Sherman Alexie's poem "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" tells the story of a Native American man named Jack, who is desperate to get back his grandmother's powwow regalia, or traditional dance clothes, which he sold for cash when he was struggling financially. The poem is set in a pawn shop, where Jack is bargaining with the shopkeeper to buy back the regalia.
The poem is rich with themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage. Jack's desperate desire to regain the regalia is tied to his sense of self and his connection to his ancestors. The regalia represents a part of his identity that has been lost, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to get it back.
The shopkeeper, on the other hand, is more interested in the monetary value of the regalia than its cultural significance. He sees it as nothing more than a commodity to be bought and sold. This contrast between Jack's emotional connection to the regalia and the shopkeeper's detachment highlights the theme of the commercialization of culture and the way in which it can undermine the value of traditions and heritage.
The title of the poem, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem," suggests that Jack is willing to pay any price to reclaim the regalia. This phrase also has deeper meaning, as it suggests that Jack is willing to redeem not only the regalia, but also his own sense of identity and connection to his culture.
Ultimately, the poem speaks to the importance of cultural traditions and the way in which they shape our sense of self and our connection to our ancestors. It also critiques the way in which these traditions can be commodified and stripped of their meaning in a capitalist society.
In conclusion, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage, and the way in which they can be threatened by the forces of capitalism. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and valuing our cultural traditions.
A conflict of interest occurs when an individual or organization is faced with a choice between two competing interests, and it is not clear which one should be prioritized. This can happen in a variety of settings, including professional, financial, and personal relationships. In the professional context, a conflict of interest can arise when an individual has a financial or personal interest in a company or organization that may influence their decisions or actions in their professional capacity. For example, a doctor may have a financial stake in a pharmaceutical company and may be tempted to prescribe its medications over those of a competitor, even if the competitor's product is more effective or less expensive.
Conflicts of interest can also occur in the political realm. For example, a politician may have a financial interest in a company that stands to benefit from a policy decision they are advocating for. In this case, the politician's personal financial interests may influence their decisions and actions in their official capacity, rather than acting in the best interests of their constituents.
In the financial industry, conflicts of interest can arise when financial advisors or brokers have a financial stake in the products they recommend to their clients. For example, a financial advisor may receive a higher commission for selling one investment product over another, even if the second product is more suitable for the client's needs.
Conflicts of interest can also occur in personal relationships. For example, a parent may have a financial interest in their child's success, which could influence their decision-making when it comes to their child's education or career path.
It is important to recognize and address conflicts of interest, as they can undermine trust and integrity, and can lead to unethical or biased decision-making. In order to mitigate the potential for conflicts of interest, individuals and organizations can adopt codes of conduct or policies that outline acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, and establish procedures for disclosing and managing conflicts of interest.
For example, a company may require employees to disclose any financial interests they have in other organizations that may conflict with their work responsibilities. This allows the company to identify and address any potential conflicts of interest before they become a problem. In the professional context, individuals may be required to disclose any conflicts of interest before participating in certain activities, such as serving on a panel or reviewing a grant application.
In summary, conflicts of interest can arise in a variety of settings and can have serious consequences if left unaddressed. It is important for individuals and organizations to be aware of and address conflicts of interest in order to maintain trust and integrity, and to ensure that decisions are made in an unbiased and ethical manner.
Free speech is a cornerstone of democracy, and the ability to express one's thoughts and ideas freely is essential for the functioning of a free society. Persuasive speech is a type of public speaking that aims to convince the audience of a particular idea or point of view. It is an important tool for advocating for change and for inspiring others to take action.
There are many potential topics for persuasive speeches, and finding the right one can be a challenge. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Climate change: This is a pressing issue that affects everyone on the planet, and it is important for people to understand the seriousness of the problem and the steps that need to be taken to address it. A persuasive speech on climate change could focus on the science behind the problem, the impacts it is having on people and the environment, and the solutions that are available.
Gun control: Gun violence is a major problem in the United States, and there is much debate about how to address it. A persuasive speech on gun control could focus on the need for stricter gun laws, the impact of gun violence on communities, and the ways in which responsible gun ownership can be promoted.
Immigration: Immigration is a complex and controversial issue that divides people along political, cultural, and economic lines. A persuasive speech on immigration could focus on the benefits of immigration, the challenges that immigrants face, and the ways in which we can create a more welcoming and inclusive society for all.
Healthcare: Access to affordable healthcare is a basic human right, yet many people around the world struggle to get the care they need. A persuasive speech on healthcare could focus on the need for universal healthcare, the challenges faced by people without insurance, and the ways in which we can work to improve the healthcare system.
Education: Education is the foundation of a healthy and prosperous society, and it is essential for everyone to have the opportunity to learn and grow. A persuasive speech on education could focus on the importance of education, the challenges faced by disadvantaged students, and the ways in which we can work to create a more equitable education system.
These are just a few examples of the many potential topics for persuasive speeches. Whatever issue you choose to address, it is important to be well-informed and to present a clear and compelling argument that inspires others to take action.
