The Scarlet Letter Essay Thesis Example For Students

The Scarlet Letter Essay Thesis The Scarlet Letter The Ministers Anguish Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter is a compelling story which explores the inner emotions of the human mind, spirit, and the heart.Set around the 1640s in a Boston Puritan society, it focuses on the moral issue revolving around the virtue of truth and the evil of secret sin.Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, a man of profound knowledge of religion and a true devotee of God, commits a crime of passion with the young and married Hester Prynne.The Puritan society, which barely tolerates any sin, seeks out Hester Prynne and punishes her by making her wear the scarlet letter A.Even though, Arthur Dimmesdale escapes punishment from the Puritan society, he endures an excruciating amount of pain that he brings forth onto himself.Due to the weakness in Dimmesdales character and the guilt that comes from within, he is forced to carry the tremendous weight of concealing his sin on his soul and heart. We will write a custom essay on The Scarlet Letter Thesis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale lives in a world of hypocrisy which is brought on by the strong sense of guilt he feels thats a burden on his soul.As a minister, Dimmesdale is believed to be absolutely pure who follows his own teachings.People think, The young divine. . . was considered by his more fervent admirers as little less that heavenly and ordained apostle. . . (119), about the clergyman.However, Dimmesdale being a hypocrite, urges his congregations to confess their sins openly and then himself refrains from doing the same.He is afraid of what the societys reactions could be towards him and he would be released from his duties to God.Once, Dimmesdale directly tells Hester to confess at the scaffold.He says, . . . Be not silent from any mistaken pity and tenderness for him; for, believe me, Hester, though he were to step down from a high place, and stand there beside thee on thy pedestal of shame, yet better were it so, that to hide a guilty heart through life (73).Dimmesdale preaches that a person is righteous in admitting their crime rather than carrying the guilt around for the rest of his life.Being unprincipled, Dimmesdale does the exact opposite of his own advice.As a minister of the Puritan church, Dimmesdale holds a very high position in society where everyone looks up to him as a role model.He feels very guilty in his heart knowing that he has committed a sin.People identify him as a guiltless and holy man.When people have that kind of a view for him, Dimmesdale feels even more pressured and sinful.He yearns to speak out the truth to make people abandon his false image of a perfectionist.Dimmesdale wants to say, . . . -I whose footsteps, as you suppose, leave a gleam along my earthy track, . . . I, -who have laid the hand of baptism upon your children, . . . -I, your pastor, whom you so reverence and trust, am utterly a pollution and lie! (140).Constantly, Dimmesdale is punishing himself by allowing such feelings of torment deteriorate him em otionally.He believes he has an enormous responsibility to God and his followers.By concealing the truth from his followers, Dimmesdale feels hes deceiving God.Just as he feels sinful about living as a hypocrite, he senses pain when he realizes how much Hester and Pearl have endured. Unable to carry on the responsibility of being a caring father and a beloved husband, Arthur Dimmesdale feels guilty.This sense of guilt consumes him, furthermore, increasing his anguish when he sees Hester suffering alone for the crime they both perpetrate.The first time Dimmesdale gets up on the scaffold with the rest of his family, he says to Hester, Ye have both been here before, but I was not with you. . . (148).Dimmesdale wants Hester to know that he realizes how hard its been for her to go through the humiliation and suffering.At the moment, he decides to share Hesters repentance by standing next to her.Pearl, too, stands on the scaffold with them.Dimmesdales feels a lot of love for his daughter.When Pearl is about to meet Dimmesdale, he says, . . . how my heart dreads this interview, and yearns for it!. . . Yet Pearl, twice in her little lifeti..me hath been kind to me! . . . (196).Hes scared that what if Pearl doesnt expect him as her father and at the same time he feel s excited to meet her.The reader can see how it must have been hard for Dimmesdale to deny Pearl as his daughter in the village just so he can keep his sin secret.He is unable to accept his family in front of the Puritans because of Dimmesdales guilt of not complying of being their role model.To keep his sin disguised and not being able to admit his guilt , he afflicts himself with wounds during which he witnesses hallucinations.He sees, . . . through the chamber which these spectral thoughts had made so ghastly, glided Hester Prynne, leading along little Pearl in her scarlet garb and pointing her forefinger, first at the scarlet letter on her bosom, and then at the clergymans own breast(142).This quote shows how he feels he did injustice towards his family for letting them suffer alone.Dimmesdale thinks that Pearl blames him for the unusual childhood she has due to the crime.His soul, even after carrying so much guilt, conveys a tragic flaw as well. .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc , .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc .postImageUrl , .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc , .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc:hover , .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc:visited , .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc:active { border:0!important; } .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc:active , .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf1dee92ba87a0d05a88e8befdbe45cfc:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Anxiety Caused When A Mistake Is Realized EssayAnother force that puts Dimmesdale through unnecessary anguish is his weakness of not acknowledging publicly that he committed a sin.He aspires to become a perfectionist but ends up having poor will power.Throughout the novel, the reader sees the minister trying to justify his crime through excuses.From the beginning, Dimmesdale knows there is only one way to pay penance which is admitting his guilt.At first, he indirectly suggests an explanation for his secret sin.Dimmesdale tell Chillingworth, . . . they are kept silent by the very constitution of their nature.Or- can we not suppose it?-guilty as they may be, retaining , nevertheless, a zeal for Gods glory and mans welfare, they shrink from displaying themselves black and filthy in the view of men; because . . . no good can be achieved by them; no evil of the past be redeemed by better service.So to their own unutterable torment, they go about among their fellow-creatures looking pure . . . while their hearts are speckled and spotted. . . (130). Dimmesdale wants to justify his action by saying that if man commits a sin, then he will be punished by God only.Hes trying to say that whats the use of being looked at by lower standards through the eyes of human beings when God will discipline the person harshly anyway.One of the other reasons is that he believes its in good faith to continue to do Gods work even when he isnt following on the path of God.Dimmesdale despises himself for his inability to confess and he even inflicts many body injuries. Rev. Dimmesdale apprehends the fact that he has to admit his crime before the world.He says to Hester, . . . Else I should long ago have thrown off their garments of mock holiness and have shown myself to mankind as they will see me at the judgment seat.Happy are you, Hester, that wear the scarlet letter openly upon your bosom!Mine burns in secret!Thou little knowest what a relief, after the torment of a seven years cheat, to look into an eye that recognizes me for what I am! . . . (183). When Reverend Dimmesdale finally decides to admit he had committed a sin of adultery in front of the whole Puritan village, he still needs strength from Hester to carry him up to the scaffold.Pearl is also right by Dimmesdale holding his hand.To overcome his weakness, Dimmesdale uses the support of his family, Hester and Pearl, very successfully. Reverend Dimmesdales weakness in character and the load of guiltiness he feels is the cause of hiding his crime from the society.Due to the constant struggles within himself, Dimmesdale is finally able admit his sin and die a peaceful death on the scaffold where the whole ordeal had began.Nathaniel Hawthorne portrays Dimmesdale as a frail human being who is able to overcome a lot of agony with the strength of truth.The clergymans life and death leaves us an important moral to remember: Be true!Be true! Be true!Show freely to the world, if not your worst, yet some trait whereby the worst may be inferred! (242).

Essay on Leadership on the Field of Play

Essay on Leadership on the Field of PlayIf you are looking for a sample essay on leadership on the field of play, then this article can help. Theses are some great tips that can help you along your way in writing a great essay on leadership and its place in the game of football. But first, what is leadership?A common definition of leadership is that it is the person that acts as a leader. So how do you define a leader? Well, in football terms, the position of the leader is the striker. This means that the team needs strikers to create opportunities for them and score goals for them.So in a nutshell, leadership is creating an opportunity for the team to score the goals and to create a great performance out of the players on the field. It is these traits that the game requires that can be provided by leaders. Now for the essay on leadership on the field of play, what do you need to focus on?First off, always be honest and set the ground rules before you begin writing. How many players will participate in the discussion? This will help you narrow down your essay on leadership.After you decide on how many will be participating, make sure you know exactly what you want your good essay on leadership to accomplish. Be specific and outline why you want your essay to be successful. Knowing why you want it to be successful, will help you get the full essay up and running.Next, be concise and give the reader just enough information to be able to understand your essay. Write concisely and do not try to write fast. Keep your sentences short and simple. You will find that if you keep this in mind, then you will not have to worry about forgetting any important information that you want to convey.Also, remember to follow the ground rules when writing an essay on leadership. The ground rules for the essay are the same as writing a paper on writing skills. When you follow the ground rules for writing a good essay on leadership, you will find that you do not have to worry about m aking errors or making any corrections at all.The key to writing an essay on leadership is just to follow the guidelines and fundamentals in writing a good essay on leadership. Follow these guidelines and you will be well on your way to writing an excellent essay on leadership on the field of play.

Rights of Peasants in Peru essays

Rights of Peasants in Peru essays In December of 1915 a huge step for the rights of Peasants in Peru was taken. Juan Pevez was born in Ica, Peru and in 1915 he lead an uprising against the Picasso family who ran the that Pevez worked on. In Water!, an excerpt from Pevezs autobiography, a dispute over rights to water is described and how the peasants overcame . Southern Peru does not see much rain during the year, so when it does come it is an extremely valued commodity. In December 1915 a very unusual thing happened. The water came much earlier that year and to the peasant's surprise it went unnoticed by the estate owners. In that time the estate owners unlawfully kept the water from the peasants until their own fields were irrigated. The water came that year in the middle of the night so the estate owners were clueless. Unaware that they had the same rights to the water as the estate owners, the farmers were reluctant to open up the Sluice gates that allowed the water to enter their own small cana ls to irrigate their land. Juan Pevez, who was enrolled in the School of Agronomy informed the farmers that legally they had a right to the water. Trusting Pevez, they all opened their gates to irrigate their fields unbeknownst to the landowners. Soon, morning came and the stolen water was noticed and a brawl broke out between the serfs and the estate owners. After being broken up the peasants formed a delegation to make a plea to the Technical Commission to state their concern about the unfair distribution of water. The director of the commission, Ezequiel Gago, heard both sides argument. In December 1915 history was made when Gago ruled in favor of the Peasants. That was the first time in the history of the valley that a group of peasants won a case against a powerful landowner like Picasso. The account of this event is very important for many reasons. First, as I stated before, this was an historical event for t ...

Opeation Compass during World War II

Opeation Compass during World War II Operation Compass - Conflict: Operation Compass took place during World War II (1939-1945). Operation Compass - Date: Fighting in the Western Desert began on December 8, 1940 and concluded on February 9, 1941. Armies Commanders: British General Richard OConnorGeneral Archibald Wavell31,000 men275 tanks, 60 armored cars, 120 artillery pieces Italians General Rodolfo GrazianiGeneral Annibale Bergonzoli150,000 men600 tanks, 1,200 artillery pieces Operation Compass - Battle Summary: Following Italys June 10, 1940, declaration of war on Great Britain and France, Italian forces in Libya began raiding across the border into British-held Egypt. These raids were encouraged by Benito Mussolini who wished the Governor-General of Libya, Marshal Italo Balbo, to launch a full scale offensive with the goal of capturing the Suez Canal. After Balbos accidental death on June 28, Mussolini replaced him with General Rodolfo Graziani and gave him similar instructions. At Grazianis disposal were the Tenth and Fifth Armies which consisted of around 150,000 men. Opposing the Italians were the 31,000 men of Major General Richard OConnors West Desert Force. Though badly outnumbered the British troops were highly mechanized and mobile, as well as possessed more advanced tanks than the Italians. Among these was the heavy Matilda infantry tank which possessed armor that no available Italian tank/anti-tank gun could breach. Only one Italian unit was largely mechanized, the Maletti Group, which possessed trucks and a variety of light armor. On September 13, 1940, Graziani gave into Mussolinis demand and attacked into Egypt with seven divisions as well as the Maletti Group. After recapturing Fort Capuzzo, the Italians pressed into Egypt, advancing 60 miles in three days. Halting at Sidi Barrani, the Italians dug in to await supplies and reinforcements. These were slow arriving as the Royal Navy had increased its presence in the Mediterranean and was intercepting Italian supply ships. To counter the Italian advance, OConnor planned Operation Compass which was designed to push the Italians out of Egypt and back into Libya as far as Benghazi. Attacking on December 8, 1940, British and Indian Army units struck at Sidi Barrani. Exploiting a gap in the Italian defenses discovered by Brigadier Eric Dorman-Smith, British forces attacked south of Sidi Barrani and achieved complete surprise. Supported by artillery, aircraft, and armor, the assault overran the Italian position within five hours and resulted in the destruction of the Maletti Group and the death of its commander, General Pietro Maletti. Over the next three days, OConnors men pushed west destroying 237 Italian artillery pieces, 73 tanks, and capturing 38,300 men. Moving through Halfaya Pass, they crossed the border and captured Fort Capuzzo. Wishing to exploit the situation, OConnor wanted to keep attacking however he was forced to halt as his superior, General Archibald Wavell, withdrew the 4th Indian Division from the battle for operations in East Africa. This was replaced on December 18 by the raw Australian 6th Division, marking the first time Australian troops saw combat in World War II. Resuming the advance, the British were able to keep the Italians off balance with the speed of their attacks which led to entire units being cut off and forced to surrender. Pushing into Libya, the Australians captured Bardia (January 5, 1941), Tobruk (January 22), and Derna (February 3). Due to their inability to stop OConnors offensive, Graziani made the decision to completely abandon the region of Cyrenaica and ordered the Tenth Army to fall back through Beda Fomm. Learning of this, OConnor devised a new plan with the goal of destroying the Tenth Army. With the Australians pushing the Italians back along the coast, he detached Major General Sir Michael Creaghs 7th Armoured Division with orders to turn inland, cross the desert, and take Beda Fomm before the Italians arrived. Traveling via Mechili, Msus and Antelat, Creaghs tanks found the rough terrain of the desert difficult to cross. Falling behind schedule, Creagh made the decision to send a flying column forward to take Beda Fomm. Christened Combe Force, for its commander Lieutenant Colonel John Combe, it was composed of around 2,000 men. As it was intended to move quickly, Creagh limited its armor support to light and Cruiser tanks. Rushing forward, Combe Force took Beda Fomm on February 4. After establishing defensive positions facing north up the coast, they came under heavy attack the next day. Desperately attacking Combe Forces position, the Italians repeatedly failed to break through. For two days, Combes 2,000 men held off 20,000 Italians supported by over 100 tanks. On February 7, 20 Italian tanks managed to break into the British lines but were defeated by Combes field guns. Later that day, with the rest of the 7th Armoured Division arriving and the Australians pressing from the north, the Tenth Army began surrendering en masse. Operation Compass - Aftermath The ten weeks of Operation Compass succeeded in pushing the Tenth Army out of Egypt and eliminating it as a fighting force. During the campaign the Italians lost around 3,000 killed and 130,000 captured, as well as approximately 400 tanks and 1,292 artillery pieces. West Desert Forces losses were limited to 494 dead and 1,225 wounded. A crushing defeat for the Italians, the British failed to exploit the success of Operation Compass as Churchill ordered the advance stopped at El Agheila and began pulling out troops to aid in the defense of Greece. Later that month, the German Afrika Korps began deploying to the area radically changing the course of the war in North Africa.   This would lead to fighting back and forth with Germans winning at places such as Gazala before being halted at First El Alamein and crushed at Second El Alamein.  Ã‚   Selected Sources History of War: Operation CompassWorld War II Database: Operation Compass

Art history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Art history - Essay Example The angel Gabriel's declaration to Mary that she was to become the mother of Jesus is called the Annunciation. The story is found I what is known as the Infancy Narrative of St. Luke's Gospel - Luke 1:5-2:52 (The Catholic Encyclopedia).Rogier van der Weyden's painting, The Annunciation, was completed around 1435, is a 33 7/8" x 36 1/4" panel, which once was part of a triptych. The depiction is of Mary in a bedchamber, seated by the light of a window at the right, positioned on the floor in a stance that implies that she had been busy reading while angel Gabriel comes to pronounce that she was blessed among women to bear the child Jesus. Gabriel appears to Mary's back with a somewhat solemn face as Mary turns her head towards him.Weyden portrays a somewhat intimate detailed image; he tries to show that Mary was reading a book while angel Gabriel declared that she would be the chosen woman to bear Jesus. The original purpose of including a book in his painting was to evoke the prophecy of Isaiah, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive".In the deep space that characterizes Van der Weyden's work, Mary acknowledges the presence of Gabriel with a head inclined away from the book and a gesture of the raised right hand...Van der Weyden introduces some significant elements into the Annunciation iconography. To denote purity, the vase of lilies is present but so too is a carafe of clear liquid, which may also represent an alchemical union of the sexes (Losh, 2001). According to The Catholic Encyclopedia, "The column which separates the angel Gabriel from Mary symbolizes the division of the Old and the New Law that was bridged by the Incarnation." [National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., Mellon Collection, 1937] The artist represents a shallow space, and he uses logical measurement, since the bodies of angel Gabriel and Mary where inclined at the same direction and the bench was paralleled to the bed. We can clearly see that the picture is dynamic, full of movement, we can easily know that Gabriel is stating a message to Mary while Mary on the other hand reacts to what the angel have declared. The composition was fairly organized, the artist uses harmonious perspective in detailing every object in the painting, but the objects seem to be shorter than they really are, the bench was not comfortable to sit in, the bed looks shorter for the size of Mary, and the chandelier seems to hit the heads of Mary if she will stand. I consider Mary as the focal point of the painting. Her black gown catches first my attention; its solid, vivid color amazed me. The intended point-of-view of the scene is oblique, as intended by the artist, place yourself in the right side of the painting, and look at it with an angle of 45 degrees then you will see the image more precisely and the message it wants to impart. As one of Rogier's successful works, the Annunciation was characterized by cold and bold colors; they were as strong as the message was so strong - that it is possible for a virgin to conceive a child even without the intervention of the flesh or sexual intercourse - also it is characterized by rhythmic elongated lines, particularly evident in fluttering robes and draperies, by the elegant mannered poses of the figures, and especially by a tragic religious intensity that reached a peak in three versions of the crucifixion. The scene is sharply lit, there are no unnecessary lines in the painting, and every detail can be seen, even the thread that holds the curtain of the bed. The light is obviously coming from the right side window if you are facing towards the painting and at the left side of Mary. The artist uses different textures, from the chandelier, in designing the window, to the plain style of the bed and beddings, to the chairs and its pillows, to Mary's clothing, and specially so, to what Gabriel was wearing, its designs and details depicts the magnificence of the creature. Most of the paintings of Rogier van der Weyden were serene,

Rize-Film Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Rize-Film Critique - Essay Example The setting and the effects used are accurate too. The scenes are moving and the characters express the right emotions when needed. For example, Tommy the Clown adjusts his expressions to make them hilarious for kids. This serves to show the relevance of the film. The social message, the authenticity of the dance moves and the accuracy of the setting make this film a commendable effort. There are several negative aspects of the film. One concerns the strip dancing routine. This raises a concern considering that there is a scene where preteen girls and dancers affiliated with strict Christian faith perform it. The speed and exaggeration of the dance moves could come out to some viewers as unrealistic too. Nevertheless, the negatives of this film are overwhelmed by the appealing views of this film. In conclusion, Rize is a very appealing and energetic film. It elicits high levels of amazement and interest in the viewer. The film director, David LaChapelle, shows his talent by making a captivating, accurate and a socially relatable film. The characters are instrumental in making the film a success by executing the dance moves powerfully and in a synchronized manner. Tommy the Clown serves as the main character and pioneer of the clowning dance, a mixture of break dancing and simulated fighting. He showcases transformation from a convict to a positively influential person on the streets through his unique form of dancing. The dance moves are fast but very real. This enhances the authenticity of the film.

United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) The purpose of this memo is to critically summarise the operations of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and its goals for the future. Following the end of World War II in 1946, The United Nations (UN) established a program aimed to provide the basic necessities of life to famine and disease ridden children in Europe[1]. On the 11th of December, 1946, UNICEF was born[2]. UNICEF was created for the purpose of addressing the needs of underprivileged children which include diminishing the prevalence of disease, malnutrition, HIV/AIDS and violence while ensuring all children have access to quality education[3]. Work Conducted by UNICEF One stated goal of UNICEF is to combat the inordinate number of young child and pregnancy related deaths[4]. A large proportion of these deaths occur due to preventable diseases and illnesses, malnutrition, poor sanitation and a severe lack of medical facilities[5]. In their efforts to minimise the deaths, UNICEF has established successful, uncomplicated and cost effective involvements within problem areas of the world[6]. Some of these contributions include vaccinations, antibiotics, nutritional supplements, insecticide-treated bed nets and the implementation of safer and more hygienic practices[7]. The prominence of HIV and AIDS in underdeveloped countries is another substantial hurdle UNICEF faces[8]. As well as establishing methods of preventing the transmission of HIV, UNICEF also provides protection, treatment and support for children affected by HIV/AIDS[9]. In conjunction with other child protection establishments, UNICEF has instigated social protection schemes to increase exposure to education and health services and aid communities and carers[10]. UNICEF has found the prominence of violence and exploitation of children to be one of the prime crises across the globe[11]. Issues such as unregistered births, child labour, child marriage, sexual exploitation of children, female genital mutilation, violence against children and other human rights violations are highly prevalent and insufficiently recognised and addressed[12]. By providing a protective environment for children and raising awareness of these child abuses, UNICEF hopes to generate responses and preventative measures to counteract these violations of childrens human rights[13]. Another area UNICEF hopes to address is the lack of quality education available to many children[14]. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) article 26, education is a basic human right[15]. Education is the cornerstone of personal and societal development. Implementing the assistance of local, national and international partners, UNICEF works to guarantee every child is entitled to a quality education, regardless of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background or personal circumstances[16]. Gender equality is another strong focus as UNICEF works to increase the number of girls with access to education[17]. UNICEF approaches these educational problems with a rights-based attitude with the hope of improving some of societies entrenched inequalities[18]. Priorities have been established by UNICEF to overcome the problems, which include equal access, universal primary education, gender quality and female education, post-crisis and emergency education, early childho od development and enhanced educational quality[19]. However, UNICEF understands that its aims for universal education require a long term global commitment[20]. UNICEFs dominant role is that of working in emergencies and delivering adequate humanitarian assistance to children in need[21]. During wartimes, UNICEF initiates critical interventions to save the lives and protect the rights of vulnerable children[22]. The focus of these interventions is to provide and ascertain emergency healthcare, sufficient food, clean drinking water and sanitation[23]. Post-war restoration of educational institutions assists with child protection and the reinstatement of normal routines[24]. Wartimes often bring about increased female violence, child abduction and gathering of child soldiers. UNICEF works to combat these problems in three predominant ways: prevention, protection, recuperation and reintegration[25]. Criticisms of UNICEF Despite their humanitarian stance, UNICEF has received criticisms from various groups, governments and individuals for failing to adequately address the problems facing particular groups. Israeli non-governmental organisation NGO Monitor, is highly critical of UNICEFs involvement with and funding of Palestinian Youth Association for Leadership and Rights Activation (PYALARA)[26]. A supposed non-political group, NGO Monitor alleges that PYALARA has been dishonest concerning its hidden agenda[27]. PYALARAs youth newspaper has been reported by NGO Monitor to advocate overt political intentions and indirectly show support of terror attacks on civilians and suicide bombings[28]. UNICEF has a policy of only supporting non-political organisations and has been criticised by NGO Monitor for showing political bias or negligence in their duty to be aware of PYALARAs true activities[29]. UNICEF has also been disapproved of by the American Life League for the introduction of family planning as part of their maternal and child health services[30]. With these new services came the distribution of contraceptives by UNICEF to countries suffering overpopulation and poverty[31]. Soon after this controversy, UNICEF reportedly spent vast amounts of funding to initiate sterilisation facilities in countries around the world[32]. Further to these claims, the Catholic Church attacked UNICEF for its promotion of contraceptives, abortion and sterilisation, and display of a suction abortion machine order form on the UNICEF website[33]. In 1996, following the discovery of a sterilising agent in the UNICEF distributed tetanus vaccines in the Philippines, Mexico, Nicaragua, Tanzania, India and Nigeria, the Vatican actually withdrew its annual donation to UNICEF in condemnation of their practices[34]. Sudanese Oxford scholar Bona Malwal and The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) have also spoken out against UNICEF regarding Sudanese slavery. Bona Malwal believes that UNICEF is partly to blame for the continuing slavery in Sudan as they failed to act appropriately[35]. Malwal claims UNICEF has allowed the Sudanese government to escape all denunciation at the annual United Nations Human Rights meetings and turned a blind eye to the outrageous human rights breaches that occurred in Sudan[36]. In failing to acknowledge the slavery problem in Sudan and instead referring to countless abductions, Malwal holds UNICEF responsible for the hundreds of thousands of unaccounted for women and children[37]. Similarly, UNICEF has faced additional condemnation by the IHEU[38]. The IHEU have criticised UNICEF for delaying the slave rescue action to be undertaken by the Sudanese run Committee for Eradication of Abduction of Women and Children (CEAWAC)[39]. CEAWACs proposed operation was fiercely supported by the majority of Sudanese slaves and their families, yet UNICEF didnt act[40]. UNICEFs reluctance to call the victims of slavery slaves was another point for disparagement by the IHEU[41]. UNICEF is a humanitarian organisation, directing its efforts in various areas to help combat many of the violations against children that occur across the globe. Focus areas remain in the reduction of disease and malnutrition related deaths, dealing with HIV/AIDS sufferers, preventing the exploitation of children, ensuring equal access to education and providing sufficient support in times of emergency and conflict. However, despite its humanitarian objectives and efforts, UNICEF still receives criticism for some of its decisions and shortcomings. References International Humanist and Ethical Union (2005) IHEU speaks at UN of plight of Sudanese slaves, available: http://www.iheu.org/node/170 [accessed 15 Oct 2009] Mark, J. (2003) Slavery: Sudanese Scholar Speaks Out [online], available: http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/11093.htm [accessed 15 Oct, 2009] Mosher, S. (2009) UNICEF, WHO Want Alliance with Church but Promote Abortion [online], available: http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=33157 [accessed 12 Oct 2009] NGO Monitor (2003) UNICEF Funding Political Activities, NGO Monitor Analysis [online], 1(5), available: http://www.ngo-monitor.org/editions/v1n05/v1n05-1.htm [accessed 12 Oct 2009] Tignor, L. (2005) The Truth About UNICEF [online], available: http://www.all.org/article.php?id=10105 [accessed 12 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2006) UNICEFs Role in Emergencies [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/emerg/index_33296.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2008) Basic Education and Gender Equality: UNICEF in Action [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/girlseducation/index_action.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2008) Child Protection from Violence, Exploitation and Abuse: the Big Picture [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_bigpicture.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2008) Children and HIV and AIDS: UNICEF in Action [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/aids/index_42838.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2008) Partnership for Education and Gender Equality [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/girlseducation/index_44865.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2008) Who We Are [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/about/who/index_introduction.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2008) Young Child Survival and Development [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/childsurvival/index.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2009) Basic Education and Gender Equality [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/girlseducation/index.php [accessed 10 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2009) Child Protection from Violence, Exploitation and Abuse [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/protection/index.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] United Nations (2009) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) [online], available: http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/ [Accessed 14 Oct, 2009] Bibliography Brizee, A. (2009) Memo Writing [online], available: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/printable/590/ [accessed 3 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2008) Who We Are [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/about/who/index_introduction.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] ibid ibid UNICEF (2008) Young Child Survival and Development [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/childsurvival/index.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] ibid ibid ibid UNICEF (2008) Children and HIV and AIDS: UNICEF in Action [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/aids/index_42838.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] ibid ibid UNICEF (2008) Child Protection from Violence, Exploitation and Abuse: the Big Picture [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_bigpicture.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] ibid UNICEF (2009) Child Protection from Violence, Exploitation and Abuse [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/protection/index.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2009) Basic Education and Gender Equality [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/girlseducation/index.php [accessed 10 Oct 2009] United Nations (2009) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) [online], available: http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/ [accessed 14 Oct 2009] UNICEF, Basic Education and Gender Equality [online] ibid ibid UNICEF (2008) Basic Education and Gender Equality: UNICEF in Action [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/girlseducation/index_action.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2008) Partnership for Education and Gender Equality [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/girlseducation/index_44865.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] UNICEF (2006) UNICEFs Role in Emergencies [online], available: http://www.unicef.org/emerg/index_33296.html [accessed 10 Oct 2009] ibid ibid ibid ibid NGO Monitor. (2003) UNICEF Funding Political Activities, NGO Monitor Analysis [online], 1(5), available http://www.ngo-monitor.org/editions/v1n05/v1n05-1.htm [accessed 12 Oct 2009] NGO Monitor is a Jerusalem based organisation who monitor Middle Eastern NGOs with the aim of prohibiting other NGOs from promoting perceived ideologically motivated anti-Israel agendas. PYALARA is a student run Palestinian NGO. ibid ibid ibid Tignor, L. (2005) The Truth About UNICEF [online], available: http://www.all.org/article.php?id=10105 [accessed 12 Oct 2009] ibid ibid Mosher, S. (2009) UNICEF, WHO Want Alliance with Church but Promote Abortion [online], available: http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=33157 [accessed 12 Oct 2009] Tignor, The Truth About UNICEF [online] Mark, J. (2003), Slavery: Sudanese Scholar Speaks Out [online], available http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/11093.htm [accessed 15 Oct, 2009] ibid ibid International Humanist and Ethical Union, (2005) IHEU speaks at UN of plight of Sudanese slaves, available: http://www.iheu.org/node/170 [accessed 15 Oct 2009] ibid ibid ibid