Final Proposal

The purpose of this research paper is to look at how information technology has impacted health care delivery in hospitals in the United States.  I obtained my information and research through the academic databases of Bemidji High School and Bemidji State University.  The results I found was that the job impact on a new wave of technology was hard to pinpoint and ambiguous because there was a wide variety of results throughout many hospitals.  Multiple research articles verified how information technology has made the delivery of healthcare more efficient,  more productive, and contrary to common belief, it strengthens communication between hospital staff and increases staff to patient face to face time.  The majority of the articles I found had many positive comments to make about information technology, but installing this type of infrastructure is initially very costly and requires a team of information technology personnel, nurses, and other management positions to have it run smoothly, which many small town hospitals do not have the resources and budget to do.  I will use this information I found through the databases and connect it with my interview with a registered nurse and a pharmacist to learn how their skill set had to expand, their forms of communication have changed, and in what ways they have noticed an increase in patient safety because of the changes in healthcare delivery over the 25 years working in a small, but growing city.  

Research Paper RD Proposal

For my research paper I am going to look at how technology has changed the delivery of health care in hospitals.  I will be looking at how it has changed the duties that the workers have to perform and the number of people needed to do certain tasks.  Another part of the delivery I want to look at is how the safety of prescriptions has changed due to the technology that has hopefully reduced the amount of human error.  One other type of delivery I would like to research is how smaller towns, such as Bemidji have been affected by the advancements in medical technology.  For instance I know that some of the radiologists for Sanford in Bemidji are on the other side of the world, reading the x-rays in their home, to give us a diagnosis.  I would interview both my parents for this paper.  My dad is a pharmacist and does the software for the hospital so his job and people he works with has changed dramatically over the 25 years he's worked at the hospital.  My mom has worked in a hospital for a long time as an RN.  She has worked both on the floor and in a director position.  My mom would have good insight in the changes of the hands on care of the patients and my dad would have good insight in the changes of safety for prescriptions and both know how small towns like Bemidji have changed to rely on more of the outside world for means of health care delivery.  For this paper I will be looking at medical research but also possibly set it up as a compare and contrast essay.

Heart of Darkness and Research Topic Idea

In the Heart of Darkness essay I am writing about how Conrad displays his value and belief that white men always need to hold power over the native Africans to, in their mind, fulfill their obligation to be a  leader to a group they view as uncivilized. I will go into detail about how the white men view the African people as undomesticated animals who are weak, powerless, and helpless. I was thinking of contrasting the physical feature descriptions of the Africans to the physical features of the white men, specifically Kurtz. I was going to use the quote when they describe his head to show how much everyone venerated him and all the power he held. Then I was going to tie these two descriptions and outlooks together to show how the white man's physical features let the reader know who is in charge and has power. But more importantly how they use that power to justify their invasion into Africa and disrupting the lives of the Africans because they do not operate the same way they do in Europe.

A topic for my research paper I was thinking of doing was how has technology changed the delivery of health care? I know its pretty general topic but I was thinking of looking at specific areas such as the positive and negative impacts on jobs, the level of safety in the production of drugs, and how little communities like Bemidji are in contact with people on the other side of the world for medical advise. Any suggestions to narrow it down would be great!

In Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, the Africans are looked down upon and treated horribly by the white invaders coming into their nation so much so they are dehumanized.  A quote within the story portraying the dehumanizing attitude towards the black people is:  "A lot of people, mostly black and naked, moved about like ants" (Conrad, 80).  The fact that the Africans were almost naked dehumanizes them because much like animals who show nothing but their skin, these people were not given the necessitates they needed to survive in the African climate.  If anything would happened to them due to the lack of clean and plentiful clothes, no one would particularly care.  This attitude relates to the way humans treat their animals.  Another way the reader sees dehumanization through this quote is by the way they refer to the black people as ants.  This shows the reader the attitude that the white people hold of themselves, they see themselves as ultimately powerful, far superior, mighty, and in total control of the course of the African's life.  The comparison to an ant shows how they view the Africans as powerless and insignificant.  They don't see these people as human beings they dehumanize them by allowing them to wear very little clothing and to be compared to an insect crawling on the ground.  Throughout Heart of Darkness the white invaders try to colonize African villages but they do it in a way that  focuses the power onto them so they are able to dehumanize these people in order to maintain this power.  

In Agatha McGee and the St. Isidore Seven and Rufus at the Door the main women in these stories play masculine roles to have authority and power over situations.  In Dodgers Return, the main character, Ross, fails to portray masculine traits making him appear to be weak and hold no significant value or power in the outcome of Dodgers life, even if he thinks he did.  Hassler indirectly states that you need to take on the male stereotypical traits of being bold and having control over situations in order to have any sort of power. Through these three stories John Hassler portrays the role of power only through characters who take on masculine roles.

Anniversary

In the short story Anniversary, Jon Hassler presents a man with the stereotypical need for control, but the story reveals the control he is fighting for is within himself.  

The narrator thrives on his control through using red ink:  "Red puts everything else in the background" (37, Hessler).  He used red ink to put his words, opinions, and thoughts above and in front of all others.  In a way it’s overbearing, but it is what he needs to feel as if he is in control.  He uses the power of the red ink to mask his feelings of aimlessness caused by the conflict within him.  The inner conflict, indirectly stated, is how he is dealing with stages of dementia.  This conflict prevents him from being able to remember much of anything anymore.  “Angeline’s? Who is Angeline?” (Hassler, 38).  This quote shows the narrator’s confusion and lack of memory because we later come to know that Angeline is his daughter-in-law.  What the reader infers through reading the letter that Angeline wrote to the narrator was that they were close and connected.  This is shown when her letter starts with “Dear Dad” (Hassler, 40).  By saying “Dad”, the reader can see the daughterly love and connection these two have.  The connection is weakened, if not nonexistent altogether because the narrator isn't in control of his own memories and doesn't even know who she is.  His character vs self conflict is different because he doesn't know he is dealing with it. But the reader picks up on it and it plays on our emotions because he can't remember certain important people in his life.  He desperately needs to reread letters and papers and mark them up with his red ink to maintain his authority over what he can still control. The narrator encompasses the  male stereotypical desire to be in control and through this character vs self conflict you see how far and what means he goes to maintain that sense of control.

To revise this paper I restated my thesis to make it clearer and I set it up more to talk about the rest of my paper.  I shortened my first quote to only say the most important part.  I realized by peer reviewing other people's papers, I had understood the story differently.  Instead of understanding it as the time was passing him by, I took it more literal and thought he had dementia.  So in my revision I really went into more detail and found examples to why I thought dementia was occurring. I really emphasized that aspect of the paper and tied the lens back in at the end better.  I chose this paper because it was the one that I put the most revision into to try to make my outlook on the story more understandable.  

        In the film “The Third Man” the director uses the actor’s positioning in the light and shadows to confirm the audience’s growing suspicion of the evil deeds Harry Lime does to maintain power and wealth.  

        About half way through the movie, the audience learns the truth of the horrifying actions Harry Lime does to make his money and to feel as if he is in power.  His fingerprints on viles prove he is responsible for diluting penicillin, which in turn kills the people who use it.  As the movie progresses Harry Lime’s image get worse and his power becomes less.  When Holly Martins finally is able to talk to him face-to-face, Harry’s body positioning reaffirms the evil image that was painted for the audience.  In this scene, Holly has his back facing the camera but his head is turned left in a way to subconsciously hint to the audience that he is harmful.  His body is casted under dark shadow, but his face is lit up from the sun shining through the windows.  The positioning of the shadow covering the majority of his body and the sly, confident way he talks to Holly in this confrontation represents the dark, evil actions he does to keep his power over people.  His confident voice reflects his attitude that he isn’t sorry for what he’s done, in fact, he thinks faking his death was genius.  When the bright sunlight covers only his face it can represent an interrogation room.  Harry is put on the spot by Holly and all the questions he imposes, just like an interrogation room.  When Harry finds out the police know that it isn’t him buried, the sunlight highlights the nervousness and lack of confidence that hits him in that moment.  In the smallest moment of panic the bright light is able to enhance that feeling of lack of power Harry Lime felt.  This lighting and body positioning confirms the evil picture painted of Harry throughout the movie, it shows how he used harmful ways to gain his power over others.      

Snow White

In Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, I noticed that Snow White was depicted as the stereotypical woman.  Through the cinematic techniques the audience sees how Snow White encompasses many of the characteristics of a stereotypical woman, such as being gentle, nurturing, cleaning house, and having the need to be rescued by a strong handsome man. 

The characteristics of being gentle and nurturing are portrayed through the sound and lighting.  Snow White voice is higher pitched giving her a friendly feel to the audience.  Her voice is also soft, letting the audience and characters in the movie know she is inviting, caring, and gentle.  The lighting around Snow White brings out the warm yellow color of her clothes to give the whole atmosphere a calm feel to it. 

Because Snow White seems to inviting and friendly the animals lead her to the dwarfs’ home.  When she enters she instantly notices how dusty it is and all the laundry lying around.  This is shown to the audience from the camera panning around the room and tilting when displaying the high piles of dirty dishes.  Her first reaction is feeling bad because they don’t have a mother to do the cleaning and to take care of the house, so she feels it is now her obligation to do the dishes, sweep the floors, and get rid of all the cob webs.  This depiction is a stereotypical woman trait.

In the end Snow White is saved from death by the price.  In this scene the lighting around her depicts her beauty that the prince was drawn to in the first place.  The price is first seen from a low angle making the audience feel as if he is powerful and able to help.  After the kiss and her eyes open the music picks up pace for a joyful feeling.  Without question she leaves with the price for a happy ending.  Snow White’s stereotypical helplessness and need to be rescued is what this movie depicts as the only way to have a happy ending.  

I have enjoyed all the TED talks so far, but Hanna's TED talk really got my attention. 

Hanna delivered it perfectly.  Her speaking was very smooth, it was the right speed and the perfect volume.  Her whole presentation was organized and easy to follow.  She incorporated funny and difficult memories which I felt gave her presentation a well-rounded representation of all the roles being a big sister requires you to be.  I liked how she explained the roles in a lot of detail and with examples.  I also really liked the use of pictures.  Her whole presentation flowed really smoothly and you could really tell how much being a big sister meant to her. 

Although I don't have an older sister, I do have an older brother who I am really close with.  Throughout her presentation and the stories she told it reminded me of my brother and similar situations that we've gone through.  Even though she is in the opposite position in a sibling relationship I was still able to relate it to my own older brother to see where their actions are similar and where they are different

Overall I think Hanna did a great job! She was really easy to listen to and she kept me intrigued the whole time.  

I was thinking of starting talking about all the negative tones and images we think of when we hear the word poverty.  So my thesis idea is something like “When I hear the word poverty I don’t think of sadness or despair because I know all of that can be overshadowed by the positive simplicity that creates happiness and joy”.  I know this isn't quite a full thesis and it is missing a lot so if you have any ideas on where I can improve it that would be great!

I will use narrative by talking about my trip to Kenya and the attitudes of the people who lived in the “slums”.  Some of my points to highlight the positive look on poverty I was thinking about covering were how poverty allows us to focus on the important things like family and friends, how it allows us to be more grateful for all we have, and how it gives us less of a distraction in life so we can focus and admire the world around us.

 I was thinking of also being persuasive to prove that it is crucial for us as individuals and a society to take a step back from everything we are wrapped up in and notice all that surround us like you would have to do if you lived in poverty.  I have a lot of pictures from Kenya to visually represent what I am trying to prove.  The TED talk that I chose to listen to talked about vulnerability and one of the quotes in it said something like “vulnerability was the birthplace of true joy and happiness”.  I think it would be cool to tie this into my talk. 

In conclusion I was thinking maybe relating it to other hard situations that we are facing.  To look at the issue simply and to focus on the good that can come out of it or the good around you.  I could connect this to the positive characteristics that develop from living in poverty. 

I feel like it's kinda mixed up and like I am straying away from my main point so any feedback and suggestions would help a lot!

Mike Rowe TED talk analysis

My favorite TED talk we have watched in class so far was the one that Mike Rowe did talking about experiences he has had on Dirty Jobs.  A quote that he said towards the end of his talk really interested me was “People with dirty jobs are the happiest”.  I think Mike is saying that having a job you enjoy doing, no matter what it is, will be better than going to a clean, easy job every day that you hate.  This idea I think is important for all seniors who are graduating from high school to keep in mind.  Graduating from high school opens many doors and paths that we can choose to take.  A career path is one that we will have to choose.  I guess the first choice is whether or not to go to college.  Most people will tell you that going to college and getting a degree is the best option for you in the long run.  But what if you do as they say and go to college to get a degree and get a high paying job, but everything about that job you hate?  Is it really the best thing for you?  I think as graduating seniors we should have an idea of what we want to do, or at least know what our passion is and a career option that can fulfill that.  Mike’s observation of the man who picks up road kill while whistling is a good example of not having a high paying or common job, but it was just what the man needed.  He was able to be optimistic in the spite of what many Americans would consider an awful job.  I’m not saying that we should sell ourselves short and settle on an easy job.  But to choose a career path that you are interested in and can see yourself liking it for years to come.  

“The lamb gets up and falls down and gets up and falls down and goes and lays in the corner after doing it this way”

Savanna picked out this quote and explained that Mike Rowe shouldn't second guess the procedure of the people who do it for a living (referring to the castration of the lambs).  She did a nice job of identifying that what he and major organizations thought was right and humane, was not the case at all. 

Mike Rowe said in his TED talk that this Dirty Job moment really changed how he had been looking at the show before.  I think his realization of some of societies “accepted ways” or “norms” should be looked at more carefully and decide upon as individuals if we agree.  As Savanna pointed out, Mike assumed he knew more about the procedure than the people who do it for a living.  I feel that this could be a lesson for us as a way to humble ourselves by not thinking that we know all the facts just because we heard or read about it.  We need to realize that sometimes what may seem absurd or extreme can be the less harmful alternative.  In Mike’s situation using the band caused not only harm and discomfort for the lamb, but discomfort for Mike having to see it lying in pain.  Whereas the way Mike thought was unethical ended up only bringing the lamb momentary pain and was less harmful to the lamb overall.  If I was in Mike’s situation, I would have suggested the same alternative method that he did by using the bands.  And like Mike I would reconsider what I had thought to be true.  I would not go through the procedure as he did, but I would have a better understanding and respect for this unusual method.  

TED Talk Topics

One idea I was thinking about doing was how there is happiness in poverty or non-ideal situations .  I thought about this during the Mike Rowe TED talk because he was talking about how happy the man was who cleaned up roadkill.  I would also like to do this topic because two summers ago I went to some of the poorest parts in Kenya.  I was really touched by the people there and amazed by how happy and giving they were, yet had nothing.  I have some good pictures from the trip that would make the presentation more exciting.  

Another idea I was thinking about was the effect animals like therapy dogs have on people.  I work at an assisted living facility that has 15 residents.  Once a week the therapy dog comes in to visit the residents and I get to see how their face lights up.  There is a cat that lives in the home too who some of the residents love to have around.  I would need to do more research on it but I think it would be kinda fun to maybe interview one of my residents asking them how having an animal companion around makes them feel. 

I am interested in the impact the internet and technology in general has affected youth.  How it has effected them in how much they actually go outside to play, how it has maybe cut back on family time, but also the benefits it brings with school and social life. If I did thins topic I would argue against youth getting phones until 15 or 16 years old.  I just think that it's more important for younger kids to spend time actually talking to each other than siting in front of the computer all day or only texting their friends.

Another topic I was considering doing was how society's advertisements today shape a false image of what women need to look like to be beautiful.  Billboards, magazines, TV shows and commercials all project  the ideal women to look a certain way.  With the rise of technology and the amount of adds we see everyday I believe it negatively affects young girls mainly.  These types of adds may lead to eating disorders for young girls and boys.  

One last topic idea I thought of was arguing that the idea to pay kids for good grades doesn't work very effectively.  In my AP econ class we watched a short video of a school who tried this idea out and the conclusion seemed to be that if the grades rose, it was due to the parents involvement in their child's life.  I think this would be interesting to learn more about.    

Fallacies in "The Wife-Beater"

"One woman stated that it even made guys look "manly". So manly equals violent?" (529)

In Gayle Smith's "The Wife-Beater", many fallacies are used.  This quote can been seen as a hasty or sweeping generalization because she is using only one woman's reaction to jump to the conclusion that every woman thinks that the shirts make men look more manly.  She is also jumping to the conclusion by saying someone looks manly means that they are also violent just because of the common name the shirt has developed.  She uses her own emotions to connect the woman's reaction to her point she is trying to make, when there is no evidence to prove the other women agrees that manly equals violent, or that the shirt portrays that thought. 

A fallacy is in the quote "Everybody wears them" (528).  Here Smith again is using hasty or sweeping generalization.  She is trying to hook the reader in to her article by finding some common ground they can agree on.  This might have worked better if she used the word "majority" instead of "everybody".  This overwhelming generalization that everyone wears a wife-beater stated in the very first sentence of her article is a fallacy, therefor possibly affecting the reader to feel that the rest of what she is saying may not be accurate and view her argument as invalid.  

"More than 4 million women are victims of severe assaults by boyfriends and husbands each year" (529).  Smith tries to play on to the reader's emotional side by giving this sad statistic.  She also tries to use this to strengthen her argument.  But the problem with that is that it has no relevance to the previous statement or to the argument as a whole she is trying to make.  Although the statistic may be true, there is no effective reason to put it into her argument because it is irrelevant.   This type of fallacy is known as Non Sequitur (It Does Not Follow)