Strickland vs. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984) Research Paper

Strickland vs. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984) - Research Paper Example He said that his lack of ability to support his family caused the stress. While the attorney was preparing for the hearing, although he spoke with the defendant about his background, he failed to ask for a psychiatric evaluation of the defendant, to seek a presentence report or to look for character witnesses. His decision of not presenting evidence concerning the emotional state and character of the defendant reflected his judgment that as to such matters, relying on the plea colloquy for evidence was advisable in order to avert the State from carrying out a cross-examination on the defendant as well as presenting its own psychiatric evidence. The article further states that the reason behind the defense attorney not requesting a presentence report was that it would have included the criminal history of the defendant, which would in turn undermine the claim that he did not have any considerable prior criminal record (1). Finding no extenuating circumstances that would make it rule otherwise, the trial court pronounced a death sentence on the defendant. The defendant, following the exhaustion of his state court remedies, filed a habeas corpus petition in a federal district court in Florida. He challenged the death sentence arguing that there had been a violation of his Sixth Amendment right for the reason that during the sentencing proceeding, his defense counsel had not represented him effectively/adequately. Subsequent to an evidentiary hearing of the defendant’s claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, the District Court denied relief. Although the Florida’s federal district court rebuffed the petition, the defendant appealed in the United States’ Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which reversed it holding that according to the Sixth Amendment, criminal defendants had a right to receive plausibly effective help from the counsel given the totality of the

Dance history Essay Example for Free

Dance history Essay Ballet is a form of dancing performed for theatre audiences. Like other dance forms, ballet may tell a story, express a mood, or simply reflect the music. But a ballet dancers technique (way of performing) and special skills differ greatly from those of other dancers. Ballet dancers perform many movements that are unnatural for the body. But when these movements are well executed, they look natural. The beginnings of ballet can be traced to Italy during the 1400s at the time of the Renaissance. During the Renaissance, people developed a great interest in art and learning. At the same time, trade and commerce expanded rapidly, and the dukes who ruled Florence and other Italian city-states grew in wealth. The dukes did much to promote the arts. The Italian city-states became rival art centres as well as competing commercial centers. The Italian dukes competed with one another in giving costly, fancy entertainments that included dance performances. The dancers were not professionals. They were noblemen and noblewomen of a dukes court who danced to please their ruler and to stir the admiration and envy of his rivals. Catherine de Medici, a member of the ruling family of Florence, became the queen of France in 1547. Catherine introduced into the French court the same kind of entertainments that she had known in Italy. They were staged by Balthazar de Beaujoyeulx, a gifted musician. Beaujoyeulx had come from Italy to be Catherines chief musician. Ballet historians consider one of Beaujoyeulxs entertainments, the Ballet Comique de la Reine, to be the first ballet. It was a magnificent spectacle of about 51/2 hours performed in 1581 in honour of a royal wedding. The ballet told the ancient Greek myth of Circe, who had the magical power to turn men into beasts. The ballet included specially written instrumental music, singing, and spoken verse as well as dancingall based on the story of Circe. Dance technique was extremely limited, and so Beaujoyeulx depended on spectacular costumes and scenery to impress the audience. To make sure that the audience understood the story, he provided printed copies of the verses used in the ballet. The ballet was a great success, and was much imitated in other European courts. French leadership. The Ballet Comique de la Reine established Paris as the capital of the ballet world. King Louis XIV, who ruled France during the late 1600s and early 1700s, strengthened that leadership. Louis greatly enjoyed dancing. He took part in all the ballets given at his court, which his nobles performed, but stopped after he became fat and middle-aged. In 1661, Louis founded the Royal Academy of Dancing to train professional dancers to perform for him and his court. Professional ballet began with the kings dancing academy. With serious training, the French professionals developed skills that had been impossible for the amateurs. Similar companies developed in other European countries. One of the greatest was the Russian Imperial Ballet of St. Petersburg, whose school was founded in 1738. The French professional dancers became so skilled that they began to perform publicly in theatres. But in 1760, the French choreographer Jean Georges Noverre criticized the professional dancers in his book Lettres sur la danse, et sur les ballets (Letters on Dancing and Ballets). Noverre complained that the dancers cared too much about showing their technical skills and too little about the true purpose of ballet. This purpose, he said, was to represent characters and express their feelings. Noverre urged that ballet dancers stop using masks, bulky costumes, and large wigs to illustrate or explain plot and character. He claimed that the dancers could express these things using only their bodies and faces. So long as the dancers did not look strained or uncomfortable doing difficult steps, they could show such emotions as anger, joy, fear, and love. Noverre developed the ballet daction, a form of dramatic ballet that told the story completely through movement. Most of Noverres ballets told stories taken from ancient Greek myths or dramas. But during the early 1800s, people no longer cared about old gods and heroes. The romantic period began as people became interested in stories of escape from the real world to dreamlike worlds or foreign lands.

Looking To The Future 1984 :: essays research papers

Looking to the Future 1984 "WAR IS PEACE FFREEDOM IS SLAVERY IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH"(Orwell 3). It is the year 1984 in London, Oceania. Winston Smith is one of many people in Orwell’s prediction of the world in the future but is today’s past. The world appears as a dark and fearful place where the only rhyme or reason is created by Big Brother, ruler of the state and the head member of the Party. All of the above phrases in the slogan show the power which is given to the Party (government). The best description lies in the Newspeak word doublethink. "Doublethink means the power of holding to contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them. The Party intellectual knows in which direction his memories must be altered; he therefore knows that he is playing tricks with reality; but by the exercise of doublethink he also satisfies himself that reality is not violated"(Orwell 190). Many descriptions similar to this are given in the book and help explain the way in which the socialist government of Oceania operates. It explains how a strong ruler can manipulate facts to fit his or her own intentions, which is often what socialist rulers may have done and still may do. Many of the ideas in 1984 were written to show predictions of what the world might be like if people did not question and act on what was happening around them. Orwell wrote 1984 after World War II when socialist governments which had gone wrong, like Russia, were becoming a powerful force in the world. Orwell, having once fought against Communist Russia, saw how much of a dangerous power they could become in the future, and in turn found it necessary to inform readers of what the future could hold. 1984 is his idea of what a country, such as England in this book, would be like if a socialist government came into power. He writes of the control that can be presented by a ruler by fear. A ruler can use fear to suppress a person’s ideas and make him or her believe what a ruler thinks or says. A good example of this is at the end when Winston has been caught and is relearning how to obey and never doubt Big Brother. "TWO AND TWO MAKE FIVE"(Orwell 247). This was used in the context that Winston would believe whatever he was told. Whether it be this mathematical equation or who Oceania was at war with, he would believe it because of the fear of torture.

Ernest Hemingway Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ernest Hemingway was one of the greatest writers of the century. He was born at the close of the old century but was able to see the Disorders of the new century. Hemingway was marvelous in bringing about his pictorial effects for his readers even in his drunken state. Hemingway was skilled in the way he presented the â€Å"real† and â€Å"concrete† to be the first essentials in his writing. He put life back on the page so that we could see the grim reality of the truth. Hemingway’s style brought minute details to the surface so that the readers would understand his meanings. In the stories that I have chosen the critics have analyzed the story. In this paper I intend to prove that Ernest Hemingways writing in â€Å"Soldiers Home† and â€Å"Hills Like White Elephants† influenced American writing styles through Symbols, Themes and writing techniques.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In several of Hemingway’s short stories, he uses one or more animals as symbols around which the story revolves. As central symbols, Hemingway’s animals are the manifestations of the psychological states and emotional desire of the main characters in the stories. He uses the symbols to enable the reader to comprehend the often not stated psychological forces that motivates them. Hemingway’s use of symbolism is a contribution to the richness of his characters. It provides the reader with a vehicle through which they can associate. Without them the stories would lose much of their color and clarity. In the short story â€Å"Soldiers Home,† Majorie Smelstor said â€Å" the title of this story suggests a familiar American landmark and symbol, The soldier’s home, a place for retired military to live and relive their war experiencesâ€Å" In this tale, however, the soldier’s home is neither a haven for ex-soldiers nor an envir onment for reminiscing† (MaGill 2170). Another symbol is the lies that Kerb lives with every day. Marjorie Smelstor said â€Å"For the townspeople do not want to hear the truth about the atrocities of battle, preferring, instead, lies about the heroics of war† (MaGill 2170). Marjorie Smelstor said In the end of the story â€Å"Mrs. Kerb’s reasserts her maternal role, reminding her son that she held him next to her heart when he was a tiny baby, Reducing kerb’s to the juvenile lie:† â€Å"I know, mummy†¦ I’ll try and be a good boy for you† (MaGill 2171).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ... ...ise† is a cleansing drink. It has a seed that aids in expelling gas from the alimentary canal to relieve colic. Colic is a paroxysm of abdominal pain localized in a hollow organ. The American orders this drink for him and the girl. â€Å"This clearly shows you that the conflict and lack of communication between the two of them† (Passey 33). The answer is still unresolved and the girl must choose between the man and the baby. At the end of the story the reader is not sure of the girl's decision. Hemingway left the end of the story unresolved.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In his life time Ernest Hemingway enjoyed tremendous success as a writer. His ability to describe a story in detail was his best talent. On the two stories, Ernest showed his unique ability of story telling. Hemingway was very clever in using Symbols to bring his characters to life. Hemingway wrote many of war stories but was never a soldier. He just had the talent of looking at life and writing it down in a symbolic way. Most all the critics come up with the conclusion that Hemingway was truly talented. He influenced other American writers with his style, symbols, themes and technique.

Reality TV Essay

Unscripted program, real people NOT actors in a specific environment Normal people with no discernible talent, no discernible insights, but who are willing, eager to be seen and heard living their own life. -â€Å"real life† television is filmed with out stoppage time, and then edited to catch the viewers eye -certifiable global pop-culture phenomenon Reality TV comes is all different forms now from daily life of real people such as Big Brother and Jersey Shore, sports shows, business shows like undercover boss and dirtiest jobs, talent shows such as American Idol and Dancing with the stars, family shows John and Kate plus 8, and motivational shows like biggest loser and survivor. – This eventually led to being filmed and put on TV in 1948. â€Å"Candid Camera† (CQ researcher: Reality TV: Maryann Haggerty -In 1989 COPS came on air because of the writers guild of American strike. This show followed police during their daily activities. It began with no music or narration just a simple camera following a police. -Over on ABC, beginning in 1990, people were turning their own cameras on family and pets to make â€Å"America’s Funniest Home Videos -In 1992, reality TV was a novelty. In 2000, it was a fad. In 2010, it’s a way of life. Time Magazine article – It wasn’t until the premiere of ‘The Real World’ on MTV in 1992 that we began to witness the emergence of many of the textual characteristics that would come to define the genre’s current format,† -In 2008, the Emmys awarded a stature to the best host of a reality TV show for the first time, which was exciting news to all†¦ – -ABC NBC Fox MTV CBS – -In 2010 Reality TV is now a valid career choice. The New York Times estimated that at any given time, there are 1,000 people on air as reality TV stars. Topic 3: Addictiveness of Reality TV – One reason for their popularity is financial: an hour of reality can cost a few hundred thousand dollars, compared to the one to three million for a scripted drama. – But part of the reason fans become involved in the show is that they get invested in the good guys and bad guys. -That’s how people watch reality TV: you can doubt it, interrogate it, talk back to it, believe it, or not.

How Chinas political, religious and ideological systems allowed for both continuity and change

How Chinas political, religious and ideological systems allowed for both continuity and change Introduction China is known for its historically authoritarian political system. Nonetheless, this has not stopped them from emerging as one of the greatest national economic powers. The twentieth century was dominated by United States as the best economy but this has changed in 21st century where China is set to lead the pack of emerging economies.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on How Chinas political, religious and ideological systems allowed for both continuity and change? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More China’s situation is unique given that most powerful states draw such powers from wealth. The recent protest that was observed in Tiananmen Square conveys political repression in china as youths seek change but the government is unlikely to grant this that easily. China’s political system, which has been largely regarded as communist and undemocratic, has allowed continuity as well as change. In addi tion, its religious system has been quite instrumental in its continuity. The balance of dynamism and conservatism has ensured continuity in China. Its founder Qin Shi Huangdi who failed to establish immortality is regarded as the founding father of China’s political system as well as the world’s oldest civilization. The country is currently facing globalization and change is eminent although it is hard to come by, considering the government’s effort to ensure continuity of their ideological systems. This paper will endeavor to explore the manner in which political, religious and ideological systems of China have enabled continuity and change (Sirgo, Gleason, and Tarver 1) History of China China is regarded as one of the oldest of Civilizations in the world. Its ancient civilization extends throughout East Asia. Its civilization is estimated to have started over 4000 years ago. Its societies and economies were the best in the world before 19th century. However, they missed industrialization that took shape in 19th century leading to their decline. This was mainly because of the dynasties that ruled China, imperialism, civil wars as well as internal weakness. The country’s turmoil resulted into two states that still called themselves China. These were, Republic of China (ROC) and People’s Republic of China (PRC). The former was established in 1912 in the mainland and is currently known as Taiwan while the latter was established in 1949 and takes control of the mainland from Taiwan. Taiwan now controls the islands such as Taiwan, Matsu, Pratas, Kinmen, among other outlying islands.Advertising Looking for essay on asian? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More People’s Republic of China (PRC) remains the largest and controls the self-governing states of Macau and Hong Kong. Hong Kong was liberated to govern itself in 1997 while Macau in 1999 (U.S. Department of St ate 1). Taiwan changed its economic policies in 1950s that enabled it to be industrialized. This transformed its economy resulting in high growth and development. These changes were embraced later by the PRC, in the 70s, in which they made the famous Four Modernizations that aimed to improve agriculture, defense, technology as well as its industries. These changes led to modernization in China as it transformed into an economic giant, in the process raising their living standards. PRC has since become a powerful economic power in the world, challenging the likes of United States and traditionally known economic powers like European Union in the 21st century. The country’s culture has spread throughout the region and acquired by its neighboring countries like Japan. China is also regarded as a source of inventions and innovations throughout its history. Its language systems were the first to be written in the world. It has also been a site for archeological research as they st udy the remains of Homo erectus estimated to have lived there over 300000 years ago. China face modern challenges as other nations, the main concerns include widespread corruption, degradation of the environment as well as the increasing gap between the poor and the rich (U.S. Department of State 1). China’s political system Government China is controlled by Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which is authoritarian in both ideology and structure. This has not been easy because of the diverse nature of the country in geography and social circles. They have been restricted to building consensus in most issues with other parties, influential people, regional leaders as well as the Chinese population at large. The party has a membership of over 76 Million and dominates Chinese government. Their influences have always prevailed, except in economic issues in which external influences from non-party members and organizations have prevailed.Advertising We will write a custom essa y sample on How Chinas political, religious and ideological systems allowed for both continuity and change? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In other essential issues of culture and economy, the committees ensure that they are followed in accordance with the party’s guidance. The coastal regions usually offer great challenges to the party since their growth is rapid (U.S. Department of State 1). Legal System After the famous Chinese Cultural Revolution, the government opted to emphasize on enforcing the rule of law. This was done through the new state constitution, which was adopted in 1982. Great focus was placed on taming tyrannical rulers, who could be held responsible in the new law. Over 300 laws, most of which aimed at economic reforms have been adopted in China since 1979. This showed their efforts to restrain revolutionary leaders who overused powers. Among the innovative ways, include their use of mediation committees to solv e minor criminal cases throughout the country as well as the fact that they are well informed and take responsibility for over 90% of china’s civil cases. These committees are numerous, accounting for more than 800000 committees throughout the country. The country has made numerous reforms on law by professionalizing the whole system. These led to further amendments of criminal laws as citizens got the opportunity to sue officials who happen to abuse office. The latest advancement in China’s constitutional amendment was done in 2004 and it included fundamental human rights as well as ownership of property. These developments are however rarely practiced in some cases, and this negates the gains in handling human rights (U.S. Department of State 1). Human Rights Although changes were made to improve human rights, this has not been adequately accomplished as several human rights abuses occur in China. The year 2009 witnessed continued abuses of human rights with the lega l system being faulted for inadequacy in stemming such abuses. These were observed during the 50th anniversary in honor of Tibetan uprising as well as in the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square. The other high profile human abuse incident happened during celebration of 60th anniversary of PRC. These abuses included detention, executions that did not follow the correct process.Advertising Looking for essay on asian? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Others included extrajudicial killings, torture, forced confessions as well as severe restriction of basic human rights such as freedom of speech, privacy, religion, association, birth (birth limitation), press, among others. These presents exceedingly hash treatment of citizens as such activities rarely happen in the modern world. Nonetheless, the changes that have been realized by China in its political system have been key components of its continuity and change (U.S. Department of State 1). China’s religious system Chinese lifestyle is greatly influenced by religion. Research and surveys conducted throughout the country in the year 2007 showed that over 30% of Chinese citizens were religious believers (those aged 16 years and above). Restrictions have been placed on religious sectors even though they proclaim freedom of religious belief to all citizens. Buddhism is the most common denomination in China with Chinese news agency Xinhua estimating their number at over 100 mi llion. Other estimates show that over 20 million Chinese are Muslims, and another 20 million Protestants. Catholics are estimated to be over 5 million while there are no statistics for Taoists. More recently, several unofficial religions and unauthorized churches have sprung in China. These have led to widespread harassment by authorities in some parts of the country. Catholic’s loyalty to Vatican also triggers suppression since the government claims that Rome interferes with their internal affairs. It also brands some Christian groups as well as Falun Gong as evil religions thereby suppressing their practice (U.S. Department of State 1). Civilians in china have suffered severe human rights abuses regarding their freedom of worship. This is mainly because China only recognizes five denominations. These recognized religions are Buddhism, Taoism, Protestantism as well as Islam. The country monitors almost everything its citizens engage in, for instance, internet writing, journa lists, political rebels as well as religious activists. This does not leave non-governmental organization as their activities are monitored as well. The religious sectors that are recognized by the country are also monitored, in essence, regulating worship and religious groups. This is abuse of human rights to freedom of religion as they intimidate and harass any individual or groups that seek to worship through other denominations apart from the named. This way, the country is able to control its people from diverse ideas that they fear may lead to its disintegration. Unregistered religious groups are outlawed and are likely to cause detention, harassment or intimidation (U.S. Department of State 1). The United States has labeled China as a country with specific concerns as it restricts religious freedom. The country does not allow any spiritual movements that counter its five registered denominations. This amounts to severe abuse of human rights and religious freedom. The countryà ¢â‚¬â„¢s significant economic growth has led to improved lives. This has contributed to social mobility as people look for jobs, join institutions of higher learning throughout the country and abroad, in the process expanding the limits of personal freedom. Increased mobility has expanded freedom of travel, association, cultural mix, educational pursuit and access to information through the internet among other ways. Other freedoms achieved through economic developments include freedom to employment, personal choices and social interactions. These have enabled spread of religious practices throughout the country, effecting a gradual change in religious awareness. China’s religious system has therefore contributed to its continuity as well as change, although at a slower pace compared to political and ideological systems (Singh 1). China’s ideological system Chinese Communist Party The communist party CCP is authoritarian in its ideologies and enforces them on Chinese c itizens. Since CCP is a communist party, their structures are based on communism, focusing more on establishing and maintaining cultural values. To achieve this, they have a well-organized members committee that ensures these regulations are followed. The strong economic reforms that were implemented by PRC, in the 1970s, in which they made the famous Four Modernizations aimed at improving agriculture, defense, technology as well as its industries worked to propel china to their present position as an economic powerhouse. In these reforms, they adopted a pragmatic approach to several socioeconomic and political problems. They also managed to reduce the role played by ideology in their system to spur further economic growth. The strong ideology that founded China had to be slowed after 1978 to allow for economic growth, which had already started in Taiwan (U.S. Department of State 1). How these systems have allowed for both continuity and change Political system China’s politi cal system has an authoritarian communist party with communist ideologies in its structures, putting more effort on maintaining sociocultural issues. The government was known for its authoritarian stand on legal system. However, this had to change, as dealing with diverse communities from a central location (Beijing) became reasonably difficult. Influence from the international community as well as rise of Taiwan through economic reforms. Reforms in China’s legal system have expanded limits of freedom as basic human rights. They have also done a series of amendments to their constitution to allow for professionalization of judges, lawyers as well as accountability of office bearers. These changes have enabled China’s economic growth as well as expanded freedom. In this regard, the system allowed for change and continuity (Fenby 1). Religious system It is estimated that over 30% of Chinese are believers, meaning that religion makes a great influence on the country. The government only recognizes five denominations in the country. In addition, it monitors as well as regulates these denominations, and in the process suppresses any spiritual or religious groups that they feel are not patriotic. These include their rivalry with Vatican, which they accuse of interfering with Chinese internal affairs. In recent times, various crops of religious groups have sprung throughout the country, influencing social and cultural changes. Religious systems have therefore contributed greatly to change and continuity in China. Ideological system China has assumed new approach to numerous political hitches. They also managed to reduce the role played by ideology in their system to spur further economic growth. The strong ideology that founded China had to be slowed after 1978 to allow for economic growth, which had already started in Taiwan. This shows their soft stance on the formerly aggressive ideologies that structured its foundation. Reduction in ideological syst ems have enhanced changes and spurred economic growth (Xiaowen 1). Conclusion China’s political, religious and ideological systems have contributed greatly to continuity and change. Their society is among the first to be established in the world. They have also managed to make changes in their policies. These policies have mainly targeted the law system, which was professionalized, the four modernizations that included agricultural improvement, industrial, defense as well as technology. The twentieth century was dominated by United States as the best economy but this has changed in 21st century where China is set to lead the pack of emerging economies. These systems have therefore contributed to China’s continuity in conserving its cultural values as well as change in their legal systems, religious sectors as well as their handling of human rights (Leung 1). Fenby, Jonathan. â€Å"Continuity and Change†. Guardian. 15.11.2007.05.06.2011. guardian.co.uk/commentis free/2007/nov/15/morethantwomillenniaafter Leung, Beatrice. â€Å"Chinas Religious Freedom Policy: The Art of Managing Religious Activity†. The China Quarterly. 05.06.2011.05.06.2011. http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=onlineaid=358810 Singh, Swaran. â€Å"Continuity and Change in Chinas Political Elite†. Idsa. 05.06.2011.05.06.2011. idsa-india.org/an-nov-3.html Sirgo, Henry., Gleason, Diane and Tarver, Michael. Continuity and Change in the Chinese Political System: Why Consumerism Does Not Translate Into Democracy†. All academic. 05.06.2011.05.06.2011. allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/1/4/1/7/9/p141798_index.html U.S. Department of State. â€Å"Background Note: China†. Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. 05.08.2010. 05.06.2011. state.gov/ r/pa/ei/bgn/18902.htm Xiaowen, Ye. â€Å"Chinas Religions Retrospect and Prospect†. china.org. 19.02.2001. 05.06.2011. china.org.cn/english/ features/45466.htm

Diversity of the world’s population The WritePass Journal

Diversity of the world’s population Introduction Diversity of the world’s population IntroductionTranscultural NursingThe Culture Care Diversity and Universality Theory by Madeleine LeiningerThe Sunrise EnablerThe Ethno-nursing MethodHolistic Nursing PracticeThe Theory of Environmental Adaptation by Florence NightingaleTranscultural Nursing vs. Holistic Nursing PracticeConclusionRelated Introduction Diversity of the world’s population has reached a point where it is vital to address and more importantly to understand, the ever growing challenge that transcultural nursing poses to the nursing profession. Addressing this issue avoids discrimination and promotes equality within holistic nursing practice in order to meet patients’ needs. Health care professionals should be qualified to deliver, on a daily basis, proficient care and sensitive skilled communication to culturally different individuals (Maier-Lorentz, 2008). To exercise professional nursing in a conceptual way holistic nursing care focuses on physical, emotional, social, environmental and spiritual aspects as well as on the idea that any individual involved in treatment care should be treated as a whole and with dignity (Dossey Guzzetta, 2005). One of the areas to be discussed is Transcultural Nursing and Leininger’s Transcultural Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality and its research enablers: the Sunrise Enabler and the Ethnonursing Method. Another area will be Holistic Nursing Practice and Nightingale’s Nursing Theory of Environmental Adaptation as well as the liaison between Transcultural Nursing and Holistic Nursing Practice. Nightingale’s theory has been chosen over others because she was the first to acknowledge nurses’ work in a theoretical framework and also because she was considered to be the mother of nursing practices (Ellis, 2008). The development of culture care theory introduced health care professionals into a new nursing dimension formed by issues such as culture background, spirituality, environment and others that demonstrated how culture and health care are linked (Leininger, 2002a). Holistic Nursing Practice encourages active communication and reciprocal understanding, underlines the exercise of physiological and psychosocial awareness, it is based on logical thinking and supports values such as autonomy and patient wishes and tendencies (MacKinnon, 2010). Transcultural Nursing Transcultural nursing may be defined as a method to contrast and observe how individuals view health care, biased by their culture background. The principles of practising transcultural nursing are to provide complete nursing care to individuals or groups by treating them with respect and taking into account their cultural factors. It is all about nursing practice applied to cultural values and limitations (Leininger, 1991). Definitions of transcultural nursing incorporate many factors that shape the individual’s cultural orientation. These include are age, sexual orientation and financial aspects. It has been suggested that by ignoring these culture background factors, health care professionals do not achieve enough cultural experience to be incorporated in holistic nursing practice (Barnes et al. 2000). This absence might lead to unsafe nursing care and both dissatisfied patients and professionals (Curren, 2006 cited in Leininger McFarland, 2006, pp.159-160). To promote transcultural nursing care, Narayan (2001) felt that there are four crucial attitudes to assume caring, empathy, openness and flexibility. This shows the patients a cultural understanding, appreciation, consideration and willingness from health care professionals that are based on individual care. Cultural education and the creation of culturally competent care professionals are one of the biggest challenges yet to tackle worldwide. For instance, in America, as the migrant population increases notably so it does the need for reducing inequalities and barriers such as language. Maier-Lorentz (2008) firmly understood that such a need could be met by the targeting of bilingual health care professionals coming from different backgrounds. Moreover, she suggested that in order to provide culturally competent nursing care, some knowledge of non-vocal communication signs could be of great value, as it is in eye contact, touch, silence, space and distance, and health care habits. Green-Hernandez (2004) recommended that as a step towards multicultural competency, professionals that need to deal with farmers should familiarize themselves with their specific customs such as using animal medication for their own conditions as a consequence of living far away from the care institutions. With the purpose of understanding culture, Andrews Boyle (1997) gave out diverse illustrations. For example, they suggested that by understanding a people’s proverbs, professionals may grasp knowledge of the cultural values shared by that population. The authors also stressed the importance of culture knowledge when coming across two different ways to view stealing. For one culture it may not be acceptable whereas for another one, e.g. gipsy people, it may be ok, as long as it is coming from a better-off person. Furthermore, they also found, through researchers, that different cultures may think that by being a demanding patient, the treatment they receive may improve. Riley (2004) reported that a foremost test for nurses in an ethnically different society is communication. Not just words but also tone and volume form spoken communication which in diverse cultures differs greatly. For example, Thai people are regarded as not talking too much as they believe it is a sign of idiocy whereas Cuban people are happy with talking vociferously. He also pointed out that Europeans are not afraid of talking about emotions whereas Asians are hesitant to do so. With regards to communication without words Riley (2004) explained that eye contact is not always expected. For instances, in Native America and Asian cultures it is offensive and among Muslim Arab women it is allowed only to their husbands. Therefore, he identified the importance for healthcare professionals to be culturally aware. Phillimore (2011) explored the challenge of provision of diversity needs in the UK based on studies done on health care service provision to new migrants, during 2007/08 in Birmingham. She stated that with political forces wanting to reduce welfare support for new migrants, such provision becomes quite a challenge. She also believed that, in the long run, this disregarding of health care needs will lead to further issues for the health care system that otherwise could be avoided by just providing what is needed now: cultural and language services and health support. It was also suggested that in today’s political climate offering of ethnically specific provision by the community and for the community, results in the local needs not being met, as the existing GP systems are already overstretched. She concluded that a number of migrants are condemned to an unwelcoming future since UK seems to embrace a tendency of anti-migrant sentiment and a move to community institution instead of multicultural provision (Phillimore, 2011). The Culture Care Diversity and Universality Theory by Madeleine Leininger In the 1950’s Madeleine Leininger, a nurse-anthropologist, realised that nursing practice was requiring a theory to allow people to transform nursing into a more advanced and beneficial discipline that challenges nurses to open up to cultural variety and universality (Leininger, 2006). This was developed as a response to the demand for multicultural care which was immense and yet incomplete as many healthcare systems did not consider the need for bringing together culture and nursing care (Giger Davidhizar, 2008). The culture care diversity and universality theory developed by Leininger in 1991 (Leininger, 2002a) is unique in that it focuses on competent care, can be used upon any culture and is based not only on individuals but groups and families too. The theory addresses the importance of a consistent cultural competence instrument to acquire cultural awareness through a constant learning attitude and approval towards human differences and rights by health care professionals (Burford, 2001, cited in Baxter, 2001, pp. 202-203). Leininger (2002a) insisted on the importance of transcultural knowledge as a tool to avoid human acts such as the event of September 11, 2001. She then proposed the culture care theory as the most holistic approach to gradually transform the health system. This much needed transformation requires understanding of individuals in ways that identify and respect their cultural background and will lead us to understand such transcultural dismay. The theory was used in a study among Hispanic home care patients in the US, 2007, in order to identify cultural needs. As a result, care delivery improved in some areas and there was a suggestion describing the use of the model as a tool to reduce costs in the health care system (Woerner et al. 2009). Leininger’s theory applies not only to races from different backgrounds but also to today’s controversial groups such as transgendered people, disabled people , the youth, poverty and the homeless that may pose a certain degree of difficulty of understanding to healthcare professionals. There is also an agreement that, thanks to Leininger’s culture care theory, the nursing profession today knows how to allow for culture when looking after individuals and has a widely spread   caring philosophy in hospitals (Clarke et al. 2009). For this model to assist the health care professional to understand factors as important as management and policies, as well as being able to reflect on their decisions and actions, Leininger designed two tool assessments, The Sunrise Enabler and the Ethno Nursing research method, which are based on monitoring treatment care on a daily basis (Hubbert, 2006, cited in Leininger McFarland, 2006, pp. 354-356). The sunrise enabler focuses mainly on total life ways and caring factors influencing health and well-being, disabilities and death. It also identifies features influenced by the patient’s cultural background whereas ethnonursing finds ways in which multicultural care could be better. In doing so, the reflected culture becomes part of the holistic nursing practice (Leininger, 2006). The Sunrise Enabler The Sunrise Enabler is used as an assessment tool to enable multidisciplinary teams to deliver suitable and competent cultural assessments that impede intolerance and stereotype behaviour. This is to supply the healthcare system with a guide to cultural vicinities ranging from religious beliefs to economic factors (Giger Davidhizar, 2008). Wherever a healthcare professional starts the model either from the top or from the bottom, the most important feature is to listen to the individuals, trying to grasp ideas and concepts rather than enforcing them (Leininger, 2002a). Healthcare professionals struggled to understand the meaning of factors influencing the care practice so crucial when applying the culture care theory. Such factors as culture beliefs, environment and religion were to be included in the nursing care, therefore Leininger (1997) built the Sunrise Enabler to illustrate such aspects. The Ethno-nursing Method This method was developed to fit the purposes of qualitative research methods. It is a systematic method for studying multiple cultures and care factors within a familiar environment of people and to focus on the interrelationships of care and culture to arrive at the goal of culturally congruent care. Ethnonursing is a particular research method developed by Leininger to inspect the theory. It was developed to allow health care professionals to discover new ways of helping different cultural groups distinguish features of nursing care (Leininger, 2006). Leininger (2006, p.6) stated that the ethnonursing method â€Å"†¦was new and unknown in nursing and was different from other qualitative methods including ethnography†. Holistic Nursing Practice The exercise of modern nursing is based on the view of holism that underlines the individual’s wholeness. Healing viewed as an indication of nursing practice that treats people as whole, developed in the late 20th and early 21st century into a popular subject in nursing in order to clarify the meaning of wholeness and holism. As a result, alternative therapies surfaced as approaches of practice in holistic nursing (Locsin, 2002). The definition of holistic came into effect in the 20th century. Then the word holism included the physical, emotional, mental, social, cultural, and spiritual view. This view of holism was envisioned by Florence Nightingale who is seen today as an example to follow, although many of her studies are not used in today’s nursing practice (Beck, 2010). â€Å"Holistic nursing care embraces the mind, body and spirit of the patient, in a culture that supports a therapeutic nurse/patient relationship, resulting in wholeness, harmony and healing. Holistic care is patient led and patient focused in order to provide individualised care, thereby, caring for the patient as a whole person rather than in fragmented parts† (McEvoy Duffy, 2008, Vol.8, p. 418). Furthermore, it addressed the expansion of multidisciplinary and collaborative teams as a way to applying holistic care into practice and asserted that the practice of holistic care by health professionals should avoid intrusion and, when really needed, as it is the case of unconscious patients, should use skills that include aspects such as consideration, disciplined criticism and liability in order to exercise nursing in a holistic approach (McEvoy Duffy, 2008). Since individuals from different culture backgrounds may appreciate holistic nursing practice and care choices in different ways so is the healthcare provided in different ways (Locsin, 2001). It may also be the case that some individuals may feel embarrassed to mention alternative remedies used in the past, therefore the assessment should be supportive rather than disapproving (Maddalena, 2009). Pearcey (2007) ran a study on clinical practices amongst student nurses to draw on a few key points related to holistic nursing practice. It was found that the notion of holistic care was not clear within nursing practice. Some students claimed not to know the right meaning of holistic nursing practice and also claimed that tasks and routines are what nursing is all about. The study showed an evident lack of professionalism and knowledge amongst care professionals as well as a huge gap between what is taught and what is really applied at work. The author concluded that there is a real risk of inconsistency within the profession. Within the practice of holistic care there has been lately a huge influence of alternative or complementary medicine which care experts have tried to professionalise by setting certain values to be met. A study amongst nurses and midwives accomplished in England, 2008, revealed this but also the lack of initiative from the NHS to incorporate such practices, even though it was demonstrated that a huge variety of them were successfully applied on patients where biomedicine seemed not to work. Such practices included reflexology, aromatherapy, acupuncture and massage that actually underlined biomedicine rather than substituted (Cant et al. 2011). Whilst carrying out an interview on medical students in the UK, a student suggested that it is actually a catch-22-situation when looking after patients from diverse races as they have diverse predominance of whatever conditions that eventually will require different treatment, a world apart from what is being taught in medical schools with regards to treating everyone in the same way (Roberts et al. 2008). A quick look to Harrison (2008) for a concluding comment on multicultural nursing in relation to holistic care, offers us this brief view: a Western health care organism that has not managed to treat minority communities in a holistic manner is a system that claims to care for one and all identically. The Theory of Environmental Adaptation by Florence Nightingale According to Nightingale’s Theory of Environmental Adaptation, an individual’s health is improved by looking after the surrounding environment. It goes further than this and asks for the environment to be operated by the health care professionals as an approach to healing (Howett et al.   2010). Florence Nightingale defined nursing as â€Å"†¦the act of utilising the environment of the patient to assist him in his recovery† (Funnell et al. 2009). She determined that the deficiency of factors such as uncontaminated air, clean water, sanitation, hygiene and sunlight is unhealthy to the human being. Furthermore, she reasoned that temperature, environment and nutrition affect the patient (Kozier, et al. 2008). This theory of nursing includes inspection, recognition of environment changes and their execution and supporting the patient health care by allowing the environment to benefit the patient (Neils, 2010). Selanders (2010) reviewed and compared this theory’s aspects with modern day practice and reported that Nightingale’s concept, such as air, light, noise and cleanliness is equal to today’s concept of physical environment; health recommendations to psychological environment; food to nutritional status and observation to nursing management. The author also estimated that the theory has been used in several qualitative works and some studies on the childbirth process. Transcultural Nursing vs. Holistic Nursing Practice According to Leininger (2002b) patients are not provided full holistic care by health professionals. Factors such as kinship, religion, environment and culture are largely missing. For that reason, care professionals should avoid being judgmental when delivering holistic care and rather provide an all-inclusive care that respects the individual’s cultural background (Maddalena, 2009). As a student nurse, it is vital to value the development of cultural awareness and competency within the profession in order to encourage and address all stages of holistic nursing practice as it is meaningful to today’s multicultural society. Leininger (1997) also claimed that essential practice is needed to create a regulation of multicultural nursing that could be of use to much ignored cultures. For example, acute medical treatment, medication, and patient fulfilment can be improved by understanding care beliefs when bringing in nursing care which, in turn, could save the health care system financially and also have a desired positive outcome on patients (Woerner et al. 2009). Individuals or groups may clash with health professionals if they are not showing respect for each other’s cultural beliefs resulting in poor treatment and patients losing hope in the health care system. Hogg (2010a) also underpinned this understanding as crucial to delivering accurate holistic nursing practice. However, not only patients may lose faith in the system. Hogg (2010b) also affirmed that nurses from black and minority ethnic have suffered, at some point, racial harassment as well as lack of opportunities according to their numbers in the nursing profession. As holistic nursing practice centres on recognition of patients’ rights and choices (Potter, 2005 cited in Dossey et al. 2005, p.347), it is subsequently supporting the meaning behind multicultural care. The association of both precepts confirms an ongoing engagement to pursue equality and diversity as promoted by the Nursing Midwifery Council (2008). â€Å"Inherent in nursing is respect for human rights, including cultural rights, the right to life and choice, to dignity and to be treated with respect. Nursing care is respectful of and unrestricted by considerations of age, colour, creed, culture, disability or illness, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, politics, race or social status† (The International Council for Nurses, 2005). When assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating a patient’s needs as to medication, health professionals should take into account culture’s physiologic traits, as it can seriously impact the treatment. For instances, due to genetics, for one patient a normal given dose may develop a reaction whereas for another it may not work at all (Anon, 2005). Conclusion It is obvious that cultural competency is a must when performing holistic nursing practice, in order to deliver a responsive and high quality care system. It is therefore recommended that specific cultural training should be given to all health care professionals so as to not overlook the great multi-cultural society we all are in. As society becomes more diverse, health care professionals should expand guiding principles that sponsor cultural skills as a way to deliver enhanced holistic healthcare. By carrying out this essay, the author realises the significance of treating people in a holistic way and not making assumptions just because they are from different cultures. This is something that seems yet not to be well implemented in my workplace (NHS since 2007). The author will, from now on, be more aware of his practice when caring for individuals from different culture backgrounds. It can be considered that nursing as a profession is also an example of human culture so indispensable for a in peak condition community, as seen looking through the theories of nursing and its tools presented in this paper, which if not recognized may affect the execution of holistic practice and its results, i.e. it is a profession whose culture needs to be elastic if it is to  fulfill  its function.