Axial Age Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Axial Age - Essay Example This crucial period in history gave rise to the philosophies of Siddhartha Gautama ‘The Buddha’, Greek philosophers such as Solon and Thucydides, and the Hebrew prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Zechariah (Plott, 32). One of the key transformations that occurred during the axial age is that people became conscious of their nature, existence, and limitations. Societies whose lives had previously been extensively dictated by religious extremism and disorder, transformed into cultured and civilized settlements governed by rules and regulations that imposed limits on human behaviors and actions. As these societies became more orderly, people for the first time had the opportunity to observe, analyze, and understand many of the natural and human phenomena around them. This enabled them to understand the reason for the occurrence of many of the events around them and how to bring them under their control. Many scholars and philosophers have opposed the propositions and ideas exp ressed by the proponents of the Axial Age, especially German philosopher Karl Jaspers, who was the first person to identify the period as key to human reconnaissance for meaning, and coined the phrase ‘Axial Age’. ... inking, and the parallels that scholars and philosophers such as Karl Jaspers have identified between different civilizations are mostly coincidental (Plott, 39). The Axial Age in India: Buddhism However, the arguments of opposers of the importance of the Axial Age lack justification because analysis of the various ideas and teachings of key philosophers and religious leaders who spearheaded the paradigm shift of the period bear remarkable similarities suggesting parallels in their way of thinking. The teachings of Siddhartha Gautama ‘The Buddha’ set the foundation for the birth of Buddhism. Siddhartha was born to a king, and wealth and splendor characterized his early life. His father shielded him from experiencing and acquiring knowledge of the harsh life that the common man lived. Thus, suffering and poverty were altogether foreign to him. However, when he became a young man and was about to inherit his father’s throne, he became exposed to his subjects and for the first time, got the opportunity to interact with the poor, the sick, and the elderly. He observed widespread suffering that depressed him and pushed him to begin questioning the meaning of life. He then made the decision to leave the palace and the royalty and lead the life of an ascetic. He began to meditate on the meaning of life which eventually led him to what Buddhists refer to as ‘the awakening’ (The Human Journey, humanjourney.us/Buddhism). His conceived ideas and belief were completely different from the extreme asceticism of the time, which he believed did not work. His ideologies began to move away from the extreme self-mortification and self-indulgence of the time. Siddhartha’s intensive meditation on the cause of suffering enabled him to become ‘enlightened’ and gain insight

Management behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management behavior - Essay Example Current customers were more interested in solutions and services rather than the products alone. InterClean Inc is a major player in the sanitation and cleaning industry with high quality products and efficient workforce. High quality products of InterClean can move in the market well only if the product selling backed with high quality services. Management behavior is important in determining the productivity of the workers and quality of services offered to the customers. The purpose of this memo is to inform all the first level managers at InterClean about the merger between InterClean and EnvironTech and the possible changes after the merger. I would like to explain how a manger should behave with his workers to improve their productivity, different types of management actions in line with the existing employment laws and the best strategies to work with a diverse workforce. â€Å"Essential conditions of service such as good pay, motivation, incentives, regular promotions, training and development should be provided for the workforce so as to enable them put in their best in order to increase the level of their productivity in the organization† (ADEKUNLE et al, 2009) Mangers can play a vital role in ensuring the employee satisfaction which is important in ensuring maximum productivity from them. A manager who fails to motivate the workers cannot ensure 100% productivity from them. In order to motivate the employees the first level managers must reward them for the good performances with incentives or promotions. The work culture should be developed in such a way that both the manager and the workers function in a healthy environment where no prejudices or biases control the management actions. In case of a conflict the manager should never take any one sided actions, instead he should take decisions after hearing the arguments of both the parties involved in the conflict. Positive work environment is another

Computer Assisted Instruction in Education Essay

Computer Assisted Instruction in Education Essay INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY In recent years, due to advancement of computer technology, the concept of Computer Assisted Instruction is now more prevalent, and has become a trend (Yang Wang, 2001). Electronic learning popularly referred to as e-learning is increasingly becoming acceptable in tertiary institutions all over the world. This is as a result of the opportunity provided by higher institutions and more students taking part in it (OECD, 2005). Digital learning is basically the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to enhance and support learning teaching and research (Eteng Ntui, 2009). With digital learning, there is a shift from the traditional approach of teacher-directed didactic to modern methods where computer technology plays an significant role, thereby improving the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of teaching, learning, research and educational management. Its methods including the integration of the World Wide Web, multimedia, information search, electronic libraries , and remote learning. In this digital age, teachers must deal with the challenge and developmental opportunities of how to appropriately use information technology and how to integrate various educational materials into course design and teaching methods (Rosenberg, 2001). The characteristics of digital learning is different from the characteristics of traditional classroom environment learning, and can improve upon some learning problems of students who are physically or mentally challenged, helping them to learn more effectively (Chen, 2003). It provides stimulation from different channels such as words, pictures, sounds, animation, and images, and can frequently help students use learning functions of different sensory organs, and achieve the learning targets of diverse wisdom (Li, 1998). In designing digital learning, scholars emphasize that learning ideals rather than computer technology should lead the design of a computerized learning environment (Chiou Chong, 1993; Yang W ang, 2001). The need for digital learning has now become important more than ever before as the objective of university education in Nigeria as defined in the National Policy on education (2000) includes the provision of high level manpower for national development and this is to be achieved through its programme of teaching, learning and research. Digital learning can help adults in developing their literacy and innumeracy skills, while also building Information Communication and Technology skills for life and work (CILIP, 2005). In spite of the bright prospect of digital learning in the country, it is so worrisome that there are some hurdles militating against the effective use of the educational technology in Nigeria. Folorunso, Ogunseye, Sharma (2006) and Resnick (2002) indicates that mass unawareness, low computer literacy level and cost were identified as critical factors affecting the acceptability of digital learning by students and lecturers of Nigerian universities. Sharma, Ekundayo, Ngige (2009) points out that digital learning place high demand on learners who have to be more proactive and disciplined than in traditional face-to-face education whereas this proactiveness and discipline is lacking. Various barriers to ICT use in Africa schools have been identified to include: poor infrastructure, epileptic power supply, lack of electricity, lack of trained personnel, poverty, inadequate funding and limited or no internet access (Aladejana, 2007; Jegede, 2005). STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM While there had been a giant attempt at integrating digital learning into instruction in other advanced countries, Nigeria is not yet fascinated by the potential of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Many of our schools are lagging behind in integrating technology into instruction. Teachers are apprehensive about improving and modifying instruction by incorporating the new technologies (Huckle, 1997). According to Salomon (1989), there are clear indications from many developing countries like Nigeria that the supply of relevant and appropriate software is a major bottleneck obstructing wider application and utilization of digital learning in Nigeria tertiary institutions. Schulmeister (2006) states that experience proved that the benefits of digital learning could not be fully taken advantage of, expectations could not be met and that technology often was used to simply reinforce outmoded approaches to learning. Resnick (2002) criticizes that even though Information Communi cation Technology is applied in education, the approaches to teaching and learning remain largely unchanged. There is therefore non-availability of internet access in some tertiary institutions because of the recurrent cost of bandwidth. Inequality of access to technology is the challenge of digital divide existing among the student in Nigeria tertiary institution (Omofaye, 2007). Thus, some of them are unable to afford computers due to the relative cost to the average income of workers in the country (Ajadi, Salawu, Adeoye, 2008). The cost of accessing the internet in Nigeria is still on the high side, some students find it a challenge to afford (Arikpo, Osofisan, Usoro, 2009) PURPOSE Based on the aforementioned research background and the statement of the problem, the purpose of this study is to explore the utilization and effect of digital learning on students in Lagos state Tertiary Institutions. RESEARCH QUESTIONS The following questions will guide this study: What is the level of awareness of students on the availability of Digital learning in Nigeria tertiary institution? What is the status of the utilization of digital learning? What are the challenges faced in the utilization of Digital learning on students? SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The study is significant in that it will provide information about the current status of utilization of modern technology in Nigerian secondary schools. It will also provide baseline data for future policy regarding technology training and the development of strategic plans aimed at encouraging technology-based innovation in teacher education programs. It is also hoped that this study will trigger off more research studies that will inform/encourage implementation of new technology in teacher education. This study will be useful to inform teachers on how use digital learning to teach students which will address the needs of students with different learning styles and motivation. It will offer great potential to transform and improve student learning, engagement and retention and support student success which will help institutional goals with potential benefits including improved retention and time savings for instructors. Average teachers will benefit as digital learning will help r each their excellent peers and take complex tasks off their to-do lists, enabling them to focus on the parts of teaching at which they can excel. Through technology, they can also obtain real-time data and advice about how to help each of their students succeed, saving time and improving performance. It will make it easy for teachers to personalize instruction, which many average teachers find difficult or impossible to achieve with whole classrooms of students with a wide array of needs. Also teachers will increasingly be able to teach more students in person as digital learning replaces portions of instruction in an individualized fashion and provides time-saving student data; reach students remotely via technology; and capture and share their performances and methods widely through video and smart software that individualizes learning. Even among excellent teachers, various people will thrive in different roles. By emphasizing the use of simulation games to teach mathematics, it is hoped that the study will lead to the improvement of mathematics teaching and learning in our secondary schools. The general poor performance of students in mathematics and their attitudes towards some aspects of the subject are expected to be better. With this study, the researcher aims at exposing the teachers and students to the importance of using simulation games to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics. Technology and digital learning can increase the ability to meet the needs of individual students. Whether through the availability of timely data or the ability to connect students with the content and activities that meet their learning styles and needs, technology and digital learning provide opportunities for teachers to personalize learning for more students at any given time. HYPOTHESES There is no significant difference between the challenges faced in the utilization of digital learning and students performance. There is no significant difference between the level awareness of students and availability of digital learning in tertiary Nigeria institutions. There is no significant difference between status and utilization of digital learning. SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY This study will cover the teaching and learning activities in Lagos State Tertiary Institutions. CHAPTER TWO:  LITERATURE REVIEW DIGITAL LEARNING RESOURCES In this study, the term digital learning resources refers to learning premises and platforms that include technology enablers such as laptops, multimedia, CD-ROMs, and Internet resources. Digital learning resources can give students authentic as well as up-to-date information that is not necessarily available in textbooks. Generally, e-learning resources are useful as they represent a collection of cultural and scientific knowledge accumulated over the years (Yeo Tan, 2008). Moreover, this type of resource can be useful to students because it can foster their learning and their critical thinking, their ability to make connections between different concepts, and bridge the gap between their theoretical and practical knowledge (Palmer, 2007). Despite this, availability of resources does not lead to automatic learning improvement; in fact, productive use of resources can be difficult to achieve (Bera Liu, 2006). Technologies and Methods of Teaching There are evidences supporting the introduction and use of new technologies in instruction. The World Bank (2004) opined that ICTs should be considered within education for the purpose of reforming curriculum, reinforcing teaching/learning and to improve leaning. The UN Secretary of State (2005) speaking on the role of technology in education said we must ensure that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are used to help unlock the doors of education. As a result, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) came up with this policy to co-operate with the private sector, to make available the benefits of new technologies, especially ICTs to increase educational opportunities and unlock the door of education. As a result of this, new technologies are being disseminated into educational institutions at a rapid rate. For the new technologies to be effectively utilized, teachers at all levels need not only to be proficient in the technologies but must also be well versed in its effect ive integration into their instruction. The major area Nigeria could meet this expectation is the teachers preparation in the methods class. It is in the methods class that the students can see their teachers modelling the use or lack of use of the technology. The use or lack of use of the new technologies may widely affect the students in future as regard whether to use them or not. CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL LEARNING The information on any subject which has been put on the web need to be transformed to knowledge at some stage for it to be made useful. As suggested by Mehdi (2004) it can be extremely easy and quick to transfer information from one place to another, it is often very difficult and slow to transfer knowledge from one person to another .There have been devised several methods to ease the process of conversion of information to knowledge, digital age has enabled swift transfer of information and now strives to produce faster ways to convert it to knowledge. Teresa John (2007) talked about the various evolutions in digital learning like word-processing, hypermedia, Computer-mediated Communications, New Literacy Studies, Digital Archives and Information Literacy. The best effective method for this conversion cant be defined as learning ability differs from person to person and different tools produce different results in individuals. We usually tend to divide these groups based on age, country or technical background. The various needs for direction of development in the field of digital learning have been felt since a long time. We cant expect every individual to respond in a similar manner to tools that are available for digital learning. Therefore different tools and teaching methods are required for different groups of people which can be implemented with the help of human computer interaction (HCI) as emphasized by Bee Laurel (2004). Another issue is the awareness to all new tools which can be helpful to a learner which can also be done with human computer interaction. Also a matter of concern is that there still exists a small population who is completely devoid of digital learning even if they can afford it. This is largely because of various myths and unawareness. As marked by Guerra, Alfonzo, Suarez, Hernandez Milan (2007) teaching aids have moved from blackboard to projector transparencies and then to video projectors and PowerPoint. The teachers are u sually not able to produce very effective multimedia or other forms of digital learning. This is quite obvious as we cant expect every teacher to be a multimedia expert. The Development of various tools was done so as to enable the learners to acquire he knowledge easily. Another issue is the capital required for the spreading awareness, conducting workshops, providing training and releasing new education tools and multimedia products for learning. PERCEPTION ON DIGITAL LEARNING To successfully create digital learning program, we need to ensure that value really is there and it is in concrete terms. That means we need to sell learners on the truthful proposition that participation will provide benefits worth the time and effort. The curriculum needs to be the point of reference for creating an effective digital learning. Doing so will stimulate vital motivation and give the program a chance to succeed (Allen, 2003). Bad digital learning perception may be due to lack of understanding, lack of communication, and lack of trust or conflicting agendas in appropriate use technology. Some goal coaching and awareness exercises are probably needed to strengthen peoples perception (Allen, 2003). It is important to realize that learners are both emotional and intellectual; and emotions have much effect on peoples perception and what they do. In some digital learning studies conducted in developing countries, it was found that lack of vision and framework in implementin g digital learning lead to a failure of these digital learning projects (Kizito Bijan, 2006; Pal, 2006). Lack of both technical and social skills required for implementation contributes to the failure of some projects. If learners cannot use adaptive tools they might feel ashamed and this affects perception. When learners feel ashamed and guilt it is because they are sent in environment in which they are not entirely pleased. The feeling will influence their study situation, as well as the whole learning process and this result in negative feedback, which may reduce concentration and motivation (Ostlund, 2005). Digital Learning Models Horn Staker (2011) offers this summary of various digital learning models: Face-to-Face Driver This approach retains teachers to deliver most of their curricula in a traditional brick-and-mortar school setting. The teacher deploys online learning on a case-by-case basis to supplement or re-mediate, often in the back of the classroom or in a technology lab.   Rotation   The common feature the rotation model is that students rotate between learning online in a one-to-one, self-paced environment and in a traditional classroom. The face-to-face teacher usually oversees the online work.   Flex   Programs with a flex model feature an online platform that delivers most of the curricula. Teachers provide on-site support on a flexible, as-needed basis through in-person tutoring sessions and small group sessions. Many dropout-recovery and credit recovery blended programs fit into this model.   Online Lab The online lab model relies on an online platform to deliver the entire course, but in a brick-and-mortar lab environment. Usually these programs provide online teachers. Paraprofessionals supervise, but offer little content expertise. Often, students who participate in an online lab program also take traditional courses.   Self-Blend The most common version of blended learning is the self-blend model, where students choose to take one or more courses online to supplement their traditional schools catalog. The online learning is always remote, which distinguishes it from the online lab model, but the traditional learning is in a brick and mortar school. All supplemental online schools that offer a la carte courses to individual students facilitate self-blending.   Online Driver   The online driver model involves an online platform and teacher that deliver all curricula. Students work remotely for the most part, Face-to-face check-ins may   be included. Some of these programs offer brick-and-mortar components as well, such as extracurricular activities. THE NEED FOR DIGITAL LEARNING IN NIGERIA TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS The world is advancing at a rapid rate. Events have moved to the electronic stage with the computer at the centre. This development has brought a lot of innovation and revolution into teaching and learning. The 3Rs (reading, writing and arithmetic) which forms the nucleus of the old system of education has witnessed series of literacy reforms. The world is now in the age of information technology or computers age; hence, there is a need to keep abreast of time. One of the ways of achieving this is through the introduction of computer education in our institutions of learning (Ajibade, 2006).

Late Adulthood Essay -- essays research papers

Late Adulthood (age 60 – 80)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During this closing period in the life span of human beings, people tend to â€Å"move away† from previous more desirable periods often known as â€Å"usefulness†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Age sixty is usually considered the dividing line between middle and old age. It is the time where you are considered an â€Å"elderly†- meaning somewhat old or advanced beyond middle age. Period of decline – comes partly from physical and partly psychological factors. The physical cause of decline is a change in the body cells due to the effects of the aging process. The psychological cause of decline has something to do with unfavorable attitudes towards oneself, other people, work and life in general. Senility – (â€Å"senile†) a more or less complete physical breakdown takes place and when there is mental disorganization. The individual becomes eccentric, careless, absentminded, socially withdrawn, and poorly adjusted.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Social Attitudes toward the Old Age – due to the unfavorable social attitudes toward the elderly, treatment towards them in America, unlike other cultures, result in making them feel no longer useful, unwanted and more of a nuisance than an asset. People who come from countries where respect for the elderly is customary usually treat elder people with more consideration and respect. Old People as â€Å"second class citizens† – a status that excludes them to some extent from interaction with other groups in the population and which gives them little to no power in society. (Again a result from unfavorable social attitudes). Changes in Roles – from an active life having purpose and roles, even sometimes multiple roles, it is expected that old people will play a decreasingly less active role in social and community affairs as well as in the business and professional worlds. Because of the reduction in the number of roles the elderly person is able to play, the person will develop feelings of inferiority and resentment. Physical changes – the most obvious sings of aging are centered in the face although sometimes medical advancements have come up with ways to cover signs of aging, the hands are another part which give away the person’s age. Head region –   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mouth changes shape   Ã‚  Ã‚  &n... ...in the speed with which the individual reaches a conclusion in both inductive and deductive reasoning. Retirement – during the adults earlier years, retirement looks better to them because of the increased leisure time and reduced stress. Although, when one actually comes to that point in their lives, retirement seems less desirable. At this age, people holding jobs suddenly feel they have lost all their power and prestige. They tend to again, feel useless without purpose. Women, adjust better to retirement than men. For women, the role change is not as radical because women still have the responsibility of playing the domestic role like taking care of the house. Happiness – there is a saying that during one’s late adulthood years, there are 3 factors that determine one’s happiness – Acceptance, Affection and Achievement. Without any one of these 3 things it is difficult if not impossible for the elderly to be happy. For example, when they feel they are being neglected by their children or other family members, when they feel that their past achievements have fallen short or when they have developed the â€Å"nobody loves me† complex it is inevitable that they be unhappy.

George Orwells “A Hanging” Essay

George Orwells’ â€Å"A Hanging† is a very descriptive piece. It starts off going into a detailed description of the weather, jail cells, and the inmates. The description goes so far to even mention that the man who was going to be hanged jumped over a water puddle. This shows me that even though it shouldn’t matter because he’s about to die it is just a natural instinct. When Orwell starts to describe the weather it sends out a dark uneasiness atmosphere. He describes the jail cells where the condemned people live as â€Å"small animal cages† this gives the impression on how bad the conditions were. This is the first sign of how inhumane it is there. Orwell then described the prisoner â€Å"a puny wisp of a man with vague liquid eyes.† He described him like this without telling about the crime so no one could stereotype the prisoner or be influenced to see him in a different light but only as a favorable, powerless Hindu man. Orwell gives in tense description to show the harsh treatment and to give his dislike for the way the people were treated. The dog that jumped on the man who was about to be executed was friendly to him and didn’t see him in his wrong doing unlike the people who intended to execute him. This made the inhumane execution seem even worse. I think the major conflict is that he knows that this harmless seeming man is about to be executed and he has no choice but to go along with the killing of this man even though he knows it is wrong. He has a strong dislike for the situation but because of his occupation and he doesn’t want to be looked at differently he doesn’t stand up for the man and stop the execution. He is expected to help with the hanging because it is one of his duties as an imperialist British police officer. In the story Orwell said, â€Å"I saw the mystery the unspeakable wrongness, of cutting a life short when it is in full tide.† To me this means they would be ending a man’s life that has a future and once his life is ended that future will never be experience d. After this Orwells view of capital punishment it is morally wrong and he thinks that no person should take another person’s life. When the prisoner begins to chant to his god it started to build up tension between the execution party and him. When Orwell said â€Å"the Indians  had gone grey like bad coffee.† He is simply expressing his distaste for the actual hanging itself. When he talks about the clanking sound then the dead silence he showed me how quick and easy it was to take a person’s life. The dog then again showed human like emotions against what was going on. Orwell said â€Å"it stopped short, barked then retreated into a corner of the yard.† This made me think the dog had emotional ties with the man also and it shows the dog in shock and just disgusted at the things that had just took place. Throughout this story Orwell expresses his outrage of the things that are taking place but doesn’t seem to try to stand up for what is morally right. Orwell uses figurative imagery and vivid description to revel his disapproval for capital punishment. Orwell skillfully manipulated the mood to engage readers’ emotions and convinces his anti-capital punishment among you. He sometimes even showed his emotional reactions through the dog. The purpose is to show the contrast of the overall value of life with it being destroyed by another people. He also tries to improve the mood of understanding the issues of capital punishment that have took place by showing how wrong it is to take someone’s life no matter their crime, religion, or anything that makes them different from another person. He resolves his conflict by writing about this and informing people that your morals shouldn’t be put to the side just because it is the duties of your occupation. Orwell is showing people that capital punishment is wrong no matter what the circumstances. Some feelings I felt while reading this were sympathy, compassion, uncomfortableness, surprise, and unease. At the beginning of this I was all for capital punishment but as I have read it I feel as if capital punishment is wrong because no one should have the right to say because of whatever reason it may be you need to die. They should just stay locked away forever if people think that they should be killed for some kind of wrong doing. I don’t see how the how the execution party could watch either because handing somebody is inhumane no matter how you look at it. I feel that the people that are conducting the execution are the most inhumane people and that the execution party that watches it are not far from it. I now understand the actual meaning of capital punishment and reading this short story has changed my perception on capital punishment a great deal. I also understand why I should not let other outside factors influence what I know is morally correct whether it be something as serious  as capital punishment or just day to day things in my life. What’s right is rig ht and what’s wrong is wrong.

A history of violence

â€Å"A history of violence† is a film which presents a world of â€Å"monsters† that has a presence which is not felt until the â€Å"monsters† emerge into action. The film focuses on the necessity of violence and the manner in which it destroys and in the same time saves humanity. The whole film concentrates on the double identity of the world. It is the classic theme: a fight between good and evil.The question which Cronenberg’s film raised is whether or not â€Å"the violent instinct is necessarily an evil† (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_History_of_Violence_(film)). The main character from â€Å"A history of violence†, Tom Stall (actor Viggo Mortensen), is a tender family man, very in love with his wife. He is attacked in his dinner by two perpetrators which he eventually kills.He becomes a hero but in the same time his hidden past is starting to reveal. It is revealed that Tom ran away from the instinct of violence but this instinct fro m which he ran, in the end saved his life. He knew how to respond to violence with violence. This is a message to a world in witch violence seems most present and emphasizes that in this kind of world nobody can survive without the instinct of violence. Thus the human nature becomes dual; it is divided between love and hate.It is a history of violence because the movie presents: the past of Tom Stall who used to work for the mob, his name was Joey Cusack, but gave up because he didn’t want to be on that side of the society, then the present witch presents Tom as a peaceful, family guy who now fights to solve his past issues in order to protect his dear family, and the future which is predicted by Tom’s teenage sun Jack who is aggressed by bullies at school and he always avoided fighting them., this meaning that violence will never cease to be a real mean of surviving.Tom is a character who didn’t enjoy killing, in spite of this he is forced to kill. Violence is needed in order to keep on living. He hides his past from his family. He struggles to hide his violent side. Significant are the words uttered by a stranger regarding Tom: â€Å"you are trying so hard to be this other guy, it’s painful to watch†.No matter how much Tom tries to hide the inhuman side it arises when it is needed. His power to fight with the perpetrators emerges from somewhere deep and apparently can not be controlled. It is a question whether or not human monsters are born or trained to be violent.It is clear that humans are built from two parts: the violent one and peaceful one. History demonstrated that the violent part was not at all absent. It is a constant interior struggle to balance violence and peace. It can never be one without the other. Peace was always obtained with the help of violence, and tranquility was broken by violence.Tom is a character who hides his past. He became a family man after he escaped from the mob. These facts made him in th e eyes of his community a man with double identity.The community came to know a side of Toms’ that they were never aware of. During the plot Tom mutates, he turns from good to bad and vice versa. People are able to change, a different character is born, and new personality traits are formed as people grow up. A person identity is important because it places a person into society. Tom is Joey, Joey is Tom, they are one and the same person, one is from the past and one is the present, those two persons have to coexist in the end, it can not be one without the other because both are part of the same person.There is something dark and mysterious in every one of us. There are hidden parts of the human personality that can get revealed and shock everybody.There are various interpretations of David Cronenberg’s movie. It is a depiction of the long history of violence and its inheritance from generation to generation. Violence was and is used as a tool for settling disputes, i t’s a â€Å"Darwinian evolution† in which stronger organism replace the weaker once. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_History_of_Violence_ (film)).BIBLIOGRAPHY:International Movie Database http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399146/usercommentsWikipedia  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚