behavior and concentration of students after the school changed their lunch diet to fresh foods.
Considering the importance of good food to children, my group decided, after brainstorming, that the school menu had to be assessed to identify whether the children were having the appropriate diet to assist them in learning and growth. Therefore, we decided to do an assessment of the centers menu.
Accordingly, we came up with a web which identified different tools of which we would use to assess the menu like checklists and anecdotal records on children having meals. Secondly, we identified the different tasks required for accurately assessing the menu. We later divided the tasks to the members of the group assigning each member her role. Rose and Angela were assigned the task of finding out the diet offered to the children in the center. It was also their duty to ensure they identified whether the diet was in accordance with the rules. In discussion to their assessment finding, we found out that the center offers brown rice and assorted fruits which very few centre would offer. On the other side, Linda, Hazel and I did an assessment of the overall menu using different tools as well so that it could be established whether it was appropriate. Through daily emails, we collected all the relevant information that had been assessed, brainstormed and came up with appropriate tools like checklists and observation; that would help us to assess and grade the menu of the center. Finally, we found out and concluded that healthy food is essential to the improvement of a childs day. The module therefore gave me enlightenment on assessing and evaluating in-depth on how our center operates.
This module which I journeyed through has changed my approach to different situations. I have been transformed in such a way that I approach issues in a more mature and consistent way. I have now understood that I can use different tools to come up with a constant answer that is not bias or inclined towards any situation or problem that needed to be address or improved. I also understood that getting the most accurate data entails using different approaches and skills. This also helps in the attainment of unbiased data. The talk on Lilian Katz theory also helped me develop a more mature approach to observing and handling situations. In her theory, Lilian speaks of the challenges faced by early childhood teachers in both developing and developed countries. She also identifies the accurate framework for developmental approach to early childhood education and how this implies in actual practice. This theory gave me the appropriate knowledge in situation observation and handling (Katz, 2003).
From now on, I will engage in using the learnt skills to tackle different situations. This is essential for me as an educator or supervisor in the near future. In addition, using these tools helps me to get a clearer picture of any situation and hence handle it appropriately.
References
Katz, L. Current issues and trends in Early Childhood education. Found in Saraswathi, P. (2003). Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Human: Theory, research and application. London: Sage Publishers
Murphy, J.M., Wehler, C.A, Pagano, M.E, Little, M, Kleinman R.E, Jellinek, M.S. (1998). Relationship between hunger and psychosocial functioning in low-income American children. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Vol. 37. pp 163-170
There is poor information regarding communication patterns among individuals under various naturalistic observations. This could become a problematic issue in assessing and understanding the significance of intimate relationships among dyadic groups. A total of 470 participants were selected that comprised 75 male- male, 77 male female and 83 female -female combinations as dyadic pairs. Groups other than pairs were excluded. The study was conducted at a Michigan Ave Food court, University campus and the participants were randomly chosen when they were informed about the investigation and told to converse naturally. It was observed that male to male dyad was furthest with a distance of 22.2213 inches, female to female dyad was intermediate with14.8883 inches and male to female was closest with a distance of 13.800 inches. It can be concluded that dyadic conversations between the members of the opposite sex have potential to influence intimate relationships compared to other dyadic pairs. This has good implications for enhancing the counseling interventions.
Introduction
Relationships among the individuals vary under special circumstances where distance and observation were considered as important components. Places or areas like malls, library, park or lounges tend to influence the interactions between individuals like male to male, male to female and female to female. Acquaintance or friendships get strengthened through these forms of interactions/ communications which are more particularly known as Dyads. Communication patterns are often governed by outside settings.It is not known fully whether such atmosphere is facilitating pleasant interactions when observed at different distances. There is a need of determining naturalistic observation between individuals keeping in view of available studies documented. (Robert et al., 1980)
Robert et al (1980) previously described that interactions were mostly influenced by the members of the opposite sex when they were observed while sitting on benches in parks and sharing tables. This could indicate that naturalistic setting is playing vital role in enhancing better relationship. It can also be inferred that sex composition is having strong role in determining the patterns of interactions in dyads. Although place and /or sex is playing key role in determining an interaction, it is reasonable to connect this part of description with distance. This could be because the dyad groups when begin conserving from distances may experience a sort of psychological feeling which could turn out in the form of intimate relationship.
This factor could become altered when a delay caused due to the impact of long distances, such as number of empty spaces or seats, seating patterns overcomes the interference of sex composition. Therefore, it may indicate that communication patterns between the members of the opposite sex may get altered with spatial arrangements in a setting. Here, a delay in the communication patterns could also be anticipated between dyadic pairs because of indifference shown the members which could be due to mood alteration or stress. Recently, it was reported that stressful events largely influence the intimate relationships among the individuals who serve as providers and recipients (Lida et al., 2008).
Here factors such as mood, relationship emotions, support and the history of its exchanges were hypothesized to predict daily support for conditions suitable for communication (Lida et al., 2008). This could indicate that dyadic interactions between two individuals have strong psychological background. Here, it is reasonable to mention that the concept of sociopsychology has potential to determine the characteristics and relationships of individuals. Hence, social interactions/relationships could be considered to possess good implications for assessing the dyadic conversations (Lida et al., 2008). However, the mechanism that drives the dyadic communication patterns needs to be resolved.
For this purpose, it was described that the dynamics of interactions are largely dependant on autonomy, competence, and relatedness as they have potential to contribute to pleasant interpersonal experiences (Downie, Mageau, & Koestner, 2008). As reported, the study participants interacted in a dyadic pattern with the family members and friends. They experienced a feeling of sovereignty and relatedness. This may indicate that relationships under dyadic conditions are contributing to increased motivational dynamics of interpersonal relations (Downie, Mageau, & Koestner, 2008). Hence, it may be inferred that dyadic conversations induce a social well being when prompted to occur between related individuals under naturalistic settings. However, whether these interactions have an association with long or short distances is a matter of further investigation.
Therefore, the literature cited above is having limited information on dyadic conversation observed from distances with regard to sex composition. For this purpose, a study was undertaken between various dyads who were pairs of male-male, female-female, and male-female adults conversing with one another.
Method
Participants
A total of 470 participants categorized into three dyads such as male-male, female-female, and male-female adults were selected.There were 75 male- male, 77 male female and 83 female -female combinations.
Materials
For recording the data, pens and specially designed collection sheets were used.
Procedure
The dyads were chosen randomly when they were found conversing with one another at the Food Court, University Campus. They were approached by the investigating team and informed about the study. Here it is not known whether relationships facilitate pleasant interactions under naturalistic observations. They may or may not influence dyadic conversation from distance. In order to validate this hypothesis the dyadic groups comprising male and female
were told to involve in a conversation. The distance at which the conversation occurred was recorded for all the groups such as male to male, male to female and female to female.
Results
The hypothesis that was focusing on the interactions between dyads was tested. Here ,the observations were done for a total period of three months from January 2009 to March 2009.The mean distance observed for male to male dyad was 22.2213 inches which was furthest, and female to female was 14.8883 inches the intermediate and the male to female was 13.800 inches the closest. Here the independent variables were three dyads and dependant variables constitute the closed distance at which the dyadic pairs were standing based on their sex.
Discussion
In the present study dyadic conversations have been largely influenced by relationships where gender differences have a major role. Firstly, male to female dyadic conversation was closest. This could be due to more liberty expressed by this dyadic pair that could have strengthened relationships among those members indicating a lengthy and pleasant interaction. This could support the study of Downie and his workers who described sovereignty and relatedness as the contributing factors to pleasant dyadic conversations. This could clearly indicate that a relationships in association with closed distance could play an important role in determining the continuity of dyadic conversations among members of the opposite sex.Secondly, male to male dyadic observation was high compared to that of female to female Here, a slight increase in the distance might be due to the common perception of maleness among this dyadic pair who have shown some degree of relationship. Similar feelings might have contributed to increased distance among female to female dyads that was considered intermediate.
But, the members of this dyadic pair might have shown more intimate relationship in contrast to male to male dyadic pair. This could indicate a variation in autonomy that has potential to influence relationships between members of the same sex in a dyadic setting. This was also in agreement with variation in distances, previously observed (Robert et al., 1980). Further, there was no delay in the dyadic conversations among the present study participants. This could indicate that there were no confounding variables such as stressors that could have otherwise altered the mood and interest. It is reasonable to mention that this finding was in agreement with the investigations carried out by Lida and his co workers on the role of stressful events. Therefore, the observations of the present study have supported the hypothesis on the role intimate relationships. The present study has implications for enabling better counseling opportunities between members of the opposite sex with regard to their mutual relationships. This is because such dyadic relationships could help in better understanding the married life at the later stages. Therefore, there is a need to carry out good number of dyadic studies with the scope of understanding the psychological behavior under various settings.
References
Downie, M., Mageau, G.A., Koestner, R. (2008). What makes for a pleasant social interaction? Motivational dynamics of interpersonal relations. J Soc Psychol, 148,523-34.
Lida, M., Seidman, G., Shrout, P.E., Fujita, K., Bolger, N. (2008). Modeling support provision in intimate relationships. J Pers Soc Psychol, 94, 460-78.
Robert, M. Evans, Paul, D Cherulink et al (1980). J Soc Psychol, 110,139-140.
Family life and family organization is an important determinant of social and moral satisfaction of the society. Over the years, the family life environment has undergone a lot of transformation, thanks to the changing contemporary environmental aspects in social, economic, cultural spheres. American family forms and values of the yesteryears are quite different from todays, resulting from the influence of class (education levels and income levels), ethnicity, race, and the relationship between women and men, children and parents and relatives.
The diversity of family organization in perspective to religion, racial-ethnicity aspects, social-economic status, and employment patterns is of the essence in contemporary society. Two authors, Stephanie Coontz and Benokratis have expressed their valuable views on the contemporary American family based on research conducted about the changes that have occurred in the family over the years.
Gender Roles
The role played by either partner affects family life either positively or negatively. Traditionally, men were considered to be the exclusive breadwinners in the family while women concentrated on household duties and child care. However, both Coontz and Benokratis agree that this trend is declining in todays American family. Coontz (1999) points out that, most couples today have both partners working and tend to have more marital satisfaction and their children become more socially aware.
The couples also tend to be more egalitarian and share housework more than they used to do earlier on. Benokratis (2001) asserts that dual-earning marriages may affect the family either positively or negatively, which may influence the quality and duration of marriage and child-wellbeing. In addition, most women remain to be submissive and less likely to lessen their family work despite being in income-earning work. Men restrict themselves to tasks like repairs and lawn mowing and playing with children but not housework.
Marriage and Parenting
Unlike in the past, most women today prefer to postpone marriage and parenting in pursuit of education, a view that has been expressed by both Coontz and Benokratis. However, as Coontzs view is that the educated career women eventually tend to have a better chance of marrying than do have the less educated and enjoy happy marriage; Benokratiss view is that, although most highly educated and successful women tend to marry, most of the marriages tend to have conflicts as educated women like to have control of their lives.
Juggling Family and Work Roles
Both Coontz and Benokratis concur that most women today are entering the workforce for personal fulfillment and to exercise social freedom in controlling their lives. Coontz says that couples today are having fewer children than before thus increasing the average time they spend with each child and both parents are sharing the responsibility of child-rearing. In addition, many men prefer to marry working and educated women instead of housewives. However, Benokratis view is that, although many women prefer to work to care for themselves and their dependants, many men prefer to marry housewives who will exclusively be responsible for child caring and family work.
Marital Conflict and Divorce
In terms of income levels, Coontz says that, whether either of the partners is earning more than the other does not affect the family. Furthermore, where the wife earns more and works even harder, the quality of marriage improves as responsibilities are shared. However, Benokratis disagrees by saying that the family tends to disintegrate or become troubled where the wife out-earns the husband.
Life expectancy, Aging, and Ethnicity variations
Both authors agree that life expectancy has increased and the gap between white and black families has reduced significantly. According to Coontz, most aged people are surpassing the age of 65 years and most families are devoting time to care for the aged relatives. Benokratis also points that aged people above 65 years are getting more care despite restrictive working conditions and that the percentage of white families compared to black families has reduced.
Work cited
Benokraitis, Nijole Vaicaitis. Contemporary ethnic families in the United States: characteristics, variations, and dynamics. 2001. NJ: Prentice Hall.
Coontz, Stephanie. American families: a multicultural reader. 1999. NY: Routledge.
Coontz, Stephanie. The American Family: Where We Are Today. U.S. Society and Values, U.S. Department of State electronic journal. Vol. 6. 2001. Web.
Stefan Cwalina is tall and handsome with broad shoulders and he always walks with a pleasant smile on his face. These are the striking features of Cwalina. One feels blessed to enjoy the friendship of a boy like Cwalina. Determination and an eternal readiness to work hard are some of the great qualities of his character. To sit by the side of him in the classroom, to play with him on the soccer field, and to dine with him have been a pleasant experience for his colleagues. This brief biographical sketch here is written as a mark of tribute to Stephan Cwalina from a faithful colleague.
Cwalina has clear goals. He works hard to achieve them and he does everything with an adamant look on his face. Though he reads poems and novels; his inherent intellectual thirst is for science. He is very good at Physics and Mathematics. Therefore, his desire to become a mechanical engineer is sure to become a reality. He is also fond of reading science magazines and his particular interest in aircraft journals has been watched by his colleagues with great curiosity. Once in the dining hall, he said, Today I would like to fill my fuselage to its full . Everyone around him was confused because the word fuselage was never heard of by any of his friends.
Stefan Cwalina is equally ambitious to become a great ski diver. The thought of it normally sends shivers into ones spine. Everyone knows that sky diving is a frightening experience to watch at. Yet, Cwalina is crazy about it. He rushes through books and science journals to master the subject. Once, in his science notebook, he scribbled these words which he had gathered from the internet: However, people say the experience is similar to being in the water, the body is buoyant. Sky diving is an activity that an individual would probably have to experience for themselves in order to actually understand how it feels . Cwalina is sure to become an aircraft pilot or a ski diver. Once he narrated to his friends how he would come down diving from forty thousand feet high in a jet aircraft and then make a loop and fly up towards heaven. However, he does not like to become a fighter pilot. The thought of what happened in Hiroshima has made him a sober being.
He has three elder sisters whom he loves very much. His father and mother are always busy with their business activities. Isabella, his second elder sister, is closer to him. She is very concerned about his dreams and ambitions. To her remark that his craze for ski diving would spoil his studies, he shot back: My school life is a sort of skiing towards my future, and I keep a steady balance between my books and body . His eldest sister, Roy, burst into laughter, but Isa never likes him talking like a grown-up. She reminds him that there is only one brother for all the three sisters. He replies that an accident can take place even in ones house.
Stefan has an equal interest in games. He is a good soccer player, a long-distance shooter. He has kept a record of the goals he scored. He is also fond of hiking, particularly in mountainous regions. He takes his dear friend, Doo Doo, a sturdy Labrador, whenever he goes to difficult places. His sister, Helen, once said, Doo Doo is as faithful as his master is to his family . Though he took the comparison with a smile, he commented that his sister is as beautiful as Helen of Troy. There is a good swimming pool on the school campus. The day for Stefan ends in the swimming pool. Sometimes, when the water is steady, one can see the sun setting towards the east in the pool. But Stefan in the evening dives and shatters the round shadow into thousands of pieces.
Cwalinas dream to join Air Force, therefore, has its roots in his ambition to become an engineer and a diver. The irony is that his sense of adventure and his fear at the sight of a spider make him a complex character, a riddle. He does not have any fear to dive from any height up in the sky. On the contrary, the sight of a spider creeping on the ground can launch him back to the sky. Once while he was pulling out a book in the library in the school, a small spider appeared on the cover page of the book. As a reflex action, he threw the book away, without looking around. The book fell on the face of a female student sitting close by and broke her glasses. This led to a lot of fun in school. Since then some girls would shout to scare him, Hey! Spider there . Another interesting incident took place in the science classroom. The teacher was illustrating the pictures of an avalanche. Cwalina slowly left the place without permission for which he was warned by the teacher. However, she, later on, came to know that she was exhibiting an object for which Stefan has an inborn scare.
Stefan Cwalina as a student is an asset to the school. Similarly, his sisters are lucky to get a loving brother. He keeps the people around him pleasant and cheerful. He has no gender consciousness. He has both girls and boys as friends. He is an active member of the school social club. A good orator, Stefan speaks to his fellow students about the evils of drinking and smoking. His parents emigrated from Poland in the eighties. Unlike the other expatriates, he does not feel any crisis of identity or otherness. He is very much at home like all the other permanent citizens here. His polished manners which he inherited from his Polish parents radiates on the campus. He is sure to fly up and up and then dive down to earth. Though ambitious, his feet are firm on the ground.
Genograms are significant for every human being in terms of making an idea of historical genealogical background. In this respect, the originality of people stands on the previous relatives being predecessors to the current flow of family line and lineage, on the whole. The family tree of the Bowers is a versatile entity of different relation tights which are predominant looking at the genogram. The thing is that the beginning of the family tree was started years and years ago, but today the start of the genogram is pointed with the union of James Lankford Gwin and Sarah Jane-Elizabeth Lewis at the very beginning of the twentieth century. The family beginning was grounded on deep moral principles with points on religious framework and Christianity as the main religion. Both parents were working on the family farm and made attempts to educate their multiple children. Thus, they had 10 children. One of them appeared to be a significant chain of nowadays family of the Bowers. It was Robert Anderson Gwin. Throughout the years of family interpersonal development, the main values of family life are constituted today in several persons of heirs, namely: Bryleigh Rae Bowers and Cayden Dale Bowers.
Discussion
Making the parallels between the lines of close relatives it is vital to understand the flow of genetic, ethnical, cultural, and traditional peculiarities gathered in the wholeness of family identity. Every man leans toward his or her significant other so that to follow the tradition to make families. Due to the original structure of the Bowers family tree, it is seen that family prospects are grounded on the principles of reproduction and love. Each family in the historical cut of the genealogical tree is outlined with no less than two children. Thereupon, in such a multigenerational family, the role of spouses and children relationships is rather vital.
It is due to controversies between such significant participants in the family there were two divorces of mine, Marry Rosetta Gwin (Bowers), currently married to Randal Ray Bailey. However, it added extra points on making the family framework still strong and stable for today. Four generations represented in the genogram state a living interest for the predominance of traditional variable inside the family structure. Such patterning of the Bowers is helpful in terms of further mapping out of the perspectives in generation development. Moreover, family tree and the uniqueness of various persons being in relations in it may be a perfect database for drawing parallels within some of the family members. My own attitude, as Marry Bowers, toward the family tree expresses a great feeling of pride for the predecessors and contemporary representatives of the family. I see a wide scope of gained achievements and experience in the family along with a huge hopes for the destinies of children and grandchildren as well. Having an amount of positive and negative features of the relatives in the genogram I see that the positive side is predominant. The participants in this process were mainly the women. The role of the woman in the genealogic prospects is still understood with a person who takes special care of everything in the household and family members, in particular. Geldard (2004) interprets the genogram as a useful means for making a whole picture about a family. This is why it is significant for me to provide as more values and benefits for the family as possible. It is needful to protect the family and make it strong against contemporary flow of demoralization.
Making step back toward the beginning of the nowadays genogram of the family it is apparent that historical, cultural and ethnical features inside it are not trite, in particular. The identification of every member of the family is presupposed with the following the traditional as well as ethnical standards in behaviors, marriages and social along with economic positions. Self-understanding of my own significance in the family development is outlined with both physiological and traditional variables. On the one hand, I bore children. On the other hand, I delivered the knowledge and experience toward them, so that to nurture human values into them. During more than a century family connection is supported by all members. This fact makes me realize that the primordial intentions of mine and my husbands became successful. The process of bringing children up was not easy for me, but it props up against beautiful continuation of family roots embodied in children and grandchildren.
Analyzing idiosyncratic aspects of the family background it is necessary to note that such traits as reliability, responsibility, love for parents and children, kind-heartedness etc. are proper for the vast majority of the relatives. Furthermore, living in the society the family is rather apt to follow its principles and laws. The main principles of the family are protected with self-conviction of all its members. It is so due to above mentioned disadvantages of the society and the institution of family, particularly. In this respect Ratner (2002) admits: Actually, present trends in capitalist society may be working to reduce the autonomy of the family and promote uniform experiences and meanings (94). This is why the Bowers make attempts to provide their members and heirs with more concernment about the features which make the family imperturbable notwithstanding the trends of time and moral aspects in the society.
While proceeding through the time, family undergoes the appropriate life cycles which have a repeated character (Knoff, 2002). Thereupon, in the family tree there is a distinctive tendency of male domination and prevalence on different stages of family development. Beginning with the family of James Lankford Gwin and Sarah Jane-Elizabeth Lewis the tendency of men dominance in birth rates and proportion is still stable on all four generations of the genogram. What is more, there is a bit negative destiny for women in the family, as a result. Nonetheless, the standards and values are being kept constant throughout the time and notwithstanding various difficulties of life. Though, life cycles within members of the family are grounded on the principle to promote frustrated hopes of ancestors in order to make success for further generations. Thereupon, my grandchildren even in their early ages are able to express their love and devotion to parents and their granny making me believe that the continuation of the family genogram will never stop.
Throughout some three generations I noticed the tendency within family members to have a mathematical attitude of mind. The family succeeded and succeeds most of all in the sphere of accounting, business affairs and management on the whole. Such delivery of genetic information is obvious on the examples of closest relatives. My brother James Robert Gwin and his wife Connie Sue Simpson are working as financial analytics for about 25 years. My current husband works as an accountant in a large international corporation. The list is wide and multiple in this respect. Furthermore, the ability of family members to help others is considered, as for me, with similar intentions of my grandparents and their children to promote every possible opportunity in making more improvements for neighboring people. In fact, merciful attitude toward humanity and nature are at a core of family attitudinal framework.
Interpreting Genograms
With all the material and information about my family genogram and peculiarities as for it I realize the personal participation in this process. The feeling of self-esteem and self-confidence are prevalent in the family due to pains of my ancestors, me, and my children. People say that life is not all beer and skittles. This is why the fact of marrying for three times I contemplate as one of the main prospects for further generations. Making less vital mistakes will definitely be helpful and useful for them. Moreover, such trend in family development. Current values should be stable for next generations, so that to save genuine identity of Bowers and Baileys as well. My happiness can be imagined only with happiness in lives of my children, spouse, and parents. The more I analyze my role in the family genogram, the more I feel personal responsibility to make efforts in terms of further improvements in it.
Reflections
In the process of the work I became more concerned about the lives of the family members and their impacts in intergenerational perspective. Every step of the assignment was deeply recognized by me in order to find out the reasons and effects of family framework and the way of its members lives. Once more I felt personal accountability for making family relationships firm. Thus, the assignment helped me to come to a conclusion of a happy family.
Reference
Knoff, H. M. (2002). The assessment of child and adolescent personality. New York: Guilford Press.
Ratner, C. (2002). Cultural psychology: theory and method. Berlin: Springer.
Geldard, D. (2004). Counselling Adolescents: The Pro-Active Approach (2nd ed.). New York: SAGE.
The American Family is being under scrutiny as it is largely believed within academe that it is dysfunctional. There are various explanations and attempts at explaining where the problem lies. In this regard, there seems to be a convergence, roughly speaking, on the idea that the US family is loosely organized because of the cultural significance Americans put on individuality and independence. In what follows an examination of the issue along this particular line.
It seems that the American families are under strain because there is a lack of a normative structure that would provide the parents with the necessary tools to orient their families. Phyllis McGingley (1968) traces and the current state of the American family to the ancestry. She contends that Young parents today are like the pioneers alone in a wilderness, threatened by uncertainties, no rules but the ones they make themselves . The ancestors already lost the European norms of running families which were mostly patriarchal when they landed in their new homeland America. Therefore, the origin of the current state of the American family is old.
The newly acquired liberty in the new land-America made the notion of freedom an overriding concept over norms. Hence, liberty has ever since been more valued than any social norm or custom be it religion, custom, or common opinion (McGingley, 1968). This was further enhanced by the fact that families were organized as nuclear families. The Pioneers were not having any grandfathers or older siblings, having moved to the new continents alone.
The format of the nuclear family is still kept nowadays which intertwined with other elements reinforces its looseness. Already imbued with the spirit of individualism, a social trait in the US, there is a tendency that families move a lot, especially, young executives (McGingley, 1968). This frequent movement makes it hard to set some firm permanent standards as families have to reposition themselves with each moving; Each transportation is a new Wilderness (McGingley, 1968). Yet another element is the freedom that is given to children from a very young age. As McGinley metaphorically puts it, No intrusive presence comes between mother, father, offspring. Where parents go, there goes baby to the store, the party, the skiing weekend (McGingley, 1968).
The current state of American families is not the concern of academics only. People from various walks of life in America are aware that the configuration of family nowadays has some issues. Accordingly, a survey conducted by Harris Interactive about how people feel about the family in the United States shows discontent about the situation of family nowadays. Indeed, the survey conveys that a majority of 68 percent of respondents agreed that Changes in the overall structure of the American family have negatively impacted Americas place in the world (Dolliver, 2006).
In this discontent, there seems that the older forms of family strike nostalgic cords among Americans. Americans lament the passing of the married-heteros-plus-kids household as a dominant norm (Dolliver, 2006). This shows that the modern form of family, which is partially due to freedom and loosening of norms, is not necessarily looked upon in a positive way. Americans are aware that their issues with the way families are being run.
It is interesting to see that whereas there is not one archetypical set of the family is called for, some particular freedom-related issues are the locus of concern: When asked if specific family structures are acceptable or not, respondents were more reluctant to be judgmental. The strongest disapproval was for a same-sex couple raising kids, with 41 percent saying this is not at all acceptable. But nearly as many (33 percent) gave that rating to a same-sex couple living together without kids, though a slim majority found such a household either acceptable (28 percent) or very acceptable (24 percent) (Dolliver, 2006).
The particular issue of same-sex marriage betrays reluctance among Americans to accept anything under the label of freedom. This somehow shows that the evaporation of a normative set of families to be conformed with only has demonstrated some underlying conservatism within the American, although the problems of the American family remain unresolved.
One piece of evidence that comes out, though, is that in all the generalizing about the problems that face the family, it is hard to in fact talk about family as there are many types of families. As a study shows (Richards), there are hetero families, same-sex families, divorced couples, divorced couples but physically living as one family and one house, there couples who chose to have no children, compound families, and so on and s forth. There is not one typical family.
People are not only describing what they do not like about the American family, they are aware of what ails it. Working parents are problematic because in pursuing their careers, they cease to focus on their children, as one respondent, Shannon McCauley, explains (Richards). The pursuit to own more and keep up with the Joneses comes up more than once in surveys (Richards). It is, indeed, a cultural characteristic in American society that people try to assert themselves through materialistic acquisition. There is a quest to get what is luxurious and expensive.
Still, in all family type variances and amidst all the problems that each family configuration faces, there is a keen interest in America in family per se. Accordingly, from a sample of 1092 respondents, the following result emerges: People put family first: 55% said that its the most important thing in their life. And 89% agreed that Starting my own family has been the most rewarding experience in my life. But the family has influence beyond your private lives: A staggering 95% of respondents said that family life is important to maintaining a stable societymore important than education, the economy, health care, government, or religion (Richards).
Therefore, the problems that the American family faces, regardless of how it is composed, do not stem from contempt or disregard of the importance of family. There is a problem in coping with change and how the family is evolving in a changing society. This takes us back to the diagnosis expressed at the beginning of this paper which is that the US family is loosely organized because of the cultural significance Americans put on individuality and independence. This has been demonstrated by presenting McGinglys tracing the dysfunction in the American family back to ancestry. Moreover, the one major element that has forced itself to be discussed is freedom which the young generations have enjoyed and has contributed to the loosening of family. Evolving within a doubly free and materialistic society, people are masters of themselves from a younger age and strive to assert themselves materially, which has eventually contributed to the loosening of family ties.
Bibliography
Dolliver, Mark. (2006). Maybe the Good Old Days Werent So Bad When It Came to Family Life, Adweek, Vol. 47 Issue 42, p24-24.
McGingly, Phyllis. (1968). The New American Family, The Saturday Evening Post.
Richards, Sarah Elizabeth. The Changing Shape of The American Family, Redbook.
Emotion and motivation are two closely related concepts in human nature. All Activities that motivate people to affect their emotions either directly or indirectly. For example, activities associated with strong emotions can either motivate one to repeat actions or avoid them (Dewey Para. 1). An emotion is a biological condition of the mind related to varied sensations, behaviors, and judgments. Emotions in many instances are associated with an individuals disposition, character, and temperament. Motivation, on the other hand, is the activation of behaviors that aim to achieve specific goals. Levels of motivation can either rise or fall depending on ones prevailing conditions. For many organisms, emotions play a major role in motivation. They primarily determine the behavior reactions of organisms towards impulses originating from their surrounding environments (kismet Para. 1). This paper will discuss the relationship existing between motivation and emotion. In addition, it will discuss the historical theories of emotion and research methods used to uncover basic human emotions.
Functions of emotions
Many positive emotions are caused by actions that satisfy specific drives. In addition, they can be caused by activities that demonstrate the successful use of ones abilities. Emotions also can simplify the termination of certain activities or instances; where attention needs to be diverted to avoid negative stimuli. Negative emotions are caused by unpleasant activities hence, motivating an individual to correct specific actions or devise means to evade the occurrence of such actions. Each emotion elicited has different functions. These functions are either social or biological. Kismet further adds that surprise, fear, sorrow, anger, joy, and fear emotions play a very important role in the understanding of many cultural and developmental aspects of individuals (Kismet Para. 2, 3).
Emotions determine an individuals well-being. Studies conducted by Scherer show that many people are motivated by activities that encourage creativity, internal satisfaction, and easy coping strategies. These activities make individuals exhibit different emotions depending on the nature of prevailing conditions. He further adds that these emotions make people formulate different responses in trying to deal with their conditions. The responses, either biological or behavioral, give an individual a coping mechanism to the threatening situation. This, therefore, explains the development of suitable connections, between individuals and their surroundings (pp. 695-715).
Depiction of emotional state
The emotional state of an organism is depicted by facial expressions, posture, gesture, and voice degree. Through emotions, an individuals behavioral pattern can be predicted in varying stimuli. This is because; emotions give an insight into an organisms reactions to various events in its surroundings (Kismet Para. 5).
Emotions, on the other hand, act as rewards resulting from specific drives. Human undertakings in most cases are done under specific regulatory measures. Most of these actions often are associated with pleasant outcomes. Hence, depending on the nature of the results, different emotions are exhibited that can lead to repetition of similar actions or change of course (Parkinson & Colman pp. 6- 14).
The relationship between motivation and emotions theories
To understand the relationship existing between motivation and emotions better, some theories have been used. They include the James Lange theory, Cannon Band theory, Cognitive theory, Le Douxs theory, Yerkes theory, and Schachler Singer theory. These theories although different, analyses how emotions affect motivation in living organisms (Morgan Para. 1).
The James-Lange theory proposes that emotions are never dictated by perceptions held by individuals, but rather, they occur later after individuals have reacted to specific stimuli. According to this theory, body changes are caused by perceptions by the body of an external stimulus. This is attributed to the fact that the autonomic system interprets changes in the immediate environment of an organism. Many biological changes taking place in the body because of these environmental changes. The biological changes that take place in the body are muscular tension, sweating, and increased heart rate. The theory further argues that bodily sensations play an important role in preparing an individual for action (Galt P. 1).
Although this theory explains the nature of the relationship, many psychologists have opposed it, due to its failure to agree with many scientific theories. Many argue that biological changes in the body are not caused by emotional responses, but instead, it is vice versa. In addition, the theory does not explain the differences in the emotional reactions of different individuals. This is because different individuals have different biological responses that depend on their experience (Galt p. 2).
The cannon bard theory states that individuals experience emotions first, and then responses are evoked later. According to the theory, emotions do not result from biological changes but rather the two processes occur at the same time. It further argues that emotions result when the thalamus passes a signal to the brain in reaction to specific stimuli (Enersen Para. 1).
The Schachter singer theory is the most accepted of all the theories that explain emotions. It is also referred to as the two-factor theory. This theory combines both functions of biological and cognitive changes to explain emotions. The theory argues that each individuals emotional conditions depend on specific cognitive features. It further argues that the sense organs detect changes in the environment hence, commanding the autonomous system to respond accordingly. In addition, the theory takes into consideration an individuals experience in explaining emotions, hence the cause of motivated behavior (Enersen Para. 6).
Telling emotions
Telling emotions by simple interpretation of facial expressions does not exactly depict peoples emotionality. To fully understand the emotionality of different individuals, a critical analysis of their behavioral, cognitive, and biological patterns has to be done. To uncover emotions, qualitative and quantitative methods are used. The methods include observations, discussions and ethnography, neuroimaging, statistical sampling and analysis, and group study. Emotion studies take two viewpoints: the discrete and dimensional view. The discrete view primarily emphasizes the influence of idiosyncratic assessments on negative and positive emotional effects on behavior. The dimensional perspective asserts that emotional reactions relate to two human conditions: contentment on specific activities and alert or sleepiness.
A commonly used method is the emotional stroop. This is an experimental psychology method, which investigates the relationships between attention and disturbance in many processes. In this method, words are printed using different colors, and then individuals name the colors they observe when subjected to different emotional conditions. Emotional stroop applies the use of words that trigger different emotions and their influence on an individuals naming is measured quantitatively. Two conclusions arise from this method. Firstly, the stimuli trigger high activation levels hence interferes with the naming pattern. On the other hand, the decreasing intervals are interpreted as longer for stimuli that are neutral to individuals.
Many uncertainties are associated with group character. Qualitative methods help in uncovering group emotions because they vividly explain different individuals emotions in similar environments. Ethnography considers the social and cultural contexts of individuals. This method studies group emotions about their working conditions. Data is collected on the external manifestation of emotions depending on an individuals experiences. The researchers emotions must be controlled to avoid altering the outcomes of the research. Although, this method requires the researcher to also use their emotional responses in that particular environment to validate the research results (Mentis pp. 2-4).
Neuroimaging is a scientific method that also helps in uncovering emotions. It uses functional magnet resonance and imaging positron emission tomography. The study focuses on the region of the brain called the amygdala. This region is associated with the emotional learning and memory of many activities in individuals. Research shows that the region helps individuals to evaluate environmental conditions hence change emotionality to suit the prevailing stimuli. Assessments are done on the region through biological responses. This method has advantages over other methods, because; in addition to uncovering an individuals emotions, it accurately predicts human emotions in varying stimuli (Phelps p.750).
Factors that influence emotional experiences
Many factors influence emotional experiences. The facial feedback hypothesis emphasizes the relationship that exists between facial muscle movement and emotional changes. Facial expressions in many cases are not true but they often influence an individuals emotions. The hypothesis states that emotional experiences are regulated by reactions from the skeletal muscles on facial appearances. The hypothesis faces one challenge, in that it is almost impossible to measure emotional effects without notifying the individuals under study. The study emphasizes the importance of facial muscles in emotional control (Cappella 13- 26).
Facial expressions emphasize how much individuals have evaluated certain events. The event appraisal theory states that emotions are based on how individuals react to certain events in their environment. The degree of appraisal of an event is connected with individual expectations from an event. This triggers the biological system in anticipation of the event hence, the expression of certain emotions. The theory emphasizes the levels and effect variability of emotions among different cultures. In most cases, the degree of appraisal of an event depends on individual goals and drives (Parkinson pp. 62-76).
Conclusion
In conclusion, emotions play a very important role in all individuals lives. Emotions give directions and provide meaningful living conditions to all individuals. To uncover emotions both qualitative and quantitative methods have to be integrated. The application of these methods helps in uncovering emotions beyond facial expression interpretations.
Works Cited
Cappella, N. J. The Facial Feedback Hypothesis in Human Interaction. Language and Social Psychology 12 (2) (1993): 13-29
Dewey, R. A. Psychology: An Introduction; emotions. 2007. Web.
Enersen. Cannon-Bard theory. 2009. Web.
Galt, J. The James-Lange Theory of Emotion. 2007. Web.
Mentis, H. Ethnographic Methods for Studying: Emotions in Group Contexts. ( n.d.). 2009. Web.
Parkinson, B. and Colman, A. M. Emotion and motivation. New York; London: Longman publishers, 1995
Parkinson, B Untangling the Appraisal-Emotion Connection. personality and Social Psychology 1 (1997): 62-7.
Phelps, E. A. Race behavior and the brain: the role of neuroimaging in understanding complex social behavior. Political psychology 24(4) (2003): 750-751
Scherer, K. R. 2005. What are emotions? And how can they be measured? Social Science Information 44(4) (2005): 695-720.
Madama Butterfly, which is considered to be one of the most prominent plays by Henry Hwang, was presented at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, Canada. It told the story of a young Japanese geisha Cio-Cio-San who dreamt of a happy marriage to the American naval officer. The people who managed to visit this performance were considerably struck by the actors play on the stage.
It is necessary to stress that Yannick-Muriel Noah performed the title role of the geisha demonstrating magnificent soprano through gloriously compelling rendition of passive aggressiveness. The play of this actress appeared to be the true treasure of the production; tenor Bryan Hymel, acted as lt. Pinkerton, falling in love with Butterfly and then, leaving her. It should be noted that this actor managed to demonstrate the combination of vocal and physical swagger, making his debut really impressing.
The theatre production highlighted the true feelings of two people whose interests could never be united by one common desire to follow their big love. Butterfly strives to show her devotion to American God rejecting own religion and family; while Pinkerton is concentrated on the most important thing of his life his work. The man is aware of his leaving the bride even before the marriage perceiving her as the one more object of his affection.
Speaking about this performance in Toronto, it is necessary to underline the idea that the professional cast made the production marvelous; baritone Brett Polegatos superb work in the role of American consul Sharpless, demonstrated a strong voice and powerful sense of compassion and humanity. Besides, one should stress that the roles of Suzuki, the serving girl, played by mezzo Anita Krause, insinuating marriage broker by tenor John Kriter, and Pinkertons wife by Laura Albino, impressed the audience of the event by the depth of professional play and reflection of personal feelings through the roles. By the way, it was vividly demonstrated, how the actors managed to live their roles lives and played naturally and dramatically.
The designer of the play was Susan Benson managed to create the atmosphere of Japanese culture transferring the mood of the play to the audience; it is necessary to underline professionalism of Jack Diamond, the architect, who created elegantly muted colors and put finishing touches to simple design of the opera, which made the visitors hearts beating faster and faster with every next stage. The central purpose in the creation of hall and production was aimed at showcasing the performance artistry reflecting the feelings of their heroes.
Madama Butterfly is referred to the most recent stages of Four Seasons Centre; it contributed to the increase of the people number loving musical plays through the depth if this production. It is necessary to underline the idea that the performance appeared to become the audience favorite through Puccinis score soaring musicality, wonderful Macdonalds tagging, and elegant design of Benson.
References
Becker, H. Art as Collective Action. American Sociological Review. Vol.39. 1974.
Coulbourn, J. Madama Butterfly. Play Review. 2009. Web.
