Slavery, Abolition and the South Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Slavery, Abolition and the South - Essay Example ed in hard battles and continued to sacrifice their lives throughout the war despite the fact that they were faced with death, being mutilated, being attacked by diseases and even being separated from their homes (Beckles 2000). Much of the fascination however is drawn from the willingness of the common Union and Confederate soldiers to engage in a war that was so ferocious and terrifying that today’s America cannot even imagine in engaging in such a fight (Blackmon 2008; Davis 1975). In For cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in Civil War, James McPherson, who is the author, has a unique opinion on his argument on why the soldiers initially went to war, He argues that the soldiers were encouraged to join the army as a sign of duty, loyalty and honour. He further argues that the images of manhood were just as essential to soldier motivation as group unity was. Moreover, McPherson believes that fanatic religious belief and ethnic animosity were not the main factors (McPherson 2002). One of the most seeming motivations that spanned the entire four soldier account was the enthusiasm of a sense of nationalism by having common discussion on the preservation or creation of a new government and nation. Both the Unionist and Confederate soldiers greatly used rhetoric and the country’s symbols of freedom, legacy and the constitution in expressing their drives of volunteering for service (Shankman 2014). However the North and South had a different logic and mode of approach to the use of these symbols. The South attained their nationalism and government due to their motivation for having fought in the civil war in a more tangible way as compared to their Union counterparts (Grayling 2007; Engerman 2001). One of the greatest seeming motivations that spanned the entire four soldier accounts was the motivation of a strong sense of patriotism by conversing the creation and or the preservation of a government and nation. Both the union and Confederate soldiers were

Basic Practices Essay Example for Free

Basic Practices Essay Their basic practices consist of what they call the Five Pillars and the Jihad. The Five Pillars of Islam are: Beliefs and witness; Daily prayers; Zakat; Fasting; and Hajj. Beliefs and witness Every Muslim, without resorting to the use of force or intimidation, are obliged to spread the words of Islam so that other people may know about it, understand it, and use the knowledge to guide them in choosing their faith. They are convinced that once non-Muslims acquire enough knowledge, they would voluntarily embrace Islam (Fisher, 2005). Daily Prayers Prayers should be recited five times a day while facing the direction of Mecca. It is believed that requiring every Muslim to face Mecca symbolizes unity among the devotees of Islam around the world, while the daily prayer emphasizes Islam’s teaching that every Muslim should remember God everyday of his or her life (Fisher, 2005). Their daily prayer is called salat and consists of the Fajr, or the morning prayer; the Zuhr, or the noon prayer; the ‘Asr, or the afternoon prayer; the Maghrib which is the sunset prayer; and the Isha, or the night prayer which is said at night just before going to bed (Robinson, 2007). Zakat Zakat, the third pillar, means â€Å"spiritual tithing and almsgiving. † Muslims are enjoined to help the poor by donating part of their annual income to charities of their choice at the end of each year. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for example, channels its contribution through the Islamic Relief Organization which aids people around the world regardless of their religion. Other Muslims could give their contribution to their local mosques (Fisher, 2005). Fasting Every year, the first Qur’anic revelation is celebrated with a month-long fasting called Ramadan. All able Muslims are required to abstain from â€Å"food, drink, sexual intercourse, and smoking† from dawn to dusk. Although fasting during Ramadan is an obligation, fasting, per se, is advised from time to time because it provides an individual with â€Å"a Transparent Soul to Transcend, a Clear Mind to think and a Light Body to move and act† (Fisher, 2005). Ramadan is considered as their holiest period which every Muslim who is over 12 years old is expected to observe. However, a Muslim could be excused from observing Ramadan because of reasons of health. This was expressly provided for in chapter 2, verses 183 and 185 of the Qur’an, viz: O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting (Robinson, 2007). Hajj The last Pillar – the Hajj – is a pilgrimage which every Muslim is expected make provided that he or she is financially and physically capable. It should be done even only once during his or her lifetime to honor Allah. Their pilgrimage destination is Mecca, where their holiest sanctuary, the Ka’bah, was built by Abraham with the help of his son Isaiah (Fisher, 2005). The Hajj was described by the Council of Islamic Education as consisting of several ceremonies, meant to symbolize the essential concepts of the Islamic faith, and to commemorate the trials of prophet Abraham and his family Prophet Muhammad had said that a person who performs Hajj properly will return as a newly born baby [free of all sins]. The pilgrimage also enables Muslims from all around the world, of different colors, languages, races, and ethnicities, to come together in a spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood to worship the One God together (Robinson, 2007). Jihad Jihad means struggle. It is often misinterpreted by non-Muslims because it has often been portrayed by the media in the west as another term for a â€Å"holy war† which is waged by Muslims against non-Muslims. However, for Muslims, Jihad is actually a personal struggle to excel in one’s work or achieve a noble objective. It also means a Muslim’s struggle for â€Å"self-purification† (Robinson, 2007). Impact of Muhammad’s life on Islam The birth, life, and death of Muhammad impacted the world of Islam differently. His birth in 570 CE signaled the resurgence of the religion which had already sank into obscurity for centuries because the people of Meca rejected the monotheistic religion preached by Abraham. His life as a preacher which began three years after the start of the revelations resulted to a rejuvenated Muslim world. The flight of the Muslims to Medina (or the hijrah) which he orchestrated in order for them to escape persecution from the hands of the Qurayshites of Mecca was what strengthened Islam as soon as they had settled in Medina. Their newfound strength later enabled them to raise a strong army to recapture Mecca from the hands of the Qurayshites. However, while he re-established Mecca as the holy sanctuary of Islam, Muhammad himself chose to live in Medina (Fisher, 2005). While his birth signaled the rebirth of Islam and his life rejuvenated their religion, his death in 632 CE in Medina rocked the Muslim world. It caused a serious split among the followers of Islam. The Shi’a and Sunni Muslims became irreconcilably separated because of the issue of succession after Muhammad died. Most of the surviving Muslims believed that although Muhammad was able to leave explicit instructions telling his followers what to do after his death, they contended that he failed to anoint his successor. Thus, for the said majority, the issue of who should succeed Muhammad became an issue which should be settled satisfactorily in order to prevent dissension among the Muslims. After only discussing the problem briefly, they decided to settle the issue of succession by election. Unfortunately, the minority group insisted that it was not true that Muhammad failed to name his successor. They declared that several weeks before he died, Muhammad held the hand of his son-in-law, Ali, and uttered the following words: â€Å"Whoever I protect, ‘Ali is also his protector. O God, be a friend to whoever is his friend and an enemy to whoever is his enemy† (Fisher. 2005). The issue of succession was ultimately decided according to the wishes of the majority – by election – but the two factions have never reconciled up to this day. The Shi’a Muslims now form the majority faction in Iran, while the Sunnis are the majority in â€Å"Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, northern African countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Central Asian countries of the former Soviet Union, and Indonesia† (Fisher, 2005). The minority, the Shi’a Muslims or the Shi’ites, interprets the Qur’an strictly and adheres rather closely to the teachings embodies in the Qur’an. The Sunnis, or the majority, constitutes almost 90% of all Muslims who are considered traditionalists and secular. Because of their secularity, they are more adaptable than the Shi’ites (Robinson, 2007).

Tsiolkas Loaded and Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra

Tsiolkas Loaded and Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra One of the key concerns at the heart of communities is the notion of inclusion and exclusion. Loaded and Antony and Cleopatra Tsiolkas Loaded, and Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra present a primary protagonist, both conduct themselves outside of the social norms expected of them. Ari, the character in Loaded and Antony from Antony and Cleopatra will be compared. A review of their behaviour and response at times of inclusion and exclusion in society. Fukuyama suggests inclusion is, the expectation that arises within a community of regular, honest and cooperative behaviour, based on commonly shared norms (Fukuyama: 25). Ari and Antonys self-expectations differ from community shared norms, which exclude them; though in moments of compliance to the expected behaviours are included to which both authors represent the protagonist in a non-socially-destructive light, compared to following individualistic desire. TsiolkasAri connects his sense of community in the main narrative within the drug scene, clubs, secret homosexuality and music. Tsiolkas introduces a day and night with a 19-year-old Ari as the narrator, and the main protagonist as the reader follows to witness Aris dramaturgy, in his dialogue and behaviour depending on his social interactions. A self-confessed interloper of the social norms expected by the family structure he states, What I am is a runner. Running away from a thousand and one things, that people say you have to be or should want to be. (Tsiolkas:180). The reader can be confused just like the protagonist as Ari enjoys others company and has the brotherly love to be concerned about his Sisters relationship and protects his older Brother from their sometimes cantankerous Mother. Furthermore showing empathy towards his mothers home situation, even enjoying the connection with his mother when drinking, and enjoying Greek music with friends and family. He considers his Th ea (Aunty) during a coffee cup fortune reading, has mindfulness of his friend Joes uncomfortableness of homosexuality and Aris though struggling with Joe growing up he chooses to remain without external comment on these matters. Moreover, the acceptance of Johnno (Yianni) Toula as a valid member of society, to which Ari himself admires Johnnos (Yianni) strength to transform himself into Toula, a brave move within the Greek community and Australia at the time. Although the reader is witness to Aris interactions, internal and external dialogue, comparatively Ari through action versus his inner dialogue towards family and friends presents the desire to be included. The paradox, Ari in Loaded is an agent of his exclusion, throughout Loaded, Tsiolkas failure to adhere to mainstream morality and sexuality meant exclusion from the immigrant communal experience. (Frangos:13) Moreover, portrayed by Aris choice by not conveying his homosexuality his Greekness or Australianisms, to himself nor his parents. Inclusion is only on his terms during a period of emerging into adulthood, understanding his sexual and cultural identity while additionally conducting himself in self-destructive binges of unprotected sex with strangers, drug and alcohol use, as he divides of his home city into negative quarters to which he does not identify as an actual community. Thus, Aris denial of identity in a time of confusion and rebellion as a teen verging on adulthood. He denies himself of social inclusion which notably he replaces with his walkman playing selected soundtracks to survive the everyday. Although at brief moments Ari is compelled to be included within his so cial network of family and friends he shifts from the Greek music, contemporary music and movie loving teen to A dedicated non-conformist, he rejects media culture for its second-rate quality, levelling effect and mass appeal. He also abhors the shackling traditions of his Greek community, which he harshly criticises. (Vernay:44) Tsiolkas, therefore, presents Ari to the reader with secret identity issues and self-abuse during a difficult period of growing up showing how destructive self-exclusion from the community can impact on the personal perception of self. Additionally, though the community is not a utopia when included can bring with it belonging. Shakespeares Antony in Antony and Cleopatra struggles between Roman Stoicism and Egyptian Epicureanism, fuelled by a social and internal conflict between his love for Cleopatra and the expectations from the Roman Empire. Antony, formerly a Roman hero who won his position and admiration of the Roman community as one of the three leaders of Rome. Although, Shakespeare introduces Antony proclaiming his love for Cleopatra denouncing the Roman empire and his role within it. To which the next scene Antony is struggling with this proclamation, fearing the loss of his Roman identity while idle and enjoying the luxury Alexandria has offered him, recounting the glory days of his heroism, as a leader of Rome. Shakespeares use of two ideological and geographical places represents the opposing directions of the individualistic desire of Antony and the conflict between his reason, loyalty, and social expectations of both locations. Antonys duty, desire, socially expected obligations to Rome and hi s need to be indulgent of socially undesirable behaviour cause Antony to question his inclusion in both places but also his Roman-ness, the value he places in honour, as a part of his identity. Antony, nevertheless, participates in a deconstruction of his own not Antony identity at the opening of the play by resisting, ignoring, or attempting to replace his Roman-ness with a reconstruction based on his own desires and plans. (Galante: 9-10) Antony, recalls the joy and admiration of his inclusion in Roman society as a heroic champion of Rome, where is spontaneity and love of indulgence are celebrated and excepted, though frowned upon at times where his desires superseded the role Rome expected him to take. To assist Antony to his former glory, the arranged marriage of Octavians sister Octavia brought temporary peace, although Antony could not honour his marriage and returns to his desires back to Alexandria and Cleopatra; which Octavian himself questions Antonys loyalty: No way excuse his foils when we do bear So great weight in his lightness. If he filled His vacancy with his voluptuousness, Full surfeits and the dryness of his bones Call on him fort. But to confound such time That drums him from his sport and speaks as loud As his own state and ours, tis to be chid As we rate boys who, being mature in knowledge, Pawn their experience to their present pleasure And so rebel to judgment. (1.4.3) Shakespeare) While battling between self-desire and indulgence Antony is defeated by both Cleopatra and Octavian to which Antony is forced to face himself, and the exclusion he had created. The reality of Antonys fickle and unstable identity is an amalgamation of the opposites, he doesnt seem to have control over himself and is tantalised by discourses cruel play, he is not the engineer of his identity, and every contingent event drives in different directions. (Mohamadi:19). In defeat in battle and love, the struggle of only knowing victory as a part of identity excludes Antony more so, complaining to his attendant Eros, he feels himself changing, transitioning from one character to another as he attempts to restore his esteem and former identity to himself. Defeated, with false information on Cleopatras death sent by Cleopatra herself, rather than amending his character and social inclusion which incorporated loss. His choice to attempt to restore his identity as a unvanquished hero is by suici de believing his honour would be restored, and his name and story, therefore, included in Roman society as a legend of Rome. Shakespeares tragedy of the fall of Antony, the hero, shows as Fukuyama suggests inclusion is only successful when a person conducts themselves within the shared norms of society, Antonys waywardness and loss of what included him within Roman society ultimately created a self-righteous suicide. Comparatively, Ari is at a crossroads, at a confusing time while transitioning into adulthood, discovering his sexuality while struggling with cultural identity resulting in his extreme behaviour and exclusion from the community, through drug use and nihilism, though still enjoying his self-selected inclusion. Antony formerly had inclusion which gave him power and options, to which by choice excluded himself to pursue his desires, only to espouse the inclusion of his homeland he once had. Both protagonists have control of their inclusion and exclusion within their community both choosing to exclude themselves due to desire and resulting in both losing their identities, connectedness, and ultimately wanting a place of belonging. Moreover, Loaded ends knowing Ari is out there lost within himself and disconnected; the reader is left hopeful he will find inclusion socially and with self. Unfortunately, Antony story ends with his death; the reader is left to ponder if he lived could he ha ve brought back the heroic Antony from the lessons learnt. Tsiolkas Loaded, and Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra are from different eras and are of a different genre, but both present geographical separation and the impact society has on self and expected norms for inclusion. The Authors allow the reader to witness the tension individualism creates when it excludes those against the social standards of the community, and the joy that acceptance can bring when the personal desire is put aside to embrace community expectations in return. Bibliography: Frangos, Marina. Diaspora is a Greek Word: Words by Greeks on the Diaspora. Irish Journal for Culture, Arts, Literature and Language, Vol. 1: Iss. 1, (2016) Article 3. Fukuyama, F. Trust: The Social Virtues and the Creation of Prosperity. New York: Free Press (1995). 25 Galante, Paul. Yet cannot hold this visible shape: Antonys Roman identity crisis in William Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra . Theses and Dissertations. (2001) Paper 691. Mohamadi, Abolfazl. Constructive Power and Discordant Discourses in Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra. International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences Online: [SciPress Ltd., Switzerland and University of Tehran, Iran] Vol. 58, (2015) 18-24. The Shakespeare Head Press. The complete works of William Shakespeare: Antony and Cleopatra. Wordsworth Editions, Clays Ltd, St Ives plc (1996) 924-964 Tsiolkas, Christos. Loaded. Random House Australia: ePUB ISBN: 9781742743882 (2011) 1-162 Vernay, Jean-FrancÃÅ' §ois. Only Disconnect-Canonizing Homonormative Values: Representation and the Paradox of Gayness in Christos Tsiolkass Loaded. Antipodes, Vol. 20, No. 1 Wayne State University Press (2006) 41- 45. Additional references Crane, Mary Thomas. Roman World, Egyptian Earth: Cognitive Difference and Empire in Shakespeares Antony  and Cleopatra. Comparative Drama, Vol. 43, No. 1 (2009) 1-17. Hauthal, Janine.Writing back or writing off? Europe as tribe and traumascape in works by Caryl Phillips and Christos  Tsiolkas, Journal of Postcolonial Writing, Vol.51, No. 2, (2015) 208-219. Ricard, Nathalie Effects of Social Exclusion and Inclusion on Basic Needs Satisfaction, Self-Determined Motivation, the Orientations of Interpersonal Relationships, and Behavioural Self-Regulation. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing [ProQuest Dissertations and Theses] (2011) 1-159.

Edna’s Symbolic Swim in The Awakening :: Chopin Awakening

Edna’s Symbolic Swim in The Awakening Reading through The Awakening for the first time, a passage in chapter X intrigued me: Edna’s first successful swim. I begin my close reading halfway through page 49, â€Å"But that night she was like the little tottering, stumbling, clutching child, who of a sudden realizes its powers, and walks for the first time alone, boldly and with over-confidence.† Her success is sudden and in spite of assistance from â€Å"the men and women; in some instances from the children† throughout the summer. Robert himself had devised a system of lessons. But her triumph does not result from any such assistance, but from her own abilities. By comparing the experience to a child’s first steps, it conjures imagery she herself must have experienced with her own children, which is emphasized by referring to â€Å"the† child rather than â€Å"a† child. Before her triumph, she totters, stumbles, and literally clutches at any â€Å"hand nearby that might reach out and reassure her,† always requiring the assistance or reassurance of others. But on this night, her powers, which by virtue of the strength of such a word choice suggests its relevance to far more than swimming, overtake her. It is significant she does it alone, and her over-confidence possibly foreshadows the conclusion. â€Å"A feeling of exultation overtook her, as if some power of significant import had been given her to control the working of her body and her soul† implies the tremendous joy that encourages her to shout, as well as underscores the significance of the experience in terms of the greater awakening, for the experience actually does provide Edna with the ability to control her own body and soul for the first time. Her â€Å"daring and reckless† behavior, her overestimation of strength, and the desire to â€Å"swim far out, where no woman had swum before† all suggest the tragic conclusion that awaits Edna. Whether her awakening leads her to want too much, or her desires are not fully compatible with the society in which she lives, she goes too far in her awakening. Amazed at the ease of her new power, she specifically does not join the other groups of people in the water, but rather goes off to swim alone. Indeed, her own awakening ultimately ends up being solitary , particularly in her refusals to join in social expectations. Here, the water presents her with space and solitude, with the â€Å"unlimited in which to lose herself.

The Big Lie(about Theism) :: essays research papers

The Big Lie I have been going to church since I was three years old. I also attended Sunday school since I was three. Since then I have been confirmed as a member of the church and have actively participated in the senior high youth program at my church. All of these years I figured that I would "grow into god", well at least that is what my pastor said. I think of myself now, at seventeen years old, and I still have not "grown into god". I have many reasons why I chose atheism. First I think of church as a bunch of hogwash. When I take a step back to look at the church, here is what I see. I see a god that has not shown any proof for that last 2000 years (if even then), I also see a god that has left no evidence, except for the cross. Lets talk about the cross for a moment. Jesus was supposed to have carried this huge cross only to be nailed to it and hung among thieves. First off, if Jesus was this big threat to a king and supposed to be the Son of God would not one think that he would go out with a bigger ceremony. I do not think that the king would just hand him among thieves. Second, on the third day he was supposed to move this huge stone and "rise". What is rising anyway did he just magically lift into the air without making a sound and no one seeing him. Or was it more of a fade away into nothing, if that was so why did he move the stone? I see many similarities between the church and a cult. What is a cult? A cult as I see it is people who blindly dedicate time and money to a higher power in which they have never seen evidence of, same as the church. The main difference between a church and a cult as I see it is the church has history. Many cults can be self-destructive, hence the church is thought to be stronger. The people of the church also have this book they cling to, the bible. This bible was supposed to be written thousands of years ago and supposed to have actual quotes from Jesus himself. First how could a book last this long? The Big Lie(about Theism) :: essays research papers The Big Lie I have been going to church since I was three years old. I also attended Sunday school since I was three. Since then I have been confirmed as a member of the church and have actively participated in the senior high youth program at my church. All of these years I figured that I would "grow into god", well at least that is what my pastor said. I think of myself now, at seventeen years old, and I still have not "grown into god". I have many reasons why I chose atheism. First I think of church as a bunch of hogwash. When I take a step back to look at the church, here is what I see. I see a god that has not shown any proof for that last 2000 years (if even then), I also see a god that has left no evidence, except for the cross. Lets talk about the cross for a moment. Jesus was supposed to have carried this huge cross only to be nailed to it and hung among thieves. First off, if Jesus was this big threat to a king and supposed to be the Son of God would not one think that he would go out with a bigger ceremony. I do not think that the king would just hand him among thieves. Second, on the third day he was supposed to move this huge stone and "rise". What is rising anyway did he just magically lift into the air without making a sound and no one seeing him. Or was it more of a fade away into nothing, if that was so why did he move the stone? I see many similarities between the church and a cult. What is a cult? A cult as I see it is people who blindly dedicate time and money to a higher power in which they have never seen evidence of, same as the church. The main difference between a church and a cult as I see it is the church has history. Many cults can be self-destructive, hence the church is thought to be stronger. The people of the church also have this book they cling to, the bible. This bible was supposed to be written thousands of years ago and supposed to have actual quotes from Jesus himself. First how could a book last this long?

Same-Sex Marriage Essay -- Homosexual Gay Lesbian Papers

Same-Sex Marriage Many people believe that marriage is an integral part of their lives. Currently, marriage is defined within the parameters of a partnership of one man and one woman. Under Canadian common law, a same-sex couple cannot get married and the government refuses to acknowledge homosexuals as equals. Prohibiting same-sex marriages in legislation is discrimination. Denying homosexuals the ability to form this bond violates freedom of expression, equality rights for minorities, and freedom of religion, provisions present in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This is an issue of equality, security and freedom. If gays are denied the basic human right of marriage, one must ask the question: where does society stand today? This issue is controversial because many fear that marriage as an institution will be destroyed if same-sex marriage is passed through legislation. Really, there is no compelling reason to believe that legalizing gay marriage would affect traditional marriage, that is, if a traditional marriage even exists. Public opinion is considerably more tolerant of homosexuality than it has been in the past, but lesbian and gay communities nevertheless suffer from discrimination due to their sexual orientation. While it is "discriminatory and unethical to say that you have to be straight to have rights and to be accepted as a human being" (Steirs 164), many people oppose gay marriage because they assume that gays have a choice in who they can feel attracted to, and the reality is quite different. Through rapid advances in genetic research and biotechnology, many scientists have confirmed that sexual orientation is in... ...n Network Ltd. 1993. Moore, Leah. Points in Defense of Gay Marriage. 21 April 2001. (3 November 2002). Rauch, Jonathan. "Anything but Marriage?" The Atlantic Monthly May 2002. Robinson, B.A. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. 9 November, 2002. (10 November 2002). Stiers, Gretchen A. From This Day Forward. Commitment, Marriage, and Family in Lesbian and Gay Relationships. St. Martins Press: New York. 1999. Tessina, Tina. Gay Relationships for Men and Women, Los Angeles: Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc,1989. Vanasco, Jennifer. "Families United in Law". Chicago Free Press 13 February 2002. Vincent, Norah. "A lot of Hooey on Same-Sex Marriage; Gays Didn't Wreck Marriage". Los Angeles Times 9 August 2001.

Linux Security Technologies Essay

In a world so largely dependent on computer systems, inadequate security measures could lead to anything from having a single person’s financial information compromised to an electronic 9/11 against some of our country’s most secure federal computer networks. In the modern computer based society we live in, security is essential to protecting everything from personal desktops all the way up to the most secure federal databases. And many corporate and government level computers are based on the Linux kernel. SELinux has 3 states it can be in if on a system: Enabled, Disabled, and Permissive. Enforcing means SELinux security policy is active, Disabled means SELinux security policy is not active, and Permissive is a diagnostic state commonly used for troubleshooting. To better understand what improvements Mandatory Access Control (MAC) can provide for security, one needs to know about the standard Linux security provision called Discretionary Access Control (DAC). DAC, though it is still a form of security, only provides minimal protection to a Linux file system. With DAC, access to files merely requires needed permissions from the owner of the file to access (commonly referred to as file permissions), often requiring a password to open. A basic weakness of DAC is not being able to fundamentally differentiate between human users and computer programs. And with so many systems often having such large numbers of users, it only takes hackers accessing a single user’s account to have access to any and all of the files they have permissions for. If the compromised user account were to have super-user (root) access, the hacker could then gain access to an entire file system. This became the basis for coming up with a more secure way of protecting wrongful access into standard Linux based systems. SELinux utilizing MAC, on the other hand, was created to address this very weakness that DAC has as the standard Linux security. The way MAC helps improve overall security of SELinux is by providing what is called granular permissions for every subject (user, program, process) and object (file, device). In other words, through MAC, you only grant any subject the specific object or objects required to perform a specific function, and no more. Compared to DAC, security is more compartmentalized and has more layers of protection. Hence, SELinux provides a much more secure environment than the original Linux security features alone can. Another feature providing further security for a network is TCP Wrappers. TCP Wrappers work by controlling access through the utilization of IP addresses. In Linux, this is accomplished through 2 specific files that need to be created. The first file, hosts. deny, is a file listing names of hosts that are to be denied access to the network. The second file, hosts. allow is a file listing the names of hosts that are allowed access to the same network. The absence of theses 2 files, would allow the entire Internet access to network services, severely lowering the security of a host. This lowers a system being compromised through a sort of â€Å"gate guard with an access list† policy. If your name appears on the list, you gain access; if it’s not, you don’t. Creating an artificial root directory is yet another way to provide security for Linux systems, and is commonly referred to as a chroot jail. This prevents accessing or modifying, possibly maliciously, any file outside the directory hierarchy. The command required to create a chroot jail is /usr/sbin/chroot. Note, you must be working as root inside the Linux shell to do this. By creating a chroot jail, it prevents users from navigating up the hierarchy as high as possibly â€Å"/† (root). Even if the user did not have permissions required to edit higher directories, they may still be able to see files they don’t have any reason to have any access to. Chroot can be useful for providing basic preventative security by making it more difficult to exploit information on a server. But, by limiting user access in this way, if a user account were ever hacked, it still provides yet another layer of security by limiting the amount of access each user account has to begin with. It is important to understand that you must run a program in chroot jail as a user other than root (/). This is because root can break out of jail, making the chroot jail not provide the security it is intended to against unwanted access. Setting up iptables is another form of network security in Linux. They allow for setting up a firewall on the network. Iptables allow for network packet filtering rules. The use of iptables function allows rules to be set up that can reject inbound packets opening new connections and accept inbound packets that are responses to locally initiated connections. This basic feature therefore acts as a firewall to the system, preventing unwanted outside attempts to hack into a host network. In conclusion, with the technological direction of our future apparent, security technologies will be a continuing issue that will never stop making further advances. After all, the financial, physical, and ideological future of our country, and people as a whole, cannot afford to do otherwise. As our children, and children’s children, begin to take the reins of this electronically motivated world, computer security technologies will continue to be an important issue as long as we continue as a society. References: * http://www. omnisecu. om/gnu-linux/redhat-certified-engineer-rhce/what-is-security-enhanced-linux-selinux. htm * http://fedoraproject. org/wiki/SELinux_FAQ * http://www. nsa. gov/research/_files/selinux/papers/x/img3. shtml * http://docs. redhat. com/docs/en-US/Red_Hat_Enterprise_Linux/4/html/SELinux_Guide/selg-preface-0011. html * http://docs. fedoraproject. org/en-US/Fedora/13/html/SELinux_FAQ/ * http://www. bu. edu/tech/security/firewalls/host/tcpwrappers_macos x/ * http://www. serverschool. com/dedicated-servers/what-is-a-chroot-jail/ * http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Chroot