Do you think that Women Suffer Discrimination at Workplace?

It is a common belief that women suffer discrimination at workplace. Feminists often claim that throughout the world, women are being paid much less than their male counterparts and hence they accuse the men throughout the world for being sexist.

As a matter of fact, women do get paid lesser than their male counterparts for the similar jobs.

However, there is an interesting fact attached with this truth. It has been found that only women of age above 25 years, or such women who are already married suffer such situations and get lesser wages.

On the other hand, girls of age under 25 often succeed in gaining similar salary packages as that of men working at same workplace.

So why is it? Is the world really sexist? Or is it just a myth based on wrong interpretation of the facts?

A rational approach about this issue has been discussed here on this page of rational libertarian corner. The author explains how it is not only difficult but impossible to act discriminatory and sexist in a free market scenario.

The author explains the truth by taking an example of equal quantity of gold in two different packets of different color. One of the packet which contains a definite quantity of gold is available for $100,000 and the other pack is available at a lesser price of $85,000 while it has been announced that both packets contain equal weight of pure gold.

The author than asks, which packet will you buy? Obviously anyone will say that irrespective of the color of the packet, they will choose to buy that packet in which the same amount of gold is available at cheaper price.

The author than compares the situation with female workers and male workers in market.

She says, assuming that all male and female workers work similar kind of jobs equally with similar efficiency, then if women workers are available at lesser wages, why any profit seeking businessman will appoint a male worker? He will certainly chose to appoint a woman worker because that is profitable for him.

She further say that because of increased demand of female workers who are available at lesser wages, the market will force the wages of women to increase and reach equally to the wages attained by male workers.
Then she comments that, this actually doesn’t happen and asks why it doesn’t happen?

She suggests that it is difficult for both men and women to work with same efficiency and this is very genuine and is certainly not offending for women.

The author comments that along with official work, the woman has to pay attention towards her children, her marital responsibilities and a lot more. On the other hand, male often cannot be as responsible as a woman towards their marital life and children.

As a result, the female sacrifices her working efficiency to protect her family. However, this is certainly not a deal of loss because basically, it is expected that men will take care of the family expenses and this equalizes the difference between salaries of men and women working at similar jobs.

Diversity in the Work Place

Common trends of Diversified work groups
• Diversity due to generation gap
• Diversity and Gender Issue in workforce
• Diversity based on minority workforce
• Diversity based on induction of Immigrants
• Workplace Diversity and Sexual orientation

Managing the issues of Diversity at Workplace
• Eradicating the issues of Generational Diversity
• Diversity Management and Gender Issues
• Managing Minority workers and Immigrants, racial and ethnical diversity at workplace
• Managing the diversity based on sexual orientation

Tips for the management while searching for proper solutions to manage diversity at workplace
Introduction:

With the increasing trend of globalization, America’s workforce is undergoing a great change in its composition. The current workforce of business organization throughout the world an especially in America can be explained or described as polytypic (Norma M. Riccucci, 2002). Nowadays, there are much higher percentage of white women, people of color, disabled persons, new and recent immigrants, gays and lesbians, and intergenerational groups working in the corporation organizations. Many of the managers and businessmen believe that with this diversified workforce, the opportunities to enhance innovation, efficiency and better production are increasing. On the same plane, these managers and businessmen also suffer the issues and problems created by the diversified cultural, racial, gender based and age based workforce. At times, it may prove to be really difficult for the management to create and provide a tension free harmonious working environment for the employees.

The following article will explain some of the common yet grave issues and problems emanating from the diversified workforce at the organizations. The aim of the article is to lament the major trends of diversification in the workforce of the current corporate organizations, to suggest that at times, this diversity may seem to be necessary and profitable for the businessmen and management but at other times, it may prove to be headache. We will discuss about the issues that may arise because of the increasing diversifying workforce of America and other western countries. We will also explain how and why organizations often support the idea of diversification of work force, and how it can be profitable for them. It is necessary to understand and recognize the issues and problems that may arise due to the different sets of diversity within the workforce so that the management may find itself able to reduce or avoid any such situation that may to be hazardous for the organization and may affect the performance of the workers.

Diversity in the Work Place:
Diversity in the workforce has been grabbing more and more attention because of its immediate need. The diversity at the workplace may indicate the differences between the workers based on their cultural and ethnical background, their habits, abilities and skills, their ability to provide effective performance, their sexes and some other similar diversifications. Some people feel that it is very challenging and difficult to manage and maintain proper working with the diversified workforce and hence it is a problem as it is a hurdle against the effectiveness of organizational activities, while some others believe that diversity provides a great opportunity to increase the value perspectives and ideas in the organization. A diversified workforce can be imagined as a set of isolated individuals working on some defining ideals, or it can be imagined as a colourful and interesting atmosphere to provide better work and results (Gerald R. Ferris , Dwight D. Frink , M. Carmen Galang, 1993)

The major issue for the corporate is to manage the diversity in the workplace. It is very important not because corporate are becoming more genteel and kinder towards their employees, but because without managing the diversified workforce, the corporate cannot stand, it not be successful.

The Hudson Institute’s workforce report 2000 in 1987 exclaimed that by the 1990’s, 85% of net growth in labour force will contain women, minorities and immigrants. By the year 2000, the report suggested that more than 47% of total workforce will be women and 61% of American women will be employed. Furthermore, the report suggested that by the end of 1990’s more than 25% of workforce will be from Third World, 4% of Asian, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans, 10% of Hispanics and 12% of African Americans. It will become a necessity for American organizations to recruit, train and promote culturally diverse employees and manage them to procure positive results (George Henderson, 1994).
 
Common trends of Diversified work groups
There are many issues regarding the management of diversified workforce at the workplace. Some of the common trends of diversified workers are

• Diversity due to generation gap
According to the Hudson Institute’s workforce report, by the year 2000, “51% of the workforce will be between 35 to 54 years old”, on the other hand, the younger workers will be only 38%, while only 11% of workers will be above age 55 (Gerald R. Ferris , Dwight D. Frink , M. Carmen Galang, 1993).
Such situations may create a generation barrier between the workers. There have been some incidences that suggest that it is not easy for workers to collaborate with colleagues if there is such huge generation gap.
Mr. Du-Feu a legal consultant at London based International Law firm suggested that “there are now 1.33 million workers above retirement age in the UK so our workforces are becoming increasingly age diverse.”
Age diversity is a major issue that needs to be managed properly because in absence of proper management, the situations may give way to inter-generational conflicts and that can hamper the progress of organizations (Western Mail, 2009).

• Diversity and Gender Issue in workforce
The increasing participation of women in corporate world also create a diversified situation where the management need to provide proper amiable atmosphere for the women workers so that they may provide efficient work with ease without facing any discriminatory sexist situation. With increasing number of women workforce, many competent women will try and eventually succeed in attaining the topmost positions at the organizations. Management need to provide proper system that may not create any hurdle or conflicts revolving round the gender issues.

• Diversity based on minority workforce
In 1985, the minority workforce in United States was 13%. Hudson Institute’s estimation report for 2000 suggested that by 2000, the percentage of minority workforce in United States will increase to the levels of 15% or above (Gerald R. Ferris , Dwight D. Frink , M. Carmen Galang, 1993). It is very important for the management to take care of the workplace environment and not to let any racial or ethnical conflict to occur as that may lead to unwanted tension and stress in the workers which will reduce the performance and efficiency of the potential workers.

• Diversity based on induction of Immigrants
The Hudson Institute’s estimation report for the year 2000 also indicated the increasing number of immigrant workers (George Henderson, 1994). As it will become economically profitable and necessary for the organization to induce the immigrant workers, it would be a duty of the management to keep the native workers calm and promoting the harmony within the workplace. With the induction of immigrant workers, the workplace also faces the cultural and traditional diversity at workplace. People of various regions from the world who follow different cultural and religious activities and face linguistic differences may find it difficult to maintain harmony and promote better workplace environment to enhance the efficiency. The management need to look for the ways to promote workability in such scenario.

• Workplace Diversity and Sexual orientation
Nowadays, public is becoming more and more positive and sensitive about the individual right for enjoying one’s sexual orientation. Management of different organizations need to provide an amiable and friendly environment for people with alternative sex life and sexual orientation so that the organization may not suffer a bad reputation in the public. It also becomes necessary because with proper safety, freedom and allowance, the workers can easily state and defend their sexual orientation without fearing for any discrimination, offensive activity or exploitation. Management need to look whether it will be safe for the employees to state their sexual orientation openly or will it be more appropriate to avoid forcing the employees to openly state their sexual orientation (Norma M. Riccucci, 2002).

Managing the issues of Diversity at Workplace
With the increasing effect of globalization, organizations nowadays not only look forward to create efficient workforce that may represent not only a nation but the global public around the world. This also becomes necessary with the increasing global aims and projects of the multinational organizations. Such organizations need to manage proper harmony and efficient working conditions at the workplace with a diversified workforce not only to extract the best results, but also to maintain a good reputation amongst the public, the clients and potential customers. Nowadays, more white women, people of different races and colour, disabled persons, new and recent immigrants, gays and lesbians, and intergenerational mixes are working in various organizations in United States of America (Norma M. Riccucci, 2002).

• Eradicating the issues of Generational Diversity
In recent times, the age diversity is increasing because of the fact that the number of older employees is increasing as they can’t afford to stop work in the current tumultuous economical times (Western Mail, 2009). The issue becomes serious because many young people are suffering unemployment.

The first necessity for the management is to notice the ways by which the age diversity can cause problems in the workplace. The employers, businessman and human resource professionals need to understand and recognize the issues and notice the changes that are being brought within the workplace.
It is important to understand what is that which makes each generation a unique group and how each group can be satisfied and promoted to create a harmonious working environment at workplace. At initial stages, it may prove to be very difficult to manage the conflicts occurring from age diversity, but those organizations whose human resource management are proactive and looking forward to solve the issues in a rational way will gain success while those organizations who are not providing enough attention towards these issues of generational gap may suffer failure (Western Mail, 2009).

• Diversity Management and Gender Issues
As more and more women are actively taking part in professional scenario, gender conflicts are also naturally rising on the scene. It is very necessary for the human resource management to look forward to avoid any sexist policy that may reduce the chances of emerging women to gain proper professional progress. At the same time, management need to ensure that the male workers may not feel that women are gaining unwanted support from the management. Discrimination on either part needs to be avoided as it may create a tussle between the employees.

• Managing Minority workers and Immigrants, racial and ethnic diversity at workplace
In order to woe the global consumers and to succeed in expanding the business globally, organizations need to expand their ethnical diversity base at workplace. Yet, the diversity may create tussles that need to be managed in a proper manner.

In government sector, it is necessary for the government to remain racially neutral. There should not be any discrimination based on the skin colour of the worker. Private organization often prefers to provide work for the best and most efficient workers irrespective of their skin colour or ethnicity. Free market policies often tend the workers to get above the religious, racial and ethical issues. They often prefer to look for the best profitable deal with workers irrespective of their personal ideas and taste regarding ethnicity, race and culture (Norma M. Riccucci, 2002). Management need to confirm that there is activity within the organizational workplace that may promote racial harassment. Immigrants need to be provided with proper security and support against any protectionist movement generated by the native workers or outer political groups.

• Managing the diversity based on sexual orientation
The issue of an individual’s freedom to openly enjoy his or her sexual orientation is gaining moment in United States and in the whole world. LGBT societies and communities are gaining more and more public support as public is also gaining awareness about the issues and problems faced by the people with diversified sexual orientation. At a corporate organizational level, management should try to avoid any issue that may create a political tussle between the workers at workplace. It is necessary to provide proper protection for lesbians and gays if there are some in the workforce. Precautions should be taken while making policies regarding the openness of sexual orientation by the workers. Often workers try not to reveal their sexual orientation, yet, if some workers are willing to openly state their sexual orientation, management need to see whether it is safe. Many companies and organizations openly state that they are gays and lesbian friendly and they respect their workers sexual orientation and freedom. Such policies and announcement occurs with the motive of gaining good reputation amongst the clients and consumers in the public (Norma M. Riccucci, 2002).

Tips for the management while searching for proper solutions to manage diversity at workplace
Some of the business organizations like Steelcase, General Motors, 3M, Microsoft, Intel, Procter & Gamble, Kodak, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Lockheed Martin Corporation, American Airlines, Nike and some others filed their Friends of Court” brief and got involved in the case in February, 2003 in support of University of Michigan before the Supreme Court. The issue was the corporate organizations stern belief that racial, ethical, age, gender, and sexual diversification is not only right but it is very important from the perspective of economical growth of these organizations (David W. Debruin , Allen Boston , Rick Bobrow , Vance M. Holley, 2003).

The incident proved that it is very necessary for the organizations to maintain proper diversified workforce but it also lamented the need to manage the workforce properly and to try to avoid any hurdle that may occur in the performance and efficiency of workers.

It is very necessary for the human resource management to take a proper look on the ongoing scenario of workplace and to notice if there are occurring some incidences of stress, tussles and vocal altercations between the workers due to the diversity in the race, age, gender, culture and linguistic differences. Precautions will prove to be more effective.

It is very important to include the members of the workgroup and provide a platform for friendly discourses where the workers may discuss and express their concerns, problems and difficulties faced by them while working in such diversified atmosphere. Proper discourses are necessary and effective method to promote harmony and to reduce the conflicts between the different generations of the workers. It would be a better way to introduce workers from different age groups to work together in teams and to encourage a feeling of competition within these different teams.
Management should also provide enough attention towards the problems faced by women while working with their male colleague. It is necessary to provide protection for women and it is also important to look forward that the male workers may not suffer any discrimination because of extra care that is to be provided for the female workers.
Although the companies may find it profitable to announce openly that they support individual freedom of people to have their sexual orientation, yet, it should not be made compulsory for the employees to openly state their sexual orientation officially because it may create problem for those employees. They may suffer harassment or they may be ridiculed.

Bibliography/References
Norma M. Riccucci, 2002, “Managing Diversity in Public Sector Workforces”, Westview Press, Boulder, CO available at: http://www.questia.com/read/100875077?title=Managing%20Diversity%20in%20Public%20Sector%20Workforces
Gerald R. Ferris , Dwight D. Frink , M. Carmen Galang, 1993, “Diversity in the Workplace: The Human Resources Management Challenges”, Human Resource Planning. Volume: 16. Issue: 1 available at: http://www.questia.com/read/5000256363?title=Diversity%20in%20the%20Workplace%3a%20The%20Human%20Resources%20Management%20Challenges
George Henderson, 1994, “Cultural Diversity in the Workplace: Issues and Strategies”, Praeger Publishers, Westport, CT available at: http://www.questia.com/read/9611760?title=Cultural%20Diversity%20in%20the%20Workplace%3a%20Issues%20and%20Strategies
Western Mail, 2009, “Employers Warned over Conflict between Generations in Workplace”, November 26, 2009 available at: http://www.questia.com/read/5035820932?title=Employers%20Warned%20over%20Conflict%20between%20Generations%20in%20Workplace
David W. Debruin , Allen Boston , Rick Bobrow , Vance M. Holley, 2003, “The Business Case for Diversity”, Black Collegian. Volume: 34. Issue: 1 October, 2003, available at: http://www.questia.com/read/5037668167?title=The%20Business%20Case%20for%20Diversity

Understanding Women: What They Really Want

It is common saying that nobody can understand a woman. However, experts reveal a few tips that may help you understand women and to know some sex secrets women wish their partner knew.

The Best Aphrodisiac is a Great Enticing Talk

Most of the women feel that a good talk is a great turn-on. Women offers great importance for talking and feeling loved.

A good conversation during dinner or a walk or while the couple is enjoying some moments of relaxation can prove to be an impressive aphrodisiac.

You may tell her how much you love her and it will act as a reassurance for your woman that you are mentally present with her during those cherished moments.

Women often feel anxious about their looks

A woman in a close relationship for long sometimes may feel that her partner is drifting away or he is finding them less alluring and attractive.

This anxiety or doubt often prompts some women to undress only if there is enough darkness. If you are a caring man, you need to sense her anxiety.

While you don’t need to lie to her as that will simply make her feel embarrassed, it is also necessary that you should not break her heart by bluntly claiming that she is not attractive anymore.

The better is to take the middle path and to praise and appreciate what you actually find attractive in her. Truthfulness increases the essence of care.

A woman Often Consider sex as a part of rest of her life

While men can keep their worries apart from their sexual life, it is often difficult for women.

A man may feel that stressful part of their life can be forgotten for a while and they can easily separate their anxieties from their sexual activities.

Women often find it difficult and they surely need a good environment and comfortable feeling during the day so that they may enjoy satisfying sex.

The way her lover treats her out of the bed greatly influence the manner in which she responses in bed.

Harsh language, rude tones, criticism, hurtful words or inattentiveness can make her feel low and it will make her difficult to get involved, passionate and enthusiastic during sex.

An orgasm is not a necessity

Men often feel that they can be good lover only if they can bring their woman to climactic sexual culmination with a bombastic orgasm.

The truth is, having a climactic orgasm is certainly great for a woman, however; she doesn’t look for it always. Many women complain that their partners pressurize them for having an orgasm.

Sometimes, women really don’t seek for an orgasm, rather they prefer to engage in just lustful foreplay.

Sex may not be a serious act always

 Men need to learn playfulness as it is one of the most important quality that is appreciated by women.

Many men often tend to behave very serious about sex.

Not only they forget to laugh, to act romantically mischievous and to have fun, they also get enraged if their female partner tries to lighten those intimate moments with sudden laughs, giggles and poking.

Men can use playfulness and light-heartedness to change those intimate yet tense moments into enjoyable and relaxing period. Playfulness also reduces the stress of performing better.

Women relish non-sexual tenderness and touch

Instead of looking for sex, women often love romance, hand-holding, kissing and cuddling.

However, most women complain that their men do not enjoy this at all and the only time when they do this is during the foreplays.

A woman should take initiatives in making her man realize the importance and joy of touching. Offer him a relaxing massage and stroke his hair and face tenderly.

Your acts will make him experience this kind of cherishment of non-sexual touching. Conversation is important, tell your man what you like.

Be warm towards her after sex
 
While a man may feel exhausted after having sex, a woman’s need of warmth and tender moments lasts beyond the actual intercourse.

Some women complain that their men either gets away to the bathroom or false asleep immediately after ejaculation.

Biologically, during the sexual intercourse, the man’s endorphin level reaches a height and almost immediately after ejaculation, he goes through an unmanageable phase during which he loses his erection while all his bodily system goes down.

Women on the other hand experience this phase in a gradual manner.

However, if a woman is disturbed about her man falling asleep immediately, she should tell him about it without making him feel wrong.

Other way is to let him relax and sleep in your arms for a short while and then to wake him up gently afterwards.

Five Minute Beauty Tips

While everybody blames women that they waste a lot of time in their makeup, here is a way to channelize your entire beauty regime within a few minutes. It is nothing about how hurriedly you can make yourself look beautiful, rather it is about refining your make-up and beauty techniques for attaining gorgeous results.

Beauty Tips Make-up starter step:

The best way to start your makeup is to use a moisturizer with a built-in foundation. Many makeup experts and beauticians such as Cory Walia suggest that you should use such products which will serve a dual purpose. Mineral make-up is a suitable example.

A mineral make-up base powder will effectively cover unevenness and pigmentation on your face. Always carry it in your purse or bag. The quickest make-up fix which will be possible at any place within moments will include a mineral make-up base, a nice thick eyeliner and a shimmery lip-gloss.

Beauty Tips Hiding tired eyes

Even if you have dark circles, there are ways that will allow you to look fresh and alive after a long night. The best way to sooth your eyes suffering fatigue is to press massage them with a cool chamomile tea bag or you may also use chilled cucumber slices.

After applying them for a while, massage your face near and below eyes with a base foundation and apply a concealer cream on the dark circles. While you can smooth this concealer with your light fingers, it would be better to employ a light brush.

According to Ruhi Bindra, who is a popular hair and make-up expert, using a nice under-eye cream is good option. You should ascertain that you are using waterproof eye make-up and this is especially necessary during the rainy season.

This will save your mascara streaking down your cheeks and ruining your beautiful face.

Beauty tips How to Get Lips Sexier than the lips of Angelina Jolie

Lips are one of the most luscious parts of a woman’s body. In fact, men mostly devote their time to gaze over the buttocks, thighs and breasts of a woman. However, if they occasionally stare over the face of a beautiful girl, they will observe her lips first.

To make your lips exactly gorgeous and luscious as that of Angelina Jolie, you need to have a good plumping fix. Line your lips a little more outside the natural lipline of your lips.

The outer portion can be filled in with lipstick. You should use such lip tints or lipsticks that will not only color, but will also moisture your lips up to lipline. Moist luscious lips can certainly drive a man go crazy.

Lighter lipstick shades will also make your lips look bigger while darker shades will make them look smaller.
You should avoid using very creamy lipstick as that will increase chances of bleeding or spreading of color.

Red lipstick can be used for attaining instant glamour. To attain the bee-stung effect on your luscious lips, finish your lip make-up with dotting lipgloss on the center of your lower lip.

How to attain Instant Glow on your beautiful Skin

Many young girls complain about their lackluster skin. You may use a loofah in the shower as that will slough off dead skin cells. To attain a naturally healthy and glowing skin, exfoliate your skin regularly as that will improve the texture and tone of your skin.

Use a shimmery body lotion to apply on your skin all over the body to attain instantly brighter complexion. Girls should always use such a foundation that matches closely with their skin tone.

Avoid overdoing mascara and kajal part on your eyelids. To attain a delicious sun kissed looks, you may finish off your make-up with a Bronzer.

A five-minute make-up plan
After washing your face, apply a tinted moisturizer over your clean, fresh face.

Eyes: use black, brown or dark blue eyeliner to line your upper lid as that will make your peepers look bright and attractive.

Brush a little luminous shadow over your lid and use black mascara to open up your eyes while finishing off.

Cheeks: use a Bronzer or some rouge to dust over your cheekbones. It will define and alleviate the angles of your face in a beautiful manner.

Lips: Use a lipstick with a moisturizer to match the color of your dress or you may opt to use any simple shiny clear gloss as that will augment your natural lip color. Apply lip-gloss right at the center of your upper and lower lip to attain fuller, plumper lips just like the lips of Angelina Jolie.

Love Isn't Supposed to Hurt (A Poem Against Domestic Violence)

This is a poem depicting the pain and anguish of a victim of domestic violence, who in turn, looks for a way to free herself from the clutches of a painful and violent relationship. What that woman realizes is that there is only one way, and daringly, she opts for that only way to protect herself against domestic violence!

Many women suffer the ordeal of domestic violence, many of them fail to make a voice, often women are forced to accept violence and injustice against them as a way of life. There are many facets of domestic violence against women and that includes, wife beating, honor killing, female foeticide, Dowry killing, rapes and many more.. I don't know if there is anyway to create a society where no such incidence will ever occur. I sincerely doubt it. Because violence or crime against women is no different then violence or crime against humanity. And the fact is, crime and violence is just another facet of humanity. It is an incurable disease for humanity.

Love Isn't Supposed to Hurt

A smile on my face
A twinkle in my eye
The makeup covers the marks
It disguises the pain inside.

We act so in love
A perfect match frozen in time
But behind closed doors
You destroy my body, soul, and mind.

It began with you saying you would never hurt me
And I fell into every word
Then you told me you hit me because you love me
I was already so broken down,
The threats you made controlled my life
My body bruised and bleeding
You told me you did it for my own good
That love was your only reason.

I remember the rug burns
Etched into my face that night
I huddled in the corner
Clinging to my life,
You screamed and yelled
And kicked my body
You told me I was whore
You told me I should like the abuse
You said you would beat me till I begged for more.

But I begged the wrong words,
I begged you stop
So you keep doing what you know best,
You pulled me up by my hair
Dragged me across the room,
I could cry no more,
My eyes ran dry
I was alone in a world of pain
You laughed so loud
Looking down on me
You loved me helpless and weak
You told me “you’re welcome”
I got what I deserved
You hugged me and kissed my cheek.
I went to bed with you that night
And laying there I knew I was stuck
You had complete control of my life.

My blood ran cold,
My heart started skipping beats,
I felt the pain turn into anger
It exploded inside of me.

I rolled over quietly,
Opened the drawer,
Looking in I knew,
I told you I didn’t like you having guns,
But this would be my time to thank you.

I watched you sleeping,
You chest breathing up and down
I swear you smiled
As I recalled our love
I needed to break free,
I held the barrel close to your head
And a wave of happiness washed over me.

It was the first real smile to appear on my face,
This one was not covering up our lies,
I laughed out loud like I have heard you do
So many times before.

You’re eyes started to open
But you had no time to react,
I stated the words “I’m doing this because I love you”
And my finger on the trigger pulled back.

It was all in slow motion as I watch your skull shatter
And your blood spit back on my face,
I had to lick my lips and taste your blood
Because so many times before
Your saliva took its place.

The pillow your head laid on
Drank up your blood so quick
I think it was thankful it wasn’t my tears
And I smiled at the thought of it.

I watched your body for a while
Your breathing was no more
Your face was unrecognizable
It was a sight I just adored.

I put the gun to the side
And I laid near your corpse
There was no more fear running through my mind
And I would soon drift off to sleep
You told me you hurt me for my own good
And no one would ever love me like you can
And I thought how ironic it was and how true
Because no one would ever love me like you did
And I was comforted by the thought
That no one ever would… 

Importance of Texas in American Civil War

Antebellum Texas was a political, social and economical stronghold of the Southern states. Southern states were significantly supporting the slave-trade. Agriculture was the major profession of people in Texas and most of them were involved in subsistence farming and herding and hence they were dependent on crop production which is a cash crop. Being an agricultural base, Texas became the hot spot for ‘Peculiar Institution’ slavery. In 1846, around 30,000 black slaved were present in Texas. Because of the dependence of people of Texas on slaves, the politicians of Texas were also highly influenced by the Southern ideology of supporting slave trade (Antebellum Texas, Handbook of Texas online). By 1850, the growing conflicts of the Northern states with Southern states started troubling the state of Texas. Most of Texans were of the opinion to maintain the Union to which they had great affinity as they worked hard to join the Union in 1845. They were affected by the continuous criticism and attacks on Southern leaders by their Northern counterparts. While only about 25 percent of all Texan families owned slaves, almost all Texan were strongly favouring the opposition to any interference by the Union government and Northern leaders with the procedural institution of slavery.

Abraham Lincoln was chosen as the president of the Union in 1860 and that was no less than a threat for Texans and other Southern states. The then governor of Texas, Sam Houston was truly devoted for the welfare of Texas and he was very honest towards the Union too. Texans urged Sam Houston to call a common meeting of public to take a decision about the future course of action of Texas. However, being an honest supporter of the Union, Sam Houston tried his best to suppress any voice of secession from the Union. However, his attempts fell short when in December 1860; South Carolina made its announcement of secession from the Union. Secessionist leaders of Texas like William P. Roger, O.M. Roberts, George M. Flournoy and John S. (Rip) Ford forced the governor of Texas, Sam Houston to give way for the rising voice of secession (Civil War, Handbook of Texas Online)

On February 1, 1861, the representatives of the convention for secession voted for breaking the Texans ties with the Union and the Abraham Lincoln’s upcoming administration. On February 23rd, and on March 2nd, 1861, a large majority of Texans approved the decision of secession and the annexation of Texas as a state of the Union was reversed to declare Texans secession from the Union (Reid, 2005).

The governor of Texas, Sam Houston was adamantly devoted towards the Union and he strongly opposed the decision to secede from the Union. He not only refused to be with the Confederacy, but he also rebutted the decision of secession and revolt. Because of his actions in favour of the Union, he was ousted from the office and Lieutenant Governor Edward Clark was chosen to replace him in the Governor’s office of Texas. Volunteers were organized in Texas to capture all Federal Military Installations and supply depots at San Antonio. In April, 1861, Confederate forces attacked on the Fort Sumter. All of the Burnett’s Texas Mounted Volunteers were from East Texas counties. Later on, all of them were added in the 13th Texas Cavalry Regiment of the Confederate services Union (Reid, 2005).

The Texans were always full with nationalistic feelings and once the decision of secession from the Union and support for the Confederate was taken, citizens of Texas willingly gave away the identity of Texas as a part of the Union and quickly accepted the nationalistic identity of Confederate.

Harrison County and other Texas residencies made use of the old historical foundation of state in patriotic version while denouncing the fragile loyalty towards the Union. This helped Texans to adapt with the nationalistic feeling and loyalty towards the confederate. Right from the beginning stages of Civil War, people of Texas maintained their nationalistic approach and terms like ‘our nation’, ‘our country’ or the ‘South’ were used to represent them. The antebellum Texas thus, was a source of nationalistic will and feelings and Texans were determined to attain nationalistic identity while giving up the Union. The Texan women also took an eager role in helping the army of Confederate and in November 1861, a Lady’s Aid Society was assigned to work for the welfare of the new Confederate country. Texan women had strong desire to serve and provide relief for the confederate soldiers by stitching their cloths, hosting fund-raisers, supporting poor families and more similar activities. Every step by these women was taken for supporting the nationalistic cause for which their men were struggling against the army of the Union. It can be said that almost every Texan, including men, women, old and young were actively or emotionally involved with the nationalistic feeling of Confederate right after the secession from the Union (Lang, 2009).

By the end of 1861, 25,000 Texans joined the Confederate army; Texans majorly chose to serve in the branch of Cavalry. During the Civil War, almost 90,000 people from Texas were serving in the military services for the Confederate. Most of these Texan soldiers fought against the Union in the war at Southwest. While their main motive was to defend their state against Indian attacks and invasions by the Union, they also tried to expand their control over New Mexico Territory. Henry H. Sibley was a West point Graduate and a veteran soldier. He succeeded in convincing the leaders of the Confederate and President Davis that they could easily capture New Mexico and Arizona. However, the Defence of Texas coastlines gained more success than the aggressive invasion on New Mexico. (Civil War, Handbook of Texas Online)

Since most of the quality horse breeding regions were in the upper South, Texans and Southern in general suffered the lack of warhorses during the Civil War. The Federal forces of the Union captured Missouri, Kentucky, much of Tennessee and trans-Allegheny Virginia by mid 1862. This further caused the deficiency of warhorses as the supply of war horses for Texan soldiers was totally aborted. Every volunteer of the cavalry of Texas was expected to arrange a horse by his own. This lack of warhorses on both sides of the struggling parties forced the evolution of innovative ways of fighting to use weaponry even in absence of warhorses (Gervase Phillips, 2005).

Most of the large battles of Civil War were fought at long distances from Texas beyond the Mississippi river. Thousands of Texan soldiers moved towards the battle fields and took part in great battles of civil war. During the first half of the civil war, Francis R. Lubbock worked as the governor of Texas. He was an intelligent authoritarian and he used his diligence to recruit Texans in the military services. Almost all of Texas citizens offered proper support for all governors for supporting the Confederate. Majority of Mexican Americans of Texas voluntarily joined Confederate army. However, some Texans also joined Union army to respect the memories of the Texas Revolution and its aftermath. However, Texan Confederate harshly dealt with all those who tried to help the Union forces. Unlike other Confederate states, the Texas state suffered much less economic turmoil during the civil war in comparison. However, the civil war hugely affected the life of every common Texan.

Union forces staged blockades which caused shortage of many common usage commodities such as clothing, medicines, shoes, coffee and agricultural equipments. Even it was difficult to get salt at times. To overcome these conditions, people of Texas started using homespun cloths. However, since Texans were able to trade with Mexico, they were in better situations then people in other confederate states. Texans bought and arranged supplies of food, dry goods, liquor, tobacco, coffee, medicines and military supplies from Mexico. The economy of Texas was majorly dependent on agriculture. Since most of the farm men joined army, the remaining women and children were forced to take responsibility of looking after their agricultural land. The farmers adapted to the conditions of wartime and in place of growing commercial cotton, they preferred growing corns (Civil War, Handbook of Texas Online).

Thus, the history reveals that Texans were very adamant and devoted towards their nationalistic feelings and had full confidence in the motives of their leaders.

References:
Antebellum Texas, Handbook of Texas online: Available at: http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/AA/npa1.html
Civil War, Handbook of Texas Online: Available at: http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/CC/qdc2.html
Thomas Reid, 2005, “Spartan Band: Burnett's 13th Texas Cavalry in the Civil War”, University of North Texas Press, Denton, TX, available at: http://www.questia.com/read/116276454?title=Spartan%20Band%3a%20%20Burnett%27s%2013th%20Texas%20Cavalry%20in%20the%20Civil%20War
Andrew F. Lang, 2009, “Upon the Altar of Our Country": Confederate Identity, Nationalism, and Morale in Harrison County, Texas”, Civil War History. Volume: 55. Issue: 2, Kent State University Press, available at: http://www.questia.com/read/5034998594?title=%22Upon%20the%20Altar%20of%20Our%20Country%22%3a%20Confederate%20Identity%2c%20Nationalism%2c%20and%20Morale%20in%20Harrison%20County%2c%20Texas%2c%201860-1865
Gervase Phillips, December 2005, “Warhorses of the U.S. Civil War”, History Today. Volume: 55. Issue: 12, available at: http://www.questia.com/read/5011982822?title=Warhorses%20of%20the%20U.S.%20Civil%20War

Essentials of a Healthy Diet for Healthy and Beautiful Women

 

It is very important to understand that a woman needs specific diet to remain healthy and this is because a woman’s physical and mental health remains dependent on the hormonal balance and status in her body.

The hormonal balance and status signifies the interaction between female sex hormones namely, estrogen and progesterone, thyroid hormones such as TSH, T4, T3, and stress hormones specially cortisol.

 Proper production and balance of sex hormones is essential for a healthy women and proper balance is necessary to maintain appropriate levels of stress hormones. Excessive stress may disturb the production of estrogen and progesterone while creating harmful inflammation in women’s body.

By maintaining a good nutritious diet regularly, women can attain proper balance of hormones in her body and this will help her in attaining better mental and physical health along with providing her natural beauty. The following nutritional constituents should be included by every women in her diet to attain a better hormonal balance and healthy body.

Green and Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are essential constituents of every ones diet who is seeking for a healthy living. A woman cannot meet her nutritional requirements without including green leafy vegetables in her regular food. Fenugreek leaves, legumes, lettuce, asparagus, spinach, France beans and broccoli are easily available in abundance.

These vegetables are rich sources of Vitamin C and K, iron, folic acid and fibre. These vegetables will also provide magnesium, potassium and calcium along with iron and hence by including them in regular diet, a girl can attain better protected vision and strength in bones.

Every girl should try to eat leafy vegetables daily.


Whole Grains

While refined grains are easily available in market, one should try to include whole grains in their diet. Whole grains are more nutritious and they contain around 96% more fibre and essential vitamins and nutrients than refined grains.

Often nutrition and diet experts advises women to have whole wheat bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta as they provide essential nutrients and the major advantage is, whole grains do not contribute to weight gain. To achieve a healthy and sexy girl persona, you should include whole grains in your daily food. You may choose to start your day with a whole wheat bread toast or whole wheat cereal.

Nuts

Nuts should be an essential constitutes of a woman’s diet. You may eat nuts while sprinkling them on breakfast cereals or on salads or you may choose to mix them with your yoghurt. Nuts will provide you the much required proteins, vitamin B & E and magnesium.

Nuts will also protect you against cancer and heart disease. While nuts are rich in fat calories, but the fat achieved through nuts doesn’t hurt your heart. You may also eat nuts along with your evening tea as snacks.

However, ascertain that you are not over-eating them. Around 15-20 cashews, almonds, walnuts are good enough in a week.

Yoghurt

If you are worried about you weight, you may choose to eat low fat yoghurt as both low fat and plain yoghurt are high resources of protein, vitamins and calcium. The healthy bacteria of yoghurt will also provide you strength to fight various diseases.

Expert dieticians will suggest three to four cups of yoghurt for women in a week. However, you should avoid adding sugar to yoghurt. Better is to take yoghurt with salt or you may choose plain yoghurt and add berries or fruits to it.

Berries will make you merry

Berries are considered to be essential constituent of any fiber rich diet product. This is so because berries are the richest source of fiber while they will also help girls to curb excessive weight. Berries are rich in protective plant antioxidant than any other eatable.

The antioxidants of berries will also help you strengthen your memory and to fight against memory loss. You may eat a full bowl of berries thrice in a week. You may use fresh or frozen berries as both are beneficial.