Saturday, May 23, 2020

The Four Main Characters In The Tragedy Of Antigone

A tragedy is a drama with a serious undertone that portrays themes such as love, hate, war, or betrayal. The main character goes through a series of difficulties that eventually lead to a catastrophic ending. The four main characteristics that define a tragic hero are that they are born into a powerful family, responsible for their own fate, cursed with an unfortunate flaw, doomed to have a tragic fall. The main conflict of the story occurs between King Creon and Antigone. Creon’s decrees that Polyneices was a traitor who fought against his city and because of that, his body should not be buried and be left out in the open for the animals to do whatever they please. Antigone does not agree with Creon’s decree because Polyneices was her†¦show more content†¦Haimon tells his father that Antigone doing the generous act of covering her dead brother’s body should be honored, not the cause of her death. Haimon tells Creon that he should not only think he alone is right, but to use reason in order to persuade him into not killing Antigone. Haimon admonishes his father that if Antigone dies, another person will die too. According to Creon’s belief, the people of Thebes will not listen to him anymore since he would be seen as more permissive if he listens to his son. Antigone regrets not being able to get married before she dies because of a curse placed on her father Oedipus. Antigone was to be executed by being locked in a stone cell out in the wilderness with little food where she would eventually die. The Choragos says that he can never remember a time where Teiresias was wrong with her predictions. Creon fears that the predictions of the prophet and the priest will come true and the gods will punish him if he does not free Antigone and bury Polyneices. Haimon wept with dead Antigone in his arms and then tried to lunge his sword at his father to kill him but failed. He then stabbed himself and gathered Antigone in his arms before dying. Antigone dies by making a noose out of her veil and hanging herself. After finding out her son died, Eurydice killed herself in front of the altar and cursed Creon with her last breath. After everything that has happened, Creon learned not to be full of pride andShow MoreRelatedEssay on Antigone Is a Tragedy by Aristotles Rules1215 Words   |  5 Pagesto a tragedy? The play Antigone by Sophocles is considered a tragedy. There are five rules created by Aristotle that classify a tragedy. All plays must have catharsis, a tragic hero, a change in fortune within a character, must be poetic, and happen in one location, in one day, and it is all closely related. Two main characters are the king Creon and a girl named Antigone. Antigone is a tragedy because it exhibits and follows all five of Aristotle’s rules. The first rule of Greek tragedy is itRead MoreCreon as Tragic Hero1586 Words   |  7 PagesTragedy at its Finest In the Greek play Antigone, Creon and Antigone can both be claimed the title of Tragic Hero. Creon was made king when Oedipus Rex fled the kingship. Creon is the brother in law of Oedipus, and was giving the kingship only because Oedipus’s sons, Eteocles and Polyneices were killed trying to fight for the thrown. Antigone is Oedipus’s daughter and Creon’s niece. When it comes down to who the tragic hero is, Creon most definitely walks away with the title. A tragic heroRead More Victims of Society in The Outsider and Antigone Essay1530 Words   |  7 PagesSociety in The Outsider and Antigone Both Meursault and Antigone are the protagonists in their stories. They have much in common, such as the fact that they explain their impending deaths as decided by fate, even though each seems to have an easy way of surviving. Both are willing to die for what they believe is right. The concept of fate is quite different between the texts. In Antigone, a Chorus tells you at the beginning of the play that Antigone will die. Antigone uses the excuse of fateRead MoreHow Is Oedipus A Tragic Hero831 Words   |  4 Pageshistory, there have been many literary tragic heroes: Hamlet from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Romeo from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and even Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Often times, when discussing tragic heroes, the Theban tragedy of Oedipus Rex and his family is brought up. The tragic hero, Oedipus Rex was the heir to the throne of Thebes who was prophecized to kill his father and marry his mother. Due to this, he was abandoned at birth by his birth parents and adopted. BelievingRead MoreBiography of Sophocles Essay1496 Words   |  6 Pagesthe more effective portrayal of character by contrast and juxtaposition; and he changed the Aeschylean fashion of composing plays in groups of three, each of them part of a central myth or theme, and made each play an independent psychological and dramatic unity (Babette 2). In his lifetime, Sophocles composed more than one hundred plays, of which seven complete tragedies and fragments of eighty or ninety others are preserved. Of the complete works available, Antigone, Oedipus Tryannus (Oedipus Rex)Read MoreThe Challenges Of Seamus Heaney1406 Words   |  6 Pagesits language (Hardwick, 2008, p.205). The structure of ancient Greek drama was less like modern plays and more like opera, the main features of a Greek tragedy are: prologue (opening scene), parodos (chorus), stasima (choral odes), episodes (main scenes), exodus (closing sequence). These would have been crucial to the audience or reader in understanding the characters and the central themes of the play (Hardwick, 2008, pp. 198-202). Most of the Greek plays that have come down to us are based onRead MoreThe Ancient Greek Of Ancient Greece1690 Words   |  7 Pageswere very strong. There are several elements of these cultural aspects that can be seen in both the Antigone and the Bacchae. Variou s stagecraft materials and elements also showed the richness in cultural aspects. One of the most important cultural aspects was religion and the Greeks believed in the existence of gods and supernatural powers that could punish the lawbreakers (Hogan 13). Godly characters in these plays could be seen in the manner of their dressing since they portrayed themselves as havingRead MoreAntigone And Ismene Essay1635 Words   |  7 PagesDiscuss the differences between Antigone and Ismene in their views of women in society. How does each sister’s view shape the choices she makes in the play? How consistent is each, in her view? The play Antigone, written by Sophocles is the last book of his trilogy called The Oedipus Play of Sophocle. Antigone take places in the city of Thebes, the play open â€Å"some days later† there have been an edict by King Creon regarding the burials of Eteocles and Polyneices; Eteocles, will get a proper burialRead More Pathetic vs Ethical1997 Words   |  8 Pagesschemes deployed in ancient Greek tragedy and poetry† (Poetics iii). Written around 330 B.C., it was the first work of literature to make a distinction amongst the various literary genres and provide a proper analysis of them. In Poetics, Aristotle places a big emphasis on the genre of tragedy. When one hears of the word tragedy, one already assumes that something bad has occurred to an individual and an immediate emotion of sorrow occurs, but how does Aristotle see tragedy? Aristotle gives us his formalRead MoreThe Chorus Of Sophocles Antigone2400 Words   |  10 Pagesof fertility, revelry and wine (Reinh old 1959). The author of Antigone, Sophocles had participated in one of these festivals and won the award for his performance. He did not become known as one of the greatest playwrights then. Only now is he thought of as one of the greatest playwrights during the greek era. The point of this paper is to show how the chorus in Greek Theater tragedy performances affect the way the play Antigone is performed. Through the use of mask, staging, and speech, Sophocles

Monday, May 18, 2020

Women s Roles And Gender Stereotypes Essay - 1154 Words

Women’s Roles The Simpsons is a TV show that airs on the Fox network. During the fifth season, in an episode called Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy, Lisa challenges the makers of the Malibu Stacy doll to create a less sexist doll. The original creator of Malibu Stacy teams up with Lisa to create Lisa Lionheart to create a positive influence for young girls. This episode raised a lot of questions regarding gender roles and stereotypes. Gender stereotypes are prominent in today’s life style. Per gender stereotypes, girls like princesses and boys like cars. These gender roles, however, do not just apply to children. These roles are still very prominent in â€Å"grown up† society. The pay gap between men and women Gender roles are a big part of humankind society. There is insurmountable evidence that points to the idea that gender stereotypes is largely accomplished through social factors. Scholars in both sociological and psychological fields believe that gender is constructed through the modeling of appropriate behaviors and the use of systematic rewards and punishments. Evidence also shows that many aspects of gender are not innate, as evidenced by children who do not exhibit a gender specific preference in friends, clothing or toys when placed in gender neutral settings. Only after negative reactions from parents, teachers, or friends do many children begin to take on the gender roles society comes to see as appropriate for them. Jade Mazarin Study blue class entitled â€Å"UnderstandingShow MoreRelatedGender Roles Of Women And Women1662 Words   |  7 Pages Gender Roles â€Å"Gender is the costume, a mask, a straightjacket in which men and women dance their unequal dance† (Kearl). Throughout history, women have been treated with unequal and unjust standards in comparison to their male counterparts. This paper will discuss gender roles in society and the stereotypes placed on men and women. As well as gender role development and the different influences that lead to these roles and stereotypes. Also, it will outline the history and progress of women’sRead MoreUnderstanding The Cognitive Processes Of Organizational Psychology950 Words   |  4 Pagesorganizational psychology light on the causes of events based on stereotypes. Fri and the leadership of the research focuses on a variety of business environments, students and administrators. the general manager of the matter, I think it s a good model is sometimes described as a thought that is incompatible with the behavior of male and female leader refers to the idea. For example, th e pronunciation of certain parameters in order to promote stereotypes. Time is expected that the management style, bad, indifferentRead MoreTeaching In A Twenty First Century Society, The Expectation1140 Words   |  5 PagesTeaching in a twenty first century society, the expectation for gender equality is important to provide the proper exposure, understanding, and educate individuals about society’s norms. These expectations that students will need to make acceptable choices for the betterment of their future. Therefore, it is the duty for educators to offer introductions in gender roles, gender stereotypes, and sexism. These are sensitive topics and need to be taught accurately with balanced information and with aRead MoreThe Role Of Gender And Stereotyping Of The Sexes Essay972 Words   |  4 PagesIn this paper I will discuss how the role of gender and the stereotypes of the sexes relate. I will also discuss the child’s perception of their male and female superi ors and in the way they carry out their own behavior in regards to what has been introduced to them. In this paper I want to also expand on the basic stereotypes that we as individuals portray toward a gender. Gender and stereotyping is among a broad spectrum. There is an expansive amount of content, but the concept still remains theRead MoreCritical Analysis On Gender Stereotypes1072 Words   |  5 Pages Critical Analysis on Gender Stereotypes in the Workforce Yesenia Bachez California State University, Los Angeles Critical Analysis on Gender Stereotypes in the Workforce Despite various changes in the workforce, it is apparent that gender stereotypes are not extinct and are still very powerful generalizations. Through this reflection paper I hope to successfully analyze gender stereotypes and the impact they have on the workforce. Gender stereotypes influence our judgment andRead MoreVisual images Reinforce Traditional Gender and Sexuality Stereotypes948 Words   |  4 Pagesreinforce traditional gender and sexuality stereotypes through the manifestation of the masculine and feminine miens. An examination of print media advertisements highlights the social and cultural ideologies associated with traditional gender roles that are expected and imposed on by society. â€Å"Advertisements are deeply woven into the fabric of Western Culture, drawing on and reinforcing commonly held perceptions and beliefs† of gender and sexuality stereotypes. They have a strong role in shaping societyRead MoreThe Picture On The Right1457 Words   |  6 Pagesfrom the same company, but they are from a 30 years difference. Both of these pictures do advertise a beautiful women in their Calvin Klein clothing, but the ads say something completely different. If you look at the first picture on the left, and compare it to the second picture on the right you will see the difference immediately. The picture on the left is from 30 years ago and women were not viewed as strong of members of society that they are today, like the viewed star Kendall Jenner in theRead MoreThe Dilemma Of Masculinity Versus Career Paths1702 Words   |  7 Pagesthere has been the dilemma of masculinity versus career paths. Women were expected to be teachers, nurses, etc., just because that s the role they had in society for decades before that. Men, and still are, expected to go into a career field that pays a lot of money so they can provide for their families. Those career fields are still usually STEM related. Engineers, scientists, mathematicians, doctors, lawyers, etc. It s not just because the individual wants to go into that field. ThereRead MoreThe Media And Its Impact On The Entertainment Industry Essay1282 Words   |  6 Pagesindividuals by labeling them under stereotypes? In order to truly understand the core of such a question, it is important to first define and solidify some key terms. To begin with, what mediums of mass media will be considered in the analysis of this issue? Specifically, I will attempt to highlight the use of gender stereotypes in the form of visual advertisements, such as magazines and television commercials. I will also be considering the use of gender stereotypes in the entertainment industry, particularlyRead MoreMovie Analysis : The Four Young Boys 1520 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican society, gender stereotypes and the topic of stereotypes remain a central focus of art and individual discussion. Rob Reiner addresses stereotypes in Reiner’s film Stand by Me when he sheds light on multiple stereotypes in society. Throughout the film, Gordon, Ch ris, Vern, and Teddy, the main characters in the movie, frequently describe each other with derogatory terms, which characterize stereotypes in American culture. In Reiner’s movie, the four young boys follow the stereotypes that society

Monday, May 11, 2020

Christian Disciplines Of The Spiritual Realm - 968 Words

Introduction â€Å"The classic Disciplines of the spiritual life call us to move beyond surface living into the depths. They invite us to explore the inner caverns of the spiritual realm. They urge us to be the answer to a hollow world.† There are many different but important Christian disciplines. Some that as Christian we all practice on a regular basses while other which people are specifically called to undertake during their walk. As Christians we may never fully participate in every discipline throughout our walk. The discipline of fasting is one which has been around before Jesus, â€Å"Old Testament saints fasted at times of mourning and national repentance. They fasted when they needed strength or mercy or persevere and when they wanted a word from God (see 1 Samuel 7:6, Nehemiah 1:4, Esther 4:16).† For over 2 thousand years, Fasting has been an important part of our Christian walk, to help us draw closer to God and to rely and trust Him more. Summaries your original understanding of the discipline before the course started. As a young Christian, my knowledge about the Christian disciplines was very limited. I had a very limited knowledge on fasting. I believed that is was just something Christians did, as God called them to do, not that there was such a deep meaning to the discipline of fasting. I understood that it was what Jesus did a number of times. A significant Christian figure in history who has contributed to the discipline. Matthew Henry said, â€Å"Fasting is aShow MoreRelatedOrtberg 4mat Essay1523 Words   |  7 PagesWanted: spiritual disciplines for ordinary people Rashod C. Wells Liberty University Abstract John Ortberg’s manuscript, The Life You’ve Always Wanted: a spiritual disciples for ordinary people, published in 2002 at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ortberg tells us the pathway in rejoining our connection to God, which allows us to have what our heart’s desire, the life we have always wanted.  Ã‚  He describes it through spiritually disciplined.   Ortberg (2002) defines spiritual discipline as â€Å"Any activityRead MoreThe Book Christian Mind By Harry Blamires902 Words   |  4 Pageshe reach out his hand into Jesus’ side (John 20:24-25). I became numb of Christian thinking because I was too obsessed with the tangible reality. Therefore, reading the book â€Å"Christian Mind† by Harry Blamires, opened up my eyes to Christian mind. The first half of the book discusses how â€Å"there is no longer a Christian mind,† and Christians living in the present times accept â€Å"religion, its morality, its worship, its spiritual culture; but he rejects the religious view of life† (pg. 3). Blamires movesRead MoreHealth Care in the Buddha, Sikh and Baha’i Faiths Essay1277 Words   |  6 Pagesindividuals goes beyond the realm of spirituality (Suzanne, 2008). Health is believed by every religion as the most important value at which insights can be created, and as well a practical means at which the health of individuals can be promoted. The secular perspective of religion is considered a contributing factor which broadens the unique religious contribution and individual’s concern to spiritual dimensions. However, the essay to be discussed is on the issue of the spiritual perspective of individualsRead MoreThe Development of Female Ascetics in the Early Church854 Words   |  3 Pages We will explore many aspects of asceticism such as the scriptural examples, spiritual motivations, reasons for choosing this lifestyle and the overall implications upon church history. Asceticism, along with monasticism, are two spiritual disciplines encouraging and focusing on the elimination and/or de-emphasizing of worldly pleasure(s) in order to further focus an individual upon achieving a higher, more spiritual life. Many faith backgrounds across many religions have adapted both asceticismRead MoreSpiritual Formation Is The Transformation Of The Head, Heart, And Hands Essay1682 Words   |  7 PagesSpiritual formation is the transformation of the head, heart, and hands. It is not simply a change in one area, but rather a change of understanding, a change of emotion and resultantly a change in actions. This change is rooted in a Biblical worldview which shapes and molds all else based upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Joseph Allotta says it well when he says, â€Å"The work of discipleship is so much more than moral development. The goal is to have young people being able to make their own decisionsRead MoreSimilarities and Causes for Unfamilirity between Christianity and Islam1566 Words   |  7 Pagesreligions, meaning that they are both monotheistic faiths with Middle Eastern/West Asian origins, the apogee of which is their recognition of Abraham’s spiritual traditions (Smith, 1998). These Abrahamic religions were first oriented towards to needs of the people of the desert and as such are commonly colloquially referred to as desert religions. Within the realm of comparative religion, these desert religions share some peculiar yet consolidating characteristics when compared to Dharmic and Taoic religionsRead MoreProtestant Reformation1171 Words   |  5 Pages The Protestant Reformation during the sixteenth century established a schism between Christian beliefs that lead to the emergence of divergent interpretations of the Bible. Through this transformation the Papacy was prosecuted for its unrelenting and restricted renditions of the gospel that was seen to oppress the populace and corrupt the true meaning of God’s Word. Though there were individuals such as Desiderius Erasmus who greatly criticized the Catholic Church yet remained loyal there wereRead MoreMy Education Philosophy 1511 Words   |  6 Pagessubject area in order to serve as a role model for my students thereby producing students who thoroughly understand the subject matter, and who develop holistically. In order to achieve this goal I must have a set education philosophy with a strong Christian worldview. I must also have a general understanding of the different world and education philosophies. Metaphysics Metaphysics is defined as the branch of philosophy that examines the true nature of reality whether visible or invisible. MetaphysicsRead MorePlato s Nature Teacher s Role Curricular Focus Methodology1394 Words   |  6 Pagesin natural realm understand by reason and in the supernatural realm understood through intuition, revelation, and faith. The philosophy allows for a hierarchy of truth. The moral and good life is lived in harmony with reason. Desire and will are subservient to reason. Believes that the ethical act is a rational this leads to the end justifies the means acts. To develop students. Teachers are to be spiritual leaders, discipline, aquire truth and knowledge.To transmit concepts of Christian faith andRead MoreUnderstanding The Intricacies Of Ministry1231 Words   |  5 Pagestheory and praxis. Certainly, while courses in exegesis, ethics, systematic theology and critical interpretation among others are designed to expand the theoretical, supervised ministry trans ports the budding theologian directly into the practical realm of ministry through practice . Over the course of the semester I have gleaned valuable insights through baptism by emersion into the often-unseen realities that shape ministry within the context of local congregations. Often the external structures

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

A Short Note On Combat Mission Ready ( Cmr ) Pilots...

B-2 Combat Mission Ready (CMR) pilots require a Companion Trainer Program (CTP) to increase peacetime and tactical airmanship and combat readiness. The T-38A is currently flown at Whiteman AFB, Mo, as part of a CTP. As the T-38A continues to age out, Whiteman AFB will be required to find a suitable replacement trainer. Although there have been some measures taken to extend the service life of the T-38A, there has been continuous issues regarding maintenance due to the age of the aircraft. While there have been other studies performed on this topic, they have been limited in the tactical relevance of a companion trainer. This research paper identifies which aircraft should replace the T-38A at Whiteman AFB, while ensuring a suitable†¦show more content†¦While other units have upgraded, Whiteman has taken measures to extend the T-38A service life, but continuously been faced with maintenance issues and part availability for an aging aircraft. The studies that have been accomplished have validated the overall need for companion trainers, however, there has been limited studies conducted that focused on the tactical relevance of a companion trainer. This study builds on the previous requirements defined for a B-2 companion trainer, and adds tactical requirements in order to recommend a solution that achieves both objectives. The Nature of the Problem This research is necessary because T-38s are aging out at all units. The T-38A at Whiteman AFB, MO, currently reaches its end of service life in 2028. Currently, the B-2s end of service is 2058, which highlights the urgent requirement for a replacement trainer. B-2 pilots fly limited sorties due to the size of the B-2 fleet and the nature of stealth aircraft. Stealth aircraft require specific Low Observable (LO) maintenance which is both time consuming and costly. Due to the limited sorties, B-2 pilots have utilized a CTP since 1993 to â€Å"provide additional time necessary for crews to maintain flight currency and continue to develop airmanship skills†. In 2011, an independent study was performed by Michal Polidor on the validity of a CTP for the B-2 community. That study did validate the need for a CTP at Whiteman, largely based

Psychology and Health Problems Free Essays

Jennifer Graves The multifunctional model uses different factors from different types of influences, traits and behaviors to determine health conditions according to different influences, as well as susceptibility to illness. Each factor belongs to a group such as, biological and environmental factors, as well as personality, behavior, and stress. (Envied Rather, 2010) Each group shows the factors and the behavior that can be harmful under that group. We will write a custom essay sample on Psychology and Health Problems or any similar topic only for you Order Now The multifunctional model shows the relation between psychology and medicine and how behavior and environment can influence health. The multifunctional model can be used in aiding diagnosis as the factors correlate to illness and health. The multifunctional model cannot diagnose illness or specify the diversity in people’s overall health as it can only aid in helping diagnose illness. When a person contracts the cold or flu, which can be reflected in the model showing which influences were involved such as environment or biological. (Envied ; Rather, 2010) Each factor plays an important role in relating to illness such as the biological group which consists of many different factors such as a family history of illness and individual medical history. Age and gender are important factors to consider when ruling out contracting illness biologically. Environmental factors include a wide range of factors from vehicular safety, to radiation exposure which can help to diagnose cancer and ailments from radiation poisoning. Coloratura factors are an important group of factors which include; socioeconomic status, family statistics as well as prejudice and discrimination. Socioeconomic statuses as well as family status are both psychological factors that can lead to illness. Under the personality group, there are several factors that can lead to stress. Anger, depression and anxiety are all behaviors that can lead to stress which are another group of factors entirely. Stress are daily hassles and life changes that although alone, may not lead directly to illness but when combined with other factors can help in diagnosing illnesses that are caused by multiple factors. The multifunctional model is used to analyze the correlation of the interaction of different factors to aid in diagnosis. In 2012, a study was done to test ethnic disparities in children’s acute asthma through parental visits. (309 White, Puerco Rican, and African American families conducted) The test was to show the ethnic disparities in asthma cases through the parent’s. (Isadora-Oracles, Fieldsman, Exercises , ; Spray, 2012)The methods of the study were a multi-factorial model which utilized structural equation modeling to investigate the association of children’s acute asthma illness through parental representations, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics as well as health care providers. The results provided evidence of a 45 % variance in illness representations and 30 % of the illness representations was explained for whites, 23% for African Americans, and 26% for Puerco Ricans. The model accounted for % of the variances in acute visits for African Americans and Puerco Ricans but only 19 % for whites. In conclusion, the model provided support that ethnic heterogeneity in asthma illness representations affects the outcomes of children’s health. Isadora-Oracles, Fieldsman, Exercises , ; Spray, 2012) The model helped prove the theory that many influences or factors including heredity and location, contributed in the outcomes of children’s health. The combination and interaction of the factors in any model can be the contributing aspect of a diagnosis before any initial medical testing has been done. Psychology has played a large role in defining stress as a major factor in migraine headaches that affects 1 in 10 Americans. Migraines are intense headaches that usually occur on one side of the head that can last several days. Migraines are not well understood and it is believed that migraines are caused by a serotonin imbalance which causes neurotransmitters to misfire. (Envied Rather, 2010) Other studies have shown that migraines are also linked to brain lesions and incomplete artery structure. Researchers at the Gila institute in SAA Paolo, Brazil found that children with grains are much more likely to have behavior problems such as attention issues, anxiety, and depression. Other researchers, including Emily Bates, PhD have identified a gene mutation that also increases a person’s susceptibility to migraines. What Causes Migraines? , 2013) Without understanding the psychological factors that cause migraines such as stress, and hereditary behavior, it would be much more difficult to diagnose the ailment as the psychological factors are Just as much of an influence, if not more. On of the main causes of migraines, which is also a warning sign is stress and anxiety. Psychology has also helped in t he treatment of headaches as well. Recognizing that stress is one of the triggers of a migraine, behavioral methods such as relaxation training and biofeedback training are also helpful treatments. Envied ; Rather, 2010) Understanding the role psychological factors play in illness can help diagnose and treat the illness. Coronary heart disease is another illness mentioned in the text that can also be treated by understanding the underlying psychological factors that cause or trigger the illness. The list of factors for CHAD include, age and family, psychological conditions, lifestyle factors and type a behaviors as well as negative emotions. The majorities of the factors is psychological, or have psychological implications such as lifestyle factors. How to cite Psychology and Health Problems, Papers

Islamic Shirk and Diverse Views Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Islamic Shirk and Diverse Views. Answer: Introduction Islam is a monotheistic religion which has been coexisting with other religions for years in many parts of in the world. In Islamic tradition Shirk is the worshipping of idols and believing in multiple gods But Islam believes in only one god Allah (Khan 2015). Shirk is an unforgivable sin that one can commit. The word Shirk literally means the sharing or becoming partners. In the form of polytheism or idol worshipping God is associated with objects of worshipping, which is completely prohibited in Islam. There are several references in the Quran that support the belief. In the Quran it is mentioned as the greatest sin, as every other sin can be forgiven except disbelievers and idol worshippers (Al-islam.org 2017). Islam Is Not against Figurative Representation Figurative representations are not directly prohibited in Islam; however it becomes problematic if it becomes Shirk or worshipping the figure as a part of divine status. In the Genesis all the worshipped statues by Terah were destroyed by Abraham (Dube 2015). The hadiths discussed certain figurative representations can only be through plants, pictures and inanimate objects. Bamiyan Buddhas and The act of Shirk Bamiyan is a famous valley of central Afghanistan that became significant Buddhist centre during eighth century. In eleventh century the Muslims came in power in Bamiyan area. The Buddha statues were extremely popular among the Chinese monks and Indian Buddhists. UNESCO rewarded it by enlisting as one of the World Heritages (Whc.unesco.org 2017). In the Hindkush mountain region, the two large Buddha idols made of sandstone cliff were the main attractions. The 181 feet tall Buddha idol was carved between 591 A.D to 644 A.D and represents cultural combination of Greco Buddhist and Bamiyan traditional artistry (Litoing 2015). It is not just the contemporary Islamic practitioners of Taliban regime that attacked the idols; the idols were faceless even before the destruction. This proves that even before the Islamic era the idols have suffered various attacks. The Contribution of Taliban in The Act The Taliban regime is infamous for its obsession over religious identity and the act of breaking leads that the motives were only religious in nature. The ideology they believe in is built by Pashtun nationalism and Islamic fundamentalism (Roy 2015). Fundamentalists saw Buddhism as an easy target. However the destruction of Bamiyan Buddhas has more than just the Taliban religious identity. The edict said that the destruction was represented as an Islamic act (Harding 2001). Therefore any idols, temples are shrines representing non Islamic religions are considered to be the manifestation of polytheism and idolatry. The other idea behind the destruction could be considered as the restoration of orthodox belief. The Taliban wanted to secure that no one in the future could worship the statues. Mullah Mohammad Omar of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan raised the radical question regarding idol breaking that reflected their perception of Shirk (Litoing 2015). The Socio Religious Perspective Another connection can be made as one examines the time period when the destruction occurred. This time of the year is significant for as the time of celebrating the Eid al Adha. This is the celebration of the feast for Abrahams sacrifice (Loue 2017). Abraham sacrificed his son for fulfilling Gods desire. The time of celebration reminded them about their responsibility of life that is following Gods orders and offering him whatever is needed. Abrahams practice of idol breaking has already been discussed. So the specific time and Abrahams association with it made the Taliban feel the need more than ever. Mullah Mohammad Omars selection of the specific time seems to be more than just a coincident. The View on Negative Impacts The Islamic people prove that the idols are meaningful to them by breaking them with so much attention. Their concern for the existing idols highlights their acknowledgement of the idols power more than the worshippers. The destruction also gained huge public attention which those sites did not have during the period of preservation. Thus the idols also gained a greater status after the breaking. This demonstrates various contradictory views in protecting Tawhid and resisting shirk. Tawhid is the belief of unity of the lord (Bbc.co.uk 2014). As in Islamic tradition Allah is the god that created all the beings on the earth and everything depends on him. Islam believes that Allah is in the authority of all beings and no one else can share his authorship. Tawhid al Ibadah declares that Allah is the only one to be worshipped and Shirk paralyzes this core belief of Islam (Lamprecht 2014). The Philosophical View on Appropriation There can be other philosophical perspectives that can offer us a broader view that is associated with the practice of Islamic Shirk, if one considers that unconsciously man worships himself in the guise of God. The postmodern era has put too much stress on the concept of image. The image has been given too much importance by the postmodern man in a very commercial sense. Some theorists consider destroying the Bamiyan Buddha statutes to be a typical postmodern phenomenon (Janowski 2015). The incident can be seen as the Muslim appropriation of Buddhism (Rafiabadi 2007) The Buddhist theology is not just involved in idol making and concentrating ones good deeds on his feet. Buddha himself encouraged destroying of ones permanent self. So the obsession of the post modern era representing through idols would not have been appreciated by him. Instead he could have encouraged the statue making practice. However this is not enough to justify the destruction heritage statues by the Taliban. Conclusion Taliban are often accused of interpreting the Quran in a superficial and simplistic way. There are various interpretations of the Islamic Shirk, fundamentalists use it for some propagandist purposes, some theorists justify it through religious implications and philosophers shed different light over it (Taniguchi 2017). However from the above discussions it is undeniable that through Shirk one can understand the various perspectives related to it. Above that, the power of the understanding is capable of unfolding various aspects of religion, human acts and life over all. 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