Binge Eating Disorder ( Bed ) - 913 Words

The three nationally recognized eating disorders are identified as Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder. Eating disorders, although stereotypically viewed as a lifestyle choice, is a serious and often fatal illness that not only cause severe eating disturbances, but adverse psychological and physiological environments for the individual (National Institute of Mental Health, 2006). These disorders typically develop in the mid-to-late teen years and often carry out into early adulthood albeit also existing in late adulthood (Butcher, Mineka, Hooley, 2004). Treatment for this class of disorder can range from various perspectives, current methodologies for binge-eating disorder point to cognitive therapies and pharmacotherapy (Reas Grilo, 2014). This paper will focus on and define Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) as well as its primary symptom configuration, which will also be reviewed in the amalgamated case example included in this report. Additionally, historical and current views on the etiological basis of the disorder as well as any differential diagnosis considerations and treatment methodologies associated with this illness will be discussed and lastly, an assessment of relevant literature on Binge-Eating Disorder to clarify any constructs of the disorder in individuals (pros and cons, development, and influencing factors and correlates). Definition and Description of the Disorder and Amalgamated Case Example Binge-Eating Disorder is new aShow MoreRelatedBinge Eating Disorder ( Bed )1245 Words   |  5 PagesBinge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder that is characterized by recurrent binge eating, without the use of compensatory behaviors such as purging, as seen in those with bulimia (Striegel-Moore Franko, 2003). Anyone can over eat from time to time, it is excessive and out of control overeating that crosses the line towards BED. Those who binge eat are known to have a variety of health problems, both mentally and physically. The chronic, recurrent bingeing associated with BED has beenRead MoreBinge Eating Disorder ( Bed )1453 Words   |  6 PagesBinge Eating Disorder Binge eating disorder (BED) is a psychiatric condition characterized by the consumption of large quantities of food in a specific amount of time, and feeling out of control while eating. BED also involves feelings of guilt and shame after binging but is not accompanied by compensatory behaviors, such as purging or vomiting. Binge eating is described by â€Å"eating at a fast pace, eating until feeling uncomfortably full, eating when not feeling hungry, eating alone to hide the amountRead MoreBinge Eating Disorder ( Bed )1948 Words   |  8 PagesBinge Eating disorder (BED) is another wised specified eating disorder disease, it is a serious condition characterised by uncontrollable eating, with the result of weight gain. Regular episode of binge eating are one of the most important symptoms, in fact, patient with BED usually consume a lot amount of food even if there are not hungry. Regular weight control methods or to be on diets are not typical behaviours, as well the purging by vomiting or using of laxatives. The absence of these symptomsRead MoreBinge Eating Disorder ( Bed )2041 Words   |  9 PagesBinge Eating disorder (BED) is another wide specified eating disorder disease, it is a serious condition characterised by uncontrollable eating which leads to weight gain in people (Argas al., 1997). They are regular episodes of BED, and the most important symptoms you often find in patients is consuming a lot of food regardless of if they are hungry or not, they also tend to watch their weight by dieting, as well as vomiting or using laxatives. The absence of purging by vomiting or using laxativesRead MoreBinge Eating Disorder Essay examples939 Words   |  4 Pagesdictionary, binge eating is defined as uncontrolled compulsive eating, especially as a symptom of bulimia or binge eating disorder(BED). Individuals, who suffer from a (BED), usually, consume, abnormally large amounts of food, quickly. The condition causes sufferers to eat until they are painful ly full. we live in a society that accepts encourages overindulging . Therefore, there are probably several occasions on which we eat more than we should. In order for a person to be diagnosed with a (BED), theyRead MoreCauses And Treatments Of Binge Eating Disorder922 Words   |  4 Pagessound fun to you? Life is difficult without having an eating disorder. Growing up eating everything I could get my hands on caused health problems for me now that I am older. Binge eating and anorexia are serious eating disorders that cause physical, behavioral, and psychological problems. The most common disorder is binge eating. Binge eating disorder (BED) is consuming large quantities of food in a short period of time. People find that over eating is a comfort zone for them. The problems AmericansRead MoreMindfulness : The Practice Of Mindfulness1556 Words   |  7 PagesKabat-Zinn, 1982). MBSR is an 8-week training in mindfulness meditation which consists of weekly 2.5-hour group classes and one day-long silence retreat. MBSR has been found to be effective in the management of stress, physical illnesses, and psychiatric disorders with a range of clinical and non-clinical populations (Grossman, Niemann, Schmidt, Walach, 2004; Cramer, Lauche, Paul, Dobos, 2012; Lauche, Cramer, Dobos, Langhorst, Schmidt, 2013). MBSR was later combined with elements of Cognitive-BehaviouralRead MoreClinical And Normative Sample Populations1686 Words   |  7 Pagesto escape from or down-regulate negative affect place individuals at risk for alcohol and substance abuse, disordered eating, and clinical eating disorders, resulting in a challenged physical and psychological well-being (see Aldao et al., 2010). There is evidence that suggest that in response to the control of negative affect (for example, depression, anxiety, and stress); eating behaviours are associated with both increase and decrease in food consumption (Fairburn Harrison, 2003). In particularRead MoreBinge Eating Disorder And Obesity1248 Words   |  5 PagesBinge eating disorder, also known as BED or compulsive overeating, is a serious disorder that is characterized by a recurrent, irresistible urge to overindulge or binge on food even when you are painfully full. We reveal how and why it becomes a problem, and what you can do about it. It is normal to overeat from time to time, but when it comes to binge eating, the urge is persistent and seemingly uncontrollable, and is usually accompanied by feelings of shame and guilt. Binge eating disorder, justRead MoreTypes and Treatments of Eating Disorders Essay907 Words   |  4 PagesWhen people hear the word eating disorder they tend to think of a young middle class white girl. It’s quite rare to hear about older men and women struggling with eating disorders even though it’s fairly common. Unfortunately, eating disorders do not discriminate against race, age, gender, class, or sexual orientation. The only thing that differs is their overall experience and how health professionals chose to treat them. There are three major eating disorders that some people suffer with on a daily

Martin Luther King Jr. - 1650 Words

Martin Luther King Jr. is accepted by many as the most influential figure in the civil rights movement. In his protests, participants would refuse unjust laws and disrupt everyday life by marching or sitting in squares, spreading awareness of their concerns. The marches in particular were highly effective, garnering massive news coverage and sympathy for the protestors. In order to grow and maintain the sympathy generated by this coverage, King also advocated a strict non-violence policy. His methods played a key role in desegregating cities throughout the South, including Birmingham, as well as in the passing of the voting rights act. This strategy for protest is still widely used today, namely in large parts of the Black Lives Matter movement. King’s style of peaceful civil disobedience is highly effective, allowing enough disobedience to gain attention, while avoiding violence to maintain sympathy and discussion. One of the key components of King’s movement was the usage of civil disobedience. King advocated the breakage of segregation laws, in addition to any other unjust law. He states that â€Å"one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that ‘an unjust law is no law at all’† (Howard-Pitney, 79). King supported the breakage of these laws to draw attention to their unfairness. He states â€Å"I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in orderShow MoreRelatedMartin Luther King Jr.867 Words   |  4 Pagespeople, one of them is Martin Luther King Jr. He made the world a better place for black citizens by doing non-violence movements and marched the way to freedom. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta Georgia as Michael King Jr., but changed his name to Martin Luther King Jr. in honor of Protestant Martin Luther. Through his activism, King played a pivotal role in ending the legal discrimination of African American citizens. During his childhood, Martin Jr.’s father stronglyRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr1194 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿ Simmons 1 Gabrielle Simmons Mrs. Fitzgerald Social Studies 8A 4/27/10 Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a well known and an inspiring man to all cultures of the world. King was and still is one of the most influential heroes. King s views and believes helped African Americans through the 50 s and 60 s to the rights and liberties that was their right. King faced many obstacles on his journey, things like jail and even assassination attempts. Despite these obstacles,Read MoreMartin Luther King Jr.1078 Words   |  5 PagesMartin Luther King, Jr., was a very strong person, constantly fighting for what he believed in, which was equality for African Americans. He was not scared to stand up and tell the world what he wanted for society. He was fearless and did everything in his power to prove a point. Martin Luther King, Jr., was the strongest individual of his time, for he fought until death, which proves how much he was willing to risk his life to make the world an equal place. Growing up, he had a very interestingRead MoreMartin Luther King, Jr Essay1153 Words   |  5 Pagesbe slaves, African-Americans saw a road trip to equality through the eyes of Martin Luther King, Jr. Even after being emancipated from slaves to citizens, African-Americans were not ready to wage the battle against segregation alone. The weight which African Americans carried on their back, was lightened when they began to see what Martin Luther King, Jr. brought to the table against segregation. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the single most important African-American leader of the Civil Rights MovementRead MoreBiography of Martin Luther King, Jr745 Words   |  3 PagesMartin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968) was born on in his mothers parents large house on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the second child, and was first named Michael, after his father. Both changed their names to Martin when the boy was still young. King JR was born into a financially secu re family middle class with that, They received better education in respect to most people of their race. King Jr, noticed this and this influenced him to live a life of social protestRead MoreEssay on Martin Luther King, Jr.591 Words   |  3 PagesMartin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born at home on Tuesday, January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. His parents were Martin Luther, Sr. and Alberta King. He was born into a world where segregation was the law. Where his boyhood best friend, who was white, wasnt allowed to play with him once they started school. Where black people went to separate bathrooms, drank from separate water fountains, couldnt eat in whites only restaurants, and had toRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr.1144 Words   |  5 PagesMartin Luther King Jr. (January 15 1929-April 4, 1968) Brief Summary (of who MLK Jr. is): Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and an activist who led the civil rights movement in the 1950. He was a fundamental force behind the civil rights movement that ended legal segregation. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. But he was sadly assassinated in 1968 on a second floor balcony of Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee†¦ Childhood: Martin Luther was never poor. He lived with a middleRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr.2405 Words   |  10 PagesMartin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and social activist, who led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968. IN THESE GROUPS NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNERS FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO DIED IN 1968 FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO WENT TO PRISON FAMOUS CAPRICORNS Show All Groups 1 of 19  «  » QUOTES â€Å"But we come here tonight to be saved from that patience that makes us patient with anything less than freedom and justice.† —Martin Luther King Jr. Read MoreMartin Luther King Jr. Essay1862 Words   |  8 Pagesbut the content of the character,† (Martin Luther King Jr,1963) Martin Luther King Jr. was a smart child and had a good childhood. He learned values from his parents, and Martin Luther King Jr was a man of much wisdom during his time. He was a major contributor to the civil rights movement, and those contributions have profound effect even today. Michael Luther King was Martin Luther King Jr’s name when was born. His parents changed his name to Martin Luther King when he was just a young boy. TheyRead More Martin Luther King Jr. Essay637 Words   |  3 Pages Martin Luther King, Jr. was perhaps one of the most influential person of our time. As the father of modern civil rights movement, Dr.Martin Luther king, Jr., is recognized around the world as a symbol of freedom and peace. Born January 15, 1929, King was the son of an Atlanta pastor. King accomplished many achievements during his life. He graduated from Morehouse as a minister in 1948 and went on to Crozer Theological seminary in Chester, Pa., where he earned a divinity degree. After that King

Significance of Emotional Intelligence at Work Place

Significance of Emotional Intelligence at Work Place Some argue that EQ is more important in the work place than IQ. In the work place, there are constant interactions which are occurring among the people who work there. While some of these interactions are positive, others are negative. The key aspect, managers and company leaders must understand is that over time, each of these interactions will have a positive or negative effect on the company as a whole. The effect that these interactions have on the company will also have an effect on the company s ability to remain competitive in its given market or industry. Having said that, the key fact that must be considered in order to make these interactions more positive is emotional†¦show more content†¦EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE WORKPLACE The Development of Emotional Intelligence (EI) skills can benefit a broad range of people in the workplace. The examples below explain how leaders, managers, professionals, and others can benefit. Executives must make decisions daily that may make or break their companies. They must rely on more people than ever to achieve results they, personally, are held accountable for by the board. more... High potential people take on demanding multiple projects and leadership roles. Unforeseen events occur that delay or derail critical business initiatives under their responsibility. more... Managers and Supervisors behavior and treatment of their people determine turnover and retention. They interact daily with individuals who have distinct needs, wants and expectations. more... Team Leaders and Project Managers are held accountable for setting and maintaining a positive environment where very diverse, non-local individuals can work together to achieve success in shorter and shorter time periods on projects of greater magnitude and importance. more... Sales people frequently work with difficult prospects and customers. They often find themselves in adversarial situations over price, features, delivery schedules, etc. These situations can generate anxiety, fear, frustration or evenShow MoreRelatedEmotional Intelligence ( Eq )1651 Words   |  7 Pagesgoal of all individuals in their employment. Much success in the workplace can be contributed to one’s emotional intelligence (EQ) or their understanding of emotions in themselves and co-workers which can use to form positive collegial relationships (Cherniss Exetin, 2006). The book Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Bradberry and Greaves (2009), effectively explains what Emotional Intelligence and provides useful strategies to improve one’s EQ. However, while the book has a foundation in scientificRead MoreLeadership Skills And Abilities Of An Effective Administrator1414 Words   |  6 Pages Abstract summary: Leadership is all about human psychology with expert tactics. Leaders have qualities such as intelligence, maturity and personality and are trusted for their assessment and respected for their proficiency, integrity etc. Effective leaders have Skills which are naturally developed and unconsciously with consistently which demonstrated in the every action. So Organizations need strong leaders for profitable growth in business. Introduction: Leadership skills andRead MoreManagers Emotional Intelligence Effect On Followers Performance1577 Words   |  7 PagesManager’s Emotional Intelligence Effect on Follower’s Performance Job Satisfaction. Research has shown that leaders who have high levels of emotional intelligence are able to increase the job satisfaction of their workers leading to increase performance. In a study done by Sy, Tram, and O’Hara (2006) of 187 restaurant workers, in which 62 were managers, they investigated the relationship between employees’ emotional intelligence, their manager’s emotional intelligence, employees’ job satisfactionRead MoreAfter Taking The Values In Action (Via) Inventory Of Strengths,1285 Words   |  6 PagesAlthough I am not surprised that my top character strength is honesty, it was interesting to learn my other top strengths. Taking the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Leadership Self-Assessment introduced me to my social and self-intelligence. Using the KAB model, I was able to identify knowledge, attitude and behavior strengths for both self and social intelligence. The Values in Action Inventory of Strengths was designed to classify one’s character strengths and assess the strengths identifiedRead MoreLeadership Characteristics Of A Successful Leader1302 Words   |  6 Pagesdifferent types of leadership characteristics it takes to become a successful leader. Also we will touch base on my personal advantages that I have in leadership and the areas where I need to work on further improving in the area of leadership. Additionally this paper will shed light upon the real world work place scenarios where leadership strengths can be applied. Finally we will discuss the benefits of understanding individual styles of leadership. In the dictionary leadership is defined as analyticalRead MoreEmotional Intelligence and Athletic Performance1744 Words   |  7 Pagescomplex emotions, how emotions are affected by events surrounding experiences, and whether various emotional reactions are likely in given social settings. Regulating emotions encompasses the control of emotions in oneself and in others. An individual’s emotional intelligence is an indication of how he or she perceives, understands, and regulates emotions. In sum, emotional intelligence is a form of intelligence that involves â€Å"the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminateRead MoreDifferent Types Of Leadership Characteristics1376 Words   |  6 Pagesdifferent types of leadership characteristics it takes to become a successful leader. Also we will touch base on my personal advantages that I have in leadership and the areas where I need to work on further improving in the area of leaders hip. Additionally this paper will shed light upon the real world work place scenarios where leadership strengths can be applied. Finally we will discuss the benefits of understanding individual styles of leadership. In the dictionary leadership is defined as analyticalRead MoreLeadership Skills Of An Effective Administrator1540 Words   |  7 Pages Abstract summary: Leadership deals with both human psychology as well as expert tactics. Leaders have qualities such as intelligence, maturity and personality and are trusted for their judgment and respected for their expertise, integrity etc. Effective leaders have Skills which are naturally developed and unconsciously, as well as consistently, demonstrated in the every action. So Organizations need strong leaders for optimum effective growth in business. Introduction: Leadership skillsRead MoreIq or Eq1187 Words   |  5 PagesIQ OR EQ? 1 It was long believed that having high IQ (intelligence quotient) is the most influential determiner of achievement in life, especially in business life. Yet it has been recently discussed other factors like EQ (emotional quotient) seems to be more effective in work places. IQ tests measure a persons cognitive ability compared to the population at large. While IQ tests can be quite predictive of general intelligence, its important to remember that they dont purport to tell the wholeRead MoreHuman Intelligence And Artificial Intelligence1545 Words   |  7 Pagesconsensus on what human intelligence is, how it works, and how it is formed. There are several different theories as to what intelligence is, and there is no concrete explanation of intelligence. Despite these uncertainties, many have proposed the idea modeling human intelligence and creating artificial intelligence. Many see artificial intelligence as a way to bypass human error and to improve jobs by completing them fa ster and more accurately. They argue that artificial intelligence can be based on

How Is Atticus Finch Portrayed free essay sample

To kill a mocking bird is a novel written by Harper lee set in the southern part of America just after the civil war had ended . This means that though slavery had been abolished , black people were still held to a lower standard than white people . It is not only black people who are subjected to racial prejudice but also anyone who fails to conform to the social norms of the ‘tired old town’ of Maycomb. Atticus Finch is one of the main characters in To Kill a Mocking Bird. He is the father to Jem and Scout finch and a lawyer in Maycomb County . Most of the main themes in the novel are shown in one way or another through this character. One of the main themes in the book is Intolerance . Atticus is adamant about his children not developing the same intolerant views that the other inhabitants of the town have towards people who are different to themselves. This is shown during a conversation held between Atticus and his daughter, Scout ,after she judges her new teacher . He says to her, ‘You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. ’ This shows Atticus as a very empathetic man . He could easily follow the other people of Maycomb in turning against anyone who is different but instead decides to look at things from their side of the situation, a skill needed in his line of work as a lawyer . It also shows that he wants his children to have these traits , as he is willing to teach Scout about empathy. He wants to change Maycomb’s ways and is starting this by sending his children into the world with a better understanding of the people in it in the hopes of sculpting a generation of more tolerant people. However, Scout struggles with this concept. This is shown when a poor boy named Walter Cunningham visits the finch residence for a meal and Scout acts very judgemental , criticising him for the way he acts at the dinner table . Not only does this part of the book show a lot about Scout , it shows a lot about Atticus as well. The book says ‘Atticus shook his head at me again. ’ Atticus doesn’t vocalise his protest to Scouts verbal assault on Walter. This may have been to spare Walter any further embarrassment which strengthens the idea that Atticus is very empathetic . It may have also been a way of showing how in control of his children Atticus truly is. He doesn’t need words to convey to his children his how he is feeling or what he wants them to do, a simple shake of his head is enough. This paints Atticus as a natural leader which would help him a lot in the courtroom. Though Scout treats Walter badly, the interactions between Walter and Atticus go very differently. Atticus treats Walter like an equal. This is shown in the book when Lee writes ‘While Walter piled food on his plate, he and Atticus talked like two men-‘. This shows that Atticus does not discriminate by age , but treats those mature enough , despite how young they are, like equals . In fact , the book shows Atticus as undiscriminating, be it against gender, age or race. In a town where the vast majority of residents look at black people as lesser than themselves, Atticus stands out in the book as one of the few people who are pro-equality. While other white families treat the black people who work at their homes as slaves, Atticus treats Calpurnia, the finch’s cook, as part of the family. When Scout speaks badly of Calpurnia, Atticus says to her ‘I’ve no intention of getting rid of her, now or ever. We couldn’t operate a single day without Cal. ’ The quote shows Atticus respects Calpurnia despite the colour of her skin. He is not afraid to admit that Calpurnia is the only thing keeping the family working , which shows he is honest , even in the face of judgment . When he says ‘I’ve no intention of getting rid of her, now or ever. ’ It shows he is loyal. Calpurnia is not just an employee to him , she is also a valued member of the household who he finds irreplaceable , a view point not shared by many in the town. More proof that Atticus is not racist is in the fact that he took Tom Robinson’s case. Tom Robinson is a 25 year old black man who is wrongly accused of the rape of a white woman. Since Atticus would be defending Tom gainst a white person, many of the townsfolk disapprove of it, seeing it as a betrayal. This means almost the whole town turns against the Finch family. In the book, Atticus says ‘every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. ’ This shows that Atticus understands that he and his family going to face a lot of backlash for taking the case. He takes it any way, as it is a matter of honour to him. Atticus knows exactly where a Negro stands in the south. Despite the abolition of slavery at the end of the civil war, in the eyes of the people of Maycomb, black people were still viewed as second class citizen’s . hough he knows he cannot win, he has to take the case in order to not lose his self respect or the respect of the people whose opinion he cares about. This point is supported when Atticus says to uncle Jack when asked to pass the case on to someone else, ‘Do you think i could face my children otherwise ? ’ It took Atticus a lot of moral courage to see the case through. Though Atticus is prepared to face the judgment of the townsfolk, he wishes he could protect his children from it all. This is shown in a conversation held between Atticus and his brother, Jack regarding the Tom Robinson case. Atticus says ‘what worries me is that she and Jem will have to absorb some ugly things pretty soon. ’ By ‘ugly things’ Atticus is referring to the slander that Scout and Jem are subjected to prior and during the trial. The use of the word ugly really emphasises Atticus’ view point on the verbal abuse. Atticus is a gentleman and usually respects other people’s opinions and what they have to say even if they go against his own opinion or insults him personally. Describing it in such a way infers that Atticus finds the behaviour distasteful. If the townsfolk had insulted Atticus directly, he would respect their opinions, though he may like them. What angered him is that they not only say it behind his back but to his children, the very people he is trying to shield from such view points. Atticus not only tries to protect his children on a mental level, but when they are physically threatened by a rabid dog by the name of Tim Johnson , he plays the role of protective father and breaks one of his own moral codes to save his children and the other inhabitants of the town . Similarities can be found between Atticus and Tim Johnson. What remained of his poor mind made him pause and seem to consider which road he would take. He made a few hesitant steps and stopped in front of the Radley gate; then he tried to turn around, but was having difficulty. ’ These are the words Lee used when describing Tim Johnsons struggle. These could easily be applied to Atticus’s moral struggle as he is torn between the right choices and the easy choices. Atticus’s struggle begins when he takes the case. He starts off on a straight course, making noble and honourable choices in the name of justice. Then circumstances change and he is given a choice. He can continue on the course he’s on. If Tim Johnson had taken this path it would have led him straight to the Radley place, potentially putting the Radleys in danger. In the novel, Lee uses the Radley family as a symbol for intolerance. In the same way that Tim Johson could kill the Radley family, Atticus has the chance to put an end to intolerance in Maycomb if he were to see the case through to the end. Both Tim and Atticus meet obstacles on this course. While Tim’s is a physical thing (namely the gate to the Radley yard) Atticus’s obstacles manifest themselves in the form of traditions that have been present in Maycomb for generations. Then there is the easy way. For Tim Johnson this is to follow the curve of the road where there is nothing but open space. For Atticus, it is to forget about the case, to pass it on to another lawyer and avoid the slander and judgement from the other residents. But in the same way that Tim Johnson struggles to turn around, Atticus cannot walk away from the case without jeopardising his personal beliefs and morals, or risking the respect of his children. The fact that Atticus saw the case through, even with all the obstacles , shows he is very passionate about staying true to his beliefs. The moral code I referred to is Atticus’s choice to not take a life. Known by the older generation of Maycomb as ‘one-shot finch’, Atticus is the best shot in the county but chooses not to use his talent as he thinks, as Miss Maudie put it, ‘God had given him an unfair advantage over most living things’ (Miss Maudie is used by Lee as a narrative device as the narrator of the story, Scout, is too young to know about Atticus’s shooting history). Atticus has a deep belief in equality and will do what he can to balance the scales. Like his marksmanship skills, Atticus may also view being white as an unfair advantage given by God over black people, who are viewed as lesser than himself. Since this is not something Atticus can fix by doing something as simple as putting down his gun, he uses his position of power, both as a white man and a lawyer , to sway the people’s opinions and stop the injustice that black people endure . Atticus shows physical courage when he picks up the gun and shoots the dog. He views courage as an important trait to have and therefore respects people who do. Among these people is Mrs Dubose. Though arguable the character that contrasts most with Atticus, in some ways, they are surprisingly alike. Mrs Dubose’s personality is much like the camellias found in her garden. Camellias are very large and very bright flowers and, as a result, can be seen as quite garish and distasteful. Those words may also be used by Jem and Scout to describe how they see Mrs Dubose. She is very vocal about her opinions, despite the negative affects they might have on other people. She always speaks her mind and is truthful to the extent of seeming insulting since she doesn’t filter through her thoughts to find what is appropriate and not appropriate to say to who she’s addressing. An example of this is when she says to Jem and Scout ‘Your father is no better than the niggers and trash he works for ! ’. This quote shows an obvious disregard for the childrens feelings. Hidden behind the bright colours of the elaborate flower is dried fruit . It is not nice to look at and is often hidden away as to not spoil the aesthetics of the camellia . This is another trait that Mrs Dubose shares with her beloved flowers. Behind her rough exterior, Mrs Dubose is going through a terrible struggle that some could say even surpasses Atticus’s. The fruit could be a metaphor for this. Her struggle is attempting to quit her addiction to morphine in order to leave the world ‘beholden to nothing and nobody ‘. Atticus had great respect for her . He says ‘she was the bravest person I ever knew. ’ He even holds her above himself in terms of role models for his children, saying, ‘I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. ’ Atticus may be referring to young boys at that time idolising soldiers like those that fought in the civil war but he may have been referring to himself and the way Jem views him as brave after he shot Tim Johnson. If it is the latter, it shows Atticus is self-deprecating and that he believes it is easy to pull a trigger when it means no consequence to yourself but seeing how bad it is going to turn out for you and yet still going through with it anyway ,like Mrs Dubose and Atticus with the case , is what takes real courage. This point is supported when Atticus goes on to say ‘It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what. ’. In conclusion, Atticus is presented in the book as the voice of justice in Maycomb. In a town filled with prejudice, hatred and injustice, Lee uses Atticus as a symbol of all that is right. He is honourable , brave , truthful and other characteristics that make him the perfect person. He is quite an unrealistic character , but in a town as badly ridden with racism and judgement as Maycomb , it would take someone that is compassionate beyond what a human is capable of to make a difference. Atticus is the physical representation of the idea that unless somebody cares an aweful lot, nothing is going to change.