Research Paper about Pacific Islander Surfing Origins and Influence

Surfing, which originated from pacific islands, had a significant and lasting impact on American Culture. â€Å"Its all about where your minds at.† ~ Kelly Slater It is definitely an incontestable fact that surfing has a significant and lasting influence upon the American culture in all its manifestations. Surfing was initially an integral part of the Polynesian culture, and later was adopted by the European settlers, who arrived to the Pacific Islands. Hawaii, Florida and California are considered to be the most vivid representatives of the surf culture and true examples of how surfing has influenced the American culture. Mark Twain, one of the most prominent American writers of the nineteenth century wrote the following when he visited the Hawaiian Islands in 1866: In one place we came upon a large company of naked natives, of both sexes and all ages, amusing themselves with the national pastime of surf-bathing.† (Twain, M., 2007) When Captain James Cook observed how the native Hawaiians mastered the surfboard, he â€Å"†¦ could not help concluding this man had the most supreme pleasure while he was driven so fast and so smoothly by the sea†. The surf culture in the United States aroused in the beginning of the 20th century with the culmination points during the 1950s and 1960s, and yet it continues to flourish. Initially ancient Hawaiians believed that Kahunas (Hawaiian priests) can influence the gods in terms of catching good waves. There ritual songs and dances were supposed to please the gods of the sea and sent native Hawaiians surfable waves. For quite some time Caucasians assumed that only native inhabitants of the Pacific Islands possess the skills to surf. The first large-scale surf competition was held in 1928. Up till now the number of professional surfers is rather small as it is considered to be a difficult sport. (History of surfing. Surf culture., 2010) As a result of such swift development from just a hobby into a full-fledge sport, surfing has become one of the major American exports, similar to Hollywood and rock’n’roll. The surf culture has touched upon all spheres of life starting from music, fashion, cinematography, language and much more. The first wetsuit was manufactures from parts of neoprene by Jack O’Neil in the beginning of the 1950s in California. The wetsuit played a significant role as it preserved the surfers from the cold waters. The wetsuit gave the sportsmen the possibility to practice throughout the year. The surf style comes in and out of fashion every five to ten years. The surf culture has given birth to numerous clothing brands and the entire subclass of the media industry. Dale Velzy in turn is responsible for popularization of surfing. He was the first sponsor of the surf competitions. By giving new modernized surfboards to local surfers he earned their support and collaboration. In th e United States Velzy disclosed surfing to the public. (History of surfing. Surf culture., 2010) When it comes to film making, â€Å"Gidget† (1959) and â€Å"The Endless Summer† (1966) are recognized as the crown jewels of surf cinematography. These movies lightened up the spark of interest towards surfing and surf culture. These masterpieces revealed the surf world to the American population. In addition, John Severson established a photo book called â€Å"The Surfer†, which gradually evolved into a full-scale magazine. It is also considered to be the first publication in the world disclosing the development of surfing. Many youngsters chose famous surfers who ride mind-blowing waves as their idols. Andy Irons (three time  World Champion – 2002, 2003, 2004; holder of three  Quiksilver Pro France  titles – 2003, 2004, 2005; two Rip Curl Pro Search titles – 2006 and 2007 and 20 elite tour victories including the  Vans Triple Crown of Surfing  four times from 2002-2006), Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (August 24, 1890 January 22, 1968, th e Father of Modern Surfing) and Rell Sunn  (Female World Surfing champion, known as the Queen of Makaha) are among the most famous American surfers. (Warshaw, M., 2005) Surf music was most popular in the 1960s. It is divided into two significant forms – instrumental surf rock (main melody is lead by an electric guitar or saxophone) and vocal surf pop presented by ballads and dance music. One of the most famous surf bands of the 1960s is considered to be â€Å"The Beach Boys†. (Warshaw, M., 2005) Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat are among the most popular contemporary surf singers. The surf culture has also created its own language style. In general this language is slang, which is only understandable to close members of the surf society. For example, a cut-back  is â€Å"a surf maneuver; its a 180 ° turn thats done on either of the two rails of the surfboard, basically reversing the direction that you are surfing in† or mushy  identifies slow and slapdash waves giving little force not enough for great surfing. (Surf speak, 2010) Surfing has become not only a lifestyle, but a swiftly developing industry, a flourishing culture and for many is an integral part of the American dream. Surfers from all over the world come to the coasts of the Hawaiian Islands and California in the hunt for enormous waves with the aspiration to catch the ultimate ride and experience the magnificence of the ocean. Reference History of surfing. Surf culture. (2010). Club of the Waves. Retrieved November 22, 2010 from http://www.clubofthewaves.com/surf-culture/history-of-surfing.php Surf speak. Surf culture. (2010). Club of the Waves. Retrieved November 22, 2010 from http://www.clubofthewaves.com/surf-culture/surf-speak.php Twain, M. (2007). Roughing it. Digireads.com Publishing. p. 228 http://books.google.com/books?id=gjUOvGeK51MCprintsec=frontcoversource=gbs_ge_summary_rcad=0#v=onepageqf=false Warshaw, M.  (2005). The Encyclopedia of Surfing.  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. pp. 776-7.

The Roles Of Light And Dark Imagery - 1384 Words

Analysis of the roles of light and dark imagery in Banana Yoshimoto’s Kitchen In the novella Kitchen, Banana Yoshimoto uses light and dark imagery to develop realistic characterization and to support her fantastical style, while effectively projecting pathos upon the readers. Throughout the story, Mikage unveils that life is a process of healing where grief and sadness are needed to truly appreciate happiness. Such abstract ideas and emotions are detailedly brought about by Yoshimoto’s usage of the four seasons of the year to provide a main timeline of the events concerning Mikage’s encounters with death, as well utilizing cosmos as a form of pathetic fallacy during the more miniscule experiences. In the grand scheme of the story, there†¦show more content†¦Following Spring was the â€Å"one summer of bliss† (59) occurring â€Å"in [the Tanabe’s] kitchen’’ (59). This period containing longer, bright days of joy and fullness d emonstrates to the readers the extent of Mikage’s contentment through the motif of nurture brought by cooking in the kitchen, especially in the Tanabe’s kitchen. In face of the season of death and preparing for an end, â€Å"Eriko died late in the Autumn.† (44) Much grief and despair fell upon Mikage and Yuichi as the dark Autumn imagery clearly reflects these negative emotions. There was a discrete transition from Autumn to Winter as death and preparing for an end goes hand in hand with voidness and despair. The four seasons of the year which range in different exposures to lightness are perfectly used by Yoshimoto to express the continuity of the cycle of grief and joy as time advances. Yoshimoto provides an overall transition between darkness to lightness from the beginning of Kitchen to the end, which demonstrates Mikage’s developmental journey in discovering that time will constantly move despite any abruptions in life and no one will be capable of preventing it. Proceeding the death of Mikage’s grandmother, she is once again stuck with a â€Å"hollow in [her] heart† (56) the following Winter as it was the grieving period for Eriko; however, now she has developed a philosophy that â€Å"[she] wants toShow MoreRelatedTheme Of Light And Dark Imagery In Oedipus The King1316 Words   |  6 PagesSophocles’ masterful work, Oedipus the King, exemplifies the significance of imagery within literature. The perpetual presence of light and dark imagery effectively strengthens the dramatic aspects of catharsis, anagnorisis and mimesis. These factors continually impose the audience to establish a personal connection with the literary work. 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Those three purposes are to create atmosphere, to arouse the emotions of the audience and to contribute to the major theme of the play. The darkness imagery in Macbeth contributes to its ominousRead MoreHow Is the Image of Darkness Used and Developed Throughout Macbeth?729 Words   |  3 Pagesin which evils were most free since it was not purged by the sunshine. Shakespeare uses the dark imagery to create a mysterious and gloomy atmosphere. It also manipulates the audience’s emotions by evoking an emotional response. Furthermore, it is used to develop the characters and show how they change. There are many reasons for the repeated motif as it is a very powerful metaphor. The darkness imagery in Macbeth contributes to its ominous and threatening atmosphere. From the first lines of the

Drawing On What You Have Learned About City Road Persuasive Essay Example For Students

Drawing On What You Have Learned About City Road Persuasive Essay This road is used by people of all different ages and ethnicities. It is a very busy one way street, that leads you to the main town centre. Will be looking at the social order is made through the street environment and how is it repaired by the police. Social order is all about how people behave in society. It is needed in order tort society to function properly, Making refers to the activities that people take part in and the relationship they have with other people and objects. An example to his is shown on City Road, through the way the street environment is organized. They have blue bollards at a certain height, in order to make sure vehicles cannot come up onto the path, causing problems for the pedestrians, especially people with prams and wheelchair users. They also have traffic islands, in order to make crossing easier for pedestrians. On the road, there is different colored tarmac, to make it clear to drivers veers to drive and it also makes things safer when pedestrians cross the road. This is different to SST Helene Street, there is only raffia lights to help pedestrians across. However, this slows traffic down and disrupts order. TO try and resolve this, they are currently putting bollards and traffic islands in place as it is a very busy street. But this in itself is disrupting social order as it is causing traffic jams along the road. The street environment is an example of an invisible process of making social order, as people take for granted. Repairing refers to the activities people take part in, in order to make society a better place e. G. Street cleaners making the sure the streets are kept clean. Even though we know that there are people that do this, we take it for granted. This is an example of invisible processes of repairing. The police help to repair and reinforce social order on SST Helene Street, especially at night. There are a lot of restaurants and takeaways on this street and it gets very busy at night times, so the police are always on hand along this street in case of any trouble, Police are also starting to take on more of a role in the community, helping to make sure our streets are clean This is the same on City Road and the operation Clean Sweep. Ordered Lives, Scene 2) The police are also on hand on City Road. They are they to control the behavior of others and also to make sure the noise levels are kept down. An example of the police on City Road would be When Jerome was stopped by the police, for having no driving license or insurance. (Ordered Lives, Scene 3). This is an example of a visible process. The use Of CATV on SST Helene Street is very important in repairing social order. It is a very busy street and also an area of high crime activities. By having the CATV cameras in place, it it also helps the police in their role Of repairing social order. With technology as sophisticated as it is today, the cameras are able to zoom in and scan areas. This is the same on City Road, where CATV cameras help the police to identify anti social behavior and traffic violations. Overall, some processes of making and repairing social order happen on almost every street as they help things to run smoothly. Having these processes in place is very important within our society. There are some processes that invisible, which we take for granted and others, that are more visible to us.

Why am I afraid to tell you who I am Insights to personal growth Essay Example

Why am I afraid to tell you who I am? Insights to personal growth Essay As the book title of itself describes the questions and answers held within it, â€Å"Why am I afraid to tell you who I am? Insights to personal growth,† is an amazingly effective book of guidance written by John Powell, through which a person finds the process of personality growth, which begins from the moment one starts reading it. The author of the book Father John Powell, S.J, belongs to the city of Chicago, is a member of the Society of Jesus and very recently retired from Loyola University of Chicago, where he was a Professor of Theology. He is a man of great intellect and has been awarded degrees in Classics (English, Greek), Theology, English and Philosophy. Being the second best Christian author in America, John Powell has written 21 books, which have been interpreted into more than thirty languages; and still remains to be consistent author whose books such as â€Å"Why Am I Afraid to Love† and â€Å"Will the Real Me Please Stand Up?† are immensely acknowledged world wide. We will write a custom essay sample on Why am I afraid to tell you who I am? Insights to personal growth specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Why am I afraid to tell you who I am? Insights to personal growth specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Why am I afraid to tell you who I am? Insights to personal growth specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In the â€Å"Why am I afraid to tell you who I am?† the author tremendously blends in spirituality and psychology together in such a simple a dramatic way, that the reader does not feel the burden of change and evolution molding his personality automatically. It gives every individual a fair ground though which he gains the perspective of questioning his own self, looking into the depths of his mind and heart finding all the secrets he had been hiding through mere virtual fears and notions which when seen in reality and through positive thinking never even exist. It helps to negate the mental boundaries and limitations which a human mind sometimes creates through fear or lack of confidence within his individuality. God has blessed every individual with a specific nature and personality, with a background and kismet through which he dwells the world, and every individual has a totally different experience of life from the other, and if somebody tries to hide behind the truth creating a wall of lies against his real life, then it is because of his lack of confidence and believe within himself depicting that his personality still hasn’t been matured enough to accept and appreciate the truth. The author emphasizes that it is only after we start to believe and are able to face our personal fears and harsh realities, and trust in it only then others would place their faith in us, will accept us rather than exclude as we had feared them to do. It is not the society which discriminates us, but it is we ourselves who get separated by not accepting the truth. Themes such as self esteem, spirituality, adulthood, inter personal relations, self perception and events of inspiration are threaded throughout the book, which help to motivate and uplift an individual. After making one realize that he suffers from the problem of self deception; through simple illustration and questions the author helps a person to ask himself of the things which scare him so much that he would prefer to stay in solitude, it helps them to identify the causes behind their insecurities and frameworks of falsehood. A major sign of maturity is when a person starts to communicate with others in the society and have an exchange of thoughts and ideas with them. The book gives tips as to how one could be more open and what could be the extreme consequences of his lies. People may tend to play many games in order to protect their inner selves hiding place, but it is only after we believe in ourselves that we would have the ability to grow not only mentally, but also have a more stable and stronger personality. This book can be treated as a religious as well as a self help reserve. This book has changed the perception of millions of readers throughout the world, and continues to spread it magic and belief not only leaving an imprint on their mind but also on their hearts and their routine lives. Why am I afraid to tell you who I am Insights to personal growth Essay Example Why am I afraid to tell you who I am? Insights to personal growth Essay As the book title of itself describes the questions and answers held within it, â€Å"Why am I afraid to tell you who I am? Insights to personal growth,† is an amazingly effective book of guidance written by John Powell, through which a person finds the process of personality growth, which begins from the moment one starts reading it. The author of the book Father John Powell, S.J, belongs to the city of Chicago, is a member of the Society of Jesus and very recently retired from Loyola University of Chicago, where he was a Professor of Theology. He is a man of great intellect and has been awarded degrees in Classics (English, Greek), Theology, English and Philosophy. Being the second best Christian author in America, John Powell has written 21 books, which have been interpreted into more than thirty languages; and still remains to be consistent author whose books such as â€Å"Why Am I Afraid to Love† and â€Å"Will the Real Me Please Stand Up?† are immensely acknowledged world wide. We will write a custom essay sample on Why am I afraid to tell you who I am? Insights to personal growth specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Why am I afraid to tell you who I am? Insights to personal growth specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Why am I afraid to tell you who I am? Insights to personal growth specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In the â€Å"Why am I afraid to tell you who I am?† the author tremendously blends in spirituality and psychology together in such a simple a dramatic way, that the reader does not feel the burden of change and evolution molding his personality automatically. It gives every individual a fair ground though which he gains the perspective of questioning his own self, looking into the depths of his mind and heart finding all the secrets he had been hiding through mere virtual fears and notions which when seen in reality and through positive thinking never even exist. It helps to negate the mental boundaries and limitations which a human mind sometimes creates through fear or lack of confidence within his individuality. God has blessed every individual with a specific nature and personality, with a background and kismet through which he dwells the world, and every individual has a totally different experience of life from the other, and if somebody tries to hide behind the truth creating a wall of lies against his real life, then it is because of his lack of confidence and believe within himself depicting that his personality still hasn’t been matured enough to accept and appreciate the truth. The author emphasizes that it is only after we start to believe and are able to face our personal fears and harsh realities, and trust in it only then others would place their faith in us, will accept us rather than exclude as we had feared them to do. It is not the society which discriminates us, but it is we ourselves who get separated by not accepting the truth. Themes such as self esteem, spirituality, adulthood, inter personal relations, self perception and events of inspiration are threaded throughout the book, which help to motivate and uplift an individual. After making one realize that he suffers from the problem of self deception; through simple illustration and questions the author helps a person to ask himself of the things which scare him so much that he would prefer to stay in solitude, it helps them to identify the causes behind their insecurities and frameworks of falsehood. A major sign of maturity is when a person starts to communicate with others in the society and have an exchange of thoughts and ideas with them. The book gives tips as to how one could be more open and what could be the extreme consequences of his lies. People may tend to play many games in order to protect their inner selves hiding place, but it is only after we believe in ourselves that we would have the ability to grow not only mentally, but also have a more stable and stronger personality. This book can be treated as a religious as well as a self help reserve. This book has changed the perception of millions of readers throughout the world, and continues to spread it magic and belief not only leaving an imprint on their mind but also on their hearts and their routine lives.