African Americans Status in 1890 Essay Example for Free

African Americans Status in 1890 Essay There were many problems that African Americans faced in the 1890s some of which still exist in todays society. African Americans have come a long way and earned many rights but still live with the hardships that they had in the 1890s. The status of African Americans at this time in United States history was not good. Blacks had a very hard time living especially in the south. The problems that blacks dealt with were primarily found in the south where they were not accepted. Segregation became huge across the entire south after the Supreme Court ruled that Separate but equal was legal in the Plessy v. Ferguson case. Everything was separate but it was almost never equal. Whites always had things better than African Americans did. Blacks could not ride in the same train cars as whites. The national government gave blacks the right to vote but southern state governments took away that right through the use of poll taxes and literacy tests. A big problem that blacks faced was trying to stay alive. Many blacks were killed for no reason during this period of time. Jim Crow laws were set up to keep blacks from enjoying the same rights and privileges that whites enjoyed everyday. The Ku Klux Klan was set up by whites who had hatred for blacks. Blacks in the south feared for their lives and their families lives everyday. It was certain that African Americans would be confronted by racism each and everyday in the south. Relationships between blacks and whites have greatly improved in the last century but things still are not perfect and it is unlikely that they ever will be. The greatest changes were made during the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s when blacks stood up for themselves and gained their rights as American citizens. Laws were finally passed that made literacy tests and poll taxes illegal. Segregation came to an end after Brown v. Board of Education turned over the ruling made in Plessy v. Ferguson. There was no longer Separate but equal, it was now just equal. Although many big steps have been taken to stopping racism and segregation it still exists in our lives today. African Americans still see racism everyday even though they are now doing many things with whites. Blacks and whites have been able to peacefully interact with each other for decades but you still see newspapers talking about segregation and racism. The overall improvement has been very significant. Comparing todays society to the 1890s show a lot of good change yet there are still problems in our society with race relations.

Review of Dickersons End Of Blackness Essay example -- essays research

Debra Dickerson, a lawyer and journalist, sets out to inform blacks that they have to give up on the past. If they do not give up on the past, there will be no future for blacks in America. She opens her book, The End of Blackness: Returning the Souls of Black Folks to Their Rightful Owners, by saying â€Å"this book will both prove and promote the idea that the concept of ‘blackness,’ as it has come to be understood, is rapidly losing its ability to describe, let alone predict or manipulate, the political and social behavior of African Americans† (p.3). My first thought after finishing this book was that she did not prove anything. Dickerson’s goal in this book, I gather, is to criticize contemporary approaches to race. She does this without leaving anything or anyone untouched. She questions the civil rights establishment, which sets the current tone of black politics to white apologists who continue to minimize the affects of slavery. One of her main arguments is that as long as blacks define themselves in terms of inherited blackness the civil rights movement will never be complete. Not only do blacks need to stop identifying with the past, they must surrender. According to Dickerson, â€Å"blacks must consciously give up on achieving racial justice† (p 16), is this a possibility? I do give credit to Dickerson for noting that blacks in America still face structural barriers to equality, among them poor scholastic achievement, crime, family breakdown and infant mortality; however, ...

Korean and japanese cinema

IntroductionThe emergence of the Japanese film industry could be dated back to the year 1898 through the emergence of the silent films whereas the Korean film’s that the Koreans produced started since the year 1919 (Paquet, 2007)†¦ This essay would then focus on Korean directors’ usage of women to elicit political and social implications. Firstly, these depictions could intensify the changing roles of the women in Korean society and secondly, it could elicit reactions from both the female and male audience. In the hopes of further deepening these implications, a view on Japanese women would also be used as a comparison.Korean view on women in society and the Director’s perspective on leading ladiesFrom the Confucian ideal of a woman is depicted through the main role of women is to be prepared in becoming a wife and a mother (Paik, 1998). Nowadays, Korean women are entering the working sphere of the country whereas before it was limited to the male species. T he directors then would like to highlight the women in a movie especially when the societal changes are much concerned with the women of the society. These depictions could bring forth the reactions from both the female and male viewers.An example on the changing view of women’s role in society is through the film, ‘YMCA Yagudan’ or ‘YMCA Baseball Team’ where the leading lady’s character is depicted to be modernized and she had a major influence on the leading man.Japanese view on women in society and the implication on societal changes resembling the Koreans’ changes and the director’s depiction for these changesLike the Korean women, Japanese women are confined to what is known to be the private sphere. The duties then lie on the men’s shoulders to provide for the family. The Japanese view on women then gradually changed by using what is known to be the private sphere or domain where women belongs to a more public domain and become a way to see that the private sphere in the form of the household is matriarchal in nature (Friedman, 1992).It could be seen in the Japanese film, Hotaro no haka’ or ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ that the male main character had the burden to provide for his sister, the female main character. Nonetheless, the changing role on women in Japan then could be seen through the changes that the two siblings had to undergo in order to survive and breaking free from the usual connotation of the family structure would be a leeway for the changes to be realized (Jubei, 1995). In a way, both the sibling depicts the changes in societal perspectives by escaping the society imposition of what they ought to do. The sister along with the brother’s pride became the motivations in running away.ConclusionWhat could be inferred from all these claims is that the leading lady’s role in a film could be a way to see the social changes and the political stands. In a K orean film, it could elicit reactions from both the women and men. Another reason is that highlighting the women predicament in a film could make the audience see the societal changes in women’s role.ReferencesFriedman, S. (1992). Women in Japanese Society: Their changing Roles.  Ã‚   Retrieved August 27, 2007, from http://www2.gol.com/users/friedman/writings/p1.htmlJubei, Y. S. (1995). Hotaro no Haka (Grave of the Fireflies).  Ã‚   Retrieved August 24, 2007, from http://www2.hawaii.edu/~dfukushi/Hotaru.htmlPaik, Y.-J. (1998). Women's Development and Information on Women in Korea.  Ã‚   Retrieved August 24, 2007, from http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla64/112-122e.htmPaquet, D. (2007). A Short History of Korean Film.  Ã‚   Retrieved August 27, 2007, from http://www.koreanfilm.org/history.html

Case Study “Ebay in China” - 1652 Words

Question 1 eBay first entered the Chinese market in 2002 by acquiring a 33% stake in its local counterpart, EachNet, followed by a full acquisition a year later in 2003. Critically assess eBay.s choice of market entry strategy for China, listing both the advantages and disadvantages of its acquisition strategy. As we know, eBay’s China expansion strategy can be considered as failure, despite the fact that eBay entered this potentially rewarding market with caution. This cautious strategy was very unusual for eBay, because they used full-forced, head-on, .be-first-or-nothing. strategy in other markets, for various reasons, it would be impossible to implement this strategy when penetrating Chinese market. So acquiring an already†¦show more content†¦TOM Online has a good experience in cooperation with Skype and has given great results in it. This shows that TOM Online knows how to present new product in the market and how to increase its market share, which is essential for eBay at the moment. All the aspects of TOM Online show that this company has a great and efficient knowledge of Chinese market and exactly this feature is very necessary for eBay to gain good results. In addition, political connections of the TOM Online can be very helpful in Chinese market, especially in nowadays and situation in China. Risks of this joint venture are not as great as benefits, but there is a risk to loose a chance to strengthen the eBay brand, because Chinese customers will be focused on the TOM Online and EachNet. There also is a risk of loosing big amounts of money, because TOM Online has a 2% bigger ownership, but in amount of money, eBay invests two times more money, however the success of the TOM EachNet depends more on TOM Online. There also can be assessed as a risk point, that TOM Online is focused on mobile value-added services and their target audience is generally young consumers, but eBay target audience is a little older. Question 3 eBay will have a 49% stake in the new joint venture while Tom Online will have 51% ownership. Critically assess both companies’ decisions on their respective percentage of stake In our opinion E-Bay’s decision to jointShow MoreRelatedEbay in China - Case Study4122 Words   |  17 Pages21/11/2011 E-Bay Strategy In China Alliance or Acquisition? Case Study Strategic Management Gabriela Ã…  alamonovà ¡ Barbora Jandovà ¡ Pierrick Boissel Julien Meunier Alexandre Godet SUMMARY I. The Input Stage ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · CAGE VRIO Analysis CPM matrix EFE matrix IFE matrix II. The Matching Stage ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · BCG matrix SPACE matrix GSM matrix III. The Decision Stage ï‚ · ï‚ · Matrix Analysis QSPM matrix IV. Questions ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Assessment of eBay ´s choice of market entry strategy for China, listing both the advantagesRead MoreEbay in China - Case Study4108 Words   |  17 PagesE-Bay Strategy In China Alliance or Acquisition? Case Study Strategic Management Gabriela Ã…  alamonovà ¡ Barbora Jandovà ¡ Pierrick Boissel Julien Meunier Alexandre Godet SUMMARY I. The Input Stage ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · CAGE VRIO Analysis CPM matrix EFE matrix IFE matrix II. The Matching Stage ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · BCG matrix SPACE matrix GSM matrix III. The Decision Stage ï‚ · ï‚ · Matrix Analysis QSPM matrix IV. Questions ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Assessment of eBay ´s choice of market entry strategy for China, listing both the advantagesRead MoreTaobao Case Analysis1551 Words   |  7 PagesHARVARD BUSINESS CASE: ALIBABA’S TAOBAO (A) GROUP 2 – GMBA Question 1: What are the major differences in the web designs of Taobao and eBay in China? Which is preferred to on-line buyers and sellers in China? Why? Taobao sought to distinguish itself from eBay in numerous ways. So Taobao’s web designs were imbued with a strong local culture that reflected a deep understanding of Chinese consumers and an attitude of informality. First of all, the website was designed like a Chinese department storeRead MoreTaobao948 Words   |  4 PagesAbstract In this case, it mainly defines how eBay enter the Chinese market and state problems why eBay failure problems in China compare to Tao Bao. We will introduce EBay, compare and contrast between eBay and Tao Bao, also, we talk about reasons failure in China. Introduction to EBay EBay which is a management that allows people from all over the world to buy and sell items, auctions and shopping online. EBay was founded on 4th September 1995 and by name Auction web of Pierre Omidyar in CaliforniaRead MoreIntellectual Property Essay1247 Words   |  5 Pageslaunches its product in one market it should be sure that there are no other products under the same trademark, and in case of existence of such products it should inform government to fight against counterfeiting. With such actions the company can protect its brand name and somehow reduce the counterfeit. It was also mentioned in the case that the main havens of phony goods are China, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand. The main portion of counterfeits is produced in these nations,Read MoreCase Study : Cultural Human Resource Management1361 Words   |  6 PagesA case study of cross- cultural human resource management Introduction Cultural issues in business are a phenomenon born by globalization of the market where companies invest in a foreign country to bring the culture of the host country and the company’s culture into contact. The market today is defined by global market that permits sharing of customers worldwide. However, during fierce competition, the market winners become the companies that who understand the Chinese culture. Therefore, culturalRead MoreEbay Case Study797 Words   |  4 PagesStrategic Management EBay Case Study 1. A). EBay’s greatest opportunities are: a. Long auction time-10 to 15days is too long for customers to wait b. Localizing their website all over the world c. Acquiring Skype and they have begun to integrate buyers and sellers d. Mobile phones, social media trends, will help them try to keep up with Amazon B). EBay’s greatest threats are: a. Constant Hacking and Fraud transaction b. Copyright problems-companies mayRead MoreWhy Ebay Failed in China1913 Words   |  8 PagesA report on Ebay and Taobao. Ebay v/s Taobao Critically evaluate eBay’s chosen market entry strategies, into the Chinese ‘C2C’ market, determining the shortcomings of the strategies deployed during the case study period. When entering into a new market, there are many aspects that must be considered in order for a company to be successful. Through this case study we will look at how eBay developed their market strategy using the concept of six key factors timing, location, marketingRead MoreRe Expansion Of Ebay Into China2685 Words   |  11 Pages The re-expansion of eBay into China seems to be a viable probability and a part of the companies plan for the near future. In 2002, eBay established a presence in china with the acquisition of leading auction site Eachnet to form eBay Eachnet. Up until 2005 eBay Eachnet was the leader of the ecommerce market due to their C2C platform. However, with the emergence of Alibaba owned subsidiary Taobao.com (Taobao), eBay Eachnet soon lost its stronghold on the market. This factor combined with aRead MorePirates of Globalization672 Words   |  3 PagesCAST STUDY NO.2 PIRATES OF GLOBALIZATION Presented to Professor (Dr.) Joseph F. Aiyeku MB 616: International Business Management. By Group No.2 1. What actions con companies and governments take to ensure that products cannot be easily pirates? Be specific. Answer: For example of garments products of Tommy Hilfiger; there are three categories for man, woman and children wears Products for man; Sport wear, Tailored, Underwear, Bags and eyewear Products for woman;

My Fondest Memories Of The Hunt Essay - 1367 Words

As long as I can remember, hunting has been the foundation of my dad and I’s relationship. Some of my fondest memories include hunting with my dad. Specifically, bowhunting for Whitetail deer during the brisk month of November are my favorite memories. I can remember days when my dad would even take me out of school just to have the opportunity to keep him company in the tree stand. Currently, as a freshmen in college, I am far past the age of only observing while sitting next to my dad. Now, I go by myself. Yet, instead of sharing the hunting experience together, we count on each other to tell the story of the hunt. Sharing these stories have become a big part of our relationship. Almost always, we will begin each story with, â€Å"There I Was† followed by a pause, and then the location of the hunt. Beginning our stories this way has become tradition, but primarily, it is our way of dramatizing the hunting adventure. Consequently, I’ll begin by phrasing, There I was...up in the buddy stand. The buddy stand is a tree stand located in a timber practically in our backyard. We call it the buddy stand because when I was little, it was big enough to fit both of us in it. But even then, it was a tight squeeze. Yet, the buddy stand will always be the place of my first memories of hunting with my dad. Now on this day in the buddy stand, it was very cold, but a good kind of cold. The kind of cold in which you knew the deer would be moving. Somewhere in the timber, there lived a king ofShow MoreRelatedHunting, The Best Sport There Is1276 Words   |  6 Pageshunting as well as the method you are using. Also hunting tests a hunter’s mental capability. Hunting forces hunters to use their brains in the game of cat and mouse between the hunter and his prey. We are mentally tested by the animals in which we hunt which makes us smarter and better hunters. I honestly believe that I would not be as smart as I am today, if I did not spend countless hours in the woods, the field, the blind, or wherever we may go in pursuit of game. Hunting is a great way to obtainRead MoreGrandmas Cooking1454 Words   |  6 Pagestheir grandma, and I have been fortunate enough to share countless memories with mine. A big portion of our memories involve food in one way or another. One of the biggest values that my family holds is the importance of family meals. Whenever we go to my grandparent’s farm, my grandma never fails to overflow everyone’s stomachs and send everyone home with leftovers. Whether it be eating at the supper table or feasting on Thanksgiving, my family makes it a point to be together and to make it a memorableRead MoreDescriptive Essay - Original Writing1471 Words   |  6 Pageschild, my family and I would travel to Vermont to stay with my grandparents. They lived on a mountain a little way out from the small town of Troy, Vermont. The land overflowed with the most beautiful trees and wildlife that I have ever seen. My grandfather protected his lands, he ensured that no one would hunt on the m so that the animals would be safe from poachers. I would sit outside in the grass of our backyard clearing and just stare out into the wilderness that surrounded me. Some of my cousinsRead MoreEssay On Sense Of Place1955 Words   |  8 Pagesevery Sunday since I was born. The old building holds countless number of memories for my family and me. It has set the stage for a number of Christmas plays and Sunday School concerts. It’s where my little brother and I were baptized, and just recently it was where my goddaughter, Aurora, was baptized. After 20 years of marriage, it was where my parents renewed their vows, and a year later, it was where we held the funeral for my dad after he lost his battle with cancer. When it’s not a place of worshipRead MoreSports17369 Words   |  70 PagesPhillies Harold Arlin on KDKA Aug. 6, 1921 - First Radio Broadcast of a Tennis Match - Australia versus Great Britian, Davis Cup - Harold Arlin on KDKA Oct. 5, 1921 - First Radio Broadc ast of a World Series- New York Yankees versus New York Giants Sandy Hunt and Tommy Cowan on WJZ Oct. 7, 1922 - First Radio Chain Broadcast- WJZ and WGY transmitted a World Series game from the field Grantland Rice and Graham McNamee 10 EXERCISES IN SPORTSCASTING Nov. 24, 1923 - First Radio Broadcast of the AnnualRead MoreSports17363 Words   |  70 PagesPhillies Harold Arlin on KDKA Aug. 6, 1921 - First Radio Broadcast of a Tennis Match - Australia versus Great Britian, Davis Cup - Harold Arlin on KDKA Oct. 5, 1921 - First Radio Broadcast of a World Series- New York Yankees versus New York Giants Sandy Hunt and Tommy Cowan on WJZ Oct. 7, 1922 - First Radio Chain Broadcast- WJZ and WGY transmitted a World Series game from the field Grantland Rice and Graham McNamee 10 EXERCISES IN SPORTSCASTING Nov. 24, 1923 - First Radio Broadcast of the Annual Army

Abolishing Slavery A Tragic Historical Moment - 1020 Words

Abolishing slavery was a tragic historical moment. Various texts state the issue that surrounds abolition of slavery. Three authors ventilate their position on what is slavery to them. These authors educated others by demonstrating their perspective. These authors are known for their prodigious text. Now the real question here is? Is slavery a necessity? The Emancipation Proclamation was known as the savior for slaves. When Lincoln announces this bill he balanced military problems. The proclamation was applied during the civil war. Lincoln aforesaid, â€Å"That the Executive will, on the first day of January aforesaid, by proclamation, designate the states and parts of states, if any, in which the people thereof, respectively, shall then be in rebellion against the United States; and the fact that any state, or the people thereof, shall on that day be, in good faith, represented in the Congress of the United States by members chosen thereto at elections wherein a majority of the qualified voters of such state shall have participated, shall, in the absence of strong countervailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence that such state, and the people thereof, are not then in rebellion against the United States. Lincoln used this speech as a way to reach the citizen of U.S and other foreign country to let them know his main priority . At the end of this stage the designated state did freed the slaves because they lost the war. The designated states were, â€Å"Arkansas, Texas,Show MoreRelatedThe Ten Dollar Bill1990 Words   |  8 PagesTubman’s addition as the first African American and first women on American currency, the back of the ten-dollar bill will now also have images of suffragists Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul. The is an historical moment for women and minorities of this country. For the first in our nation’s founding, a black woman will be on our currency. The government has taken a significant first step towards equality towards women and minorities. This article shows thatRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesThe Making and Meaning of the New York City Landscape Gerda Lerner, Fireweed: A Political Autobiography Allida M. Black, ed., Modern American Queer History Eric Sandweiss, St. Louis: The Evolution of an American Urban Landscape Sam Wineburg, Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts: Charting the Future of Teaching the Past Sharon Hartman Strom, Political Woman: Florence Luscomb and the Legacy of Radical Reform Michael Adas, ed., Agricultural and Pastoral Societies in Ancient and Classical

Night World Spellbinder Chapter 4 Free Essays

At that moment Thea almost hated her cousin. But there was no choice. Four pairs of eyes were watching her: Blaise’s gray eyes, Vivienne’s emerald green, Selene’s dear blue, and Dani’s velvety dark ones. We will write a custom essay sample on Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 4 or any similar topic only for you Order Now They were waiting. Thea got up and began the long walk across the patio. She felt as if everyone was watching her. She tried to keep her steps measured and confident, her face serene. It wasn’t easy. The closer she got to that sandy hair, the more she wanted to turn and run. She had tunnel vision now: everything on the sides was a blur; the only clear thing was Eric’s profile. Just as she got within earshot, he glanced up and saw her coming. He looked startled. For a moment his eyes met hers: a deeper green than Vivienne’s, more intense and more innocent. Then, without a word, he turned away and walked quickly down a path between two buildings. He was gone before Thea knew what was happening. She stood rooted to the ground. There was a huge amount of empty space inside her, with only her uncomfortably pounding heart trying to fill it. Okay; he hates me. I don’t blame him. Maybe it’s good; maybe Blaise will say we can all forget him now. But when she went back to the shady table, Blaise was frowning thoughtfully. â€Å"You just don’t have the technique yet,† she said. â€Å"Never mind. I can coach you.† â€Å"Viv and I can help, too,† Selene murmured. â€Å"You’ll learn fast.† â€Å"No-thank you,† Thea said. Her pride was hurt and her cheeks were on fire. â€Å"I can do it myself. Tomorrow. I have a plan already.† Dani squeezed her hand under the table. â€Å"You’ll do fine.† Blaise said, â€Å"Just make sure it’s tomorrow. Or I might think you don’t really want him.† And then, to Thea’s immense relief, the bell rang. â€Å"Hawthorne, yarrow, angelica†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Thea peered through the thick blue glass of an unlabeled jar. â€Å"Some kind of nasty powder†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She was in the front room of her grandmother’s shop, deserted now because it was closed for the evening. Just being with all these herbs and gems and amulets gave her a feeling of comfort. Of control. I love this place, she thought, looking around at the floor-to-ceiling shelves of bottles and boxes and dusty vials. One whole wall was devoted to trays of stones-unpolished and polished, rare and semiprecious, some with symbols or words of power engraved on them, some dirty and fresh from the earth. Thea liked putting her hands in them and murmuring their names: tourmaline, amethyst, honey topaz, white jade. And then there were the good-smelling herbs: everything you needed to cure indigestion or to call a lover; to soothe arthritis or to curse your landlord. Some of these-the simples-worked whether you were a witch or not. They were just natural remedies, and Gran even sold them to humans. But the real spells required both arcane knowledge and psychic power, and no human could make them active. Thea was whipping up a real spell. First, heartsease. That was good for any love charm. Thea opened a canister and fingered the dried purple and yellow flowers gently. Then she dropped a handful of them into a fine mesh bag. What else? Rose petals were a given. She unstopped a large ceramic jar and got a whiff of sweetness as she sprinkled them in. Chamomile, yes. Rosemary, yes. Lavender†¦ she twisted the cork out of a small vial of lavender essence. She could use some of that right this minute. She mixed it in her palm with a teaspoon of jojoba oil then dabbed the fragrant liquid on her temples and at the back of her neck. Blood, flow! Headache, go! The tension in her neck started to ease almost instantly. She took a long breath and looked around. Some bones of the earth would help. Rose quartz carved in the shape of a heart for attraction. A lump of raw amber for charm. Oh, and throw in a lode-stone for magnetism and a couple of small garnets for fire. It was done. Tomorrow morning she’d take a bath, letting this giant tea bag infuse the water while she burned a circle of red candles. She’d soak in the potent mixture, letting the smell of it, the essence of it, seep into her skin. And when she got out, she’d be irresistible. She was about to walk away when a leather pouch caught her eye. No. Not that, she told herself. You’ve got a mixture here to promote interest and affection. It’s plenty strong enough just to get him to listen to you. You don’t want anything stronger. But she found herself picking up the soft pouch anyway. Opening it, just to look inside. It was full of reddish-brown chips, each about the size of a thumbnail with a woody, aromatic smell. Yemonja root. Guaranteed to draw an unwilling heart. But usually forbidden to maidens. Recklessly, not letting herself think about it, Thea transferred half a dozen chips to her mesh bag. Then she put the worn leather pouch back on its shelf. â€Å"Figured it out yet?† a voice behind her said. Thea whirled. Gran was standing at the foot of the narrow stairway that led to the apartment above the store. â€Å"Uh-what?† She held the mesh bag behind her back. â€Å"Your specialty. Herbs, stones, amulets†¦ I hope you’re not going to be one of those chanting girls. I hate that whiny music.† Thea loved the music. In fact, she loved all the things Gran had mentioned-but she loved animals even better. And there wasn’t much of a place for animals in witch life, not since familiars had been outlawed during the Burning Times. You could use bits of animals, sure. Lizard foot and nightingale tongue. Blaise was always trying to get hold of Thea’s animals for just that purpose, and Thea was always fighting her off. â€Å"I don’t know. Gran,† she said. â€Å"I’m still thinking.† â€Å"Well, you’ve got time-but not too much,† her grandmother said, walking slowly toward her. Edgith Harman’s face was a mass of creases, she hunched, and she used two canes-but that wasn’t bad for a woman over a hundred who ran her own business and tyrannized every witch in the country. â€Å"Remember, you’ve got some decisions to make when you hit eighteen. You and Blaise are the last of our line. The last two direct descendants of Hellewise. That means you have a responsibility-you have to set an example.† â€Å"I know.† At eighteen, she would have to decide not just her specialty, but which Circle she would join for life: Twilight or Midnight. â€Å"I’ll think about it, Gran,† she promised, putting her free arm around the old woman. â€Å"I’ve still got six months.† Gran stroked Thea’s hair with a veined, gentle hand. It chased the last of Thea’s headache away. Still holding the mesh bag behind her back, she said, â€Å"Gran? Are you really mad about having us here for the school year?† â€Å"Well, you eat too much and you leave hair in the shower†¦ but I guess I can stand it.† Gran smiled, then frowned. â€Å"Just as long as you stay in line until the end of the month.† There it was again. â€Å"But what’s happening at the end of the month?† Gran gave her a look. â€Å"Samhain, of course! All Hallow’s Eve.† â€Å"I know that,† Thea said. Even the humans celebrated Halloween. She wondered if Gran was having one of her vague spells. â€Å"Samhain-and the Inner Circle,† Gran said abruptly. â€Å"They’ve picked the desert for their ceremony this year.† â€Å"The desert-you mean here? The Inner Circle is coming here? Mother Cybele and Aradia and all of them?† â€Å"All of them,† Gran said. Suddenly her wrinkles looked grim. â€Å"And by Air and Fire, I’m not having them come here just to see you girls screw up-1 have a reputation, you know.† Thea nodded a little dazedly. â€Å"I-welt no wonder you were worried. We won’t embarrass you. I promise.† â€Å"Good.† As Thea discreetly tucked the mesh bag under her arm and started for the stairs, the old woman added. â€Å"You’d better toss some plantain into that mix to bind it all together.† Thea felt herself blushing furiously. â€Å"Uh†¦ thanks, Gran,† she said, and went to look for plantain. Above the shop were two tiny bedrooms and a kitchenette. Grandma had one bedroom and Thea and Blaise shared the other. Tobias, Gran’s apprentice, had been bumped to the workshop downstairs. Blaise was lying on her bed, reading a thick book with a red cover. Poetry. Despite her frivolous act, she wasn’t stupid. â€Å"Guess what,† Thea said, and without waiting for Blaise to guess, told her about the Inner Circle coining. She watched to see if the news would scare Blaise-or at least alarm her into good intentions. But Blaise just yawned and stretched like a well-fed cat. â€Å"Good. Maybe we can watch how they summon the ancestors again.† She raised her eyebrows at Thea meaningfully. Two years ago in Vermont, while the human world was trick-or-treating, they’d hidden behind maple trees and spied on the Samhain summoning. They’d seen the elders use the magic of Hecate, the most ancient witch of all, the goddess of moon and night and sorcery, to bring spirits across the veil. For Thea it had been scary but exciting, for Blaise just exciting. Thea gave up on trying to alarm Blaise. Thea looked at the three star-shaped blue flowers lying on her palm. Then, one by one, she ate them. â€Å"Now say ‘Ego borago guadia semper ago,’ † Selene instructed. â€Å"It means, ‘I, borage, always bring courage.’ Old Roman spell.† Thea muttered the words. For the second day in a row, she was on the patio looking at a sandy head across the room. â€Å"Go get ‘im, tiger,† Blaise said. Vivienne and Dani nodded encouragingly. Thea squared her shoulders and started across the room. As soon as Eric saw her coming he went down the side path. You idiot, Thea thought. You don’t know what’s good for you. Maybe I should just let Blaise have you. But she followed him. He was standing just beyond the buildings, staring into the distance. She could only see his profile, which was nice-clean and somehow lonely. Thea swallowed, tasting a lingering sweetness from the borage flowers. What to say? She wasn’t used to talking to humans-especially human boys. I’ll just say â€Å"What’s up?† and be casual she thought. But when she opened her mouth, what came out was, â€Å"I’m sorry.† He turned immediately. He looked startled. â€Å"You’re sorry?† â€Å"Yes. I’m sorry I was so mean. What do you think I was following you for?† Eric blinked-and Thea thought his cheeks colored under his tan. â€Å"I thought you were mad because I kept staring at you. I was trying not to get you madder.† â€Å"You were staring at me?† Thea felt a little flushed herself. As if the herbs from her bath were steaming fragrantly out of her skin. â€Å"Well-I kept trying not to. I think I’ve got it down to one look every thirty seconds now.† He said it seriously. Thea wanted to laugh. â€Å"It’s okay. I don’t mind,† she said. Yes, she could definitely smell the love potion now. The heady floral scent of rose and heartsease, plus the spice of yemonja root. Eric seemed to take her at her word. He was definitely staring. â€Å"I’m sorry I acted like such a jerk before. With the snake, I mean. I really wasn’t trying to feed you a line.† Alarm whispered through Thea. She didn’t want to think about what had happened in the desert. â€Å"Yes, okay, I know,† she said. He was watching her so intently, his eyes such a deep green. â€Å"Well- you see, the reason I wanted to talk to you was†¦ you know, there’s the Homecoming dance this Saturday. So I thought we could maybe go together.† She remembered at the last instant that in human society boys frequently asked girls to dances. Maybe she’d been too direct. But he looked-well, extremely pleased. â€Å"You’re kidding! You’re serious? You’d go with me?† Thea just nodded. â€Å"But that’s terrific. I mean-thanks.† He was as excited as a kid at Beltane. Then his face clouded over. â€Å"I forgot, though. I promised Dr. Salinger-that’s my boss at the pet hospital-that I’d spend the night there Saturday. Midnight to eight a.m. Somebody needs to watch the animals that stay overnight, and Dr. Salinger’s going to a conference out of town.† â€Å"It doesn’t matter,† Thea said. â€Å"We’ll just go to the dance before midnight.† She was relieved. It meant less time play-acting in front of Blaise. â€Å"It’s a date, then.† He still looked so happy. â€Å"And, Thea?† He said the name shyly, as if almost afraid to use it. â€Å"Maybe-maybe we could do something else sometime. I mean, we could go out, or you could come over to my house†¦.† â€Å"Uh†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The yemonja smell was really making her dizzy. â€Å"Uh†¦ well, this week-I’m trying to get adjusted to the new school and all. But maybe later.† â€Å"Okay. Later.† His smile was unexpected, astonishing. It transformed his face, turning the sweet, serious shyness into charismatic radiance. â€Å"If there’s any way I can help, just ask.† Why, he’s handsome, Thea thought. She felt a sort of tug at her insides, like a bird being charmed out of a tree. She hadn’t realized how attractive he was, or how the gray flecks in his eyes seemed to catch sunlight†¦. Stop that! she told herself abruptly. This is business, and he’s vermin. She felt a flush of shame at using the word, even in thought. But she had to do something. Without meaning to, she’d moved closer to him, so she was looking up into his face. Now they were only inches apart and she was feeling distinctly giddy. â€Å"I have to go-wow. I’ll see you later,† she murmured, and made herself back up. â€Å"Later,† he said. He was still glowing. Thea fled. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, she tried to ignore him. Avoided him in the halls, acting as busy as possible. He seemed to understand, and didn’t chase her down. She just wished he wouldn’t look so dreamy and happy all the time. And then there was Blaise. Blaise already had a couple of husky football players who followed her everywhere, Buck and Duane-but neither of them was invited to the dance. Blaise had a unique method of choosing a partner. She told them all to go away. â€Å"You don’t want me,† she said to a gorgeous Asian-American guy with one earring. It was lunch break on Thursday, and the witches had a whole table to themselves: Vivienne and Selene with Blaise on one side; Dani with Thea on the other. The gorgeous guy had one knee on a chair and was looking very nervous. â€Å"You can’t afford me, Kevin. I’ll ruin you. Better get out of here,† Blaise said, all the while looking up with sleeping fire in her gray eyes. Kevin shifted. â€Å"But I’m rich.† He said it simply, without affectation. â€Å"I’m not talking about money,† Blaise said. She gave a deprecating smile. â€Å"And anyway, I don’t think you’re really interested.† â€Å"Are you kidding? I’m crazy about you. Every time I see you†¦ I don’t know; it just makes me crazy.† He glanced at the other girls and Thea knew he was uncomfortable at having an audience. But not uncomfortable enough to stop talking. â€Å"I’d do anything for you.† â€Å"No, I don’t think so.† Blaise was toying with a ring on her left index finger. â€Å"What’s that?† Vivienne interjected nonchalantly. â€Å"Hm? Oh, just a little diamond,† Blaise said. She held out her hand and light scintillated. â€Å"Stuart Mac-Ready gave it to me this morning.† Kevin shifted again. â€Å"I can buy you dozens of rings.† Thea felt sorry for him. He seemed like an okay guy, and she’d heard him talk about wanting to be a musician. But she knew from long experience that it wouldn’t do any good to tell him to get out of here. It would only make him more stubborn. â€Å"But I wouldn’t want a ring from you,† Blaise was saying in a soft, chiding voice. â€Å"Stuart gave this to me because it was the only memento he had of his mom. It meant everything to him-so he wanted me to have it.† â€Å"I’d do the same thing,† Kevin said. Blaise just shook her head. â€Å"I don’t think so.† â€Å"Yes, I would.† â€Å"No. The thing that means the most to you is your car, and you’d never give that up.† Thea had seen the car. It was a silver-gray Porsche. Kevin lovingly touched it up with a chamois in the school parking lot every morning. Now Kevin looked confused. â€Å"But-that car’s not really mine. It belongs to my parents. They just let me use it.† Blaise nodded understanding. â€Å"You see? I told you that you wouldn’t. Now, why don’t you go away like a good boy?† Kevin seemed to collapse internally. He stared at Blaise pleadingly, not making a move to go away. At last, Blaise tilted her head at the football flunkies. â€Å"C’mon, man,† one flunky-Thea thought it was Duane-said. They took Kevin by the shoulders and propelled him away. Kevin kept looking back. Blaise dusted her fingers off briskly. Selene pushed back pale hair and drawled, â€Å"Think he’ll cough up the car?† â€Å"Well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Blaise smiled. â€Å"Let’s just say I think I’ll have transportation to the dance. Of course, I’m still not sure who I’m taking†¦.† Thea got up. Dani had sat silently through lunch, and now she was watching Blaise, her velvety dark eyes half horrified and half admiring. â€Å"I’m getting out of here,† Thea said significantly, and was relieved when Dani stopped staring at Blaise and stood up. â€Å"Oh, by the way,† Blaise said, picking up her backpack, â€Å"I forgot to give you this.† She handed Thea a small vial, the size that perfume samples came in. â€Å"What’s it for?† â€Å"For the dance. You know, to put the boys’ blood in.† How to cite Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 4, Essay examples