Centralization of State Authority

Fire Protection Systems essayEssay Writing Service

Fire Protection Systems essayEssay Writing Service Fire Protection Systems essay Fire Protection Systems essayFire is an uncontrolled process of burning that creates a danger to human life and is accompanied by the destruction of property. Fire is characterized by chemical interaction of combustible substance with oxygen, allocation of a large amount of heat and intense gas exchange of combustion. The fire, which is extinguished at the initial stage, is called ignition. Fire protection systems are created to protect facilities from fire. Fire protection systems include: fire dampers, fire doors, windows and gates made ​​of special materials, fire line systems, smoke management systems, automation of buildings, etc. There are modern hi-tech fire protection systems capable of detecting fires in the early stages. They include analog addressable fire alarm system and wireless fire detectors. When designing fire protection systems, individual factor should be considered: function of the protected object, its design features and private characteristics. T he main purpose of fire protection systems lies in providing protection from fire through a combination of automatic fire alarm systems, mechanical means of individual and collective protection, fire extinguishing, smoke removal, and employees training to fire regulations (Sturzenbecker, 2012). If all its components work properly, protection is effective.Fire alarm and connection systemsAccording to experts, one of the most sought and highly effective components of the fire protection system is a fire alarm system, whose main function is to save peoples lives. It is designed to react quickly to a fire, transmit a signal to fire extinguishing systems and alert about the fire. Fire alarm is considered a consolidation of all hardware designed for early fire detection.Automatic fire alarm outputs signals to the inclusion of fire extinguishing installations, operates smoke protection systems, engineering and technological equipment and other fire protection. Fire alarm system is designed to ensure automatic fire detection in the time required to activate fire signals. Usually fire alarm and connection systems include such equipment: fire detectors, security and fire panel or a computer with the special programs and a system that collects and processes data from fire detectors. Fire alarm is triggered as a result of an open fire, the presence of smoke or carbon monoxide in the air, as well as rise of temperature. These signs are identified by sensors light, smoke, heat, hand, combined and multi-touch. All administrative, industrial, ancillary buildings, outdoor installations, warehouses and constructions of oil refining and petrochemical industry should be equipped with the manual detectors of electric fire alarm. Receiving stations of fire alarm system must be installed in buildings of fire stations. In automatic mode the fire alarm should be transmitted in hospitals, child care centers, nursing homes, hotels, cultural and entertainment areas and other crowded pla ces. By connection type, sensors are divided into wired and wireless, basing on the principle of creating an information signal about fire active and passive. Active detectors produce a signal in a protected area, they are triggered if there is any change of parameters of generated signal. Passive sensors are triggered directly by changes in the environment, resulting in fire. According to ways of defining alarm and generating signals, detectors and fire safety systems are divided into: threshold alarm (triggering of a fire sensor determines a fire), questionnaire addressable alarm (control panel is conducting a survey of sensors to determine their status) and analogue addressable alarm (control panel detects fire). Analogue addressable alarm is considered the most effective and costly. A special place in the fire alarm is given to an uninterruptible power supply system. This is a prerequisite for its normal operation. Therefore, alarm is equipped with standby power and batteries, which enable the system to work smoothly for a few hours.To ensure the necessary protection on large objects, alarm system is installed and connected to other security systems. Fire alarm systems must be installed at the facilities where the fire can cause personal injury or death.Smoke management systemsPeople’s death and damage to property can be caused not only by fire, but also by the subsequent spread of smoke. Statistics prove that peoples death often occurs from carbon monoxide poisoning and other toxic combustion products. So the question of capabilities of ventilation networks and drainage systems needs careful analysis for security and preservation of property.The main task of the smoke management system lies in localization of smoke and toxic gases, releasing evacuation routes, providing evacuation of citizens from the building covered by fire. Today, smoke protection system is an integral part of the project of engineering systems of many buildings. High-rise buil dings, hospital complexes, building prisons, shopping malls, underground structures and tunnels are equipped with these systems. Smoke protection should be installed in stairwells, hallways, safety zones, and in the escape routes.Smoke management system of the building is aimed primarily at protecting people on the escape routes and safe areas against fire hazards. Smoke protection system provides the following protection methods: use of space-planning and design solutions to deal with smoke in buildings during fire, use of smoke ventilation air supply to pressurize air in the protected areas, use of devices of mechanical and natural ventilation to remove the products of combustion and thermal decomposition. Ventilation of the room often plays a decisive role in the occurrence of fire. When the volume of incoming fresh air corresponds to the amount of combustion oxidant, there is the highest burning rate, and hence the highest heat output with minimum heat loss. Smaller air flow red uces the amount of heat, greater – decreases heat loss. Complete lack of ventilation is almost a full guarantee against fire, if there are no oxidizing agents in the air. Burning rate is associated with ventilation and is directly regulated by it. But in some cases, the combustion is not determined by the amount of air supply, and is dependent on the properties of combustible fibers. According to experts, smoke management systems must perform the following tasks: to prevent the spread of smoke to other premises and escape routes, to provide fire retardant and smoke-shielding zoning of each floor, to provide favorable environment for emergency services personnel and fire fighters. Thus, the task of smoke management systems is not only maintaining breathable air, but also ensuring maximum safety of designated routes in case of fire evacuation.Smoke protection system is closely connected with fire suppression systems, network of alarm sensors and fire alarm system. Smoke managem ent systems are of great importance, as they affect the whole complex of measures to ensure fire safety, including the operation of all devices (network extinguishers sprinkler, fire valves, safety switches, smoke detectors, etc.). Active smoke management system is based on the system of exhaust fans and air handling station, which provides a flow of fresh air into the room. Combining these two systems into one is, unfortunately, almost impossible.Fire Protection Systems essay part 2

Welfare Cost in the Government is Running out of Control Research Paper

Welfare Cost in the Government is Running out of Control - Research Paper Example Costs of different commodities are running out of control while the Medicare is unfairly limiting options for almost every American. The name of poverty still lingers in the minds of many (June & Mark, 2004). This is because, the poverty is tragic and is as rampant as it was at the onset of the fight against poverty and welfare programs in the outset of 1960s. The history of the American welfare is intriguing as the Congress and other policy makers can take divergent paths. The Fantasy path, which opines that Medicare and Social Security can survive even without structural reforms, the â€Å"Welfare Empire†, has no problems even upon keeping over fifty million Americans in dire poverty, and there is nothing wrong (Marx, 2004). However, this paper intends to show that the cost of welfare in government is running out of control and the only way to end this problem is through divergent means that it will highlight. Today, the level of poverty in America is high, the cost of medic al health is expensive, and overly the cost of living is becoming exorbitant. With reference to Austerity path, the concerned officials tend to turn a blind eye on these issues and concede that, the best days of American life are over, then cuts rations care, attests that things like incremental change are not enough and cannot meet the existing challenges (David, 2010). Additionally, the radically divergent paths taken by policymakers result to cut benefits and a Gingrich path of growth and innovation that concedes that poverty will remain to be an inevitably concurrent fact of all American lives (Howard, 2002). Nevertheless, it has come to most peoples’ minds that, in spite of all the challenges facing Americans today, there exist numerous and radical measures that can save Americans from cash drainage and continuous siphoning of welfare funds (Eric & Glenn 2004). One, in order to control the cost of welfare in government from running out of control, the government could sl ow the growth of welfare, promote personal responsibility, give portions of welfare assistance in form of loans instead of grants, and/or the government and the other concerned agencies could simply do away with the welfare (Mink & Rickie, 2003). Organizations likely to benefit Enacting these measures would relief a number of organizations of the burden of providing welfare funds to areas that require it. For instance, the government of United States spends lost of dollars in funding welfare services such as medical health, insurance, food aid agencies, public utility steering agencies, and many other organizations within the States (Marx, 2004). It is agreeable that, if only America could invest in ending or relinquishing the welfare services, it would save itself a big deal of responsibility (June & Mark, 2004). Therefore, the Government of the United States of America is one of the agencies that would benefit from stopping or easing the welfare services. Findings make it clear th at the Government of the United States does not service welfare all by itself. Other agencies facilitate initiation of the welfare funds and they include the US Department of Health, The Treasury Department, Human services Department, and non-governmental organizations such as the World Food Program, The World Health Organization, and the UNEP (Wenli, 2002). Slowing the growth for welfare As indicated in this paper, slowing the growth for welfare will be part of the efficient and reliable measures aimed ensuring that the cost of welfare in government does not run out of control (Eric & Glenn 2004). This is because, as the history of relief and help runs deep in the hearts of fake poor people, slowing the grow

Marketing analyses for the Arab National Bank Essay

Marketing analyses for the Arab National Bank - Essay Example accepting banking services. The bank as its programs tailored to fit into Sheria the Muslim teaching. It is the reason that the company targets high income earners and business Saudis because they have changed to banking system service. There are no barriers for the company to expand its services to other ranches in the country. The strategic direction of the bank projects opening up of more branches and targeting female high income. There are many options available for the company such as partnering with other The bargaining power of the suppliers is high, the customers who deposit money, mortgage, loans, the interest rates. The bank suppliers of the money demand high level of accountability and interest rates. The buyers in this case the loan seekers, mortgage and other withdrawal services. The debit and credit card users demand high level of security for the cards they use. Availability and reliability of the services is critical for the buyers. in card payment transactions and it has a value share of 60%. It means there are other top banks in Saudi that offers better services. Charge card transaction competitive position is at number 4,with 5.4% value share, the debit transactions has a value share of 7.3% and it is also ranked 4 and the credit card transactions has 5.6% value share where it is ranked 7th. The bank has put in place plans to target female consumers but starting only women branches that targets high income women. The cards that the bank offers has a wide range of services that meet the customer needs. The company is also venturing into technology by having touch screen where it offers credit to customers to purchase the devices. The bank has a range of prices and interests that are decided by the Central Bank. The bank also strategized on bringing services closer to the customers through establishment of more branches in remote areas. The bank is committed in implementing a well-structured contingency plan to counter the

How Does Music Influence Human Nature Particularly In the Youth Research Paper

How Does Music Influence Human Nature Particularly In the Youth - Research Paper Example f a person’s mood is turned into excitement when he or she listens to a particular type of music, every time that kind of music is played will lead to a subsequent change in the person’s mood. This is subsequently portrayed in his or her behavior as he or she listens to the music. According to the cognitive theory, the brain has the ability to learn through repeated experiences; thus, listening to music can train the brain to respond differently depending on the music on the background (O’Donnell Para 3). People have different preferences of music. This is because the brain in different people responds differently to different external stimuli. Among the youths, there is a growing trend of the young people forming their friendship cliques based on the type of music they enjoy. Those who listen to hip hop music will most likely only associate with their counterparts who enjoy similar genres of music. Following this societal phenomenon among the youths, there has e merged distinct cultures among the youths in which the members’ behaviors are unique and parallel to the behaviors depicted by the music artists (Chen, Miller & Grube 3). Learning in human beings is mainly through observation. When the youths watch music videos, they adopt the dressing styles from the musicians and they behave in the same way as they see the people in the video acting. This has eroded the minds of a large percentage of teenagers in the society. While the musicians may only be acting to market their music, the youths take their behaviors seriously and they end up behaving in ways that could be regarded as immoral. Many parents are complaining about their teenagers’ dressing styles, especially for the youths who listen to rap music (O’Donnell Para 4). The youth stage in life is a very... This paper stresses that music is a very feasible avenue for influencing change in the society. The changes in the society are normally as a result of changes on individuals within the community. Different types of music have different effects on the listeners. This is because some types of music have messages that easily alter the way of thinking of the listeners. In the world today, musicians make music with themes that are controversial on ethical grounds. Violence is the order of the day in the music industries, particularly when focusing on hip hop and rap music. It has been proven that the human mind learns a lot through observation and perception. This means that when the youths who are the major target group for musicians, listen and watch violent music, they are highly likely to embrace violence in their personalities. This report makes a conclusion that music may have a positive effect on the listeners. Music with positive messages has been used to influence the youths to quit their evil ways. The youth stage in life comes along with many challenges. Music is a feasible tool that has been used to guide the youths through the challenging times. Most musicians base the message in their music on their personal past experiences and this serves as a motivational factor to the youths going through similar experiences. Music changes the mood of people and they may use it to sooth themselves when they are nervous or when they are exhausted. Psychologists have used music as a viable treatment for certain mental conditions on nervousness. The behavior of the youths may be altered for the better through music

Product Profile of a Plastic Shopping Bag (HDPE)

Product Profile of a Plastic Shopping Bag (HDPE) Samantha Pearson Plastic shopping bags/carry bags are used extensively in todays’ world. They are produced in many different sizes and colours, determined by its purpose and marketing campaign of the purchasing firm/industry. Carry bags are made of plastic that is flexible and relatively tough1. The plastic is identified as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), indicated by the Voluntary Plastic Container Coding System2 (used to identify different plastics for recycling) on the carry bag itself. High Density Polyethylene is listed as 2 on the coding system2. How HDPE is made Polyethylene is made of monomers of ethylene. Monomers of ethylene are obtained from petroleum through a cracking process or by modifying natural gas such as methane or ethane3. Polyethylene can be made into three different types of polymers under different conditions, namely High Density Polyethylene, Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). High Density Polyethylene is produced from petroleum and under low pressure conditions (pressure of about 10-80atm) 3 whereas Low Density Polyethylene is produced under high pressure conditions. At the higher end of the low pressure and higher temperatures (about 80atm and 60-200 °C) a Phillips catalyst is used to create an active site for polymerisation6. The process that uses the Phillips catalyst is known as the Phillip Process. The Phillips process was made industrial by Phillips Petroleum Company in 19614. A Phillips catalyst is a highly active catalyst made of chromium oxide on silica with a high surface area. The active site is the chromium carbon bond where the transitional metal (chromium) oxidation state is reduced by a reaction with olefin (a synthetic fibre made from polyethylene) 5 which makes the active site more reactive4. A Phillips catalyst is prepared before it enters the reactor due to the complexity of the silica support that needs to be the correct structure for optimum polymerisation5. In a Phillips process plant an ethylene feed stream is fed into a reactor with a stream of diluted pre-made catalyst. Polymerisation takes place in the reactor and exit s as a slurry. The slurry is then dried and pellets are collected at the end4. The advantage of the Phillips process is that the catalyst does not have to be deactivated or removed from the slurry as the silica base increases the activity of the catalyst and all of the catalyst reacts with the monomer ethylene4. Polyethylene with less branching is produced in this process when compared to the Zeigler Natta catalyst process4. At the lower end of the low pressure and lower temperature (about 1-10atm and 60-70 °C) a Ziegler Natta catalyst is used6. A Ziegler Natta catalyst is a combination of a transition metal compound from Groups IV to VII and a co-catalyst made of an organometallic compound from Groups I to III. In general titanium tetrachloride or titanium (III) chloride and a trialkylaluminum is used7. The catalyst, like the Phillips catalyst, also needs a support with high surface area; magnesium chloride, magnesium chloride or silica as they maximise the surface area and therefore the active sites on the catalyst7. The Zeigler Natta catalyst is prepared in the same reactor as the polymerisation occurs4. In this process; an ethylene feed stream is fed into a reactor with feed streams of metal alkyls and Group IV to VI metals (Titanium) forming the catalyst on its support in the reactor. Slurry exits the reactor where the catalyst is deactivated (to stop chains’ reacting together which keeps t he molecular weight distribution fairly constant). The slurry is then dried and power is collected at the end4. In industry today High Density Polyethylene is produced by slurry polymerisation with a silica base catalyst and the Phillips process is used more often than the Ziegler Natta catalyst process4. Polymerisation Mechanism Polymerisation occurs as a free radical chain-growth reactions. Chain growth reactions occur as successive linking of monomer molecules to the end of the growing chain8 and occur in three stages. Stage one is the initiation stage where a radical reacts with ethylene to produce a monomer radical to continue the reaction8: R†¢ + H2C=CH2 → R-H2C-H2C†¢ [1.1] The rate of initiation is defined by the rate equation: [1.2] Where f is the initiator efficiency, [I] is the molar concentration of the initiator and [M†¢] is the total concentration of all the chain radicals and kd is the rate constant9. Stage two is the propagation stage where monomer radical adds to another monomer radical. The active centre moves to the end of the chain continuously and there is only one active centre at a given time8: R-H2C-H2C†¢ + H2C=CH2 → R-H2C-H2C-H2C-H2C†¢[1.3] The rate of propagation is defined by the rate equation: [1.4] Stage three is the termination stage where chain growth is ended either by two radicals adding together or disproportionation where an atom transfers to another chain9. The rate of termination is defined by the rate equation: [1.5] The overall structure of High Density Polyethylene is: Figure 1: Structure of Polyethylene10 Figure 2: Structural Formula of Polyethylene10 Morphology of HDPE and how it suits a carry bag application High Density Polyethylene is very few short branches, if any. This results in the polymer being more crystalline than amorphous and in some areas of the polymer, it may be crystalline. The glass transition temperature (when the material becomes amorphous) of HDPE is -100 °C and the melting transition temperature (when the material turns to a liquid phase) is 130 °C11. These temperatures make HDPE an ideal polymer to make carry bags out of as the temperature that it is used in is never/rarely over and below these ranges. HDPE has significantly different properties to other polymers made in similar ways (LDPE and LLDPE). HDPE is flexible, translucent, and weatherproof; a good resistance to chemicals, relatively tough (has a tensile strength of 0.20-0.40 N/mm2)1. HDPE has a thermal coefficient of expansion of 100-20010-6 and a density of between 0.944 and 0.965g/cm3.1 The properties above are all suited for the application of High Density Polyethylene carry bags. A good tensile strength allows for relatively heavy objects to be placed into the bag without it breaking, small amounts of heat does not change its properties, it is weatherproof, allowing it to get wet with no changes to its properties, the flexibility allows for easy use, storage and functionality whereby it can be cut to create handles. A translucent appearance allows for it the plastic to be coloured as the produces seem fit which they can use for advertising purposes and make the final product aesthetically appealing if its purpose needs to be. How the finished product is made High Density Polyethylene pellets are sold by the firm that owns the plant to a manufacturer that produces plastic shopping bags/carry bags. The pellets are melted and mixed until they are completely homogenous mixture. The mixture is then heated to above 350 °C in a furnace12. The melted mixture vaporises into a tube made of the same mixture (but solid) situated above the furnace and gradually cools down the higher up the tube the vapour gets, where it condenses. Rollers flatten out the tube resulting in a film thin HDPE. While in the rolling area of the process, the film is cut to the desired/required thickness and collected on a roll. The thickness of the roll of thin plastic film is dependent on the manufacturing specifications (each roll roughly produces 35000 bags12) and is cut and a new roll starts forming automatically. The completed roll moves onto printing, where the thin film gets a specific colour/pattern dependent on the consumer. Alcohol based ink (which has to keep flowing to retain its viscosity rate – to ensure the same concentration is used and all the bags are identical) is used to print on these thin films12. Ink is transferred onto the film by ink rollers. Once printing is done, it is once again rolled up. The printed film then moves to another department where it is cut into the specified sizes and a machine with a punch, punches holes on the one side to make handles. And a sealing machine binds the edges of the bag together through heat12. Additives added to the final product In some cases to increase the tensile strength of the plastic (for heavy duty carry bags), Low Density Polyethylene may be added to the pellets of HDPE during the melting stage12. Alcohol based ink is added to give the product aesthetic appeal. Biodegradable additives such as prodegradant concentrates (PDC’s) 13 which are metal compounds which help the oxidation process of degrading plastic, added to make plastic bags more environmentally friendly. Due to the application of the product, additives such as UV stabilisers are not needed and plasticisers are not needed due to the flexibility property HDPE already has. Alternative materials to make the product Due to polymers being an environmental hazard, shopping bags/carry bags have been made with brown paper (paper bags). However this does not have the desired properties as they break easily and are not weatherproof and they do not have any chemical resistance to them. Advantages of using HDPE High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic. Thermoplastics soften, when heated, to a liquid and flow and harden, when cooled, to a solid. They can undergo this heating and cooling cycle (curing process) which little to no change in the final product – the process is reversible as no chemical bonds are formed or broken14. This results in the plastic being easily recycled. The product can be aesthetically modified. Remoulding and reshaping can be done to them14. Weatherproof and chemically resistant High-impact resistance Light weight Disadvantages of using HDPE HDPE is not biodegradable. Due to their light weight they can blow away in the wind and travel relatively far, causing pollution and many environmental hazards to living organisms. If heated they will melt Thermoplastics tend to me more expensive than thermosets14 Recycling HDPE needs an economic incentive as it can be more expensive to recycle plastic than to make new ones2. References British Plastics Federation. (2015). Polyethylene (High Density) HDPE. Available: http://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/polymers/HDPE.aspx. Last accessed 2015/05/20. P Gaylard. (2009). Lecture 1. Polymer Science. University of Witwatersrand. p. 5, 27. P Lepoutre. The Manufacture of Polyethylene. Available: http://nzic.org.nz/ChemProcesses/polymers/10J.pdf. Last accessed 2015/05/20. Buffalo School. High Density Polyethylene. Available: http://wwwcourses.sens.buffalo.edu/ce435/Polyethylene/CE435Kevin.htm. Last accessed 2015/05/20. KBR. (2015). Olefins. Available: http://www.kbr.com/Technologies/Olefins/. Last accessed 2015/05/20. P Gaylard. (2009). Lecture 10. Polymer Science. University of Witwatersrand. p. 3. P Gaylard. (2009). Lecture 8. Polymer Science. University of Witwatersrand. p. 9-12. P Gaylard. (2009). Lecture 2. Polymer Science. University of Witwatersrand. p. 3. P Gaylard. (2009). Lecture 6. Polymer Science. University of Witwatersrand. p. 23-33. Macrog. Polyethylene. Available: http://pslc.ws/macrog/pe.htm Last accessed 2015/05/20. Michigan State University. (2013). Polymers. Available: http://www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/VirtTxtJml/polymers.htm. Last accessed 2015/05/20. Discovery Channel (2010). How it’s made Plastic Bag Episode. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CfL5xl2N1Q Last Accessed: 2015/05/20 Maria Trimarchi Vicki M. Giuggio. (2009). Top 10 Eco-friendly Substitutes for Plastic. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/5-plastic-substitutes.htm#page=3. Last accessed 2015/05/20 Mordor Plastics. (2015). Thermosets vs Thermoplastics. Available: http://www.modorplastics.com/thermoset-vs-thermoplastics. Last accessed 2015/05/20. 2015

Lets Put an End to Political Correctness and Stereotyping :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Let's Put an End to Political Correctness and Stereotyping Consider this. What if we lived in a society in which there was no sex differences? There's no males, and no females. There's no physical separation between one human and the next. Would we still separate ourselves by some other characteristics? If so, is it human nature that if we examine two identical things, we consider one better than the other? Can we say that any two things have the potential to be equal at all? Ask the previous questions in the context of "voices" in literature. Even with an authorless piece of writing, we tend to place a gender on its style, tone, or "voice." We say that we are "characterizing" the writing in an attempt to understand the author's meaning, or to examine why the author wrote in the "voice" s/he chose. O.K., what's wrong with that? Just this: if characterizing meant that we based the style of the writing on its contents, I don't think that there would be anything wrong. The problem is that we base the style of the writing on culturally-induced stereotypes. In other words, labeling writing as "feminine" or "masculine" causes us to use connotations and biases. In most cases, this causes us to make more generalizations concerning what men and womin "typically write like." Stay with me, I need you. By saying that anyone's writing has a specific, categorized "voice," their writing is immediately compared to the "norm" of that particular "voice." Therefore, placing a label on the author's work, causes the reader to automatically develop a bias toward that piece of writing. Wait a sec! I don't do that! I don't make biases when I read. Yes, I characterize. It helps me find the meaning of the piece. If I think the writer is using a feminine voice I'll interpret the piece differently because I'll be thinking in my head "what would a womon be thinking at this point?" Think about this. What if I, as an author, don't want my sex to influence the interpretation of my writing. In fact, at this very moment, I don't want the fact that I'm female to have anything to do with this work. I don't want to have my writing analyzed in comparison with "normal" or "typical" womin stuff. I don't want to be limited to being a typically feminine writer. I don't want to be a female writing like a typical male either. Let's Put an End to Political Correctness and Stereotyping :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays Let's Put an End to Political Correctness and Stereotyping Consider this. What if we lived in a society in which there was no sex differences? There's no males, and no females. There's no physical separation between one human and the next. Would we still separate ourselves by some other characteristics? If so, is it human nature that if we examine two identical things, we consider one better than the other? Can we say that any two things have the potential to be equal at all? Ask the previous questions in the context of "voices" in literature. Even with an authorless piece of writing, we tend to place a gender on its style, tone, or "voice." We say that we are "characterizing" the writing in an attempt to understand the author's meaning, or to examine why the author wrote in the "voice" s/he chose. O.K., what's wrong with that? Just this: if characterizing meant that we based the style of the writing on its contents, I don't think that there would be anything wrong. The problem is that we base the style of the writing on culturally-induced stereotypes. In other words, labeling writing as "feminine" or "masculine" causes us to use connotations and biases. In most cases, this causes us to make more generalizations concerning what men and womin "typically write like." Stay with me, I need you. By saying that anyone's writing has a specific, categorized "voice," their writing is immediately compared to the "norm" of that particular "voice." Therefore, placing a label on the author's work, causes the reader to automatically develop a bias toward that piece of writing. Wait a sec! I don't do that! I don't make biases when I read. Yes, I characterize. It helps me find the meaning of the piece. If I think the writer is using a feminine voice I'll interpret the piece differently because I'll be thinking in my head "what would a womon be thinking at this point?" Think about this. What if I, as an author, don't want my sex to influence the interpretation of my writing. In fact, at this very moment, I don't want the fact that I'm female to have anything to do with this work. I don't want to have my writing analyzed in comparison with "normal" or "typical" womin stuff. I don't want to be limited to being a typically feminine writer. I don't want to be a female writing like a typical male either.