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Loneliness Versus Conformation

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It has always been expected that I CONFORM: Conform to the code 
of body language; dress code; mode of speech... to be precise, my entire
 bearing had to be fashioned into a mould, closely monitored by those 
around so that I become a perfect "Feminine Role Model" for the family. A
 girl is appreciated for being sincere in everything she does: her 
academic pursuit and her other accomplishments... but the moment she 
makes a clear expression of her independent mind, she becomes the centre
 of controversy! So it was natural that my independent quest for the 
truth and validity of the views expressed by the "authority" in the 
household, or the values imposed on me by the moral police around, 
always drew a flak!<br />
A girl child is praised for her beauty, her 
comeliness, her impeccable manner and politeness in her demeanor in 
India but never ever for her individual expression which could be 
dangerously unique. An Indian girl from a conservative background like 
me is not expected to be "Unique!"<br />
Those were the days when, in a 
family setup, mothers are fallible angels quite often but fathers are 
infallible... I could not hide the grimace on my face as I was often 
asked "Are you being given education to argue with your father?" or "How
 can you be so arrogant as to contradict his views?" Sometimes they 
would ask "Girl! Have you learnt no manners from your school?" Yet the 
situations that provoked such volley of questions could be extremely 
funny! I often chuckle at those memories of my salad days! Anything 
could be outrageous... it could be my skirt above the knee length, a 
loud guffaw or when caught off guard, exchanging sweet, inviting glances
 with my secret admirer. The poor chap happened to look towards our 
terrace wistfully, like a Bollywood hero, every evening from my next 
door terrace in the neighborhood... It all boiled down to the same old <i>cliché: Oh! She will learn it in a hard way from her Shosurbari (in-law's house).</i>
 It was since my girlhood days the term " Shoshurbari" cast a shadow of 
fear in my heart. This fear was mixed with feelings of hatred for those 
imaginary enemies that hung in my consciousness like a looming danger...<br />
Well,
 one day, it was all about an issue over two talented singers. One of 
them happened to be my favorite and my teen-aged spirit rebelled at my 
father's unkind words for her. I was stung by his unsavory comparison of
 her with the singer of his own time. What rubbed salt to my insult was 
my aunt's secret pleasure at my discomfiture. A common issue of 
generation gap and perception it was, and yet, my impulsive teen-age 
blood raced through my veins to react. As my anger rose, I was consumed 
with the idea of proving his verdict to be wrongly judgmental. I 
secretly relished the way I made my point with passion in front of the 
stunned onlookers in my household. A father proved wrong and that also 
by his doting girl! My younger brother showed me a Thumbs Up secretly! 
Well! I never anticipated the much ado about nothing that was to 
follow...<br />
I saw dark ominous clouds gathering on my father's brow 
and a strange mixture of thrill and fear hovered in my mind at that 
moment... I dared to justify myself, blurting out a foolish statement 
with a pride in my voice, "I take part in debate in school to prove my 
point... I am justifying my view to you in a logical manner. What's 
wrong in that?" "I just wanted to tell you how singing styles differ 
which make all the difference in rendition. If one cannot accept the new
 style, one has no right to despise it." Time stood still for a few 
seconds. My aunt, who often visited my place from her village for 
financial assistance from my papa, raised her eyebrow, and quipped, "I 
often warned you brother never to let her go to any fancy Public School.
 You never cared to listen, do you see now?" Then turning to me sternly 
she said" "So you have been taking part in debate to contradict your 
Father? Even my Mom joined the fray issuing me a threat that she would 
talk to my class teacher regarding my degrading manners and 
indiscipline. She would! I frowned at the woman who never found any 
voice in the family no matter how voluble were her protests over issues 
at times. I pitied her at that moment. I left the dinner table in a huff
 and slammed the door of my bedroom with a loud bang.<br />
My heart 
grew faint as their muffled voice of shock frayed my nerves. I knew 
there was no chance of escape as my class-teacher did not much 
appreciate my independent ways and tomorrow was the god dam Parent 
-Teacher's meeting! During those days, a teacher enjoyed the status of a
 Mini Hitler in his/her domain. Today, however, these poor souls are 
left to the mercy of the band of mini mafias in the class-room who the 
parents send to the schools for a few hours of heavenly breather!<br />
It
 was a sweltering summer day and my class-room was packed to the 
capacity. I joined my friends, answering to their queries in a 
disinterested voice. The class-teacher, Mrs. Roy, sat at her chair, 
poised and grave, as usual. I turned away my gaze from her as I hated 
that perpetual frown on her brow. Some of the parents had already 
trickled into the room and took their seat. I awaited my mother's 
arrival in a somber mood, anticipating my painful humiliation in front 
of my class-mates whose moms already viewed me with suspicion for my 
high spirit and unfeminine ways, as they said. It was natural that they 
did not consider my example to be of any benefit to their growing 
daughters. I wiped off the droplets of moisture that was beginning to 
gather on my face and neck. Trying hard to pep up my spirit, I gazed 
outside the window of my class-room when suddenly the sight of a pair of
 pigeon making love on one of the window ledges of a building nearby 
fascinated me! I felt thrilled! The mango blossoms in the school garden 
smelled sweet...<br />
Nevertheless, the dark hours of humiliation had 
been approaching remorselessly... so my bower of bliss was short-lived. I
 was suddenly aroused from my oblivion when the class-teacher called out
 my name in her intimidating voice: Mandira! I jolted into sense and 
caught the sight of my mother sitting at a corner chair with cold 
detachment. When did she slip into the room quietly? I asked myself. I 
felt some curious eyes turning towards me. I stood up with trembling 
fingers, weak knees and thumping heart... I braced myself up for the 
next moment and faced Mrs. Roy's stern visage when she suddenly declared
 how glad she was of my performance in the session before summer break..
 Before my mother could react, Mrs. Roy informed her that I was also 
awarded the District Championship trophy in debate! I saw that familiar 
curve at the corner of my mom's lips whenever there was a pleasant 
surprise in store for her. Her eyes brightened up as congratulations 
showered on her from different corners. A dizzy moment that was... I was
 happy because I made her happy as I always wanted to secretly.<br />
As
 we walked out in silent closeness after the meeting, my Mom suddenly 
looked into my face and said "I know how you are my young lady... but no
 matter how you are, you must conform". She continued, "In our 
society... I mean in real life, you will not be allowed to win the 
championship trophy... remember always! I don't want you to be lonely...
 " I touched her finger and declared Ma! Don't worry... am strong enough
 to bear with that...</div>
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This is a piece of snapshot from my girlhood. I am happy that the
 Indian society is in a state of positive transformation today... yet 
this transformation, that is changing the life of many urban girls, who 
are slowly discovering their voice today, has been a long story of sweat
 and bloodshed down the generation. I lived in a better time than my 
grandmother and mother as I got the chance to be educated in a Public 
School. However, my education was stopped during my college days and a 
socially arranged marriage was settled for me.<br />
I completed my 
education latter to the extreme displeasure and non co-operation of my 
in-laws. Had not my husband stood by me firmly to let me pursue my 
studies, I would not be writing this snapshot today for EzineArticles 
and would never have found fulfilment in my class-room teaching among my
 teen-agers.<br />
There have been countless stories of rebellion and 
conflicts in my life which enabled me to emerge as a stronger individual
 with an independent mind set with each passing day. It also helped me 
to evolve my sense of empathy for those Indian girls around me who are 
struggling to find their own in a society where they are constantly 
discriminated against. I appreciate and respect those women who have 
been at a far more disadvantageous position than me, yet who, never give
 up...<br />
As I relive those moments from my life, I don't feel any 
bitterness against my parents today as I know that their views on 
feminine code of conduct and imposition was a part of a greater 
reality... They were the role models of a system that prevailed during 
those days..the Victorian values that still prevail in many parts of a 
changing nation today.</div>
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7818795</div>

Loneliness Versus Conformation

It has always been expected that I CONFORM: Conform to the code of body language; dress code; mode of speech... to be precise, my entire ...

Academic Freedom and Democracy - ALEC Style

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    Academic freedom is one of the cornerstones of our educational 
system, so who could be against it? Representive Gus Blackwell 
introduced into the 2013 Oklahoma legislature HB 1674, called the 
"Scientific Education and Academic Freedom Act". But there was something
 strange about the bill, as science teachers in Oklahoma already have a 
system ensuring academic freedom. And, the bill only insured Academic 
freedom in four areas which Representative Blackwell deemed 
controversial, specifically "biological evolution, the chemical origins 
of life, global warming, and human cloning". Mr. Blackwell's education 
and expertise is in religion and business administration, so it's 
unusual that he knows what is controversial in science. Oklahoma 
scientists and science educators were almost unanimously opposed to the 
bill as it is their opinion that there is virtually no scientific 
controversy on the core facts of global warming and evolution.<br />
The
 bill allowed "teachers to help students understand certain information 
about scientific theories; disallowing State Board of Education, 
district boards of education, and certain administrators from 
prohibiting teachers from helping students understand certain 
information about scientific theories." Perhaps the bill would have been
 more aptly named the "Freedom from Accountability Act". Apparently 
Mister Blackwell had not thought this through. It would also shield any 
science teacher, no matter of what religion, who wished to introduce 
their beliefs into their science classes. The bill even had an emergency
 clause providing that it be enacted immediately with a letter sent to 
school officials informing them of the decision. And, why is this now an
 emergency? The bill passed Oklahoma's education committee by one vote, 
but fortunately for the quality of science education in Oklahoma, the 
2013 session ended without it coming up for a vote. But, you can be sure
 it will be back.<br />
The unusual nature of this bill can be 
understood as similar bills, with almost exactly the same wording, have 
been introduced in about 20 states. It is one of the "model bills" being
 promoted by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). <a href="http://bemoore2.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/what-is-alec/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">ALEC is</a>
 composed of over 300 special interest groups and corporations such as 
Exxon Mobile, AT&T, pharmaceutical companies, and Koch Industries. 
They sponsor conferences where their representatives meet with state 
legislative members to collaborate on "model bills" and to draft 
legislation favoring their special interests. ALEC now has over 1000 
"model bills", many of which seek to limit workers rights, limit 
corporate liabilities, oppose environmental regulations, cut taxes, 
oppose universal health care, and to privatize such things as education,
 workmen's compensation, and the prison systems.<br />
Though mainly 
supporting corporate interests, the legislation often gives a nod to 
religious groups and to conservatives to win their support. The state 
legislators take the "model bills" back to their respective states, 
often as their own work. It also carries an understanding that by 
sponsoring the bill, they will receive support for their reelection 
campaigns. ALEC has 501(C)(4)status as a charity, which makes it tax 
exempt and hides its motives and the identity of its donors. Although 
ALEC claims it is not a lobbying group, it is directly lobbying our 
state Congressmen while getting around laws that limit lobbying and 
require disclosures of lobbying activities.<br />
Representative 
Blackwell is a member of ALEC and, according to Source Watch, used state
 funds to attend their meetings. His interest in the bill was probably 
to introduce creationism into science classes, but adding climate change
 to the "controversy" list aligns with the interests of the fossil fuel 
companies. A leaked document from the Heartland Institute, a Libertarian
 think tank funded by fossil fuel interests, showed that introducing 
doubt about climate change into science classes was one of their goals.<br />
Bill Moyer recently <a href="http://billmoyers.com/segment/united-states-of-alec/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">had a program</a>
 on how ALEC is undermining American democracy. Although ALEC claims to 
promote capitalism, it is actually the citizens who pay. Not only do 
many politicians attend their meetings at state expense, members of ALEC
 get a big tax break for their lobbying activities and our taxes still 
pay for privatized state functions. Sourcewatch lists 25 Oklahoma 
legislators as members of ALEC and Governor Fallin was once ALEC's woman
 of the year, which means she favored the needs of large corporations 
and of the wealthy long before she became governor. We just saw a number
 of ALEC sponsored laws make their way through the Oklahoma Legislature,
 much to the detriment of ordinary citizens.<br />
(c) 2013 J.C. Moore<br />
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    Dr. J.C. Moore is a physical chemist whose interests are 
spectroscopy,computational chemistry, professional ethics, and science 
education. He taught chemistry, physics, and general science at the 
college level for 38 years. Since retirement, he has established <a href="http://jcmooreonline.com/" target="_new">http://JCMooreonline.com</a>, a website that examines current events from a science and research perspective.<br />
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7813346</div>

Academic Freedom and Democracy - ALEC Style

Academic freedom is one of the cornerstones of our educational system, so who could be against it? Representive Gus Blackwell int...

The Keys to Staying Motivated!

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    Every business owner realizes the key to maintaining sales is 
having salespeople who are highly motivated and goal oriented. When 
management has the ability to motivate their sales force effectively, it
 creates a highly charged and positive atmosphere. This in turn leads to
 increased confidence and ultimately, increased sales and profit for the
 company. There are several techniques that can be implemented to 
accomplish this goal.<br />
<b>Effective Communication</b><br />
It's 
highly essential as a manager to communicate to your sales staff your 
expectations, organizational goals; long-term plans as well as your 
commitment in helping them reach their sales targets. There are a 
variety of communication tools such as team meetings, individual and 
group training sessions, motivational talks and company memos. All these
 can aid in transmitting your message clearly. However, always allow 
sales personnel to voice their ideas as well. They should have an avenue
 for assistance whenever the need arises.<br />
<b>Providing Incentives</b><br />
Recognition
 and rewards can be highly effective to boost morale. When a sales 
person or team has put significant amounts of work into meeting sales 
goals they should be recognized accordingly. Whether it is a financial 
reward such as a bonus program, or other incentives, having a system of 
rewarding achievement can have amazing effects and keeps everyone 
motivated toward reaching even higher goals.<br />
<b>Development and Sales Training</b><br />
Sales
 training is highly important for any organization to succeed. Even top 
sales professionals need ongoing development due to an ever-changing 
marketplace and different sales strategies which continuously change. 
Additionally, it helps managers build rapport with their sales personnel
 as they help them develop their skills.<br />
<b>Understanding Your Strengths</b><br />
Every
 salesperson wants to be productive along with prosperous in their sales
 activities. The first task is having an understanding regarding your 
strengths and weaknesses and how to improve on these. For some 
salespeople it's a matter of developing better communication skills to 
enhance their presentation, yet for others it could simply be focusing 
on staying motivated.<br />
<b>Staying Focused and Motivated</b><br />
Setting
 goals and having an understanding of the sales process is important. In
 order to achieve sales success, it's essential to remove all 
distractions which might get in the way of positive efforts that waste 
precious time. Being focused is a skill which can be developed and 
coached. Motivation can come from many sources, but it can often come 
from a desire within to keep moving forward. The key is to stay positive
 and to realize that you can meet your goals regardless of the 
obstacles.<br />
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    Doug Dvorak is the CEO of DMG Inc., a worldwide organization that
 assists clients with productivity training, corporate humor and 
workshops, as well as other aspects of sales and marketing management. 
Mr. Dvorak's clients are characterized as Fortune 1000 companies, small 
to medium businesses, civic organizations and service businesses. Mr. 
Dvorak has earned an international reputation for his powerful 
educational methods and motivational techniques, as well as his 
experience in all levels of business, corporate education and success 
training. <a href="http://www.dougdvorak.com/" target="_new">http://www.dougdvorak.com</a><br />
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7832977</div>

The Keys to Staying Motivated!

Every business owner realizes the key to maintaining sales is having salespeople who are highly motivated and goal oriented. When ...

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Loneliness Versus Conformation

Academic Freedom and Democracy - ALEC Style

The Keys to Staying Motivated!

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