Thursday, October 31, 2019
Retail Marketing and Logistics Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words
Retail Marketing and Logistics - Case Study Example This paper will identify several theories and concepts on the subject of retail marketing and logistics. The focus of the paper is on one of the biggest international retail stores - 7-Eleven. The company, 7-Eleven, has a worldwide chain of convenience store in different countries. It is a leading operator, franchisor and licensor of convenience stores with 34,800 stores in 17 countries. The name of the company was derived from 7am to 11pm, its operating hours during the early stages of its existence. Today, the convenience stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The company started its humble beginning in Dallas, Texas on 1927 when an enterprising dock employee began offering milk, bread and eggs aside from its core business of selling blocks of ice. The first store was opened during Sundays and evenings; a time when grocery stores were closed. The business idea of an entrepreneur regarding convenience retailing was widely accepted by satisfied customers and became profitable through increased sales. Ironically, the story of 7-Eleven can be considered as the story of convenience shopping because it is the company that pioneered and invested on the idea. In 1991, two Japanese companies invested millions of dollar to finance the company in order to emerge from bankruptcy. As a result, 7-Eleven became a wholly owned subsidiary of Seven Eleven Japan Company which controls 70% of the company's stocks. The convenience stores in US and the rest of the world are mostly operated through licensees and affiliates. The paper will tackle the current positioning strategy of the company worldwide. 7-Eleven is positioned as a convenience retail store of consumer goods with diverse products and services that provides easy access to end-consumers. It is in the marketing strategies of the company and its brand name in the market that alleviated the market leadership of the company in convenience stores industry segment. The paper will also explore the competitive environment of global retailing industry where 7-Eleven plays as well as the different business strategies that the company employs in order to be recognised as the world's number one convenience store. At the end, the paper provides several recommendations for the company in order to sustain its growth in the retail industry. Identified opportunities for the company includes further geographical expansions and investment in private label brands as well as natural, organic products. Current Positioning Strategy 7-Eleven stores are positioned as low price general merchandise store that operates for consumer's convenience shopping. The convenience stores are saturated in high income and large traffic locations in order to exploit consumer spending. The strategy of the company is to become the preferred convenience store of consumers anytime anywhere. Retail Marketing Mix - Lauterborn's 4 Cs Consumer wants and needs The relationship marketing strategies of 7-Eleven follows the first C of retail marketing mix. The company identifies the customer's preferences and tastes as well as its buying trend through an integrated information system and in depth analysis of data. As discussed later on the paper, the layout of 7-Eleven store is carefully evaluated and is changed several times a day in order to respond to the buying
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Punitive Damages To Products Liability Essay Example for Free
Punitive Damages To Products Liability Essay EXECUTIVE SUMMARY            Product liability is a growing interest in almost all parts of the world. The doors of justice are opened to innocent and helpless consumers who can ask manufacturers of products to compensate them for damages incurred after using their products. The burden of liability is placed upon manufacturers and producers who could not use any defense to exculpate themselves from strict liability law.            There are two principles that form the foundations on product liability, namely, strict liability, and negligence. Thus, manufacturers are bound to make a wise estimate of how much damage it may be liable in the future should any case be filed against it on product liability. In effect, any manufacturer should ensure that the â€Å"good†of the product outweighs the â€Å"harm†that it may cause to any consumer if such product is put in the market. This is the social responsibility of manufacturers and a safeguard to consumers. Never mind if the cost is passed on to the consumers as may be incorporated in the cost of the product for as long as there is an assurance that in any future eventuality, the manufacturer would be able to answer to the liability and pay the cost of damage.            Punitive damages that may be awarded on top of the actual damages incurred would be up to the courts of justice to determine. The reason behind the grant is to deter similar cases in the future. Putting a cap on punitive damages is depriving a plaintiff his day in court while it also limits the authority that our laws have vested in the courts of justice. Any law to that effect is simply negating an individual’s right to be fully recompensed for any damage that may be incurred due on product liability cases. Thus, as in other cases on torts and delicts, it is best left to the courts of justice to establish the punitive damage that may be imposed against manufacturers whose product caused damage to any of its consumers. Should Punitive Damages In Products Liability Cases Be Capped            The history of product liability law dates back to the 1800’s when one Englishman, Mr. Winterbottom filed a case against the manufacturer of a mail coach due to poor construction. Mr. Winterbottom, who was the driver of the mail coach of the Postmaster General, was seriously injured when the mail coach collapsed. The theory advanced at that time was to limit the liability to persons with privity of contracts. Mr. Winterbottom was not privy to the contract of purchase between the Postmaster General and the manufacturer of the mail coach. Thereby, the case was dismissed.            As the manufacturing industry advanced, quality control of the products being produced by manufacturers has become a subject of interest to many sectors of society. The concern naturally required the governments to enact laws which would ensure protection of consumers. However, while many laws could be enacted to ensure full protection of the consuming markets, compliance to these laws would also remain a question. Thus, it has been inevitable that cases on product liability piled up in the courts of justice in all countries of the world. The difference, though, is that where before the â€Å"little and helpless†consumers would have a difficult time to raise their concerns and seek redress; in these times where awareness on product liability has been brought to the fore, manufacturers with big pockets are made to compensate consumers for damages incurred.            There is no question that manufacturers should be made liable to pay for damages that any of their products may have caused on the consuming public. The law on strict liability has become the basis on findings of the court as it decides on how much liability any manufacturer is to shoulder and pay to the consumer in a particular case. Strict liability law stresses the liability on the product in contrast to the principle of negligence which places the responsibility on some acts of the manufacturer.            In the case of Greenman v Yuba Power Products, Inc. the California Supreme Court assigned strict liability to a manufacturer, â€Å"†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..           who placed on the market a defective product even though both privity of contract and notice of breach of warranty were lacking. The court rejected both contract and warranty theories, express or implied, as the basis for liability. Strict liability does not rest on a consensual foundation but, rather, on one created by law. The liability was created judicially because of the economic and social need for the protection of consumers in an increasingly complex and mechanized society, and because of the limitations in the negligence and warranty remedies. The courts avowed purpose was to insure that the costs of injuries resulting from defective products are borne by the manufacturer that put such products on the market rather than by the injured persons who are powerless to protect themselves.†(Greenman v. Yuba Power Products, Inc. [1963] 59 Cal.2d 57 [13 A.L.R.3d 1049].            Negligence, on the other hand, places upon the plaintiff to prove that the manufacturer acted or failed to act on something which resulted to the damage caused by the product. While the manufacturer, in such case, would still be held liable to compensate for damage incurred by the consumer, the amount and degree of liability would be abated based on the extent of defense that the manufacturer could successfully bring forth to the court in the instant case. Thus, following this line of reasoning, there is a risk that the plaintiff may not be fully recompensed for the damage incurred. In fact, there is a chance that the cause of the plaintiff may be denied. The most objectionable aspects of asbestos litigation can be briefly summarized: dockets in both federal and state courts continue to grow; long delays are routine; trials are too long; the same issues are litigated over and over; transaction costs exceed the victims recovery by nearly two to one; exhaustion of assets threatens and distorts the process; and future claimants may lose altogether. Report of The Judicial Conference Ad Hoc Committee on Asbestos Litigation 2-3 (Mar. 1991).            In recent cases, products liability claims are based not on negligence, but rather on strict liability. In the hands of good and responsible people, this development is for the benefit of the greater number of society – the consumers and the market. The burden of proving liability is no longer solely borne by the plaintiff. Proof of liability is much easier to raise and bring to the appreciation of the courts. Thus, more and more plaintiffs have been fully compensated.            Punitive damages which are awarded on top of actual damages create a different bearing in the case. Its main purpose is to deter others similarly situated to create unconscionable and similar acts in the future. The objective is to impress upon the mind of the defendant and to the whole world that such and similar acts would not be tolerated by society in general. Thus, in most cases, punitive damages are almost always very high.            As in tort cases, the laws of the land have placed upon our courts of justice the authority to determine the amount of punitive damages that may be rightfully granted in a particular case. Putting a cap to punitive damages would be limiting the authority of our courts of justice to act for and in behalf of the greater number for the greater good. Unconscionable punitive damages that are awarded and which are unacceptable to some parties could be raised to proper legal authorities through proper legal course of action.            Putting a cap to punitive damages that may be granted on product liability cases is limiting the right of a plaintiff to seek redress of grievances and damages incurred when and where proper. Both plaintiff and defendant have the opportunities to be heard in court and almost always, manufacturers have the best chances to protect their interests with the extent of their capability to litigate and pursue their rights.            Putting a cap to punitive damages is not the solution to exculpate manufacturers from liabilities. Preventive measures and full quality control of their goods from manufacture to market delivery should be enhanced and made the order of the day. Shifting responsibilities from the manufacturer to the consumer is something that is not fair and something that would work to the disadvantage of the consuming public in the long run.            Putting a cap on punitive damages to product liability could be interpreted as putting a limit to how much a consumer could be compensated for incurring damage. This is somehow dangerous and risky as no manufacturer could foresee the extent of damage that their products may cause upon an individual. Putting a cap to punitive damages simply works as insurance to consumers that whatever may happen, they are entitled to a certain extent of compensation depending on how they can prove the liability. Again the burden of proof is shifted to the consumer and away from the manufacturer. â€Å"The distinction between products liability and negligence was explained in Jiminez v. Sears, Roebuck Co. (1971) 4 Cal.3d 379, 383 [52 A.L.R.3d 92]: It is pointed out that in a products liability case the plaintiff in order to recover in strict liability in tort must prove that he was injured by a defect in the product and that the product was defective when it left the hands of the retailer or manufacturer; whereas to recover in negligence the plaintiff must prove the same two elements plus an additional element, namely, that the defect in the product was due to negligence of the defendant. This is a discreet departure from the strict liability law. In the case of Green v. General Petroleum Corp., where an oil well blew out through no fault of the defendant, the court relying on Section 3514 of the Civil Code held that:            â€Å"The defendant was nevertheless liable. The case has been generally interpreted as one involving strict liability for damages resulting from an ultrahazardous activity. It is not significant that a property damage, as distinguished from a personal injury, was there involved. The important factor is that certain activities under certain conditions may be so hazardous to the public generally, and of such relative infrequent occurrence, that it may well call for strict liability as the best public policy. Green v. General Petroleum Corp. (1928) 205 Cal. 328 [60 A.L.R. 475].            Cases on product liability are pretty much similar to tort cases. Tort is a civil wrong which results to an injury or harm giving a person a cause of action to seek redress of the wrong mostly through relief of damages incurred. Sanctions for criminal acts may also be imposed but the injured person would almost always seek for monetary recompense for damages incurred such as loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and reasonable medical expenses. Therefore, like any other tort cases under the civil law where no cap to punitive damages is imposed or established, it is unfair and unconstitutional to place a cap on punitive damages on product liability cases. It is unconstitutional as it impinges on the right of a person to be compensated for damages incurred as granted to him under the civil law.            In an important but split decision, State Farm v. Campbell, the U.S. Supreme Court in April held that the Due Process Clause [of the 14th amendment] prohibits the imposition of grossly excessive or arbitrary punishments on defendants in tort cases. This was the second High Court ruling in the past few years that rightly objected to steep punitive damage awards.            There are measures which ensure that the courts do not grant unconscionable amounts of damages – actual and punitive. Putting a cap to punitive damages is not the answer for manufacturers to get an assurance and security that they would not be liable to pay for damages that would bring their business down. Well, first and foremost, manufacturers’ concern should be on the safety of its products.            Secondly, being responsible corporate citizens would spell the difference when any manufacturer is faced with the case on product liability. Actual, sincere, and timely concern to a case brought by any plaintiff would ensure that punitive damages that may be awarded would be commensurate to the strategy and action plan that the manufacturer has undertaken to ensure that the plantiff’s concern was addressed responsively and proactive measures are being strategized to prevent any other future occurrence. The burden of proof still rests upon the manufacturer and never on the consumer.  References White, Robert Jeffrey. Top 10 in torts: evolution in the common law. Trial 32, no. 7 (July 1996): 50-53. McMahonBinchy, Law of Torts, Butterworths 3rd Ed., par. 11.113-114 Jimenez v. Superior Court (T.M. Cobb Co.), 29 Cal. 4th 473 2002) Supreme Court of Ireland Judgment, 3 November 1988. Fischer, David A; Green, Michael; Powers, Jr. William; Sanders, Joseph. Fischer, Green, Powers and Sander’s Cases and Materials on Products Liability. 4th, American Casebook series. Copyright 2006. Owen, David G; Phillips, Jerry J. Owen and Phillips Products Liability in a Nutshell. 7th Edition (Nutshell Series) Green v. General Petroleum Corp. (1928) 205 Cal. 328 [60 A.L.R. 475] Owens, Phillips. Products Liability. 7th ed., 2005. 13-ISBN: 9780314155108 Format: Paperback-New SKU: Sumner, L. â€Å"Quality Assurance and Product Liability.†Product Liability in Engineering, IEE Colloquium on Volume, Issue 6 Mar 1989. Pages 2/1 to 2/7. Greenman v. Yuba Power Products, Inc. (1963) 59 Cal.2d 57 [13 A.L.R.3d 1049]. Green v. General Petroleum Corp. (1928) 205 Cal. 328 [60 A.L.R. 475]. Jiminez v. Sears, Roebuck Co. (1971) 4 Cal.3d 379, 383 [52 A.L.R.3d 92]:
Sunday, October 27, 2019
The Growing Problem Behind Sexual Deviance
The Growing Problem Behind Sexual Deviance Once a taboo entity, only found in seedy movie theaters and sold behind closed doors, pornography has now become increasingly more visible and accessible to the public. Today, the access of pornography is as simple as a few clicks of a computer mouse, and those clicks afford the viewer a vast collection of sites and images that would otherwise be unavailable without technology or the media. With this accessibility comes a new issue: is pornography at all to blame for sexually deviant behavior? It seems as though sexually deviant crime is taking place at unheard of rates, and the link to pornography has been cited before. However, the question of whether these crimes are on the rise or just hyped by the media remains to be seen. One factor that has played a part in the debate is the issue of pornography, and the link between the two seems to hold valid evidence to prove some sort of connection. How Does Pornography Affect Us? Pornography undeniable affects each person who views it in some way. Whether these individuals find the content stimulating, exciting, or disturbing is subjective, but research has shown that men, women and children have the tendency to act in a certain manner when studied in groups rather than on an individual level. Children may be the most affected group when it comes to viewing pornography, and have the tendency to shape their future actions on what they have seen. According to Dr. Catharina Welin (2006), because of the widespread availability of pornography in the media, youths are exposed to violent or bizarre sexual activities long before they have had any personal sexual experience (p. 293). In this case, children with little to no knowledge of sexual activity, having viewed such material, begin to associate sex in their own personal lives as relatable to sex in these videos or images. This can play a significant part in how this child will grow to view sex as an act, their own sexuality, and the stigmas they associate with different genders. A child who has viewed pornography, maturing into an adult who engages in his or her own sexual experience will no doubt have a different view of the act than an individual who did not view such material in childhood. Women who view pornography as adults tend to have a distaste for what they are seeing and for the porn industry in general. For most women, sexuality is considered a private matter, especially in terms of their own sexual encounters. Women prove to be more emotional about sex rather than men who are geared to view it in a more physical sense. Women tend to believe that pornography is degrading to themselves and to their gender as a whole, showing the objectification of women as mere objects for mens sexual gratification. Ann Gary (1978) notes that pornography leads to behavior and attitudes showing disrespect for women, and pornography itself shows disrespect for women (p. 232). Although some women may find pornography sexually stimulating in the bedroom, the overall stigma associated with pornography by the female gender seems to be vastly negative. Lastly, one must view how men tend to view pornography. As males tend to commit sexually deviant crimes in a far more frequent manner than women, it can be said that viewing pornography may be a factor in looking at this statistic. Men tend to see sex as an enjoyable physical release before viewing it as an emotional connection, which may attest for the way women are portrayed in most pornography as merely the attractive tool to be used in order for the man to achieve sexual gratification. Pornography and the Sexual Deviant Having looked at the ways that pornography tends to affect different groups on individuals, one can look further into the research that has been done to prove a link between pornography and the sexual deviant. Researched Michael Goldstein (1975) notes several cases of sexual deviant criminals citing the desire to commit such acts after viewing them in a pornographic film. He writes, Motorcycle films containing violence and gang bangs frequently nourished erotic dominant fantasy. As one rapist put it, Id think of some of the girls I had raped, and some of the girls that got raped in the movies during my sexual encounters. Id place myself in the villains place instead of the heros, so Id have a rough, hardened image (p. 102). The tendency of these types of men to engage in sexually deviant or criminal behavior after watching these types of films shows some relationship between the two, and the prominence of research on this correlation does much to back up the claim of relationship. Researchers Addison, Koss, and Malamuth (2000), found that exposure to nonviolent and violent pornography results in increases in both attitudes supporting sexual aggression and in actual sexual aggression (p. 44). Further, found that men who watch porn were more likely to view women as promiscuous and therefore available to them regardless of their own will. Dolf Zillman (1989) notes, Men behave as if they were entitles to sexual access with women who readily granted it to other men, and those who feel entitled can view their actions as a misdeed rather than a criminal offense against a woman (p. 100). Sociological Theories and Deviance Pornography and sexual deviance in a sociological context can be considered related as the actions and behaviors that may ensue after viewing pornography violate the culturally accepted norms of sexuality and can lead to going against formally enacted-rules of the government in terms of sexually deviant criminal activity. Of all the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology, that which seems to most closely relate to the issue of pornography as a factor in sexual deviance is that of symbolic interactionism. Symbolic interactionism places emphasis on smaller scale social interaction, which in this case can be compared to the porn industry and its customers and viewers. Herbert Blumer (1969), who coined the term symbolic interactionism noted that humans act toward things on the basis of the meanings they ascribe to those things (p. 45 ). In this case, this can be attributed to viewers of pornographic materials seeing the violent and deviant actions performed upon women in porn, taking these actions from the media they witness, and enacting this type of behavior in their own lives. Sociologist Darryl Hall (2009) notes that the symbolic interactionism view of sexual deviance (which can relate to the issue of porn and sexual deviance) is as follows: Symbolic interactionists suggest that the need of men to validate their sexual prowess or reaffirm their masculinity is an important factor in their seeking out pornography or prostitutes (p. 2). Such a notion can explain the rising level of sexually deviant crime in society, and can in turn associate this with the viewing of pornography as a mans need for sexual validation and masculinity. Conclusion As seen, the rise of pornography to a near norm in society has heightened the search to link the viewing of this material to sexual deviant behavior in society. Although a direct link is not conclusive, it is clear that the research in terms of this question is growing too slowly but surely supports some link between the two.
Friday, October 25, 2019
The Fulcrum and the Lever Essay -- essays research papers fc
I turn the key and unlock the deadbolt. It’s been a long day’s work. I have been working three jobs for weeks now. I come through the door of my tiny one-bedroom house and stare at the desk, piled high with debris: old junk mail, magazines, and a few bills. I keep thinking maybe on my day off I’ll clean this mess up, balance my check book and pay my bills. â€Å"But what’s the use?†I think to myself, â€Å"I have $210 left on my credit card, that’ll get me through another week.†Independence is what I wanted and that’s what I got. I have a car, a house, furniture, stocked cupboards, and plenty of I-can-do-what-I-want free will. I was working a lot, and sure was doling out a lot of dough, yet I felt atrophy kicking in. When I was dying to leave my parents house, I didn’t think that it would be like this. Going and doing whatever I wanted all the time was not something I did. Life cost money and the reality was kicking me in the stomach every time I walked in my front door and looked at my desk. â€Å"Where is that Consumers bill? How much money is left in my checking account? Do I even have any in my savings?†These thoughts break-danced in my head often. In a day where I see more commercials advertising credit cards, debt consolidation, and home mortgage lenders, one might find it hard to believe that debt can actually be a problem. Seeing those poor saps dance in a conga line screaming, â€Å"Freedom!†makes it that much harder to notice. With three maxed-out credit cards, and other debt in the thousands of dollars, I was one of those people screaming, â€Å"Save me!†     My life could go nowhere while I was struggling to make payments on three credit cards that I hadn’t even used in two years. One of my frustrations stemmed from the fact that all of this money was going to the credit card companies for things that I don’t even remember buying. With my student loan in deferment, I had only to worry about everything else. Working three jobs was not my cup of tea. The â€Å"American Dream†was killing me.      A lot of Americans are drowning in debt, with predators just waiting to add to the pile. Dave Ramsey, New York Times best selling author and financial advisor, says: Debt is dumb. Most normal people are just plain broke because they are in debt up to their eyeballs with no hope of help. If you're in debt then you're a slave, i... ...y Book. Holbrook, MA: Adams Media Corporation. 1999. Sylla, Richard. â€Å"American History Information About National Debt.†The Reader's Companion to American History. Houghton Mifflin Company. 20 May 2005. . Ramsey, Dave. The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2003. -----. More Than Enough: The Ten Keys to Changing Your Financial Destiny. New York, NY: Penguin Books. 1999. â€Å"The Debt To the Penny.†Bureau of the Public Debt: United States Department of the Treasury. 20 May 2005. . Waggoner, Darren. â€Å"Going Broke?: Younger Americans have a serious debt problem.      Not surprisingly, lenders and consumer advocates propose different remedies      for the credit crunch.†Collections & Credit Risk. 10.5 (2005): 21. Infotrac:      General Reference Center Gold. Online. 31 May 2005. Webster, Noah. Noah Webster's First Edition of an American Dictionary of the English Language. San Francisco, CA: Foundation for American Christian Education, 1995; Reprint edition 1 June 1967. Yaqub, Reshma Memom. â€Å"Swipe at Your Own Risk.†Parents. July 2005. 49-53.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Noli Me Tangere
Chapter 1 Captain Tiago had arranged a grand dinner. Many guests come, most of them uninvited. Before the evening meal, people talk among themselves and discuss different issues of interest. In this chapter begins Friar Damaso’s frantic endeavors to prevent Maria Clara’s marriage to Crisostomo Ibarra. He tells Captain Tiago not to go through with the prearranged wedding. Here we find a more detailed and colorful description of Captain Tiago’s sycophancy to the church and its leaders. By means of the conversation between Friar Sibyla and the ill Dominican priest, Rizal further explains the enmity between Ibarra and Friar Damaso.This chapter does not explain the reason for the gathering. Only in the succeeding pages are we told that the dinner was in fact offered in honor of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra’s return from Europe. This chapter serves to introduce most of Rizal’s main characters, those that play consequential roles throughout the b ook: Captain Tiago, Friar Damaso, Lt. Guevarra, and Dona Victorina. The gathering was held at the close of October, a few days before All Souls’ Day. Rizal exposed the true character of Friar Damaso early on, how he was vile and cruel and had no regard for the rights and feelings of others whenever he opened his mouth.The comical character of Dona Victorina as portrayed in this chapter, was inspired by a close relative of Rizal, scholars say. Chapter 2 Captain Tiago introduces Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, whose clothes clearly depicted he was in grief. Ibarra is the main character in the story, who has just returned to the Philippines from Europe. Crisostomo warmly greets Friar Damaso who has a good friend of his father, Don Rafael, however the friar denies the existence of this close relationship. Lt. Guevarra approaches Ibarra and welcomes him, adding, â€Å"I hope your fate will be much better than your father’s. When Juan Crisostomo Ibarra arrives at the dinner with Ca ptain Tiago, everyone is shocked. This clearly shows that none of the guests knew the reason for the gathering. In this chapter, Rizal begins the long and consequential battle between Crisostomo Ibarra and Friar Damaso. Ibarra had clearly not expected the friar to greet him so coldly. Crisostomo Ibarra had spent seven years in Europe. He had no idea of the many events that had transpired in his country while he was away. Chapter 3 The guests gather at the dining table. Friar Damaso and Friar Sibyla both rush for the seat at the head of the table.The rest of the seats are occupied, and Crisostomo Ibarra notices Captain Tiago is not seated in any of them. Ibarra offers the Captain his seat, but the latter refuses. This is the time Ibarra realizes that the dinner was in fact arranged in his honor. Friar Damaso is enraged when Ibarra is served the meaty part of the chicken at dinner, while his was the skinny neck. Soon after, Ibarra leaves the scene without waiting for the arrival o f his love interest, Maria Clara. Friar Damaso is no longer the parish priest of the town of San Diego, but is present at the dinner because he is the confessor of the Captain’s late wife. Chapter 4Crisostomo Ibarra is out for a walk. He notices that there has been practically no change in his town since he left for Europe. Lt. Guevarra joins him shortly, and reminds him again to be careful. Only then does Ibarra find out about his father’s tragic death. In this chapter, Ibarra realizes the reason for Friar Damaso’s cold treatment of him back at the house of Captain Tiago. Then again, even Lt. Guevarra cannot find any reason why the friar would hold a grudge against Don Rafael. The first few paragraphs in this chapter vividly describe Ibarra’s disappointment on the town’s lack of progress while he was away in Europe.Chapter 5 Crisostomo Ibarra settles in Fonda de Lala and appreciates from a distance the lively singing and noise around Captain Tiago ’s house, which could be seen from the hotel window. His ruminates about his poor father’s death, and how life must have been extremely excruciating for him in prison. Meanwhile, at the Captain’s house, Maria Clara arrives. Friar Damaso shows great appreciation for the lady. Also introduced in this chapter is a new character, that of a young Franciscan friar by the name of Salvi, parish priest of the town of San Diego.Most likely Friar Salvi arrived late and so was not able to join the rest of the guests for supper. In order to get a view of this friar’s consequential role in the story, put considerable attention on how Rizal describes his character in this chapter. Chapter 6 Captain Tiago and his wife, Dona Pia, have been childless for years. After consulting Friar Damaso of their predicament, the priest advised them to attend holy mass at the town of Ubando. Shortly after, Pia was with child. However, she had become sickly and troubled for the entire du ration of her pregnancy. She died after giving birth to a daughter, Maria Clara.The child was raised by Isabel, Tiago’s sister. Friar Damaso became her godfather when she was christened. Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra became childhood friends. In the long introduction of this chapter, Rizal addresses various superstitious beliefs in the church as well as several rotten methods in the government during that time. The name of Captain Tiago  Santiago de los Santos  connotes that Rizal intends to use his character to discuss matters of religion. The cause of Dona Pia’s death is intentionally not narrated by detail so as to provoke the readers’ thoughts.Her sickly and tortured state during the pregnancy was actually on account of the guilt she bore of having a child out of adultery. Maria Clara’s biological father is not Captain Tiago, but Friar Damaso. Captain Tiago and Don Rafael had agreed that Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra would one day be married, and that the two men would engage in business together for the sake of both their children. Chapter 7 Crisostomo Ibarra finally finds time to have a private talk with Maria Clara at the azotea of Captain Tiago’s house. This is their first time to meet personally in seven years.They exchange thoughts, and prove to each other that neither of then had forgotten their love. The long descriptions in this chapter should be given considerable importance. They are very clear and poetic. The most important element of this chapter is Ibarra’s letter to Maria Clara, which the latter had kept safely though the passing years. Rizal also depicts Maria Clara’s playful character. She is not like other Filipino women who are overly shy and refined. Chapter 8 From Captain Tiago’s house, after a heartwarming conversation with Maria Clara, Ibarra continues on his way to the town of San Diego.In all of the places he passes through he notices no change in them since he left seven years ago. This is a chapter that describes the country’s lack of progress during those days. Rizal allows the reader to concretely visualize the scenes and looks of the native towns, and is actually one of his greatest contributions to the history and heritage of Manila. There are a lot of passages in this chapter, that abstractly define the principles to be lived by in the ancient day and age, as well as in today’s modern times. Chapter 9 Crisostomo Ibarra comes across the carriage carrying Friar Damaso.Along the way the priest also bumps into Maria Clara and her Aunt Isabel, who were headed to the nunnery to fetch the maiden’s things. Friar Damaso tells Captain Tiago something of utmost importance. Meanwhile, in Intramuros, Friar Sibyla is deep in conversation with an old Dominican priest inflicted with a serious illness. In this chapter begins Friar Damaso’s frantic endeavors to prevent Maria Clara’s marriage to Crisostom o Ibarra. He tells Captain Tiago not to go through with the prearranged wedding. Here we find a more detailed and colorful description of Captain Tiago’s sycophancy to the church and its leaders.By means of the conversation between Friar Sibyla and the ill Dominican priest, Rizal further explains the enmity between Ibarra and Friar Damaso. Chapter 10 This chapter describes in detail the town of San Diego. It also goes deeper into the roots of the main antagonist, Crisostomo Ibarra. San Diego is a fictional name. No town existed by that name in the Philippines the time the Noli was written. San Diego may be assumed to be a town situated beside Laguna Lake, since it was along this lake that Elias and Ibarra were chased by the civil guards after having narrowly escaped from prison.We may note that there is always only one descendant in every generation of Ibarra’s clan. All the towns, when they are still developing and building their foundations, have Filipinos for pr iests. Once they reach maturity and achieve progress, Spanish friars take over. Chapter 11 This chapter describes the powerful people in the town of San Diego. Here are the characters that may be said to be in positions of power: (1)  Don Rafael Ibarra (2)  Captain Tiago (3)  The town captain (4)  Friar Salvi (5)  The sacristan mayor (6)  The alferez (7)  Dona Consolacion Chapter 12Burial practices and rituals in the town of San Diego are described in detail. There is also a very long conversation between a gravedigger and Tasyo the Philosopher. In this chapter Rizal introduces yet another consequential character  Tasyo the Philosopher. The reader is conditioned to detest the gruesome and cruel disrespect on the grave of Don Rafael through the exchange of ideas of the two men in the story. Chapter 13 Ibarra visits his late father’s grave. He finds out from the gravedigger that the parish priest had ordered to dig up his father’s remains, which were subsequently thrown into the river. Ibarra leaves, furious.On his way he meets Friar Salvi, the head priest, at whom he shoots verbal attacks and forces to kneel before him for disrespecting Don Rafael’s grave. The priest eventually admits that it was not him but the parish priest before him, Friar Damaso, who was responsible for the shameful act. Chapter 14 Tasyo the Philosopher wandered aimlessly from the cemetery. He had had a talk with the town captain, whom he bombarded with superstitious teachings of religion. He had also met the two brothers, Basilio and Crispin, who could not go back home after the sacristan mayor denied them the freedom to leave the cathedral before eight in the evening.On his way Tasyo passed by the home of Don Felipo, whom the latter shared with his wife Doray. Both men discussed the issue of purgatory. Tasyo the Philosopher is one of the most consequential and immortal characters create d in the history of Philippine literature. Don Felipo is also one of the most-loved characters of the Noli. He had great respect and high regard for the old philosopher. That time there was an impending storm. Chapter 15 Despite the storm, the two sacristan brothers Basilio and Crispin had to go up the bell tower of the cathedral to ring the bells at eight in the evening.Both boys talk about the parish priest’s lost silver. Crispin, the younger one, was blamed for having allegedly stolen the money. The boy was tortured by the priest and the sacristan mayor. Basilio luckily escaped. It is obvious in the way the two boys conversed in this chapter that they were thinking quite maturely for their age. Chapter 16 Sisa patiently waited for her two boys to come home. She had already prepared supper. But instead of Basilio and Crispin it was her husband, a drunkard and a gambler, who walked through the door. He ate all the food, leaving nothing for his sons.He went on a rampage, and left telling his wife that if the boys ever brought home some money she should leave some for him. Minutes later Basilio arrived, out of breath and bleeding. This chapter is one of the most emotionally stirring in the entire book. Here Rizal clearly differentiates the poor from the rich characters presented in â€Å"All Souls. †At this point in the story, we read about the friars practically hoarding for their own personal indulgence, money that could have benefited two poor boys whose father had left to fend for them. Sisa and her two sons live in a small hut outside town, close to where Tasyo the Philosopher lives.Chapter 17 Basilio, drenched in blood, falls into his mother’s arms. He tells his mother that Crispin, his little brother, was left at the convent by order of the sacristan mayor. Neither of them had supper. Basilio dozed off and dreamed that the priest and the sacristan mayor had killed Crispin. Sisa is a loving mother, but Rizal describes her w ith a tone of pity for her lack of insight on her sons’ way of life. Basilio is roughly ten years old, and Crispin is seven. However, despite their young age, their characters are shown to have innate wisdom.Basilio tells his mother that Crispin was accused of stealing the friar’s money, but left out the part about the torture. Basilio feels great disappointment, if not hate, for his drunkard father who had no sense of responsibility. Chapter 18 The day sparks up with rumors that Friar Salvi is ill. It is All Souls’ Day, and the streets are filled with people talking about plenary indulgence and all other religious practices and beliefs relating to the holiday. Sisa makes her way to the convent to fetch her son Crispin. She is told that the boy is not there; that the little thief had stolen even more from them, and then made a run for it.Sisa breaks down in tears. In this chapter, Rizal points out yet again all of the many irrational and superstitious practices that consume as if devouring the event of All Souls. It can be sensed in the writing that the author keeps a tenuous thread of indignation while describing all of it in detail. That morning, almost everyone notices Friar Salvi’s bizarre behavior. Chapter 19 The teacher in the town of San Diego accompanies Ibarra to the place where Don Rafael’s body was found, and there Ibarra pays respects to the memory of his father. The schoolteacher mentions to Crisostomo the great help the late.Don Rafael gave in enlivening children’s education in San Diego. The story moves Ibarra, and so he decides to build a school for the kids. This, he says, will do great honor and justice to the memory of his father. The school teacher is one of the six people who attended Don Rafael’s burial. Chapter 20 From the riverside, Ibarra makes his way to the town hall. There people are deciding on the type of celebrations that must be held and organized during the town feast. The older citizens are inclined to having a grand and cheerful celebration.The youth, with the leadership of Don Felipo, are against it. This is one of the most beautiful chapters of the Noli, which discusses one very serious social problem, not only in the old days but also up to the present  feasts. It can be observed that the foul practice of writing on walls has not changed. (Refer to the first paragraph). The captain, before joining in the meeting, has a brief talk with Friar Salvi. It was eleven days before the feast, which was on the 12th of December. Captain Basilio was Don Rafael’s rival in terms of wealth and fortune. Chapter 21 Sisa runs all the way home.She wants desperately to save and protect her sons from the danger that she feels is coming. She comes across the civil guards and finds out that Crispin was nowhere to be found, and that Basilio had escaped. The guards command Sisa to bring out the friar’s money which his sons had stolen. When she cannot produce it they arrest her. Sisa nearly dies of shame from the piercing stares of the people as she is dragged across town. The alferez eventually releases her, and she goes searching for her lost sons. Still no sign of them. Sisa becomes insane. It was not the alferez but the sergeant who ordered Sisa’s arrest.The mother who loses her sanity looking for her lost sons was created by Rizal from a real-life character. Sisa’s husband was an upright man in the beginning. He started to become vile and cruel when he became cabeza. Chapter 22 The following days are spent preparing for the town feast. News spreads fast that Maria Clara will grace the celebration with her presence, and everyone is excited to catch a glimpse of the beautiful young maiden. Even Friar Salvi, withdrawn as he is, has changed noticeably since her arrival. Crisostomo Ibarra is away for the last few days visiting the capital.Rumor has it that he is held in prison for attacking the Friar Salvi on All Souls. When Crisostomo and Maria Clara finally have a moment to talk, they agree to have a picnic in the forest owned by the Ibarras. The maiden does not want to invite Friar Salvi, but Crisostomo insists that they could not avoid the priest’s attendance. To be rid of whatever animosity there is between them, Ibarra and Friar Salvi even have a brief talk. On his way home, Crisostomo is approached by Sisa and her husband who are seeking his help. Remember that unlike Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria Clara did not grow up in San Diego.She is only spending some days there on vacation, but lives with Captain Tiago in Binondo. It was November. Chapter 23 It was the day of the picnic. Early in the morning they go on a boat ride across the lake, headed for the forest. Everyone is enjoying the fun and excitement; only the boat driver, Elias, remains silent. As requested, Maria Clara sings a patriotic melody. This stirs the emotions of everyone there, but most especially kindles sadness in t he hearts of Elias and Ibarra. The lake is not a good place for fishing; the crocodile had frightened all the fish away.Elias tries to get rid of the beast but when it nearly kills him, Crisostomo leaps off the boat and takes on the monster, saving Elias’s life. The forest (the intended campsite) is located beside the lake. The playful nature of the young men during that time is clearly described in this chapter. It is most helpful to remember the young men who join in this picnic to more easily understand the coming revolt in response to the charges against Ibarra. Chapter 24 Friar Salvi goes through the mass hurriedly in order to join in the picnic, as Ibarra had invited him.When he arrives he secretly follows the ladies around as they look for a certain bird’s nest. He then proceeds to the picnic area where the fun is. In the middle of all the colorful amusement, the civil guards arrive in search of Elias. Although they are unable to capture the man, the commotion t hey brought with them ends the picnic prematurely. Rizal’s knowledge and interest in botany and zoology are evident in this chapter. Almost all the highly respected and â€Å"honorable†people of San Diego are invited in the picnic, including the alferez and coadjutor. Elias is not from the town of San Diego. He only arrived a few days before.Chapter 25 The day after the picnic Ibarra visits the home Tasyo the Philosopher. They talk about a variety of things  language, history, geography, and nature. They also talk about Elias and how the picnic went the day before. Ibarra learns that it was Dona Consolacion, the â€Å"muse of the civil guards,†who ordered Elias’s arrest. Crisostomo tells the old man the reason for his visit  to ask for advice regarding his plans of building a schoolhouse. Tasyo responds by telling Ibarra that he had come to the wrong person; that he should rather consult Friar Salvi, the captain, and all the other men in office.Asking for their advice, Tasyo says, does not necessarily mean that Ibarra has to follow them, only that the latter must make it seem like he has high regard for their opinion on the matter. Tasyo further advises him to keep his head down among the friars. Tasyo’s house looks almost like a library with all his many books. This chapter has great substance. In contrast to others, where Rizal humorously describes and points out the foolishness of the characters, this one has wisdom as its dominant theme. Here we read about Rizal’s hope of educating his race in the days to come. Chapter 26 Everyone is getting ready for the town fiesta.The streets are bedazzled with colorful buntings, the band is playing the grandest music, and all the kitchens are busy. Crisostomo Ibarra is busy working out the plans for the new schoolhouse. His architect, Nol Juan, observes the unique rafter that will be used to put down the cornerstone. A man with yellowish skin is in charge of b uilding the contraption. Many women and children help out in the project. Even those that are formerly considered â€Å"enemies of the town†extended a hand. Crisostomo Ibarra becomes the role model of the children  the person they would want to become when they grow up.Ibarra reports to Tasyo the Philosopher the obvious success of his new project. The sage in return responds, â€Å"If you are greeted with smiles, be more watchful of enemies hiding in the shadows†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Philippine fiestas are for everyone’s enjoyment, friend and foe, rich and poor. This chapter describes in detail how the fiesta is a great opportunity to showcase art, sculptures, tapestries, and many more. Rizal also exhibits in this chapter the Filipinos’ inherent love for music. The rafter holding the cornerstone, and the yellowish man who is building it, are vital to the story. Their purpose in the story can be read in the succeeding chapters.Chapter 27 Word spreads fast acros s Manila about Ibarra’s noble work. Inspired by this, Captain Tiago decides that he wants to put up a convent, financed by him personally. Maria Clara asks permission to go out with her girlfriends and Ibarra. Captain Tiago reminds her to come home early because Friar Damaso will be joining them for supper. Along the way they meet an old leper. Out of pity, Maria Clara gives to the leper her scapular as a gift. The scapular and the leper are one of the elements of the Noli that connect it to the El Fili. Leprosy before was believed to be an incurable disease.Rizal refutes this in his second book, El Filibusterismo, when Basilio cures the leper who, as payment, gives the young doctor Maria Clara’s scapular. Developments in science and medicine today prove that Rizal is indeed correct. Chapter 28 A news reporter describes in the papers how the feast in San Diego was grand, fanciful, and unparalleled. Maria Clara writes to Ibarra, worried because she didn’t see him all afternoon. The rumors of him being sick leaves her extremely troubled. She asks that he visit her the following day. This chapter narrates events through the use of letters exchanged by the characters.It can be observed from the reporter’s writing that he injects his own opinions into the news. Chapter 29 The day of the fiesta starts with the sound of gongs and fireworks. Everyone is dressed at his or her best, with all the ornaments, trimmings, and frills  everyone, that is, except Tasyo the Philosopher. All the people are excited to hear mass, curious to know what Friar Damaso’s sermon will be about. In this chapter Rizal discusses the reason for the christening of the Chinese. This is somewhat related to their endeavors at acquiring Filipino citizenship: It’s all about business.Rizal further describes many more observations regarding religious celebrations in the Philippines, especially in the point of view of the church. Chapter 30 The cathedral is fully-packed with churchgoers. Tasyo the Philosopher argues with the maestro regarding the generous amount of money that Friar Damaso receives for delivering his sermon. The mayor is late, and the mass does not start until after he arrives. Meanwhile, Maria Clara is seated near the altar; there isn’t much people around where she sits because this has been arranged for her by the sacristans as ordered by Friar Salvi.Ibarra situates himself in one corner. The sermon finally starts, and Friar Damaso takes his place in the pulpit. He signals to another priest within his line of sight; this priest dictates the friar’s sermon to him. In this chapter Rizal points out a number of things about the church: (a) the holy water, (b) the huge attendance, (c) monetary compensation for the priest in charge of the sermon, (d) the joining in of children too young to understand the service, (e) the late arrival of some people whose attendance is being waited on, and (f) self-inflicti on of pain as a form of penitence in order to acquire indulgences.Chapter 31 Friar Damaso starts the sermon in Spanish. When the priest makes a certain gesture in the middle his speech, the sacristan thinks that like Friar Salvi, Damaso wants to go on with the sermon in closed doors. After the sacristan shuts the church entrance, it becomes so much hotter inside. As Friar Damaso proceeds with the sermon he goes on to make insinuations about Ibarra, whom he sees seated in one corner. The priest’s dictator becomes lost in his reading, since there are no notes written there regarding such vile accusations against the youth.When time comes to start the second part of the sermon, which is in Tagalog, Damaso does not conduct it very well, thinking that none of the natives understand proper rhetoric. The friar overhears a student in the crowd remark that the priest is probably speaking Greek, and Damaso becomes furious. This ends in a heated argument after the mass. Elias approaches Ibarra right after the sermon ends and whispers, â€Å"During the blessing, do not depart from where the parish priest (Friar Salvi) stands; do not descend down the excavation; do not approach the cornerstone  it is a matter of life and death. This is one of the chapters that contain a number of edited and deleted scenes and lines in other translations of the Noli. The sermon is commonly not given due attention and interest. When this part of the mass starts most of the men head for the exit. However in this chapter, Rizal describes Friar Damaso’s sermon in a rather amusing way. It is obvious that the priest makes no sense whatsoever, ending a statement without making a point, connecting sentences and phrases that have no relation to each other, and the entirety of the sermon lacking focus on the theme at hand.The sermon has two parts: the first one is in Spanish, and the second in Tagalog. Friar Damaso only prepares for the first part, which unfortunately also turn s into a disaster when he inserts insinuating comments about Ibarra. Chapter 32 Nol Juan commends the great workmanship done by the yellowish man on the pulley. When asked where he learned such skills, the youth replies that he was taught by his father who learned it from a Don Saturnino. He then smiles meaningfully. Elias, disguised as a local farmer, observes that the yellowish man is seemingly restless and apprehensive as he holds onto the rope of the pulley bearing the cornerstone.Elias positions himself beside the man in anticipation, and winks at Ibarra to remind the youth of the warning the former gave to him earlier during the mass. Later when Ibarra descends to the excavation, the beam of the pulley suddenly breaks, letting loose the cornerstone which crushes the yellowish man to death, but leaves Ibarra unharmed. â€Å"An unfortunate beginning†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Tasyo the Philosopher remarks. The yellowish man is most likely suffering from malaria, which was a common disease d uring those days, or a disorder of the liver. Chapter 33 Ibarra heads home to change. Elias arrives. You saved my life before, and now I have returned the favor. There is no need for you to thank me, Sir,†the man says to Ibarra. He goes on to remind him not to hint to those people in power the warning that Elias gave him earlier in the church. Elias explains that it would be better for Ibarra if his enemies thought he wasn’t ready. Ibarra is stunned; he had no idea he had enemies. â€Å"We all have enemies,†says Elias. â€Å"Disagreement is a part of life. † Elias then confesses to have jumped the yellowish man into the excavation the moment the latter tried to make a run for it.The character of Elias reveals more depth in this chapter. It can be said that he is no ordinary man, but a philosopher. Chapter 34 Ibarra returns to the schoolhouse. He and the mayor are seated on either side of the long table at dinner. Also in attendance are Capta in Tiago, the alferez, and the town captain. Captain Tiago receives a telegram, informing him that the captain general will be visiting his house. Tiago excuses himself right away. The guests observe that Friar Damaso is not in attendance. Talk eventually centers on the priest’s sermon during the mass.Only Friar Salvi remains silent and motionless in his seat. When Damaso finally arrives, the dinner is just about finished. The priest starts declaring insults with the intention of enraging and provoking Ibarra, but the youth remains prudent the entire time. However, when Damaso starts mocking the name of Don Rafael, Ibarra loses his composure and lunges at the priest, holding a knife to his throat. Maria Clara stops Ibarra before he could do further harm to the friar, causing the youth to drop the knife and leave the room in haste.The captain general is liberal, and based on the way Rizal introduces him in this chapter, it can be said that he is an honorable man. Chapter 35 News spreads about Ibarra and Friar Damaso’s eventful encounter. There are even rumors claiming that the friar is already dead. There are those who praise Ibarra, like Don Felipo, and those who find fault in the youth’s lack of prudence, like the town captain. Most of the mothers talk among themselves, assured that Ibarra’s soul is surely condemned to burn in hell after what he did to a man of God. There are other women, too, who are on his side.Most of the townspeople think that not only will Ibarra be excommunicated, he is also bound to be labeled a filibuster. Rizal makes use of the characters’ comments on the incident that happened the night before in order to clearly and creatively discuss the focus of this chapter. Chapter 36 Ibarra is excommunicated, as punishment for his cruel and shameful treatment of Friar Damaso. Maria Clara breaks down in tears, and Captain Tiago visits her in the convent. There, Damaso makes clear to Tiago tha t the planned marriage between Ibarra and Maria Clara is to be nullified. The captain general arrives.He calls for Maria Clara, who stays in solitude insider her room. When a man is excommunicated, he is not to be talked to or given notice by all who practice the Catholic faith. Friar Damaso is staying in the convent, which is the reason why he opts to meet with Tiago there. The captain general is staying at Captain Tiago’s house. Chapter 37 The first person the captain general wishes to see is Ibarra. However, since the youth is still to be called upon, his Excellency instead addresses the matter of the youth who had gone into a fistfight with Friar Damaso the day before, after he had insulted the sermon.When the general asks where Damaso is, he is told that the friar is bedridden in the convent. His Excellency then speaks with Maria Clara. He thanks her for having stopped Ibarra from killing the damned priest, and asks her to name the reward she would wish to receive for su ch a noble act. Ibarra arrives shortly, and confers with the captain general. They exchange opinions and ideas, and the general grows very fond of the youth. His Excellency promises to talk with the Archbishop regarding Ibarra’s case so that the latter’s state of excommunication may be lifted.When the general speaks with Captain Tiago he inquires about Ibarra’s marriage with Maria Clara, and offers to be godfather during the wedding ceremony. Lieutenant Guevarra and the captain general are two of the Spaniards that Rizal speaks of highly in his Noli, proof that the novel is not a biased endeavor to attack Spain. Chapter 38 The captain walks together with the mayor, Captain Tiago, and Crisostomo Ibarra. They watch the procession from the captain’s terrace. When the statue of the Virgin Mary passes by Tiago’s house, Maria Clara sings â€Å"Ave Maria†in a melody so sad that would cause one to ponder upon the cause of such melancholy.In this ch apter Rizal lists down his observations regarding the religious practices surrounding Catholic processions during that time, some of which are still presently observed in the Philippines. Chapter 39 In the house of the alferez, all the windows are closed. Inside, servants and workers alike get the ominous feeling that the Dona Consolacion is again conjuring up an evil plan of some sort. Sisa, who was taken into custody for creating social unrest, has been in the barracks for two days now. She hears Maria Clara’s mournful song, and sings a sad ballad herself. The civil guards stay silent, listening.Dona Consolacion hears the woman, and forces the latter to sing and dance for her own amusement. The alferez arrives shortly, and commands his servant to clothe Sisa, feed her, give her a suitable bed for the night, and then bring her to Ibarra the following day. Dona Consolacion is one of the most hideous and unpleasant characters created by Rizal. Chapter 40 All the people head towards the town plaza to witness the play. When the show starts the friars are already in their designated seats. Friar Salvi, however, does not see what is happening on stage; his full attention is focused on Maria Clara.After the first half of the play Ibarra arrives. Friar Salvi orders Don Felipo to prohibit Ibarra from watching the play, since the youth has been excommunicated, and his presence would corrupt the celebration. When Don Felipo refuses to follow the priest’s orders, Salvi motions to his companions and leaves. Rizal describes in vibrant detail the indigenous colors, customs, and traditions that surround the night of the fiesta. Chapter 41 While Ibarra passes time in his laboratory, Elias arrives with the news of Maria Clara’s illness. The lady had apparently caught fever.Ibarra asks Elias how the latter was able to stop the riot the night before. Shortly after Elias leaves, Ibarra heads toward Captain Tiago’s house to visit Maria Cl ara. Along the way he comes across Lucas, the brother of the yellowish man who had attempted to kill Ibarra, who asks him for money for his grieving family. Ibarra, aggravated, tells the man to return in the afternoon. Elias becomes like a slave who bids farewell to his master, Ibarra, by disguising his intentions behind questions asking whether Crisostomo had other things he wanted him to do because Elias was actually taking a trip to Batangas.From the day Ibarra saved him from the crocodile, Elias had dedicated his life in service fully to the youth. Chapter 42 Maria Clara is ill. Dona Victorina and her husband arrive at Capitan Tiago’s house. Don Tiburcio de Espadana is there on account of the girl, whom he had agreed to treat after Tiago requested for his services (Tiburcio is a Spaniard, who pretends to be a doctor). Together with the couple is a young Spanish gentleman, Linares. This chapter recounts how Victorina came to marry her husband, how the latter go t into the pretense of being a man of medicine, and a brief and amusing account of his woes.Here Rizal clearly depicts the true character of Dona Victorina. Captain Tiago’s sycophancy is also shown in this chapter when he nearly kisses the hand of Linares, a man considered to be merely dust in Spain that has been cast away into the Philippine islands. Chapter 43 After Don Tiburcio de Espadana checks on Maria Clara and gives her a prescription, Friar Damaso arrives and talks with her. The priest is introduced to Linares, and conjures up a plan to arrange the youth’s marriage to Maria Clara. Meanwhile, Lucas is formulating a plan to harm Ibarra. Friar Salvi also has plans of his own.The scene where Friar Damaso tears up after seeing Maria Clara in such poor condition shows that still, he has a heart  a father’s heart. Chapter 44 Friar Salvi is alone with Maria Clara for the latter’s confession. The girl begins to feel well after a few hours , and according to Dona Victorina, it was all because of Don Tiburcio’s skill and expertise. Friar Salvi, on the other hand, says that it was because of her confession. When the friar leaves Maria Clara’s room, he appears rather pale and is covered in perspiration. Maria Clara did not have the chance to know her mother because the latter died right after giving birth to her.Despite the many guesses as to what truly accounted for Maria Clara’s fast recovery, it was in fact the medicine that Ibarra sent her through Sinang that did the trick. Rizal describes a number of Catholic traditions in this chapter. Chapter 45 Just like Elias had told Ibarra, he leaves for Batangas in search of Captain Pablo. He finds the man weak and wounded in the middle of a forest. Elias persuades Pablo to go with him and live a free life but the latter refuses, saying that he cannot turn his back from the life he has made for himself, that of a man hunted but still fig hting for his principles and his honor.The allusion â€Å"Pablo†among the rebels in the mountains is coined from the name of Captain Pablo. Elias and Captain Pablo share the same methods of rebellion  spare the innocent. Chapter 46 It is Sunday, and virtually everyone is in the cockpit. Two brothers, Tarsilo and Bruno, are among the audience. They wish to place their bets and join the fun, but they have no money with them. Lucas approaches the two boys and offers them cash, reminding them of the vengeance they have to exact upon those who caused the death of their beloved father and inviting them to join him in a rebellion he is planning to start.The boys refuse. Later on, the brothers see Lucas talking to Pedro, the father of Basilio and Crispin. Eventually Tarsilo and his brother decide to join Lucas in his undertaking. According to Lucas, the rebellion is Ibarra’s idea. The boys leave after each getting thirty pesos from the man, agreeing to meet at t he cemetery at eight in the evening. The character Captain Pablo in Batangas is different from the Captain Pablo in the cockpit. Pedro is Sisa’s husband. In this chapter Rizal scrutinizes cockfighting. Chapter 47 While walking with her husband, Dona Victorina flashes her eccentric clothes about town.The de Espadanas pass by the house of the alferez. Dona Consolacion, the alferez’s wife, mocks Victorina, and this ends in a heated argument. To defend her honor, Victorina prods Linares to challenge the alferez to a duel. When it comes to character development, this chapter is at the top of the list. Dona Victorina, Dona Consolacion, Don Tiburcio de Espadana, and Captain Tiago are undying caricatures created by Rizal that have made an eternal mark in Philippine literature. The character featured in this chapter is Dona Victorina. The quarrel between the two women (Victorina and Consolacion) is described in classic satire. Chapter 48The archbishop grants pardon to Ibarra  and removes the penalty of excommunication. Crisostomo feels a pang of jealousy when he sees Maria Clara with Linares. He proceeds to visit his schoolhouse, which is still under construction. The architect updates him on the recent progress of the building. Ibarra spots Elias helping out in the construction, and requests to see the full list of workers. The architect leaves, and Ibarra approaches Elias. Elias asks if he could speak with him later in the afternoon by the river, and Ibarra agrees. Elias walks away, and Nol Juan approaches Ibarra, handing over to him the list of workers.Elias’s name is not there. The term â€Å"taguling†refers to a narrow canal where water flows through land. Chapter 49 Ibarra goes to the seaside where he had agreed to meet with Elias. Elias tells him of the purpose of the meeting  to address the concerns and needs of those who are hunted and persecuted. He asks Ibarra to find a way to diminish the pow er of the friars and the civil guards. Ibarra refuses. According to him, the friars and the civil guards are â€Å"necessary evils. † In this chapter Rizal explains what it means to love one’s country. It is here that the character of Elias finds more color and depth. Chapter 50Elias narrates his story and the unfortunate lives of his ancestors, upon Ibarra’s request. Sixty years had passed. Elias’s great-grandfather worked as a bookkeeper for a Spanish businessman. When a fire broke out in the workhouse, he was accused of arson and was sentenced to be flogged in the streets. This left him crippled. In order to provide for the family his wife, still with child, was forced to enter into prostitution. One of their sons turned to thievery and lived the life of a bandit. Their other son eventually married a rich woman, and together they had two children  twins  Elias and his sister, who were both educated in Manila.However, the family’s dark past surfaced eventually, and Elias and his sister lost all that they had. The girl killed herself, and Elias was left alone to wander the streets as a hunted man. Elias’s Family Tree: Chapter 51 Dona Victorina writes to Linares, who is currently still living in Captain Tiago’s house. She tells him that it is imperative that the lad will have already dueled with the alferez after three days. If this plan does not push through, she says, she will tell Tiago of the youth’s lies and pretenses. Ibarra arrives. He secretly asks Sinang to find a way for him to talk with Maria Clara privately.Dona Victorina’s letter is a clear picture of the present condition  the deliberate use of a foreign language in which one is not well versed. Dona Victorina repeatedly speaks and writes in Spanish although her grammar and use of the language is rather pitiful. At present many locals deliberately speak English when they know their skill in it s use requires much improvement. Linares regrets agreeing to Dona Victorina’s demands of pretending to be an honorable Spaniard and secretary to the minister just to gain Captain Tiago’s favor. Now the woman is threatening to reveal all his rotten lies.Chapter 52 The road to the cemetery is narrow; the moon is hiding behind dark clouds. Three men are talking. â€Å"Have you spoken to Elias? † says one. No, comes the reply. But Elias is included because he saved Ibarra’s life. â€Å"He brought my wife to a doctor†¦Ã¢â‚¬ says the first speaker, â€Å"so I consented. † A few minutes later, Lucas arrives and instructs them to attack the barracks and the church. Elias, after spying on Lucas, finds out about the plan that will implicate Ibarra. Chapter 53 News spreads about the flickering lights and the moving shadows in the cemetery.Tasyo the Philosopher, bedridden at that time, converses with Captain Felipo who has recently resigned fro m office. Tasyo wishes the mayor to continue in his fight. They also talk about the issue concerning the trouble with the civil guards, the friars, and the youth. The philosopher predicts his death, which he says will come in a few days. The people presume that it was the souls in purgatory mourning over their dead that lighted the candles in the cemetery. There was only one light that night, from the match that Elias used to see his companions.Tasyo the Philosopher is already weakened by his condition. The original title of this chapter is â€Å"Il Buon Di Si Conosce Da Mattina,†meaning that if the morning is beautiful, the rest of the day will be also. The circumstances of the present will reflect what becomes of the future. It was Tasyo who advised Don Felipo to resign from office when the latter lost against the friars in defending his plans for the town fiesta. Chapter 54 The angelus plays, and people pause to pray. But Friar Salvi continues to walk t oward the house of the alferez. The two enemies talk.Salvi tells the alferez that he had learned through a confession that there was a plan of rebellion ensuing, and that the latter should ready his men. Friar Salvi requests from him soldiers to guard the church. Meanwhile, Elias rushes to Ibarra’s house and explains that the plot had already been discovered, and Ibarra was accused of leading the rebellion. Elias immediately tells him to run and escape, but not before burning all the documents, letters, and any evidence that would implicate him. In one of these letters, Elias discovers that it was Ibarra’s great grandfather who had accused his great grandfather of arson.Elias lives for only one purpose: To find and exact vengeance on the descendants of that cruel Spaniard who accused his great grandfather of a crime without any proof, which had then been the cause of his family’s disgrace. He now discovers that the man he was searching for was Crisostomo I barra. Chapter 55 Tiago, Isabel, Linares, and the others, are having dinner at Captain Tiago’s house. Sinang whispers to Maria Clara, who is seated by the piano and had refused to eat. Friar Salvi is pacing back and forth across the living room. Ibarra hears shots fired near the convent. He rushes toward Captain Tiago’s house.When Ibarra returns to his house, the civil guards arrest him. Elias then enters the empty quarters and burns all the evidence that could implicated Ibarra in the failed rebellion. Sinang and Maria Clara’s other friends are aware of Friar Salvi’s affections for the young maiden. The moon does not shine too brightly that night. Chapter 56 A child looks out the window to assess the condition outside, and his mother scolds him. Manang Puti opens her windows, and so does Manang Rufa. The two women talk. They suspect that the rebellion was headed by Captain Pablo. Rumor has it that Don Felipo was arrested.Some say that the civil guards ha d revolted in the barracks, and that Friar Salvi had attacked the alferez. Word spreads that Ibarra had burned his entire house down. They had surveyed Ibarra’s house. They say that the youth was plotting to kill Friar Salvi. Word has it around town that Ibarra is a criminal, and that this was because of his liberal education in Spain. In the characters’ conversations Rizal shows clearly to the readers why rumors always spread fast and grow. It is because every single person who hears the news inserts his own opinions and thoughts and adds it to the original story.Opinions and guesses are quickly taken as facts. Chapter 56 Tarsilo and Andong are persecuted. Of all the men who attacked the barracks, they were the only ones who made it alive. Tarsilo declares that he had not once spoken to Crisostomo Ibarra. The only reason he joined the attack was to avenge his father’s death. Tarsilo is tortured. After Tarsilo dies without confessing anything of use, Andon g is questioned. Andong is terrified of his companion’s fate, and says that he will speak. The reason, he admits, why he was there by the barracks was because his in-laws gave him only rotten food and nothing decent to eat.In this chapter Rizal shows the heroic acts of one Tarsilo, a man who knows how to fight and die with honor. It is helpful to remember what Friar Salvi says: â€Å"I do not wish to face them yet†¦ I am not well†in trial when he stands opposite the men arrested. Friar Salvi is included in the trial because during that time, the church and the state were linked. Chapter 57 Tarsilo and Andong are persecuted. Of all the men who attacked the barracks, they were the only ones who made it alive. Tarsilo declares that he had not once spoken to Crisostomo Ibarra. The only reason he joined the attack was to avenge his father’s death. Tarsilo is tortured.After Tarsilo dies without confessing anything of use, Andong is questioned. Andong is te rrified of his companion’s fate, and says that he will speak. The reason, he admits, why he was there by the barracks was because his in-laws gave him only rotten food and nothing decent to eat. In this chapter Rizal shows the heroic acts of one Tarsilo, a man who knows how to fight and die with honor. It is helpful to remember what Friar Salvi says: â€Å"I do not wish to face them yet†¦ I am not well†in trial when he stands opposite the men arrested. Friar Salvi is included in the trial because during that time, the church and the state were linked.Chapter 58 The relatives of those caught during the rebellion break down in tears. Aling Doray, with her child, sobs waiting for Don Felipo. Capt. Tinay and the others weep for their sons and husbands. Andong’s mother-in-law speaks out in anger. When the twenty prisoners are taken outside at two in the afternoon, all of them are tied up except for Ibarra. All the people blame him for the dark fate of their lov ed ones in captivity. Ibarra does not have a single friend in the crowd. Not even Nol Juan, the schoolteacher, or Captain Basilio is in sight.From a hilltop, Tasyo the Philosopher watch the prisoners leave. He couldn’t go to them because of his ill health. The following day Tasyo is found dead. Chapter 59 The many corporations celebrate Friar Salvi’s triumphant discovery of the rebellion. The people in the government and the church hope for a big promotion of their offices because of the successful efforts to put a stop to the uprising. The friars blame it all on the Jesuits, who they claim had messed with the minds of the youth. Captain Tinong is restless and worried that he might also be arrested simply for being Ibarra’s acquaintance.Word spreads around Manila that all the praises about Ibarra’s schoolhouse are false; it is actually a place for the rebels, a tower of rebellion. Don Primitivo is a caricature created by Rizal, similar to Captain Ba silio and Dona Victorina: He always speaks in Latin, but people do not understand a word he says. The friars hold a great celebration in honor of Friar Salvi and his discovery of an uprising  through Holy Confession. Chapter 60 Captain Tiago is the only wealthy man who isn’t in jail. Captain Tinong is freed, but is terribly ill and does not want to go out of the house.Dona Victorina, Don Tiburcio, and Linares arrive at Captain Tiago’s house. Victorina and Tiago agree that Linares and Maria Clara wed the soonest time possible, and Tiago immediately attends to the wedding preparations the following day. Maria Clara goes to the azotea and sees Ibarra leap out from a rowboat nearby. Ibarra climbs up the azotea and tells the maiden how he feels she has betrayed her but has nonetheless already forgiven her. Maria Clara stops him, and explains her present circumstances. She swears to Ibarra that she had fallen and will fall in love only once and with him.For a gir l, just like Maria Clara, the love of a mother is of vital importance. Maria Clara knows that it was not confession but the medicine that Ibarra gave her through Sinang that cured her illness. Chapter 61 Civil guards to after Ibarra and Elias on the lake in hot pursuit. Elias jumps off the boat to mislead the men, saving Ibarra’s life. In spite of Elias’s sad fate  no love, no happiness  he still wishes to stay and suffer and die in his motherland. In this chapter is born Simoun of El Filibusterismo, a man poisoned by misfortune and repays it with violence and cruelty to his countrymen.Chapter 62 Many gifts are offered for Maria Clara’s wedding to Linares. Friar Damaso arrives, cheerful. He notices, however, that the maiden is rather pale and distraught. Maria Clara cries on his shoulders and asks him to tell Captain Tiago to call off the wedding. She tells him of her last encounter with Ibarra on the azotea, but leaves out the part about knowing the true story of her birth. She tells Damaso that as long as Ibarra was alive she was willing to suffer, content with hearing the occasional mention of his name.But now that he is gone  she had learned that Ibarra was killed as he tried to escape the guards  she no longer has any reason to suffer. She asks Friar Damaso to grant her permission to enter the nunnery, and, after much hesitation, the priest consents. News has already spread that Ibarra was killed in the lake. Even if a man is of pure Spanish descent, if he is born in the Philippines, he is regarded as lower than those who are born in Spain. Chapter 63 Basilio returns to San Diego to look for his mother, Sisa. This search ends in the forest of the Ibarras, where Sisa dies shortly after recognizing her son.Minutes later, a weak and wounded Elias arrives and orders Basilio to cremate the two bodies (Elias’s and Sisa’s). In this chapter the readers catch a glimpse of the characters that will b e leading the El Filibusterismo, sequel to Rizal’s Noli. The town of San Diego now has a new parish priest and a new alferez. This is one of the saddest chapters in the entire novel. Basilio reunites with his mother but the two of them do not even get a chance to speak with each other. And it was Christmas Eve. Chapter 64 This chapter narrates what happened to the characters following the preceding events.Friar Damaso is assigned to another town. The following day he is found dead. It is suspected that he suffered a heart attack. Friar Salvi frequently delivers sermons at the convent of Sta. Clara where Maria Clara is staying. Captain Tiago drowns himself in gambling, cockfighting, and opium. He lost his will to attend mass the moment Maria Clara entered the convent. Dona Victorina is enjoying the Spanish life even more. Don Tiburcio is frequently found without his dentures. Linares dies of dysentery. The alferez returns to Spain, leaving his wife. Maria Clara is miserable at the convent.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
The Social Theory of Du Bois
Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim are widely recognized as the trinity of sociological theory. While these three sociologists were trailblazing social theorists who enhanced the study of human behavior and its relationship to social institutions, other, more contemporary scholars were just as innovative – one of those scholars being W. E. B. Du Bois. W. E. B. Du Bois was a political and literary giant of the 20th century, publishing over twenty books and thousand of essays and articles throughout his life. W. E. B Du Bois is arguably one of the most imaginative, perceptive, and prolific founders of the sociological discipline. In addition to leading the Pan-African movement and being an activist for civil rights for African Americans, Du Bois was a pioneer of urban sociology, an innovator of rural sociology, a leader in criminology, the first American sociologist of religion, and most notably the first great social theorist of race. The work of W. E. B. Du Bois (1868-19 63) has recently become recognized for its significant contributions to sociological theory. Although Du Bois himself was overwhelmingly concerned with the scientific perspective of â€Å"value free†sociological research, later social theorists have found his thoughts on race to offer one of the first instances of the articulation of standpoint theory. This theoretical perspective is anything but value free, because of the self-conscious efforts of the researcher to look at the social world from the vantage point of minority groups. Feminists, multiculturalists, and even postmodernists have come to recognize the importance of the black point of view found in Du Bois's work. They have also come to appreciate Du Bois for his focus on local knowledge and practices. W. E. B. Du Bois was an important American thinker. Poet, philosopher, economic historian, sociologist, and social critic, Du Bois’ work resists easy classification. Du Bois is more than a philosopher; he is, for many, a great social leader. His extensive efforts all bend toward a common goal, the equality of colored people. His philosophy is significant today because it addresses what many would argue is the real world problem of white domination. So long as racist white privilege exists, and suppresses the dreams and the freedoms of human beings, so long will Du Bois be relevant as a thinker, for he, more than almost any other, employed thought in the service of exposing this privilege, and worked to eliminate it in the service of a greater humanity. Du Bois was a prolific author. His collection of essays, The Souls of Black Folk, was a seminal work in African-American literature; and his 1935 magnum opus Black Reconstruction in America challenged the prevailing orthodoxy that blacks were responsible for the failures of the Reconstruction era. He wrote the first scientific treatise in the field of sociology; and he published three autobiographies, each of which contains insightful essays on sociology, politics and history. In his role as editor of the NAACP's journal The Crisis, he published many influential pieces. Du Bois believed that capitalism was a primary cause of racism, and he was generally sympathetic to socialist causes throughout his life. He was an ardent peace activist and advocated nuclear disarmament. The United States' Civil Rights Act, embodying many of the reforms for which Du Bois had campaigned his entire life, was enacted a year after his death. Early in his career Du Bois claimed that the â€Å"race idea†was the central thought of all history and that the primary â€Å"problem of the twentieth century was the problem of the colour line. †Du Bois viewed the goal of African Americans not as one of integration or absorption into white America, but one of advancing â€Å"Pan-Negroism. †Critical of the excessive materialism of white America, Du Bois believed that black culture could temper the self-interested pursuit of profit. Du Bois called on blacks to organize and unite around their race, and although he was not opposed to segregation per se, he did come to realize that discrimination stifled the development of â€Å"separate but equal†facilities and institutions. The concepts of the Veil and double consciousness occupy an important place in Du Bois's theory on race. Du Bois discusses both in his work The Souls of Black Folk. The Veil is an imaginary barrier that separates whites and blacks. Du Bois hoped his work would allow whites to glimpse behind the Veil, so they could begin to understand the black experience in America. Perhaps the most fundamental component of the black experience in America was living with what Du Bois called double consciousness. Blacks are simultaneously both inside and outside of the dominant white society and live with a feeling of â€Å"twoness. †By trying to cultivate and preserve a racial identity, blacks come into conflict with trying to fit into white society. According to Du Bois, the tension of being both black and American can manifest itself in pathologies within the black community and discrimination in white America. Whatever turns out to be the best general account of Du Bois’ philosophy, it seems the significance of his thought only really shows up in the specific details of his works themselves, especially in The Souls of Black Folk. It is here that he first develops his central philosophical concept, the concept of double consciousness, and spells out its full implications. The aim of Souls of Black Folk is to show the spirit of black people in the United States: to show their humanity and the predicament that has confronted their humanity. Du Bois asserts that â€Å"the color line†divides people in the States, causes massive harm to its inhabitants, and ruins its own pretensions to democracy. He shows, in particular, how a veil has come to be put over African-Americans, so that others do not see them as they are; African-Americans are obscured in America; they cannot be seen clearly, but only through the lens of race prejudice. African-Americans feel this alien perception upon them but at the same time feel themselves as themselves, as their own with their own legitimate feelings and traditions. This dual self-perception is known as â€Å"double consciousness. Du Bois’ aim in Souls is to explain this concept in more specific detail and to show how it adversely affects African-Americans. In the background of Souls is always also the moral import of its message, to the effect that the insertion of a veil on human beings is wrong and must be condemned on the grounds that it divides what otherwise would be a unique and coherent identity. Souls thus aims to make the reader understand, in effect, that African-Americans have a distinct cultural identity, one that must be acknowledged, respected, and enabled to flourish. Du Bois’ other major philosophical concept is that of â€Å"second sight. †This is a concept he develops most precisely in Darkwater, a work, as we have seen, in which Du Bois changes his approach and takes up a stauncher stance against white culture. Du Bois holds that due to their double consciousness, African-Americans possess a privileged epistemological perspective. Both inside the white world and outside of it, African-Americans are able to understand the white world, while yet perceiving it from a different perspective, namely that of an outsider as well. The white person in America, by contrast, contains but a single consciousness and perspective, for he or she is a member of a dominant culture, with its own racial and cultural norms asserted as absolute. The white person looks out from themselves and sees only their own world reflected back upon themâ€â€a kind of blindness or singular sight possesses them. Luckily, as Du Bois makes clear, the dual perspective of African-Americans can be used to grasp the essence of whiteness and to expose it, in the multiple senses of the word â€Å"expose. That is to say, second sight allows an African-American to bring the white view out into the open, to lay it bare, and to let it wither for the problematic and wrong-headed concept that it is. The destruction of â€Å"whiteness†in this way leaves whites open to the experience of African-Americans, as a privileged perspective, and hence it also leaves African-Americans with a breach in the culture through which they could enter with t heir legitimate, and legitimating, perspectives. Later in life, Du Bois turned to communism as the means to achieve equality. Du Bois came to believe that the economic condition of Africans and African-Americans was one of the primary modes of their oppression, and that a more equitable distribution of wealth, as advanced by Marx, was the remedy to the situation. ( John J. Macionis: Sociology 14th edition) Du Bois was not simply a follower of Marx, however. He also added keen insights to the communist tradition himself. One of his contributions is his insistence that communism contains no explicit means of liberating Africans and African-Americans, but that it ought to focus its attentions here and work toward this end. â€Å"The darker races,†to use Du Bois’ language, amount to the majority of the world’s proletariat. In Black Folk, Then and Now, Du Bois writes: â€Å"the dark workers of Asia, Africa, the islands of the sea, and South and Central America†¦these are the one who are supporting a superstructure of wealth, luxury, and extravagance. It is the rise of these people that is the rise of the world†(Black Folk,). A further contribution Du Bois makes is to show how Utopian politics such as communism is possible in the first place. Building on Engle’s claim that freedom lies in the acknowledgment of necessity, as Maynard Solomon argues (Solomon, â€Å"Introduction†258), (because in grasping necessity we accurately perceive what areas of life are open to free action), Du Bois insists on the power of dreams. Admitting our bound nature (bound to our bellies, bound to material conditions), even stressing it, he nonetheless emphasizes our range of powers within these constraints. Although difficult to characterize in general terms, Du Bois’ philosophy amounts to a programmatic shift away from abstraction and toward engaged, social criticism. In affecting this change in philosophy, especially on behalf of African-Americans and pertaining to the issue of race, Du Bois adds concrete significance and urgent application to American Pragmatism, as Cornel West maintains, a philosophy that is about social criticism, not about grasping absolute timeless truth. Above all, however, Du Bois’ philosophy is significant today because it addresses what many would argue is the real world problem of white domination. So long as racist white privilege exists, and suppresses the dreams and the freedoms of human beings, so long will Du Bois be relevant as a thinker, for he, more than almost any other, employed thought in the service of exposing this privilege, and worked to eliminate it in the service of a greater humanity. References: Du Bois, W. E. B. Black Folk, Then and Now (Millwood, N.Y.: Kraus-Thomson Organization Limited, 1975). Du Bois, W. E. B. Darkwater: Voices From Within the Veil (Mineola, N. Y. Dover Publications, 1999). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._E._B._Du_Bois http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072824301/student_view0/chapter10/chapter_summary.html Sociology: 14th edition (John J Macionis; Prentice Hall, 2011)
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