About Seppuku and Samurai Ritual Suicide

Seppuku, also known less formally as harakiri, is a form of ritual suicide that was practiced by the samurai and daimyo of Japan.  It usually involved cutting the abdomen open with a short sword, which was believed to immediately  release the samurais spirit to the afterlife. In many cases, a friend or servant would serve as a second, and would ritually decapitate the samurai to provide release from the terrible pain of the abdominal cuts. The second needed to be very skillful with his sword to achieve the perfect decapitation, known as  kaishaku, or embraced head. The trick was to leave a small flap of skin attached at the front of the neck so that the head would fall forward and look like it was being cradled by the dead samurais arms. Seppukus Purpose Samurai committed seppuku for a number of reasons, in accordance with bushido, the samurai code of conduct. Motivations could include personal shame due to cowardice in battle, shame over a dishonest act, or loss of sponsorship from a daimyo. Often times samurai who were defeated but not killed in battle would be allowed to commit suicide in order to regain their honor. Seppuku was an important act not only for the reputation of the samurai himself but also for his entire familys honor and standing in society. Sometimes, particularly during the Tokugawa shogunate, seppuku was used as a judicial punishment. Daimyo could order their samurai to commit suicide for real or perceived infractions. Likewise, the shogun could demand that a daimyo commits seppuku. It was considered far less shameful to commit seppuku than to be executed, the typical fate of convicts from further down the social hierarchy. The most common form of seppuku was simply a single horizontal cut. Once the cut was made, the second would decapitate the suicide. A more painful version, called  jumonji giri, involved both a horizontal and vertical cut. The performer of jumonji giri then waited stoically to bleed to death, rather than being dispatched by a second. It is one of the most excruciatingly painful ways to die. Location for the Ritual Battlefield seppukus were usually quick affairs; the dishonored or defeated samurai would simply use his short sword or dagger to disembowel himself, and then a second (kaishakunin) would decapitate him. Famous samurai who committed battlefield seppuku included Minamoto no Yoshitsune during the Genpei War  (died 1189); Oda Nobunaga  (1582) at the end of the Sengoku Period; and possibly Saigo Takamori, also known as the Last Samurai  (1877). Planned seppukus, on the other hand, were elaborate rituals. This might be either a judicial punishment or the samurais own choice.  The samurai ate a last meal, bathed, dressed carefully, and seated himself on his death cloth. There, he wrote a death poem. Finally, he would open the top of his kimono, pick up the dagger, and stab himself in the abdomen.  Sometimes, but not always, a second would finish the job with a sword. Interestingly, ritual seppukus were usually performed in front of spectators, who witnessed the samurais last moments. Among the samurai who performed ceremonial seppuku were General Akashi Gidayu during the Sengoku (1582) and forty-six of the 47 Ronin in 1703. A particularly horrifying example from the twentieth century was the suicide of Admiral Takijiro Onishi at the end of World War II. He was the mastermind behind the  kamikaze  attacks on Allied ships. To express his guilt over sending some 4,000 young Japanese men to their deaths, Onishi committed seppuku without a second. It took him more than 15 hours to bleed to death. Not for Men Only Seppuku was by no means a solely male phenomenon. Women of the samurai class often committed seppuku if their husbands died in battle or were forced to kill themselves. They also might kill themselves if their castle was besieged and ready to fall, so as to avoid being raped. To prevent an unseemly posture after death, women would first bind their legs together with a silk cloth. Some cut their abdomens as male samurai did, while others would use a blade to slit the jugular veins in their necks instead. At the end of the Boshin War, the Saigo family alone saw twenty-two women commit seppuku rather than surrendering. The word seppuku comes from the words setsu, meaning to cut, and fuku meaning abdomen.

Abortion A Controversial Issue - 868 Words

Every cultural and society does not allow or consider abortion as a rightful act, and abortion is a name of destroy human life. Now a days our society faces several types of issues Abortion is one of the complicated issue for both ways health and society that’s why abortion become a very controversial issue that become debatable in politics. In addition, this essay will describe the different issues of abortion such as, legal laws of abortion, restriction of abortions, rate of abortion and consequences of the abortion. Abortion is very serious issue that’s why abortion has become a debatable issue in U.S politics. Recently the republican candidate Donald trump said in the news â€Å"The sanctity of human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed. The party advocates for a human life amendment to the Constitution and endorse legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protections appl y to unborn children.†(Boguhn 1). Donald trump said in the news the unborn child have the total right to alive and these restriction have to become part of laws. Additionally, he is also against the legal rights of abortion Trump said legal rights of abortion should change from the U.S laws and make secure and protectable for unborn children lives. Moreover, increase the rate of abortion is thoughtful issue. Abortion rate has increased all around the world but the results of abortion is really harmful for women. In theShow MoreRelatedThe Controversial Issue Of Abortion878 Words   |  4 Pagesrecent discussions of abortion, the controversial issue has become whether or not women should be given the right to take their unborn child’s life away. Many believe in all having the right to live while others believe in the right to be given a choice. Women do not want to be given restrictions, they want to be able to have a voice when making decisions. With abortion women hav e a hard time making their decision based upon the judgement others make if the decision of abortion is followed throughRead MoreAbortion : A Controversial Issue1256 Words   |  6 PagesAbortion is a very controversial issue. To first start out abortion is the deliberate termination of a woman’s pregnancy, most often performed within the first 22 weeks of pregnancy. People can either be pro-choice or pro-life for abortion. Being pro-choice means that people believe that it is a woman’s choice to get an abortion if they want one. Pro-life means people believe no matter what if a woman is pregnant they should have the baby; no abortion. I intent to explain why women who get pregnantRead MoreAbortion : A Controversial Issue Of Abortion Essay2668 Words   |  11 PagesAbortion is terminating a pregnancy before the fetus has been born. Abortion has been and still is very controversial and has had an increasing amount of cases all over the world. In 2000 there were over o ne million abortions in the United States (Harper, et al., 501). Abortion is one of the most common procedures women undergo. According to the current abortion rates about thirty percent of women will have an abortion by the age of forty-five (Jones and Kavanaugh, 2011). Most abortions are attributedRead MoreThe Controversial Issue Of Abortion1555 Words   |  7 Pagestopic of abortion in the United States has been and remains one of the most controversial issues in western culture and politics. An abortion can be defined as the expulsion of a fetus from the uterus before it can survive on its own. This comprises two major forms of abortion: spontaneous, which is often referred to as a miscarriage or induced abortion, which is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy. The term is commonly used to refer to the induced abortion, and this is the abortion, which hasRead MoreThe Controversial Issue Of Abortion865 Words   |  4 Pages Today, people have the right to voice their thoughts regarding a topic, rather they’re different or alike, creating a new philosophy about it, or supporting the traditional belief. In regards to the topic, Abortion has been a subject of controversial matters. Some believing they have the right to do such an act while others would absolutely disagree. Before supporting such an act or not, we typically take into consideration the goods and bads of the action first. While taking a life might be oneRead MoreAbortion : A Controversial Issue911 Words   |  4 PagesAbortion is a controversial issue in many countries all the time and there are always two sides of abortion. Pro-life supporters believe that abortion is immoral, so they argue that it should be illegal because an unborn baby is life. However, they do not figure out that woman who is on the inevitable situation such as infection, rape, or extreme poverty would still have the abortion even though the abortion is illegal. Many women die due to unsafe abortion, which is illegal and performed by uneducatedRead MoreAbortion : A Controversial Issue843 Words   |  4 PagesAbortion Abortion has been a very controversial issue in the United States for the past several decades. Many people think that is it morally wrong. To say that something is morally wrong is an opinion. Since everyone’s opinions are different on this topic there have been many court cases and protests against abortion. However there are a lot of people out there that believe that abortion is a rightful decision. My personal opinion on the abortion controversy is that every woman should have theRead MoreAbortion : A Controversial Issue882 Words   |  4 Pagesconsider abortion as a rightful act, and abortion is a name of destroying human life. Now a days our society faces several types of issues Abortion is one of the complicated issue for both ways health and society that’s why abortion become a very controversial issue that’s become debatable in politics. In addition, these researches will describe the different issues of abortion, such as, legal laws on abortion, res triction of abortions, rate of abortion and consequences of the abortion. Abortion isRead MoreAbortion: a Controversial Issue1159 Words   |  5 PagesAbortion: A Controversial Issue One of the major controversial issues confronting the society today is abortion. I choose abortion as the topic of discussion since it contradicts my values and beliefs. Abortion is the extraction of the human fetus from the mothers womb with an intention to end the life of that fetus prior to its natural birth. The controversy surrounding abortion is whether it should be legalized or not? In my opinion, abortion is morally and ethically wrong because it leadsRead MoreAbortion : A Controversial Issue989 Words   |  4 Pagesaverage total of abortions performed annually in America (operationrescue.org). Abortion is a very controversial issue in the United States and all across the globe. First, I will discuss the different types of abortion. Next, I will explain when the abortions are performed. Then, I will share some of the laws regarding abortion in the United States. Finally, I will express my views on abortion. Abortion should be illegal in all states. First, I will discuss the various types of abortion. There are three

E-waste Cathode Ray Tube and New Equipment Free Essays

Electronic waste or e-waste is any broken or unwanted electrical or electronic appliance. E-waste includes computers, entertainment electronics, mobile phones and other items that have been discarded by their original users. E-waste is the inevitable by-product of a technological revolution. We will write a custom essay sample on E-waste: Cathode Ray Tube and New Equipment or any similar topic only for you Order Now Driven primarily by faster, smaller and cheaper microchip technology, society is experiencing an evolution in the capability of electronic appliances and personal electronics. For all its benefits, innovation brings with it the byproduct of rapid obsolescence. According to the EPA, nationally, an estimated 5 to 7 million tons of computers, televisions, stereos, cell phones, electronic appliances and toys, and other electronic gadgets become obsolete every year. According to various reports, electronics comprise approximately 1 – 4 percent of the municipal solid waste stream. The electronic waste problem will continue to grow at an accelerated rate. Electronic, or e-waste, refers to electronic products being discarded by consumers. Introduction of E-Waste †¢ E-waste is the most rapidly growing waste problem in the world. †¢ It is a crisis of not quantity alone but also a crisis born from toxics ingredients, posing a threat to the occupational health as well as the environment. †¢ Rapid technology change, low initial cost, high obsolescence rate have resulted in a fast growing problem around the globe. †¢ Legal framework, proper collection system missing. †¢ Imports regularly coming to the recycling markets. †¢ Inhuman working conditions for recycling. †¢ Between 1997 and 2007, nearly 500 million personal computers became obsolete-almost two computers for each person. †¢ 750,000 computers expected to end up in landfills this year alone. †¢ In 2005, 42 million computers were discarded †¢ 25 million in storage †¢ 4 million recycled †¢ 13 million land filled †¢ 0.5 million incinerated IT and telecom are two fastest growing industries in the country. †¢ India, by 2008, should achieve a PC penetration of 65 per 1,000 from the existing 14 per 1,000 (MAIT) †¢ At present, India has 15 million computers. The target being 75 million computers by 2010. †¢ Over 2 million old PCs ready for disposal in India. †¢ Life of a computer reduced from 7 years to 3-5 years. †¢ E-Waste: Growth Over 75 million current mobile users, expected to increase to 200 million by 2007 end. †¢ Memory devices, MP3 players, iPods etc. are the newer additions. †¢ Preliminary estimates suggest that total WEEE generation in India is approximately 1, 46,000 tonnes per year. E-waste: It’s implications : †¢ Electronic products often contain hazardous and toxic materials that pose environmental risks if they are land filled or incinerated . †¢ Televisions, video and computer monitors use cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which have significant amounts of lead. †¢ Printed circuit boards contain primarily plastic and copper , and most have small amounts of chromium, lead solder, nickel, and zinc. †¢ In addition, many electronic products have batteries that often contain nickel, cadmium, and other heavy metals . Relays and switches in electronics, especially older ones, may contain mercury. †¢ Also , capacitors in some types of older and larger equipment that is now entering the waste stream may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) . You can reduce the environmental impact of your E-Waste by making changes in your buying habits, looking for ways to reuse including donating or recycling. Preventing waste to begin with is the preferred waste management option. Consider, for example, upgrading or repairing instead of buying new equipment to extend the life of your current equipment and perhaps save money. If you must buy new equipment, consider donating your still working, unwanted electronic equipment. This reuse extends the life of the products and allows non-profits, churches, schools and community organizations to have equipment they otherwise may not be able to afford. In South Carolina, for example, Habitat for Humanity Resale Stores, Goodwill and other similar organizations may accept working computers. When buying new equipment, check with the retailer or manufacturer to see if they have a â€Å"take-back program†Ã‚  that allows consumers to return old equipment when buying new equipment. Dell Computers, for example, became the first manufacturer to set up a program to take back any of its products anywhere in the world at no charge to the consumer. And, when buying, consider products with longer warranties as an indication o f long-term quality. How to cite E-waste: Cathode Ray Tube and New Equipment, Papers E-waste Cathode Ray Tube and New Equipment Free Essays Electronic waste or e-waste is any broken or unwanted electrical or electronic appliance. E-waste includes computers, entertainment electronics, mobile phones and other items that have been discarded by their original users. E-waste is the inevitable by-product of a technological revolution. We will write a custom essay sample on E-waste: Cathode Ray Tube and New Equipment or any similar topic only for you Order Now Driven primarily by faster, smaller and cheaper microchip technology, society is experiencing an evolution in the capability of electronic appliances and personal electronics. For all its benefits, innovation brings with it the byproduct of rapid obsolescence. According to the EPA, nationally, an estimated 5 to 7 million tons of computers, televisions, stereos, cell phones, electronic appliances and toys, and other electronic gadgets become obsolete every year. According to various reports, electronics comprise approximately 1 – 4 percent of the municipal solid waste stream. The electronic waste problem will continue to grow at an accelerated rate. Electronic, or e-waste, refers to electronic products being discarded by consumers. Introduction of E-Waste †¢ E-waste is the most rapidly growing waste problem in the world. †¢ It is a crisis of not quantity alone but also a crisis born from toxics ingredients, posing a threat to the occupational health as well as the environment. †¢ Rapid technology change, low initial cost, high obsolescence rate have resulted in a fast growing problem around the globe. †¢ Legal framework, proper collection system missing. †¢ Imports regularly coming to the recycling markets. †¢ Inhuman working conditions for recycling. †¢ Between 1997 and 2007, nearly 500 million personal computers became obsolete-almost two computers for each person. †¢ 750,000 computers expected to end up in landfills this year alone. †¢ In 2005, 42 million computers were discarded †¢ 25 million in storage †¢ 4 million recycled †¢ 13 million land filled †¢ 0.5 million incinerated IT and telecom are two fastest growing industries in the country. †¢ India, by 2008, should achieve a PC penetration of 65 per 1,000 from the existing 14 per 1,000 (MAIT) †¢ At present, India has 15 million computers. The target being 75 million computers by 2010. †¢ Over 2 million old PCs ready for disposal in India. †¢ Life of a computer reduced from 7 years to 3-5 years. †¢ E-Waste: Growth Over 75 million current mobile users, expected to increase to 200 million by 2007 end. †¢ Memory devices, MP3 players, iPods etc. are the newer additions. †¢ Preliminary estimates suggest that total WEEE generation in India is approximately 1, 46,000 tonnes per year. E-waste: It’s implications : †¢ Electronic products often contain hazardous and toxic materials that pose environmental risks if they are land filled or incinerated . †¢ Televisions, video and computer monitors use cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which have significant amounts of lead. †¢ Printed circuit boards contain primarily plastic and copper , and most have small amounts of chromium, lead solder, nickel, and zinc. †¢ In addition, many electronic products have batteries that often contain nickel, cadmium, and other heavy metals . Relays and switches in electronics, especially older ones, may contain mercury. †¢ Also , capacitors in some types of older and larger equipment that is now entering the waste stream may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). You can reduce the environmental impact of your E-Waste by making changes in your buying habits, looking for ways to reuse including donating or recycling. Preventing waste to begin with is the preferred waste management option. Consider, for example, upgrading or repairing instead of buying new equipment to extend the life of your current equipment and perhaps save money. If you must buy new equipment, consider donating your still working, unwanted electronic equipment. This reuse extends the life of the products and allows non-profits, churches, schools and community organizations to have equipment they otherwise may not be able to afford. In South Carolina, for example, Habitat for Humanity Resale Stores, Goodwill and other similar organizations may accept working computers. When buying new equipment, check with the retailer or manufacturer to see if they have a â€Å"take-back program†Ã‚  that allows consumers to return old equipment when buying new equipment. Dell Computers, for example, became the first manufacturer to set up a program to take back any of its products anywhere in the world at no charge to the consumer. And, when buying, consider products with longer warranties as an indication of long-term quality. How to cite E-waste: Cathode Ray Tube and New Equipment, Papers