Psychological impact of cultures

Different cultures affect differently the behavior of society regarding how people relate with each other. In a society, comprising of mixed culture some people may find it hard accommodating others while for some they blend with others easily. A society made of mixed cultures is hard to fit in for some people. People who live in a community that is made of different cultures are called culturally diverse.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Psychological impact of cultures specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They may be foreigners or from the same country but having different identities in their beliefs and ways of doing things. The experiences of an individual living in a society with different cultures affect his or psychological behavior such as sexism. Sexual behavior at work place also varies during instances of sexual advancements, which is another level where experiences of a culturally diverse individual can e xhibit. Manifestation of cultural experiences can also be felt in issues to do with securing a job when decisions about remuneration are to be discussed and some members feel they are underpaid. By discussing these areas, one can have a better understanding on how they affect a culturally diverse person on his psychological development, behavior trend and distress. Sexism Sexism means perception of human beings based on sex on other people especially during decision-making processes. For instance, in placements involving professional responsibilities culturally diverse people base their opinions about one’s ability on sex, which is a form of discrimination (Douglas, 2010). Sexism affects negatively psychological advancement of culturally diverse individuals because they experience special challenges adapting in a new culture while still conserving their own. Culturally diverse people go through psychological impacts that make them feel inferior and think others are superior b ecause they dominate in terms of cultural values. Student who are studying abroad or immigrants are the mostly affected (Douglas, 2010). When a person finds it hard to accommodate new culture, he or she responds through distress. The person becomes frustrated psychologically and this manifests through distress.Advertising Looking for report on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More People in a culture that differs a lot from their own are unable to decide which culture to take and which one to abandon. It becomes hard to follow a culture they have not experienced since their early age. However, if the culturally diverse individual opts to follow the foreign culture he or she may behave differently and against the norms of the new culture. This may cause the individual to react in ways that conflict expectations of other people especially if many people in the society interact with him or her. How such a person behaves var ies according to the extent of cultural conflicts where the behavior is a natural way of getting rid of the conflicts (Berg, 2009). A foreigner might therefore accept the new culture to feel accepted in the society. Culturally diverse people experience identity crisis if they are not certain of their identity. When such people are strongly embedded in their culture, they take a lot of time to accommodate the new culture. Identity crisis mostly affects young culturally diverse people where they experience psychological problems in their developments. Sexism is a key determinant of personal perception for people who live in a foreign culture and affects their insight about their roles in the community. It can also determine one’s view and response to his or her new roles in a community. When culturally diverse individuals feel their roles are better defined in their own culture than in the new society they behave in ways that oppose the difference. They treat others according t o the roles that they are already accustomed. However, continued exposure to the new culture changes their behavior. The concept of sexism may be at low levels in individuals such that they do not realize. Culturally diverse people then transfer the hidden sexism traits to the new values (Berg, 2009). Sexual harassment Sexual harassment occurs when a person seeks sexual attention from another person who is not ready to give the attention. Depending on the level of harassment, an individual may find it hard to continue with employment. Cases of sexual harassment are usually unreported and thus hard to cope with for culturally diverse individuals. The feeling of being powerless for a person in a new culture makes the act to progress and advance to higher levels. Sexual harassment may create a situation where a person in a new culture feels unable to cope because of threats issued and fear of report to the relevant authority.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Psyc hological impact of cultures specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Most cases of sexual harassment occur to minority groups. Such people are usually not informed about their rights or how to seek redress when they are harassed sexually (Hajdin LeMoncheck, 1997). Some issues about sexual attention might be acceptable in some societies while in others they are regarded as harassment. What might be considered as sexual jokes in a certain community might be regarded as sexual advancements where a culturally diverse person might feel offended and even take action. Culturally diverse individuals may misunderstand some actions, which are not sexual jokes and interpret them as sexual harassment. Culturally diverse individuals may also be misinterpreted to be harassing others sexually when they behave in certain ways, as every culture is unique. These differences lead to poor communication between individuals with different cultural backgrounds. T herefore, it is important for people to be aware of what others expect regardless of their cultural differences to avoid unnecessary pressure when one seeks employment, promotion or education. Misunderstanding leads to tension and embarrassment (Stockdale, 1996). Despite cultural differences, diverse individuals need to understand what may be misinterpreted as sexual harassment because lack of understanding might lead to people harassing others out of ignorance and later being accused. This requires communities to be enlightened about cultural differences to equip them with various approaches accepted at organizations, institutions, work places and behaviors that are not acceptable while interacting with various people. Sexual harassment can be eliminated in the society through implementation of adequate penalties to protect the victims. Lack of laws to suppress sexual harassment may lead to high prevalence of the behavior in institutions where cultural diversity is high. Organizati ons should also develop mechanisms to inform employees about cultural diversity and sexual harassment as well as create a common practice for everyone, which is known as code of ethics.Advertising Looking for report on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Society should solve the problem of sexual harassment through awareness to facilitate common behaviors by specifying what is legal and illegal irrespective of one’s cultural background (Hajdin LeMoncheck, 1997). Unequal pay Unequal pay refers to lack of a uniform scale for wages and salaries for employees doing same responsibilities in an organization. This is illegal but some employers pay their employees using different salary scales and justify the act using excuses. The employees who are paid less for the same tasks done by others are affected psychologically and the situation is worse if they know about the differences. When employees are discriminated in terms of pay, they suffer from low esteem and feel less valued. An employee who has low esteem may be disillusioned and dissatisfied with his or her job (Burchell, Horrell Rubery, 2007). Discriminated employees lack the morale needed at work place because they know that even when they work extra they are not rewarded enough. Such people feel they are not part of the majority culture and are likely to cooperate less in strategies meant for the growth of the organization. In the past, discrimination based on pay has been prevalent between genders because of sexism in organizations. The concept of unequal pay is even worse when it affects employees who are sexually harassed at work place because they may welcome the behavior hoping they would be rewarded financially to compensate for their low pay. Some organizations do not have established boundaries for employees at different levels, which perpetuate unequal pay. In such cases, discriminated employees are not informed about the unequal pay and when they realize it, lack mechanisms to address the problem properly (Burchell, Horrell Rubery, 2007). Most societies do not regard the rights of the culturally diverse people with importance, which makes the group live with injustices in their places of work as most of such employees form the minority gr oup in the society. They prefer fitting in the new systems to avoid interrupting them and console themselves that even though their pay is less it is still higher than they would be paid where they come from. Culturally diverse individuals may be aware of their low payment but continue working extra hard to achieve same results as their workmates, which is stressing. The experience of being paid less than expected can lead to distress and negative attitude towards job as well as the organization. The consequence of such feelings is change in behavior for the affected employees leading to poor performance and less output in the organization (Burchell, Horrell Rubery, 2007). Culturally diverse individuals find it hard to embrace values in a corporate culture because they have to adapt to the new culture and familiarize with values outside the organization. Corporate culture may borrow a lot from the culture that dominates, which is advantageous to the employees who come from the domi nant culture. Culturally diverse individuals who are paid less do not have many expectations in such cases. This trend can be passed on to future generations in the category of culturally diverse individuals. In organizations where sexism is prevalent, women might develop less expectation for many years (Burchell, Horrell Rubery, 2007). The many challenges that culturally diverse individuals experience affect their behavioral development and awareness about their ability in a community. Analysis of culturally diverse people can help address issues of identity crisis, self-perception and distress that face them when they have to live in a new environment. It is hard for such groups to learn new values in a new culture because they are strongly embedded in their own culture. However, there are many advantages for culturally diverse individuals trying to adapt in a new culture if they feel free to interact with people from the dominant culture and have the knowledge in socializing wit h them. The experiences such people go through can help them adapt fast or slowly based on other elements like time and social structure in the new environment. It is possible to develop a cohesive society if culturally diverse individuals learn how to relate with people from other cultures. References Berg, B. (2009). Sexism in America: Alive, well, and ruining our future. Chicago: Lawrence Hill Books. Burchell, B., Horrell, S. Rubery, J. (2007). Unequal jobs or unequal pay. Industrial Relations Journal, 20(3), 176–191. Douglas, S. (2010). Enlightened sexism: The seductive message that feminism’s work is done. New York: Times Books, Henry Holt and Company. Hajdin, M., LeMoncheck, L. (1997). Sexual harassment. Lanham: Rowman Littlefield Publishers. Stockdale, M. (1996). Sexual harassment in the workplace. Thousand Oakes: Sage Publications. This report on Psychological impact of cultures was written and submitted by user Jerome Gamble to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

This Sink Needs Fixed

This Sink Needs Fixed This Sink Needs Fixed This Sink Needs Fixed By Maeve Maddox Maureen Garrison writes: Have you discussed the way people leave out to be in phrases such as This needs to be washed? Â  I keep hearing and seeing in print, This needs washed. Â  I assume it should be, This needs to be washed, or This needs washing, but maybe Im missing something. Â  Id love to see an explanation. Is this a mistake, a colloquialism, or something that is new only to me? What I call the needs fixed construction is a regionalism that has gained wide acceptance in colloquial speech. The expression is often associated with Pittsburgh and a narrow band in the middle of the country extending from the east coast to Montana. I grew up outside those regional boundaries and am quite used to hearing The lawn needs mowed and This sink needs fixed. The construction, standard in Scottish usage, seems to stir the hackles of US speakers to whom it is unfamiliar. I wont bother to quote any of the ugly comments about it that Ive read on other language sites. Here are some web examples from different regions: Lee Adama needs slapped (Scots blogger) Microsoft Needs Slapped. (Texas) Help! My Lawn NEEDS mowed! My Toro Starts but Stalls! (Ohio) The expression is camouflaged by other words in the following sentence, but I think it also partakes of the needs fixed pattern: The Left Needs Its Mouth Washed Out With Soap (Washington DC) Objections ariseand are validif the word needs is regarded as a transitive verb. Speakers who see needs as a transitive verb understandably want it to be followed by a discernible object: a noun substitute, either a to be phrase or a present participle: The lawn needs to be mowed. The lawn needs mowing. However, the word needs does not function as a transitive verb in the expression needs fixed. It acts as a kind of auxiliary verb, similar to to be in a passive construction. The -ed word that follows is also a verb. The lawn needs mowed differs from The lawn needs mowing and The lawn needs to be mowed in that the desired action goes beyond a projected future event and anticipates an accomplished fact. The needs fixed construction demands action. The alternative versions permit a vagueness that needs fixed does not. It says no more dilly-dallying! This lawn needs mowed today! If you want supper, this stove needs fixed. Bottom line: The needs fixed expression is best avoided in a formal context, but theres nothing wrong with its informal use. Use the version you prefer and let others do the same without ridicule. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Addressing A Letter to Two PeopleSelect vs. Selected10 Functions of the Comma

Assessed assignment 2 - Data Analysis Exercise Essay

Assessed assignment 2 - Data Analysis Exercise - Essay Example The plural form of ‘time’ is used in English but in specific contexts and with different connotations. Lot of – the speaker has used this term to qualify both count as well as non- count nouns. He seems to prefer this term and has never used ‘very† or â€Å"many’ as native speakers would have done. One children, a children –We do find subject verb agreement between â€Å"are’ and ‘children’. The speaker says, â€Å"there are only one children.’ For the native speaker, it is an irregular plural but the speaker has mis-analysed the form, hence his use of one/a is consistent with his treatment of this form as singular. We can conclude that for speaker A, children is semantically singular but syntactically plural. The bare verb form is used as nominals where native speakers would use –ing form for deriving nominals from verbs in these contexts. When –ing forms of verbs are used as nouns or adjectives they are called gerunds. Own – this word sounds more or less like earn. Perhaps, the speakers have never come across the word in writing or have never learnt it as an item of vocabulary, but may have just heard the word from others in speech. Hence they replaced it by the similar sounding word that they knew. Independent, independence – Both have made a different kind of mistake and both are incorrect. When natives speak about being independent of something, there is an implication that it was a nuisance or troublesome. It cannot be said about parents. The speaker B uses the noun form where the adjective form should be used. From the use of the above regular and irregular plurals, we can conclude that speaker B uses these words correctly and target like. He seems to have understood the count noun singular –plural contrast. CONCLUSION – The two speakers are similar in the way they diverge from the expected target forms in some respects, and different in other respects.

American History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

American History - Research Paper Example Another disagreement was on the subject of the size of the new nation. The federalists claimed that it was both probable and desirable-to-desirable to set up a republican style of government in a large territory. James Madison a member of federalist party claimed that the freedom, and the rights of people would be more safe in an â€Å"extended republic† that is an area that covers a large geographical area in addition to people with diverse interests, taste and opinions (Morton, 2006). According to Madison in such a republic, it would be hard for a majority faction to exist and oppress the unpopular minorities. The anti-federalists opposed by claiming that a true republic is required to be small to permit citizens to participate directly in their government. They refused the federalists’ suggestion for an extended republic and a national government that would be ultimate within the boundaries put by the constitution. They claimed that this would permit the government t o accrue more and more power therefore chances of threatening public liberty would be high. In the end, the opposing sides were able to come up with a concession; the current constitution has both federalists and anti-federalists opinions and principles (Morton, 2006). Most of the cases, the differences separating the anti-federalist and federalists mostly resulted from degree rather than principle. Describe and analyze the wartime experiences of the Revolution and the effects on women, salves and natives. The wartime experiences made a number of changes to the roles of women. Before the war, women were regarded as housekeepers and mothers, but during the war, women were left to be the head of their families as their men went to war. The women could use creativity and talents to come up with ways of survival. Even after the war, revolution had taken place and many women embraced the new roles and were involved in farming, businesses and taking care of their homes (Berkin, 2010). Man y slaves were freed during the revolution. A number of African Americans opted to serve the Britons in the hopes of getting freedom and chose to live with them in the end. Majority of the slaves chose to move to British, West Indies and others moved to Canada and Africa. The natives were also affected by the post war revolutionary period. Ever since the separation line was dissolved white settlers started to deluge what had in the past been known Native American territory. This resulted to disputes and strife with groups for instance, â€Å"the Cherokees of the Appalachian Mountains and the Shawnees of Ohio† (Berkin, 2010). The revolution was considered vicious towards the Native American population as a whole. Slaves filled many roles within the slave system. Compare and contrast the roles played and lives led by field workers, the house servant and the artisan. Did any of the three fare better that the others under the slave system? Why or why not? The main difference betwe en field workers, and artisans was in the role they played within their work jurisdiction. Artisans worked near the slave master’s house and they got to interact with the master. House servants were not many in number and most of the times they developed a close relationship with the master of the house. House

Is most efficient at heating water Essay Example for Free

Is most efficient at heating water Essay

The Holocaust Essays -- History, Nazi, The Nuremberg Trials

It is without a doubt that the Holocaust will forever go down in history as one of the most heinous crimes against humanity. Even years after the Nazi leadership, effects of the war still haunt the streets of Germany and the memories of the few survivors still alive today. Hitler and his Nazi regime held power in Germany from 1939 until 1945, when they were defeated by the Allied forces (Davenport 10). Within that time, Hitler was responsible for the death of six million Jewish people, and millions of other non-Jews. (Davenport 10) However, when the war ended, it was a big question as to who to blame for these horrendous crimes. Several of Hitler’s head leaders, and Hitler himself, either committed suicide or went into hiding before they could be captured (Austin 2000). In Hitler’s last testament, he was quoted to have said, â€Å"I do not wish to fall into the hands of enemies who will need a spectacle arranged by Jews† (Davenport 18). However, Hitler left behi nd several of his top officers and commanders, who were rounded up and taken to Nuremberg for trial (Davenport 16). Along with the Nazi soldiers and generals, between 100,000 and 250,000 Germans directly played a part in the killings and persecution of Jewish citizens in Nazi Germany (Davenport 13). Some believe that it was necessary to hold all German citizens responsible for their involvement in these crimes against humanity; however the Nuremberg trials were the best solution for justice, as they showed ignorance and duty were no longer viable excuses for crimes, and they set a precedent for future trials by demonstrating a strong intolerance for genocide. Before the trials began, the Allied forces debated on whether it was necessary to try these men, or if it would be bes... ...courts (fix citation). The Nuremberg trials are still heavily debated today, in regards to their effectiveness and whether or not it put the blame on the correct people. However, the trials were highly successful. Several of the men were hung for their crimes, and others were sentenced to strenuous prison terms with conditioning therapy afterwards. The Nuremberg Trials has had lasting effect on the world. After these trials, the United Nations began to adopt the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which established that there were such things as crimes against humanity, and that they could be tried any in the world (UMKC).The Nuremberg trials were truly the best solution for justice, showed ignorance and duty were no longer viable excuses for crimes, and it set a precedent for future trials by a strong intolerance for genocide.

Violence and Summary Socrates

Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned Themes: Redemption can be found throughout the book. Socrates, the main character, has spent twenty-seven years in prison for a violent crime that he committed. The legal system punished him for his crimes, but they did not attempt to rehabilitate him. While in prison, he committed more violent crimes than he committed before his incarceration. The Capricorn bookstore is what led Socrates to redemption, not prison. He is definitely a reformed man. He is now perceptive, compassionate and persuasive. Once he only acted on impulse, but now he reasons out what is right and what is wrong.He tries to do the right thing, and he guides others to make the right decisions through questions and rebuttals. â€Å"Crimson Shadow† Summary The novel begins with the main character, Socrates Fortlow, going outside into the alley beside his home. Socrates is investigating why Billy, an old rooster Socrates considers his friend, is not crowing this morning. Th e sun is just coming up, and Socrates views the alley as almost pretty with the debris in the alley bathed in half-light. Socrates finds a boy, Darryl, standing in the alley with a cardboard box. The boy tries to run when Socrates confronts him, but Socrates stops him.Inside of the box is Billy. He is dead. Socrates forces Darryl to take the box containing the dead rooster into his tiny, rundown home. Socrates questions Darryl as to why he killed his friend. Darryl seems relieved when he finds out Socrates is talking about the rooster. Socrates forces Darryl to pluck the chicken and to sit there while he cooks the old rooster. â€Å"Midnight Meeting† Summary Right Burke, Stony Wile, Howard Shakur and Markham Peal are all sitting in the impoverished home of Socrates discussing a serious matter. Howard's daughter, Winnie, saw Petis stab and rob LeRoy.Howard is seeking advice about how to handle the situation. Socrates questions Howard further. He wants to be certain Winnie real ly saw what Howard is claiming she saw. The men conclude that if Petis is responsible, he is also probably responsible for other murders and will not stop on his own. Three of the men have different opinions on how the situation should be handled. Right thinks they should kill Petis. Markham thinks they should go to the police. Stony feels they should tell everyone in the neighborhood about Petis and let the situation take care of itself. We get another glimpse into Socrates' past.The discussion sparks a memory from when Socrates was in an Indiana State prison†¦. â€Å"The Thief† Summary Socrates pays a visit to Iula's diner. He visits the diner at least once a month, on Tuesdays. Iula serves meatloaf on Tuesdays and that is one thing he is not able to make on his hotplate in his small home. Socrates has been out picking up bottles and cans. He does not like the way the men treat him at Crenshaw's. They make him wait, while they stand around telling jokes, and then they check every can and bottle before accepting them. After getting his money for the bottles and cans today, three men jump him.Socrates receives a cut on his wrist from a broken bottle, but otherwise he walks away the winner. Iula shows concern over his wrist. Socrates has already taken the time to stitch his slashed sleeve. Iula tells Socrates he has no business out there collecting bottles and cans and offers him a job†¦ â€Å"Double Standard† Summary Socrates is waiting for a bus. It is pouring rain, and the streets are mostly deserted. Across the street from the bus stop he sees two lovers standing under the ledge of an abandoned shop. Socrates imagines that the shop was once a bakery because of the blue and white checks on the window.He pictures the bakery full of hard working black people working long hours and earning good pay. Socrates tries to give the couple as much privacy as possible under the circumstances. Ralphie, according to the woman's passionate cries, i s on the heavy side. The girl is small and much younger. The girl's bus is coming down the street and the couple runs to the bus stop. When they do, Socrates finds out the girl's name is Linda. Ralphie does not want to let Linda go, but he finally releases her hand, and the bus drives off†¦ â€Å"Equal Opportunity† Summary Socrates is trying to get a job.He has been practicing how to ask for an application. After taking three different buses to get there, he walks into the Bounty Supermarket on Venice Boulevard. In his eyes, the store is a glittering palace with a religious feel. The everyday noises of the store all mesh together into a music that lulls Socrates. Socrates is approached by the Assistant Manager , Anton Crier. Socrates asks the man for an application. Anton stalls for a moment and then asks Socrates what kind of application he wants. Socrates tells him a job application and feels that the man is making him beg already. Anton then asks Socrates his age.Socr ates lets Anton know that it is illegal to discriminate based on color, sex, religion, infirmity or age. Anton tells Socrates that he knows that, but they do not have any openings at the†¦ â€Å"Marvane Street† Summary Darryl returns to visit Socrates. It is pouring rain, and the boy is cold and hungry. Socrates believes all eleven-year-old boys are hungry, especially when they are poor. Socrates feeds Darryl, and as the boy shovels the food into his mouth, Socrates feels the urge to slap and shake the skinny child. Socrates wishes a man had felt that type of love for him before he had gone wrong.He views Darryl as a troubled child; a lost soul who did wrong but doesn't fully know it. Darryl tells Socrates he has been having a recurring nightmare that keeps him from sleeping. In the nightmare, Darryl is in a large room with the lights out, but he is able to see the boy with the cut in his neck screaming and coming after him. Darryl always wakes up before the boy gets him , but he thinks that if the boy†¦ â€Å"Man Gone† Summary Corina Shakur shows up at Socrates' home looking for Howard. Corina is upset, because she and Howard had an argument the night before, and he has never stayed out all night.Socrates asks Corina what she and Howard fought about, and she tells him that she told Howard he should get a job at McDonald's or someplace until he can do computer operations. Howard has not had a job in nine months, and they have cut Corina's hours at work. When Socrates suggests that Howard is lazy, Corina defends him and says he is just proud. Socrates says that Howard is not too proud to let his wife bring in all the money. Socrates goes on to explain that black men are always complaining how hard things are for them, but they are too proud. Children and a loving woman are much better than pride.Socrates tells Corina that Howard†¦ â€Å"The Wanderer† Summary â€Å"The Wanderer† takes us back to Socrates' release from pr ison and his move to California. Socrates had his first fight in his new surroundings within a week of his prison release. A man by the name of Charles Rinnett was trying to impress his friends and chose to degrade Socrates in the process. In the end, Charles ended up being the one degraded. Socrates broke Charles' nose and knocked him to the ground three times before the man decided to stay down. Socrates sees Charles around Watts collecting bottles and cans.Charles has grown shabbier. Sometimes he wishes he could apologize to Charles for breaking his nose. He often has imaginary conversations with the man, trying to motivate him to do something with his life. In his conversations, Charles tells Socrates that they are both at the bottom of the white man's ladder, and neither one of them can climb†¦ â€Å"Lessons† Summary Darryl has moved in with Socrates. The two of them are sitting in a park waiting on Philip, a neighborhood gang banger, so that Darryl can confront him . Darryl is scared, but Socrates tells him that he has to do this.While they are waiting, Socrates tells Darryl that he had a dream about his momma. Darryl tells Socrates he has been dreaming about a naked Yvette Frank, telling him how much she likes him. Socrates says he is dreaming about manhood. When Philip shows up with two other thugs, Socrates leaves Darryl standing there alone. Philip takes the first swing at Darryl, but misses. Darryl hits Philip in the chin with a right cross, but it does not affect the gangbanger. As the fight intensifies, Socrates intervenes by knocking out and disarming the other two thugs.He then slaps a gun from Philip's hand and slaps him off of†¦ â€Å"Letter to Theresa† Summary Socrates is very sick with the intestinal flu. He has not been able to call in sick and is concerned about his job. He is not able to make it from one room to the other. All he can do is sleep and dream. He dreams of Theresa. The dream seems so real to him. In his dream, he comes home to her after being beaten badly. She comforts him until he falls asleep. When he wakes back up in the dream, she has bandaged his cuts. He looks into her eyes and sees every cut and bruise he has ever had in them.She wants to know when he is going to stop all of this. Theresa tells him she can't go on worrying and taking care of him. Socrates tries to tell her not to go, but he can't. Darryl then wakes him up asking him what he†¦ â€Å"History† Summary Socrates has been inside for three days watching riots on his muted television. He stays inside, not because of fear of what might happen to him, but because of fear of what he might do. â€Å"The smoke coming through the cracks in his apartment walls smelled of sweet revenge. † Everything that has happened to Socrates in the past wants out there on the streets, but he stays inside.While he is watching the television, he sees a billboard he is familiar with topple over. Socrates knows that the billboard is falling on top of a bookstore that he visited regularly when he first got out of prison. He had been waiting for his violence to bubble over and erupt until he visited the bookstore. The bookstore changed him. It was a place that he could read and talk with others without being chased out for not buying anything. â€Å"Firebug† Summary When Socrates visits Stony Wile's cousin, Folger gives Socrates a long lecture on the faults of the LAPD.Folger brings up the dozen fires that have been set. A squatter and his girlfriend were killed in the most recent fire. Some people are speculating that the fire department is setting the fires for the white landlords, but Folger thinks it is the Koreans trying to steal everything. Socrates tells Folger that he knows some real nice Koreans, and it is the businessmen, even black men, that want to steal everything. Folger believes the fires are a part of a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top, but Socrates says, â€Å"Mayb e it go to the heart, Mr. Wile. Socrates thinks that everything is rotten and that maybe burning it all down is the only way to straighten things out. Socrates asks a high school kid, Bruce Tynan, working with†¦ â€Å"Black Dog† Summary This chapter opens with Socrates standing before a judge. His attorney is stressing that Socrates has paid for his previous crimes and has been living a productive life on LA. The prosecutor is stressing that Socrates has killed in the past, and this is a violent crime that brings him before the judge. While Socrates is in the holding cell, he has to pass the holding cell's initiation.A baby faced man named Peters is harassing him. He chokes Peters to the brink of death and then releases him. A large, bearded black man by the name of Benny tells a curious guard that he was just showing Peters a trick. Peters nods that he is okay. Socrates has now established that he is not a man to be taken lightly. Socrates decides that Benny has appoint ed himself as leader. He knows he will have to go up against Benny†¦ â€Å"Last Rites† Summary Right Burke is dying a painful death from prostrate cancer. He is asking Socrates to get him a gun so that he can end his misery. Socrates is trying to talk Right out of it.He tells Right that he can't do that in Luvia's house. Right says that he can come to Socrates' house, but Socrates asks him how that would look to the police. Right then says he can go to the park, but Socrates tells him that he can barely walk to the end of the block, so he knows there is no way Right can make it to the park. Socrates visits Hogan's Snooker Room looking for Blackbird. Blackbird is a man that is probably as bad as Socrates, if not worse. The Snooker Room is a place to get illegal things and the police are paid their street insurance so there is never a problem†¦.