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Cultural Differences in Dating, Weddings, and Marriage: A Comparison of Japan and the U.S.

Admin — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 13:35:08 +0000

Before writing your letter, you will need to locate a minimum of three scientific resources which explain culture and rites of passage. In addition, you will need to locate resources that explain how the rites of passage surrounding dating, weddings, and marriage differ in one country OTHER than the United States. Although you may use your text as a resource, you must still have three additional resources. You must correctly cite these sources using APA within your letter. In other words, you must have in-text citations within the body of your letter. You must also have a works cited page in APA format attached to your letter. Your letter must be a MINIMUM of 500 words in length. Your letter must include the following: 1. An explanation of the difference between the terms culture and rites of passage 2. Identification of a country other than the United States which will be discussed 3. A detailed explanation of at least one dating, one wedding, and one marriage rite of passage in that country. 4. A discussion of how the rites of passage in the country you picked differ and/or are similar to those practiced in the United States. 5. A discussion of your reaction to the three rites of passage. 6. Put the information in your own words. 7. Proper in-text citations in the body of your letter in APA format from a minimum of three different sources 8. A separate works cited page in APA format attached to your letter with a minimum of three different sources 9. Please note that if you do not provide in-text citations and a works cited page, this is plagiarism and your grade will be a 0. Write in your own voice, use first person, and avoid jargon or trying to “sound smart.” Your letter should sound like one that you would normally write to a friend or relative. Your letter should include all the parts of a letter such as a date, greeting, and closing. Focus on how you can use everyday language to inform your reader of the complex things you are learning about culture and rites of passage in this class. Make sure to cite your resources in the text of your letter (when you paraphrase). Do not use direct quotes. I want your words, not theirs.

Guidelines for Writing the Letter:

Introduction:
- Begin the letter with a friendly greeting, making it clear that you are writing to a friend, relative, or someone you know well.
- Introduce the topic of the letter, which is a reflection on culture and rites of passage. Mention that you will explain cultural differences regarding dating, weddings, and marriage in Japan as compared to the United States.
Explain the Difference Between Culture and Rites of Passage:
- Define culture and rites of passage. You should describe culture as a broad term encompassing traditions, behaviors, values, and social norms, and rites of passage as significant events or ceremonies marking transitions in one’s life.
- Provide clear, simple definitions for both terms in everyday language.
Identification of a Country Other Than the United States:
- Mention the country you’ve chosen to analyze in relation to the rites of passage, which, in this case, is Japan.
- Briefly introduce Japan’s cultural context.
Detailed Explanation of Rites of Passage (Dating, Weddings, and Marriage):
- Describe dating, wedding, and marriage practices in Japan. Ensure you give a clear and simple explanation of the rituals or traditions involved.
  - Dating in Japan: Discuss the more formal, arranged aspect of dating in Japan, like “omiai.”
  - Weddings in Japan: Explain the traditional Shinto ceremony and the focus on family in weddings.
  - Marriage in Japan: Explain the cultural expectations of marriage, gender roles, and family responsibilities.
Comparison of Rites of Passage in the Chosen Country and the U.S.:
- Compare and contrast Japanese and U.S. practices for each rite of passage (dating, weddings, and marriage).
  - Dating: Japanese dating traditions are more formal and family-focused compared to the U.S.
  - Weddings: Japanese weddings are more traditional, while U.S. weddings may prioritize individuality.
  - Marriage: The roles within marriage are often more traditional in Japan, whereas American couples often have more flexible roles.
- Make the comparison simple and easy to understand by pointing out the key differences and similarities.
Personal Reaction to the Rites of Passage:
- Share your own thoughts and feelings about the three rites of passage you discussed.
- Reflect on what surprised you, what you found interesting, or what seemed different from your own culture.
Citations and In-Text References:
- Use at least three sources to support the information in your letter. These sources should discuss the culture of Japan and its rites of passage (dating, weddings, and marriage).
- Properly cite these sources in-text (using APA format) whenever you refer to information from them.
- Include a Works Cited page at the end of the letter in APA format.
Conclusion:
- End the letter by summarizing the key points, reiterating your thoughts on how culture influences rites of passage.
- Use a friendly and closing statement like “Take care” or “I look forward to hearing from you.”
Formatting and Word Count:
- The letter should be 500 words minimum.
- Make sure to include proper formatting such as a greeting, introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing.
- Ensure the letter is written in first person and uses everyday language that’s clear and accessible.
APA Format for In-Text Citations and Works Cited:
- Correctly format citations in the body of the letter (paraphrased, not quoted directly).
- Ensure the Works Cited page is formatted correctly in APA format, with at least three sources listed.

Example Structure of the Letter:

Introduction (Greeting and Topic Introduction)
- Greeting: “Dear [Friend’s Name],”
- Introduction of topic: “I wanted to share what I’ve learned about cultural differences in dating, weddings, and marriage between Japan and the U.S.”
Explain the Difference Between Culture and Rites of Passage
- Define culture and rites of passage, in simple terms.
Identification of Country: Japan
- Identify Japan and introduce its cultural context in brief.
Explanation of Dating, Weddings, and Marriage in Japan
- Provide details on how dating, weddings, and marriage are practiced in Japan.
Comparison Between Japan and the U.S.
- Discuss how Japan’s practices differ from the U.S. practices.
Personal Reaction
- Reflect on your thoughts about these practices.
Conclusion (Closing Statement)
- Wrap up the letter with a short summary of your reflections.
Works Cited Page in APA Format
- Provide APA citations for all the resources used.

Tip: Make sure the letter is written in a conversational, friendly tone and avoid sounding overly academic. This is not an essay but a personal letter, so keep it informal and engaging.

The post Cultural Differences in Dating, Weddings, and Marriage: A Comparison of Japan and the U.S. appeared first on blitz.

The Impact of Inequality on Work and Labor in the Gig Economy

Admin — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 08:26:34 +0000

In this assignment, I want you to think about how inequality has effects on work and labor. One of the most marked characteristics of rising inequality is the the increased precarization of stable, well-paid employment. Tied to an extensive financialization of the economy (whereby profits are primarily derived from financial markets rather than production), contemporary inequality is lived as much in the household as in the workplace, wherever it may be. Here, you will see one example in the form of work in the gig economy. You will start this assignment by reading the paper by Alexandrea Ravenelle (“Sharing economy workers: selling, not sharing (link in files attached) then want you to read the following texts in the sequence given here.
Text #1, from marcfreccero.com:
DECEMBER 7, 2016•
As a former Uber and Lyft driver, I constantly get asked if driving for Uber & Lyft is a good idea. Personally, I think it is, especially for entrepreneurs, musicians, actors, etc – basically anyone with a side hustle.
As a result of being asked about Uber & Lyft so many times, I decided to write this post for people interested in driving. I’m going to talk about the 10 things that I wish I knew BEFORE driving for Uber & Lyft – things that I think you should know before starting to drive.
One quick side note: I want to say that this post isn’t a smooth way of having you sign up through my links. I’ve seen tons of blog posts and videos with horrible content, and it’s obvious that they only created it with the hopes that you would sign up with their links. All the content in this post I’ve learned through experience, and even though I do have my sign up links listed in this post, I made sure to make this information in this post really helpful (regardless if you use my links or not).
Sign up with Both Apps
This is absolutely critical to getting the best of both worlds. Both Lyft and Uber will regularly run bonuses and specials, and by driving for both, you can pick which one is best. Especially on holiday/eventful weekends, the apps will even compete to “outbid” each other on which one is paying more that weekend.
As I’ll talk about more in this post, you can easily drive for one app for 3 months, not drive for the other one, and then starting driving without notifying them. You have a tremendous amount of flexibility, so I highly suggest Only drive during the Surge Hours
The main periods where you can make the most amount of money is morning & evening commutes (7-9am and 5-7pm), Friday and Saturday Nights, and Saturday and Sunday during the day. The truth is, with Uber & Lyft, I don’t think you can make a lot of money if you drive in the non-surge hours.
For example, if you can only drive Monday – Friday 11am-1pm, I personally don’t think it’s worth it because you’ll make such little money. Then, combine that with all the expenses of driving, and it can get difficult. Don’t get me wrong though – if you drive during surge hours you can make a lot of money.
People are Nice
I constantly get asked my aspiring drivers if people are rude or difficult when driving. The truth is, I’ve done hundreds of rides, and I’ve truly only ever had 1 rude passenger – and they weren’t even that bad. Even on Friday and Saturday nights, people are usually really respectful and won’t be rude or obnoxious.
If anything, they usually either encourage conversation or are on their phone. And if they’re in a group, they’ll usually just talk amongst themselves.
You DON’T Need Snacks or Goodies
When Lyft first started one big selling point was that the drivers had candy, snacks, water and more. Now, however, that expectation doesn’t exist anymore. If you’re considering driving, don’t worry about having to get candy and water all the time, as that’s a thing of the past.
The one thing I will suggest is napkins however, as you should have some in your car regardless if you’re driving or not.
No planning ahead
Everyone knows that Uber & Lyft is flexible and you can drive whenever you want, but I have tons of people ask me if I have to “schedule” my hours. The truth is, you can turn on the app whenever you want, drive for as long (or as short) as you want, and go about your day.
The best part about driving is that it’s completely flexible, and not only that, there’s no scheduling required. Pretty awesome.
Daily Pay
This didn’t exist when I first started driving, but now daily pay is available via both apps. This means that you can drive for a certain period of time, hit a button, and get paid instantly. With both apps all they do is charge you $0.50 to cash out, which is amazing that you can literally work and get paid within a few hours.
There’s a lot of hidden expenses
Now this is a negative thing unfortunately, but there are a lot of hidden expenses with Lyft and Uber. Obviously everyone knows that you have to spend more in gas, but you also have more oil changes, more depreciation on your car, you need more maintenance (tires, engine, etc).
In addition, you’re an independent contractor – meaning taxes don’t get taken out, and you have to deal with that at the end of the year. Huge pro tip too: Always consult with a tax accountant, because they can help with you with certain deductions and tax situations.
You DON’T Need a Car
You read that right. Both apps now have programs where you can rent/loan a car from them and drive. This makes it a lot easier for people who either don’t have a car or simply can’t afford one. In addition, Lyft even has a program where if you do a certain amount of rides in a week you can have the car for free (as long as you hit their quota every week).
Fun, yet Tiring
This might or might not be surprising, but driving is extremely fun and the hours absolutely fly by. You’re picking up people, having really interesting conversations, dropping them off, and then repeating that process. To be honest, out of any job I’ve ever done, the hours fly by faster with driving than anything else.
On the flip side it’s insane how tiring it can be. This probably isn’t surprising to anyone who’s done distance drives, but it’s insane how dead you can be after driving for hours.
NO Quota
This is a very overlooked benefit of driving: You don’t have a quota. If you want to do 2 rides in a month, go for it. If you want to do 200, knock yourself out. There are no quotas with either app, making this a huge benefit as you can drive for either for as long as you want, and simply ignore the other one until they have a special bonus.
As a result of this, I highly suggest bouncing between both apps to see which one works best for you and which one pays more. Then, stick with that app, and only use the other one when they have a special deal, or when you think the other one is starting to pay more.
Overall, those are the 10 things that I wish I knew about Uber & Lyft before driving. I really hoped this post was helpful, as I sat down and thought of the most important points for any aspiring driver. Good luck out there!
Text #2, from marcfreccero.com:
A while back I wrote a post about the 10 things I wish I knew before driving for Uber & Lyft, and both the blog post and video received a lot of attention. When I now tell people that I don’t drive for them anymore, the inevitable next question is always: Why?
Now the main reason is that everything I have going on with DJing/Music Production is taking up so much time, and supporting me financially, so I decided to put 100% of my energy into those endeavors. However, there are still other reasons that factored into the equation, which may have lead me to quit regardless.
Decreased Pay
Out of any of the seven, this is definitely the biggest (and for an obvious reason). Lyft and Uber don’t pay anywhere close to what they used to. I remember, roughly 2-3 years ago, you could make 60/hour in Boston during snow storms. Now it’s nothing close to that.
Especially with the introduction of Lyft Line and Uber Pool, which batch passengers together, you make significantly less than before.
Zero Upwards Mobility
Uber & Lyft is excellent part time, but there’s a glass ceiling on where it can take you. You don’t get raises, or extra incentives to stay longer as a driver. Although Uber & Lyft are not the only jobs that have this, it’s still frustrating as you can’t go anywhere driving for them (no pun intended). If you drive for 5 years you make the same exact amount as someone that just started today.
Taxes are a Nightmare
Now in my personal situation my taxes have only gotten more complicated. But if you’re not used to itemizing your dedications, or saving receipts, or tracking miles, or doing everything else related to filing taxes, it’s going to be a new area for you. You’re an independent contractor with Uber & Lyft, so you don’t pay taxes in a paycheck – you pay during filling time, which means you give money as oppose to getting money back.
You can’t drive anytime
Well, technically. The truth is, you can drive whenever you want, but I wouldn’t advise it. The best times to drive are commuting hours, weekend nights, and weekend days. The truth is, if you drive at 1pm on a random Tuesday, you’re going to make close to nothing. This can be really tricky for people, because if you can’t drive during those times that I mentioned, it’s probably not worth it for you.
Car logistics
This is just a part of being a driver. You’re sitting for hours at a time, which isn’t good for you health wise. In addition, going to the bathroom is extremely tricky – especially when you’re stuck in traffic in the middle of the city. It’s also a bit tough to eat, because you don’t want your car to smell like food, so you have to plan all your meals around driving. The list goes on…there’s a lot of aspects that get more difficult when it comes to driving.
Legal aspects
When it comes to car insurance, it gets a lotttttt more tricky when you add Uber & Lyft into the mix. Every company is different, and there could be a chance that your insurance will go up or they will change your policies. In addition, just based of statistics, you’re more likely to get in an accident when on the road (it’s just math). I never had an accident while driving, but the chance is always increased the more time you’re on the road, which makes the legal aspects a lot more difficult (this is why numerous drivers are now getting dash cams
Zero Money to pick someone up
Last, but far from least, is the fact that you make nothing driving to pick someone up. You only make money while someone is in your car. What’s even more frustrating about this is there’s been times where I drove 10 minutes to pick someone up, only to have them cancel on me last second. Although there is a cancelation fee, sometimes you don’t receive it, and it’s usually just $5.
Even though this list has a pessismstic spin on Uber & Lyft, I do think that it can be a great source of side cash for people. My biggest advice is to only drive part time, and use my techniquesLinks to an external site. to maximize your earnings
In these two blog posts, Marc Freccero shows both the promises and pitfalls of the gig economy. Using quotes from the two materials, I want you to write a brief 500 word essay that addresses the following questions:
What were Freccero’s initial expectations about being an Uber/Lyft driver?
How was the gig economy ‘framed’?
After some experience driving for Uber/Lyft, what was Freccero’s experience like? Did it match his expectations?
Did he manage to make a living out of being an Uber/Lyft driver?
Were his working conditions adequate?
Was this actually ‘a good hustle’?

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understand the Assignment and Key Concepts

Before diving into the analysis, break down the key themes:

Inequality in Work and Labor: How economic and social disparities shape employment opportunities, wages, and job security.
Gig Economy: A labor market characterized by short-term, flexible jobs (e.g., Uber, DoorDash, Fiverr).
Precarization of Stable Jobs: The shift from secure, full-time employment to unstable, gig-based work.
Financialization of the Economy: The increasing influence of financial markets on labor, leading to job insecurity and economic disparity.

Step 2: Analyze the Required Readings

Your analysis must be grounded in the provided materials.

1. Alexandrea Ravenelle’s Paper

Main Argument: The gig economy deepens inequalities by offering flexibility at the cost of stability.
Key Themes:
- How gig workers lack benefits (healthcare, retirement).
- The illusion of entrepreneurship vs. exploitation.
- The role of platforms like Uber and TaskRabbit in shaping modern labor.

2. Marc Freccero’s Blog Posts (Gig Worker Perspective)

Pro-Gig Economy: Flexibility, independence, no boss.
Anti-Gig Economy: Unstable income, no safety net, high competition.
Comparison to Ravenelle’s Work: How real workers’ experiences align or contrast with academic research.

Step 3: Outline Your Essay

Introduction (1 Paragraph)

Define inequality in work and labor and introduce the gig economy as a case study.
Mention the precarization of stable jobs and financialization of the economy as key issues.
Thesis Statement: Argue how the gig economy exacerbates labor inequality by creating unstable, underregulated employment while benefiting corporations.

Body Paragraphs (3-4 Sections)

1. The Shift from Secure Employment to Gig Work

Explain the historical shift from full-time jobs with benefits to gig-based employment.
Discuss precarization of stable jobs (Ravenelle’s argument).
Support with real-life examples from Uber, TaskRabbit, and DoorDash.

2. Financialization and the Gig Economy

Define financialization and its effects on labor (e.g., companies prioritizing investors over workers).
Explain how gig platforms maximize profits by externalizing costs (workers bear the burden of healthcare, fuel, insurance).
Use data/evidence from Ravenelle to support your argument.

3. Perspectives from Gig Workers

Compare Freccero’s pro-gig argument (flexibility, autonomy) vs. Ravenelle’s critique (instability, lack of protections).
Discuss the reality of gig work—is it truly empowering, or just a disguised form of exploitation?
Provide examples of worker struggles (e.g., strikes, protests for better wages).

4. Broader Social Implications and Possible Solutions

How gig work worsens social inequality (racial, gender-based disparities).
Potential solutions:
- Labor protections (e.g., benefits, collective bargaining).
- Government regulations (e.g., California’s AB5 law for gig workers).

Conclusion (1 Paragraph)

Restate the thesis and summarize key points.
Offer a final thought: Should gig work be reformed, or is it an unavoidable shift in labor?

Step 4: Cite Your Sources Properly

APA Format Example:
- Ravenelle, A. (Year). Title of paper. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page numbers.
- Freccero, M. (Year). Title of blog post. Website Name.
MLA Format Example:
- Ravenelle, Alexandrea. “Title of Paper.” Journal Name, vol. X, no. X, Year, pp. X-X.
- Freccero, Marc. “Title of Blog Post.” Website Name, Year, URL.

Final Checklist Before Submission

Does your paper clearly define inequality and the gig economy?
Have you analyzed Ravenelle’s and Freccero’s perspectives with examples?
Is your argument well-structured with logical flow?
Have you cited all sources properly?
Did you proofread for grammar and clarity?

By following this guide, you’ll craft a well-researched, critical, and structured paper on inequality in the gig economy.

The post The Impact of Inequality on Work and Labor in the Gig Economy appeared first on blitz.

Understanding Overpopulation and Its Impact on Our Planet

Admin — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 12:02:37 +0000

Watch the overpopulation video and write a short paragraph answering the following questions.
How is overpopulation defined? How has our global population changed during the past 220 years? What is carrying capacity? Should we worry about our growing population? What changes will need to take place to save our earth and our way of life?this is the link for the video: https://youtu.be/-Ax03FpfQRk?si=1IeyPIhcixYpW1GN

Guideline for Writing Your Response:

How is overpopulation defined?
- Overpopulation is generally defined as a situation where the number of individuals in a population exceeds the capacity of the environment to support them. This often leads to the depletion of resources, environmental degradation, and a lower quality of life for the population.
How has our global population changed during the past 220 years?
- Over the past 220 years, the global population has seen explosive growth. From around 1 billion people in 1800, the world population surged to over 8 billion today. Advances in medicine, agriculture, and technology have helped increase life expectancy and reduce mortality rates, contributing to this rapid growth.
What is carrying capacity?
- Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustainably support without degrading the resources available. It considers factors like food, water, shelter, and ecological balance.
Should we worry about our growing population?
- While growing populations can lead to economic growth and innovation, overpopulation can strain resources, contribute to pollution, and accelerate climate change. It is a concern because it challenges the balance between human needs and environmental health.
What changes will need to take place to save our earth and our way of life?
- To address overpopulation, changes may include adopting sustainable living practices, advancing renewable energy technologies, promoting family planning, improving resource management, and prioritizing conservation efforts. These changes would ensure that the planet can continue to support future generations.

Once you’ve watched the video, tailor these points to the specific information provided in it.

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