Reflection of the Thought Police vs. Outer Party Game Essay Example for Free

Reflection of the Thought Police vs. Outer Party Game Essay During the Thought Police vs. Outer Party game, I learned the importance of the value of independence and freedom. Previous to playing the game, I would consistently wear whatever I wanted, I would carry my books whatever way I wanted to, and I was allowed to live my own life. But the game gave me a new perspective, not only on Winston and his hardships, but on my peers. While engaged in the game, due to the secrecy developed within the tension of ignorance, I felt paranoid and oppressed. Because nobody knew what role everybody in the class played, there were underlying tensions that lead to distrust. Personally, I could not trust anybody, not even my closest friends in the class. I felt like I was always being watched. Being worried about whether getting caught justified the uncomfortable feeling I had. Then I realized that this was Winston’s life always being watched while unwillingly obeying the rules of the party. The situation was bad, having my classmates betray each other, which taught me that there is no place safe for individualistic freedom. The first day we started the Thought Police versus Outer Party game, I was very conscious of myself and my surroundings. All day and every day, I would keep a mental checklist of the rules that I had to follow. Doing this taught me the theme of what I wanted to do versus what I needed to do. For example, one of my peers, who is not associated with AP Language, asked me why I was wearing a yellow leaf. I had to lie to her and say Oh Im just taking risks, as far as style goes. I felt stupid for saying that! I really wanted to tell her what is going on. If I was allowed to tell her, she could have possibly helped me find out who the thought police was. Speaking of having to wear my yellow-leaf necklace, the third day into the Thought Police versus Outer Party game, I overslept. Once I woke up, I put sweatpants on and ran out the front door to the bus. I didnt even realize how I looked that morning. When I got to school, I realized I was lacking my yellow-leaf necklace. I felt ultimately hopeless. I was sad, but not to the point of crying. It wasnt like I was going to be vaporized or anything. Afterwards, I went in Big Brothers classroom and saw an unpunched yellow leaf, an electronic hole puncher, scissors, and a white piece of string. I had an insane adrenaline rush. I grabbed everything and went to Coach Johnsons room quickly so no one would see me. However, I had a feeling that Big Brother saw me on the way out the door. Two minutes later, I came back into the classroom feeling accomplished as if nothing had happened. The next day, I saw that my name was on the offenders list. Guess what crime I had committed? The Yellow-Ribbon crime! All of a sudden, I did not feel accomplished after all. At least I know who reported me. That same day, I also forgot to wear anything orange. I can only imagine how Winston would have felt if he forgot to wear his uniform. Luckily, before I went to Big Brothers classroom, I stopped by Mrs. Hoods room. I saw Michaela Bailey, a member of the Outer Party. I felt so fearful because for all I know, he could have been a thought police (luckily, he was not). I took an enormous risk and asked Do you have anything orange I could wear? He answered Sure, you can wear this. He handed me an object that looked like a ripped sock that soccer players wear on their shins. I responded Thank you so much! . It is amazing how paranoid I was being, because on any other day, I would have been like Oh, no thanks. You keep it . This proves the importance of having to unwillingly obey the party. The next day, Big Brother posted the crimes and who had offended them. My name was on the list for offending Crime Number 5. This rule states: When speaking to lunch ladies, janitors, office staff, or any non-teaching adult, students must express gratitude for their service by greeting them with the phrase, We appreciate your work on behalf of our education. . I did not even know I broke this rule. I do not remember seeing a lunch lady, janitor, office member, or a non-teaching adult. That wasnt the only strange event that had occurred. All of the other Outer Party members names were listed as well. That made it even harder to guess who the Thought Police were. However, with this taking place, made me think smarter. The reason for that is because I knew that either Big Brother turned us in, or a member of the thought police turned their self in. Now that I think about it, it did not really help me at all. The day that the Thought Police versus Outer Party game was coming to a close, I was absent from school. Because of this, I was not able to guess who the thought police were. The good thing about it was that when I finally found out who the Though Police were, I realized that if I were not absent, I still would not have had decreased the size of my reflection essay.

Implementing a Supply Chain Management System

Implementing a Supply Chain Management System Advantages and Disadvantages of Implementing a Supply Chain Management System A Supply Chain Management system is an information system which integrates the primary inbound logistics business activity. Supply Chain Management system supports inbound and outbound logistics procurement as well as procurement support activities. Supply Chain Management systems support three basic processes which are source, purchase and settle; because Supply Chain Management systems support the three basic processes the process itself of the supply chain has become faster and more efficient. One advantage of implementing a supply chain management system within an organization is that it has expanded supply chain speed which is the dollar value of good exchanged in a given period of time; this allows for companies make their processes quicker and more efficient. Another advantage for implementing a Supply Chain Management is that the Supply Chain Management System enables both the supplier and the customer to reduce the size of inventories therefore reducing inventory costs which in the long run will assist the company grow because they are keeping their costs low. This reduction in inventory costs is possible because the speed and the efficiency provided by information systems enable processing of small orders fast. SCM Systems also help improve delivery scheduling this occurs because the suppliers are able to deliver materials and components at the time and sequence needed this enables just-in-time inventory which allows manufacturers to reduce raw materials and handle of raw materials. SCM Systems also are an advantage because it creates processes to achieve strategies. The SCM Systems are mainly developed for support for business processes which assist organizations achieve competitive advantage over other companies as well as helping to avoid creating systems that are unrelated to organizations strategy. The last advantage of a SCM system is it fixes bullwhip effect which is the tendency of consumers to buy more than they would need in the immediate fu ture. The disadvantages to implementing a Supply Chain Management System are that it can be expensive and difficult for some employees to learn. While some employees want change and are not reluctant to modifications to their current system many other employees will resist the change; which would result in the organization having to deal with this which can drive costs of implementing such a system even higher. Another reason implementing a SCM System is a disadvantage is because for some organizations it may require them to change substantially because their current system is very basic; therefore, implementation of such a highly advanced system could change the organization considerably. If a company grows significantly, such as NIKE did, then SCM can become a hindrance because the company grows and the system could become irrelevant towards the companys main objective. An additional drawback of implementing a SCM System is that there could be a lack of appreciation for the system just a s there was for NIKE; this is based on the statement made by the Nike CIO, Gordon Steele, he thought that that this system would have been an easier solution for the problems Nike was facing but in essence it turned out to much more complicated. Another disadvantage for implementing a SCM System is that even though a company may think that they have trained their employees enough, the reality of this can be that there is never enough training available, which Nikes CIO stated again. Options for Acquiring a SCM System Companies must first acknowledge that there is a problem with their organizational system. In the case, Nike sensed that there was an issue with their current business model in that it focused on centralization but increasingly became more and more decentralized. Its only option was to acquire a SCM system to create greater supply chain visibility. They were to find vendors by shopping around for SCM systems and the organizations that program them. So they had to search for information on how to solve their problem. Nike understood that they had to quickly and accurately analyze the impacts of proposed SCM . Business should use information to evaluate alternative brands in the choice set and assess the capabilities of each. Negotiation of the terms and conditions would follow. The purchase decision follows and the business decides to buy the program. Nike addressed this issue by implementing SAP ERP in conjunction with i2 software to be its information system. The final step is the post purchase evaluation in which the company takes further action after the purchase based on their satisfaction or dissatisfaction. The advantages of each option: Reduce costs of buying and selling, increases supply chain speed, reduces size and cost of inventories, and improves delivery scheduling. This disintermediation that occurs when eliminating the middle layers in the supply chain will increase market efficiency. The disadvantages of each option: Technology and user training. Raw Material Purchasing Process In order for there to even be a raw material purchasing process there must be a supply chain for which the raw materials get transferred through. A supply chain is considered a network of organizations/facilities that transform raw materials into products delivered to customers. The main purpose of a raw material purchasing process is for a company to be able to successfully transfer raw materials into intermediate goods which can then be transferred to finals good and delivered to the customer; this is all done to ensure that the customer gets the service as efficiently and prompt as possible. The processes itself is started once the customer realizes that there is a need or want for a product. The customer then places an order for their service through the retailer. The retailers then in-return must order from the distributors that would dispense to the retailers. The distributers are then required to order from the manufactures that develop or create the product but in order for the distributers to develop or create the product they have to order the supplies from the suppliers that they receive their materials from. The suppliers are the ones with the original raw material. Once the supply chain is complete from the customers realization up to the suppliers being notified of the raw material being needed all items are delivered and the suppliers payment goes through the same process; retailers get paid by customer the retailers pay the distributors distributors pay manufactures-manufactures pay supplier. Potential Pitfalls in Implementing a SCM System The increasing outsourcing that occurs is one of the potential pitfalls that may be Encountered when implementing a supply chain management system. Shrinking product lifecycles, intensifying economic pressures, and constant changes in supply, demand, and product make supply chain optimization harder than ever. Existing systems generate plans that become obsolete the moment theyre finished, while spreadsheets and ad hoc databases lack the visibility and collaborative capabilities organizations need to swiftly and effectively monitor and respond to change. Another downfall encountered is that user training must be administered and completed before implementing a supply chain management system. Major Tasks that need to be Completed Evidently Nike has not spent enough time and effort in implementing their supply chain process to coincide with the organization. Which is why they now must purchase a new SCM system, but before implementing this new system, major tasks must be done in order for it to work efficiently. A successful SCM System requires a change from managing individual functions to integrating activities into key supply chain processes. Supply Chain Management entails coordination and configuration of the process that is necessary to make products available in a timely, reproducible and pleasing manner. Nike must first come up with a strategy for managing all the resources that go toward meeting customer demand for their product or service. A big part in Supply Chain Management, that Nike failed to strive in, is monitoring the supply chain so that it is efficient, costs less and delivers high quality and value to customers. As Nike grew and times changed, their central control became more centralized leading them to 27 different order managements systems worldwide. This clearly has led to their downfall, and evidently Nike must look over and choose suppliers to deliver the goods and services they need to create their product. Supply chain managers must develop a set of pricing, delivery and payment processes with suppliers if not satisfied with the original and also create a better system for monitoring and improving their relationships. The manufacturing step is most important because this is when supply chain managers schedule the activities necessary for production, testing, packaging and preparation for delivery. Nike must develop a proper procurement process, this is important because Nike extends globally. This is the process of strategic plans made with suppliers to support the manufacturing flow management process and the development of new products. Procurement delivers the responsibility for assuring the quality of purchased raw material/services and linking supplier operations to distribution through manufacturing activities. This step allows for measurement of quality levels, production output and worker productivity. Nike must ensure that the manufacturing processes are flexible to respond to market changes and accommodate mass customization. The product development and commercialization must be looked at as well because it is such a lengthy task. Customers and suppliers must be combined into the product development process in order to reduce time to market because the appropriate products must be developed and successfully launched with shorter time-schedules to remain competitive. If Nike is to attain competitive advantage, then their ultimate aim should be to achieve supply chain excellence before their competitors do. What Nike realized, later than other companies, is that the most important assets to an organization are their employees and consumers. Steele quotes You can never train enough which is only the truth. To ensure that this new system is successful the employees must all need to know how to use work with the system. Hence this is why Nike has now made training an important part of business. As important is the customer service management process; an organization that strives to be successful should use the following steps to build customer relationships: determine mutually satisfying goals for organization/customers establish and maintain customer relationship, and produce positive feelings in the organization and the customers. We all know companies like Nike exist to serve their consumers; hence they must find a clear and concise way of knowing exactly what their consumers want and passing that information through the supply chain to the suppliers correctly.

Trends in Family Formation: A Look at Same-Sex Marriage Essay example -

Introduction Family and marriage are social and divine institutions that are facing constant challenges due to the rapidly changing trends in society. In the past, the problems that families and marriages experienced were polygamy, early marriages, and family planning, but the current society experiences extra problems such as high rates of divorce, delayed marriages, single parenthood, cohabitation, and emergence of same sex marriages among other pertinent issues. The emergence of same-sex marriages complicated conventional and religious teachings for these teachings view same sex marriage as an immoral issue in the society that should never happen at all. Despite the denial and renunciation of the same sex marriage in the society, gays and lesbians continue to exist in the society while their numbers are increasing alarmingly. High rates of divorce and marriage abuses have left many young people wondering and questioning whether marriage is of any significance in life with regard to happiness and achievement. Glen argues that, â€Å"young adults delay getting married, not out of cynicism or apathy so much, but because of a near crippling anxiety over whether they will fail at marriage like so many of their parents did† (2012, np). Such and many other fears compel young people to get involved in aberrant sexual behaviors as gay and lesbianism in order to avoid problems associated with heterosexual marriages. Therefore, what are the trends, causes, and solutions regarding the issue same-sex marriage? Trends of Same-Sex Marriage Same-sex marriage is an emerging social and religious issue that is gradually finding its way in the legal system as constitutions of many countries recognize heterosexual marriage only. Conventional and ... ..., & Bynner, J. (2002). Learning, Family Formation and Dissolution. Centre For Research on the Wider Benefits of Learning, 4, 1-42. Glen, T. (2012). Family Formation Trends and Analysis: United States Overview. Focus on the Family. Web http://www.focusonthefamily.com/about_us/focus-findings/family-formation-trends/regnerus-family-structures-study.aspx Jost, K. (2003). Gay Marriage. The Congressional Quarterly Research, 13(30), 723-747. Marshall, W., & Sawhill, I. (2002). Progressive Family Policy in the 21st Century. Marriage and Legislation Journal, 1-49 Murphy, M. (2001). Marriage in the Modern World. Family and Society Studies, 1-17 Smith, R. (2006). Sexual Orientation in Children. Childhood Growth and Development, 26-39. Somerville, M. (2003). The Case against ‘Same-Sex Marriage’. The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, 1-11.

Ben Franklin Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A Universal Man When one takes a look at the world in which he currently lives, he sees it as being normal since it is so slow in changing. When an historian looks at the present, he sees the effects of many events and many profound people. Benjamin Franklin is one of these people. His participation in so many different fields changed the world immensely. He was a noted politician as well as respected scholar. He was an important inventor and scientist. Particularly interesting is his impact on the scientific world. Benjamin Franklin was a modest man who had had many jobs in his lifetime. This may help explain his large array of inventions and new methods of working various jobs. He did everything from making cabbage-growing more efficient to making political decisions to being the first person to study and chart the Gulf Stream movement in the Atlantic Ocean. This can explain why many people, including myself, saw him as a universal man.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The definition of a universal man is one who knows a little on ...

slavery :: Slavery Essays

Many of us thought slavery was a thing of the past. But from the way I see it, sweat shops aren’t that much different. "I spend all day on my feet, working with hot vapor that usually burns my skin, and by the end of the day, my arms and shoulders are in pain," Alvaro Saavedra Anzures, a Mexican worker, said to the Global Exchange. "We have to meet the quota of 1,000 pieces per day. That translates to more than a piece every minute. The quota is so high that we cannot even go to the bathroom or drink water or anything for the whole day without risking our jobs." NIKE; in El Salvador women work all day for 4.80†¦. The countries with sweatshops are better because of them.. But does that make it ok to treat the people like slaves? Gap, Forever 21, Old Navy, Target, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Sears and J.C. Penney Don’t boycott completely, just be a little more aware. Thirteen hours a day, six days a week - sometimes seven Wal-mart, K-Mart, J.C. Penney; Tommy Hilfiger, the Gap, Banana Republic. Old Navy, Fruit of the Loom; Ann Taylor, Esprit, The Limited, Guess, Victoria's Secret; Nike, Reebok, Adidas; Aztek, Apple, IBM; Zenith, Panasonic, General Electric; General Motors; Disney. Hollister, Abercrombie and Fitch, Levi’s We can’t stop buying from these companies. Because not buying anything at all would cause the sweatshops to shut down. But buying something from there would cause the sweat shops to hire more people for small pay. So protest, tell your friends, you are now aware so make others. Children as young as the age of 5 are working in these inhumane factories. Some factories are nice and let you go to the rest room twice a day.

Dar es Salaam Essay

WHY STUDENTS’ TEACHERS’ IN TANZANIA STUDY HISTORY OF EDUCATION DAVID E. MSHANA DEC. 2012 Education according to Nyerere (1967), refers to the transmission from one generation to the next the accumulated wisdom and knowledge of the society and to prepare young people for their future membership of the society and their active participation in its development. In other way it can be defined as a process of teaching, training and learning especially in schools or colleges to improve knowledge and develop skills. (Oxford Advanced learners Dictionary, 6th Edition). Education is the process of acquiring and developing desirable knowledge, specific skills, positive attitudes and values. (Thungu, J. et al, 2010) History is the study of the records of all past human experiences, as defined by a number of historians. It is concerned with political, social, economic, scientific, technological and cultural which have shaped and given birth to mankind. History of education can be defined as the study of the past development of educational systems, theories and institutions within the general historical framework of political, social, economic, scientific, technological and cultural change. (Thungu, J. et al, 2010) REASONS WHY STUDENTS’ TEACHRERS’ STUDY HISTORY OF EDUCATION First of all, studying history of education helps teachers to be in improving quality of education and strengthen professional competence. Studying history of education prepares teachers to explore and critically examine alternatives education theories, practices and culture so as to objectively determine what is acceptable. (Thungu, J. et al, 2010) Likewise, past experience help teachers to be to influence current decisions today. History of education helps teachers to be to improve decision making and judgment. Through it both good and bad examples of decision are given. History of education offers the opportunity from past example of the others through which formulation of policies to suit the current education systems are made. Moreover, helps to draw comparison of different educational ideas and to show the development of various educational theories and practices in educational context. Through comparison one is able to show the development of a particular theory and practice in historical context and demonstrates a particular condition out, which such a theory arose, the specific function that a practice was intended to serve. (Thungu, J, et al, 2010) History of education provides the opportunity to see how society has changed over centuries. It provides a better understanding of people and culture. Tanzania in particular, education system has been changing from time to time as for instance objectives of indigenous education are different from the post colonial era. Through it, teacher to be can be able to show the difference objectives of education basing on different generation. (http//:www. wikipedia. history of education/) Helps to cultivate the art of self expression, communication, inquiry, objective thinking and ability to judge on the side of the teachers to be. It enables in the developing the attitude of mind that distinguish the educated person, the habit of skepticism and criticism of thinking with perspective and objective of judging what is good or bad, as well as weighing the pros and cons. (Thungu, J. et al. 2010) Studying history of education enables student- teachers in choosing suitable methods and strategies when in classroom environment or context. Student-teachers to be in good position to avoid static methods of teaching and learning, at the same time theory improve the tradition methods to match with current situation. (http//:www. wikipedia. history of education/) Also, it exposes the student-teachers to other discipline such as history, Christian religion education, oral literature, sociology and psychology. This helps in enriching the analysis of important educational ideas. (Thungu, J. et al, 2010) It enables student-teachers in integrating both theoretical and practical education. Understanding the context of historical events engender the spirit of realism. Through various education theories creates or build good basis in implementation of curriculum. (Thungu, J. et al 2010) Then, it helps in establishing the sound knowledge and skills set in which teachers will be able to build as they are exposed to different life experiences. For instance, having studied a history of education in a certain society, a student-teacher will be in a good position to handle the students of that society effectively and efficiently. (http//:www. wikipedia. history of education/) Studying history of education helps student-teachers to translate information and judgment, experience and wisdom into relevant knowledge that a student can understand, retain and pass to others. Generally, Studying history of education for the teachers to be is of great importance to their prospects of teaching. History of education is part and parcel of the teaching profession, if a teacher wants to be effective and efficient. REFERENCES http//:www. wikipedia. history of education/ 13th, Jan, 2011; 11:08 am Ishumi, A. G. M. , (1978), Education and Development, Dar es Salaam: National Printing Company Limited. Lema, E. et al (2004), Nyerere on Education, Dar es Salaam: Oxford University Press Mushi, A. K. (2009), History and Development of Education in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam: Dar es Salaam University Press Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 6th edition, (2000). Thungu, J. et al (2010), Mastering PTE Education, Nairobi: Oxford University Press.

Oral traditions Essay

Many ancient scholars believed Africa had no history prior to colonialism because there was no documented evidence. Professor A.P. Newton, who was a distinguished British historian in the early 20th century, believed that there was no African history because most of the African society was illiterate before the European intrusion. ‘History’, he said, ‘only begins when men take to writing.’ He, as well as others who had the same opinion, failed to realize that African communities existed long before colonialism and so had their own history, even though it had not been put into writing at the time. Oral traditions have played and continue to play important roles in the history of Africa as well as its present. Songs, folklores, superstitions, etc. are just some of the things that have been passed from generation to generation orally. We see the evidence of some of these superstitions in J.P. Clark’s _Abiku_ as well as Wole Soyinka’s _Abiku_. Both poems are based on traditional superstitions and it is evident from the title, _Abiku_, which is a word from the Yoruba language of Nigeria that is used to describe a child that dies and is reborn, usually multiple times. It is believed that such children are not of the human world, but rather belong to the spirit world and so they keep going back and forth from one world to the other unless the child’s family is able to make the child stay in the human world, using traditional methods most times. These beliefs and actions are results of oral traditions and, even with the rise of western education in Yoruba communities and Nigeria in general, continue to be upheld by some people. Clark and Soyinka are evidence of the continued dependence and belief in oral traditions by a lot of Africans, even after extensive western  education. These Africans could be doing this as an indirect rebellion against western ideas and principles that have sought to ridicule and destroy African culture. During the colonial era, the Europeans did their best to destroy African culture, especially those that had to do with superstitions and religious beliefs that did not correspond with western principles. Concepts like reincarnation were frowned upon heavily by the European missionaries seeking to change the religious beliefs of Africans and since most aspects of life were based on religion at the time, changing one’s religious beliefs meant changing one’s political, social and economic beliefs as well. However, with the rise of cultural nationalisms, Africans began to reject European standards as the ideal and focus on bringing African culture back to the forefront. Hence, we see Soyinka and Clark as well as many other African poets bringing their cultural superstitions to their literary works, even though most of the m are written in European languages. In Soyinka’s _Abiku_ poem, almost every line is made up of cultural beliefs and practices as they relate to the _Abiku_ child. He even dips into non-African oral traditions in the line that says, â€Å"remember/ this, and dig me deeper still into/ the god’s swollen foot.† (14-16). Here, Soyinka is referring to Oedipus, the Greek mythological figure, and his use of this in his poem suggests that he wants to show that oral tradition is not just an African phenomenon but rather, exists in different cultures all around the world. While, he doesn’t expand on this line, it is important because it stands out from the rest of the poem as it is not connected to Yoruba tradition at all and it makes known to its readers the fact that oral traditions are universal. Also, Soyinka writes his poem from the subject’s point of view as a means of humanizing the character. The concept of _Abiku_ is usually explained as an other- worldly phenomenon, which made it easier for a lot of people to disassociate themselves with the idea. However, Soyinka writes his poem in first person in order to make known to people the fact that _Abiku_ children do exist and they are, in fact, human beings. He brings the _Abiku_ child to the forefront and though the rhetoric is tinged with superstitions and  cultural traditions, the fact that it is being told from the child’s perspective is a humanizing effort. There is no doubt that the poem emphasizes cultural and spiritual notions, especially through the child, however, the poem’s use of words like â€Å"Mothers† (line 26) paints a human picture in the minds of the readers. The juxtaposition of spiritual and human language used in the poem lets the readers know that both the spiritual and the human are present in this _Abiku_ child. Therefore, the poet brings to light the idea that the spiritual i.e. traditional and the human i.e. rational can exist and coincide with one another. He is saying that African culture can exist side by side with western culture and one doesn’t have to diminish the other, which is the direct opposite of what was preached by European missionaries. Also, it is important to note that these two poets as well as most African writers are invested in the concept of Africanism. Keeping African cultures alive is important and we see the poets using their poems to remind Africans and the world in general that African culture still exists and has not been destroyed by urbanization. Oral traditions have never been completely accepted as adequate sources with which to make any kinds of analyses because of the fickle nature of the human memory and so, writing these poems allows the poets show the readers that the culture is still there and these stories and beliefs have not been forgotten. It was important for Africans in historical times to repeatedly acknowledge the oral traditions so they would not forget any parts of it and this is also one of the reasons why African writers usually add some elements of oral tradition into their works. A lot of African communities did not have any means of recording their culture for future generations so they just made sure the younger generations became aware of these traditions from the early stages of their lives so these traditions became engrained in their minds by the time they were adults. However, with the colonization of Africa, a lot of Africans are now able read and write these oral traditions and because of this easy access, a lot of Africans have become unaware of a lot of cultural traditions that would have been passed orally. So, the writers include oral traditions in their written works to bring these stories, beliefs, practices, etc. back into the minds of Africans and the world. This is why  Soyinka and Clark include some traditional processes in their poetry. Soyinka writes about the charms that people believed would keep the _Abiku_ child from going back to the spirit world†¦ â€Å"Must I weep for goats and cowries/for palm oil and sprinkled ash?† He takes the reader into the world of the _Abiku,_ using cultural rituals, which then reminds the Africans who had forgotten and informs those who were not privy to this information initially. Clark takes his readers into the immediate environment of the _Abiku_ child, both the physical environment and the spiritual environment†¦ â€Å"Do stay out on the baobab tree/follow where you please your kindred spirits/if indoors is not enough for you.† In conclusion, oral traditions are very important in African culture as well as other cultures around the world and the use of written language in passing oral traditions has been helpful in bringing forgotten histories back into the minds of its people. BIBLIOGRAPHY Fage, J. D., and British Broadcasting Corporation. Africa Discovers Her Past. London: Oxford University Press, 1970. Henige, David P. The Chronology of Oral Tradition: Quest for a Chimera. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1974. Adesanmi, Pius. You’re Not a Country, Africa: A Personal History of the African Present. Johannesburg: Penguin Books (South Africa), 2011.