HOW MIGHT THE FAN PRACTICES THAT PRODUCE A CULT TEXT BE CATEGORIZED AS Essay

HOW MIGHT THE FAN PRACTICES THAT PRODUCE A CULT TEXT BE CATEGORIZED AS EITHER MASCULINE OF FEMININE; THIS ACCORDING TO GENDERED COMPETENCIES AND DISPOSITIONS AS FOUND IN THE AMERICAN SERIES TRUE BLOOD - Essay Example Vampires, two years prior, remained hidden from the Human Race; dwelling in the shadows while preying on human beings for their blood that was the vampires lifeline. This, however, changes when scientists in Japan create an artificial form of blood called â€Å"True Blood† that takes the place of human beings’ blood. They no longer have their survival controlled by the need for human blood. Instead, the vampire race is able to integrate itself into the â€Å"Mainstream† Human society. The resultant interactions are mutually suspicious with each race preferring its own company; often being intolerant of the other (Broyles, 2010, p. 56). Vampire blood, on the other hand, is categorized as being a kind of human narcotic: â€Å"V† or â€Å"V Juice† that is often sought after by the Human race. Sookie, the main protagonist is caught up in a fight between a human couple and a vampire male, Merlotte’s first, who were attempting to drain his blood. From this scene, the notion of women’s’ hospitability, non- violence and accepting nature is exhibited; this contributing immensely to the ensuing relationship that was to develop between her, Sookie, and the vampire, Bill Compton. From this relationship, a host of vampire culture and psychology is explored with great limitations being portrayed on vampire psychology. The receptive and understanding nature of Sookie epitomizes the goodwill and caring nature present in the female psychology (Hammond, 2006, p. 136). The murders of several women, all connected to Sookie’s older Brother Jason, provides the first season’s major plot. ... 136). The murders of several women, all connected to Sookie’s older Brother Jason, provides the first season’s major plot. Among the victims are Maudette Pickens, a sexual partner; Dawn Green, one of Merlotte’s servers; Grandmother Adele and girlfriend Amy Burley. He is addicted to vampire blood â€Å"V†; that is a human narcotic unlike anything manufactured at the time. The viewers’ knowledge of Jason’s innocence does not help much in easing the constant accusations and investigations carried out by detective Andy, in conjunction with Sheriff Bud, who target him as the main suspect in the investigations. The theme of masculinity comes out with the accusations, of the murders, and the constant harassment of the perceived suspect by the local authority. Violence and other acts of violence are socialized with the notion of masculinity while the feminine nature is credited with old age (Grandmother Adele), sensual and sexual pleasures as portray ed by Maudette and Marlette’s Dawn Green (Ghaill, 1994, p. 51). Friendship and enduring bonds are exemplified by the unwavering support given to Jason by two of his friends and workmates, Fortenberry and Lenier. Masculinity and endurance are two themes explored until in the end, another actor; Rene is exposed as the murderer; killed in a final confrontation with Sookie. Rene, Arlene’s fiance is actually Drew Marshall who having created a false identity goes about killing those women he considers gang-bangers; that is, women who have sexual relations with vampires. Friendship and unwavering bonds between the Male species is exemplified as being strong and long-lasting; this contributing to the fan

The Quintessence of Human Nature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Quintessence of Human Nature - Essay Example Some people deemed that humans are basically evil. Hobbes believed that the state of nature was so horrible, and people in their natural state so degenerate, that any form of government was preferable to it (119). Thus, Hobbes opposed any revolution in any kind, not because he supposes that kings govern by absolute right but because he believed that authoritarian governments were mandatory to keep human beings’ worst impulses under control (119). Hobbes highlighted in his theory that the natural state of humanity is war, by which he means not necessarily armed conflict but a struggle in which each person’s interests are intrinsically opposed to everyone else’s (119). In such a state, Hobbes described human nature as solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short (119). Hobbes stressed that men have no pleasure, but on the contrary, a great deal of misery, in keeping company where there is no power to over-awe them all (121). Likewise, he supposes that every man thinks that his companion should value him at the same degree he sets upon himself, and upon all signs of hatred, or undervaluing, fundamentally endeavors, as far as he dares which amid them have no common power to keep them tranquil and that power though is great enough for men to destroy each other, to extort a superior value from his critics, by harm to others for instance (121). Hobbes also cited the three principal factors of quarrel that the nature of man possesses and these are rivalry, diffidence and the drive for grandeur (121). The sense of rivalry drives men to invade for gain; they also employ the use of violence to make themselves the masters of other men’s persons, wives, children and cattle. On the contrary, the principle of diffidence highlights that men dominate others for their safety; hence, they utilize hostility to defend themselves. Conversely, the drive for grandeur motivates a man to overcome another for reputation; mainly, they use aggression for trifles suc h as a word, a smile, a diverse opinion and any other sign of undervalue, either direct in their persons, or by reflection in their kindred, their friends, their nation, their profession or their name (Hobbes 121). Just like Hobbes, the Chinese philosopher Hsun believes that man’s nature is basically evil (100). Hsun saw Confucian rites as indispensable because they restrained and redirected humanity’s innate disposition towards evil (100). Moreover, he believed that strict discipline could make human beings good despite their natural inclinations. He also argued that human beings must be forced into rectitude by strict laws and harsh penalties for disobedience (100). Man’s nature is evil and the goodness is the result of conscious activity; the nature of man is such that he is born with a fondness for profit and if he indulges this fondness, it will lead man into squabbling and conflict, and all sense of courtesy and humility will vanish (Hsun 100-101). He is b orn with feelings of resentment and abhorrence, and if he indulges these, they will direct him into violence and crime, and all sense of fidelity and good faith will disappear (Hsun 101). Man is born with the desires of the eyes and the ears, with a fondness for beautiful sights and sounds; if he indulges these, they will lead him into license and depravity, and all ritual principles and correct forms