Maori Studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Maori Studies - Essay Example It involves the idea that ensures meaning to all the parts of the MÄ ori culture. This translates to adequate understanding and analysis of the word. The simple definition of the term mana entails; the life force and aura that an individual possesses to generate respect from his whakapapa (meaning family), hapÃ… « (representing clan) and iwi (representing the tribe); by effect this leads to influence and power over them, the subjects (Ka’ai, Moorfield, Reilly, Mosley 2004:15). Just like any other representation of the MÄ ori life, pÃ… whiri is deeply connected with concept of mana that plays an important role during the entire ceremony. Representing one of the significant rituals in the MÄ ori culture, pÃ… whiri remains a major tradition in the modern society. Initially it was developed as a process utilized in understanding the aims of visitors or foreigners, and if they can be welcomed as friends into the marae or turned off like enemies. In the modern context, the concept remains an approach of meeting newcomers to marae; however, it more so illustrates formality. It should be understood that mana illustrates in different forms; and this explains different life aspects. Firstly, mana atua is derived from the gods. Secondly, mana tà ºpuna is inherited. Also, mana tangata is got through actions. Mana whenua is got from land. Finally, mana wahine represents that owned by women. These are just a few examples (Ka’ai et al 2004:14-15). These aspects of mana are received and also lost independently; however, they are all similarly important in the MÄ ori society. Furthermore, this lacks detracts from general mana of the person (mana MÄ ori motuhake). Due to mana’s nature, all these mana categories are found in different degrees in pÃ… whiri. Some play greater roles, and others are in the pÃ… whiri in similar significance as in

Mercy Killing or Just Killing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 4

Mercy Killing or Just Killing - Essay Example Proponents for euthanasia have passionately defended their position for accepting and adopting its practice. World people are facing ever-growing moral dilemmas. With the advancements in the medical field also come new procedures as well as easier ways to deal with problems. A popular moral dilemma that comes to mind is abortion. Now many people are against abortion for religious reasons. Moreover, just like abortion, many consider assisted suicide as murder. However, it is both ridiculous and irrelevant to argue on whether assisted suicide should be legal. When I was young, my Oma (grandmother) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. For years, she lingered in the home as her mind slowly decayed over time. First, she could not remember how to speak English. She would be talking and resort to her childhood language at random points. Therefore, she would say a 10-word sentence and a half of it would be spoken in English. Next came the hard memory, she would forget simple tasks and could not be left on her own. She would forget the location of the bathroom was in her own home. Next was perhaps the hardest to deal with, she forgot our names. First came distant relatives but finally, she could not remember my mom’s name, her own daughter. Lastly, she forgot how to do pretty much anything; she could not button shirts, she could not even move at all. When she was in the home, she got bedsores from lack of movement. Moreover, she could not get up to go to the bathroom. Now, this is obviously horrible but the worst was the few mom ents where she had a small amount of clarity where 2 seconds here 3 seconds there she would remember how to talk. I recall one such moment when she simply said to my mom who was visiting her in the home, she simply said, â€Å"help me.† I remember how it crushed my mother and crushed me. Now everyone has his or her own religion and personal belief but I will now ask you a very philosophical question.