Chinese Footbinding :: essays research papers fc

The ancient Chinese custom of footbinding caused severe life-long suffering for the Chinese women involved. When researching the subject of footbinding, one of the difficult things is finding factual knowledge written before the 20th century. Most of the historical data has been gathered from writings, drawings and photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries. Additionally, the research indicates that the historical documentation was mainly from missionary accounts and literature from various anti-footbinding societies. These groups had a bias because of their opposing viewpoints. The first documented reference to footbinding was from the Southern Tang Dynasty in Nanjing (Vento 1). Although the history of footbinding is very vague it lasted for at least one thousand years.Early text referred to the Han Dynasty as people who preferred that the women have small feet (Vento, 1). Vento also acknowledged the first documented reference to actual binding of the feet was from the Tang Dynasty in Nanjing (1). Before the Sung Dynasty Binding was only slightly constricting, allowing for free movement, they were also thought to have used footbinding to suppress women. The Yuan Dynasty introduced binding into the central and southern parts of China. It may have been emphasized to draw a clear cultural distinction between the Chinese and their large footed conquerors, the Mongols. Footbinding was most popular during the Ming Dynasty, if parents cared for their sons they would not go easy on their studies and if they cared for their daughters they would not go easy on their footbinding (Levy, 47-49). One recent study estimated that there are still one million women in China with bound feet. The last Chinese women, still living with bound feet in Hawaii, was in 1994 (Kam, D-6).There are many legends of how footbinding began, one such legend is Lady Yao, a dancer and concubine for Prince Li Yu, danced with such grace that the prince required her to bind her feet to resemble new moons all the time. Another, is that it began out of the sympathy for Empress Taki who had club feet (Aero, 112-113). Although it has not been proven how footbinding started, one of the biggest reasons the practice continued for over 1000 years was it's sexual appeal (Kam, D-1).Humans have shown they will do just about anything- good, evil, or in-between for sex. Footbinding is a very bold issue that many Chinese do not like to talk about.

To What Extent Does Democracy in the Uk Suffer?

Politics Essay To what extent does democracy in the UK suffer from a participation crisis? (25 marks) There are a lot of ways in which citizens can participate in politics in the UK without necessarily having to vote for example: joining a political party, boycotting, and even signing petitions and fund raising. However, there is an argument that there has been a participation crisis over the past years in the UK. A participation crisis is when less and less citizens take part in political activities; this can be shown in the decrease of voter turnout and the level of participation.On the other hand, there is an argument that there is in fact not a participation crisis because the turnout of voting is increasing and specific forms of participation are also on the rise. In this essay, I will be arguing whether or not the UK is suffering from a participation crisis and if we are suffering to what extent. The main concern about democracy in the UK comes from evidence of rising political apathy. Some people have seen this as nothing more than a ‘participation crisis’.Can democracy be classed as healthy when more and more voters every year seem to be unconcerned or reluctant to engage in political life? Deteriorating rates of voter turnout and falling levels of party membership despite there being opportunities for participation show evidence. There are three main reasons to show why there is a participation crisis in the UK. The first reason is the public. Due to people’s interest in materialism, individualism and lack of community, citizens fail to pull together and look out for each other, which decreases the interest and connection they have in politics.Decreasing rates in party membership and electoral turnouts is part of a process that’s seen less interest in political affairs as citizens seem to care more about themselves and family rather than their neighbours and society as a whole. The voting turnout over the past years has been inconsistent. During 1945 to 1992, the average turnout rate in the UK general elections was above 75 per cent. However in the 2001 general election, the turnout rate was 59 per cent, the lowest the turnout rate has ever been since 1918. This shows the interest citizens had in political affairs decreased drastically.The turnout rate did increase however, by the 2010 UK general election the turnout rate was at 65 per cent due to the first ever UK TV debate with the three party leaders: David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg even though it was still below the average turnout rate during 1945 to 1992. Similarly, party membership in the UK has also decreased over the years. For example the number of people that were registered to Labour party has fallen from over one million members in the mid 1950’s to around 166,000 members in 2009. Conservatives party membership has also fallen.The number of people that were registered to Conservative party has fallen from approx. 2. 8 mill ion members in the 1950’s to around 250,000 members in 2009. By 2007, less than 1 per cent of people across the UK belonged to political parties, from 7 per cent 50 years ago. This shows a decline in party membership which is caused by a decline in the voters’ loyalty towards political parties. Another reason why there is a participation crisis in the UK is the media. The media has a big impact and influence on citizens and the way they vote and support political parties.The media focuses on the political scandals, allegations, incompetence and policy failure of the parties which means that the good things about the leading politicians are forgotten about and the negative tend to be more popular. For example, the Sun newspaper has seemed to influence citizens about which party should be in power as each party the Sun has supported over the years has won in the general elections. This shows that the media has had an impact on citizens and their preferred party which cou ld be another reason why there is a participation crisis.The final explanation why there is a participation crisis in the UK is the politicians themselves. Politicians have been known to lack vision, and only really care about being elected in modern politicians and political parties as it is seen as just another professional career. Politicians have also been known to be over -concerned with the media and how they are portrayed rather than being concerned on how things are at the moment and what they can do to make things better.This creates an impression to citizens that politicians are less trustworthy and are all about presentation which causes turnout rates and party membership to decline. The growing idea for politicians to target key voters and citizens they feel might change parties is also a contribution to declining voter turnout rates as other citizens may feel like they aren’t as important or cared about and so decide to not vote or vote for a different party beca use the political parties are ignoring the voters in the majority of seats.The decline in participation rates may also be because of politicians and political parties being too similar to each other, which doesn’t give citizens much choice if both parties are appealing to the same targets and have the same policies. In previous years there were clear divides in the different parties and policies, which made it easier for citizens to choose which party they wanted in power. However for example, the Labour and Conservative parties have distanced themselves away from their traditional policies and targets and are now both focusing on Middle English citizens.In my opinion, there is much evidence for a participation crisis, although single issue politics is growing and pressure groups add to the democratic process as they give a voice to those who are ignored by the majority system. Party memberships have declined however pressure group memberships are growing. Voter turnout is de clining, fewer people feel naturally inclined to a particular party and even less take an active interest in politics due to rising income levels blurring class lines. Because pressure group membership, e petitions and direct action have increased I think this contradicts the idea of a participation crisis.To conclude, the British people have always been reluctant to get involved in democracy. Although forms of participation are constantly evolving; with the small minority who take a strong interest in politics turning more to action groups at the cost of parties, nothing has occurred since 1918 to change the fact that the majority give more priority to work, home, recreation and their private lives instead of public concerns. Many changes can be made to improve democracy however it may not work because Britons do not have an active involvement in politics.There are three main factors that could explain declining turnouts at election time, the electorate- society has become more mat erialistic, the media- they have caused enormous problems for the public to trust and put their faith in politics, and lastly politicians- they have done nothing to restore faith back into politics. The cause of participation crisis lies within the physical act of voting being out of touch with the public. Many of us are tied with jobs social life family life to find time to vote. Therefore voting becomes a burden.

The Child Movement And America s Juvenile Justice System

Both Platt and Ward do an excellent examination of critically going through what was happening in the â€Å"Child Savings Movement† and America’s juvenile justice system. Platt and Ward gave me perspectives of beliefs, biases, practices, and institutions that existed during the inception of the juvenile justice system. I will be discussing one of the practices which is child labor and also I will be discussing about the orphan trains. Does punishment work? I will then be discussing reflectively about what I would have done to address this problem. Platt’s view on the motivation of the child saving movement was interesting. He believed there was a middle class desire to control the dangerous and perishing classes. A push from middle-class professionals working in the area to improve their status. The desire of middle class women to widen their sphere of influence. In 1969, Platt summarized three themes: (1) The child savers were not benevolent, because they imprisoned children for long periods of time under the pretext of protecting them from corrupting influences, (2) the ideal home setting was gauged by idealized middle- or upper-class standards that would be difficult for anyone to maintain, and (3) the child savers blurred the line between dependent and delinquent children, so any criminal child lost the right to due process and anybody who argued this point was treated as uniformed. Child labor was extremely terrifying during the child saving movement. These children wereShow MoreRelatedChallenges for the Juvenile J ustice System1067 Words   |  5 PagesChallenges for the Juvenile Justice System It has been one hundred years since the creation of the juvenile court in the United States. The court and the juvenile justice system has made some positive changes in the lives of millions of young people lives over the course or those years, within the last thirteen years there has been some daunting challenges in the system. According to Bartollas Miller (2008) the challenges and unique issues the juvenile justice system face in the 21stRead MoreJuvenile Justice And Its Effects On Society1722 Words   |  7 PagesJuvenile justice is compared in chapter thirteen. In the nineteenth century, there was an increased number of children at risk and chronic poverty. This overall was a general concern because there was an increase of people in the â€Å"dangerous classes†. There was a child saving movement, in which the poor children represented a threat to the moral fabric of society. The nineteenth century was a time where they had a house of refuge. In this house of refuge, they had a society for the prevention of pauperismRead MoreJuvenile Crime And Crime Rates1609 Words   |  7 PagesJuvenile crime is one of the nation s most serious problems. Concerns about it are generally broadcasted by federal, state, and local government officials and by the public. In years prior, the burden developed begin ning with the dramatic rise in juvenile violence in the eighties reaching an all-time peak in the first part of the nineties. Even though juvenile crime rates seem to have lowered since the mid-nineties, the reduction has not eased the concern. Many states began taking strict statutoryRead More Preventing Juvenile Delinquency Essay1386 Words   |  6 PagesPreventing Juvenile Delinquency The saying is that history often repeats itself. If this is true then society will have to deal with the complex burden of juvenile who eventually become adult criminals. However, if this saying is not true then the community in which juvenile delinquency exist must have the tool necessary to divert the youth in the community. If one is to change delinquent youth’s behavior, they need to variegate the justice system in order to prevent juvenile delinquent recidivismsRead MoreThe 19th Century : The Nineteenth Century1333 Words   |  6 Pages had children as young as fifteen married and having children of their own (Hacker D. J., 2003). The age distinction we place on juveniles today would not have been applied at that time, subsequently juveniles who broke the law were tried in the same courts as adults. Some youths as young as fourteen years old were executed for their crimes until 1899 when the Juvenile Court of Law was established in Chicago, Illinois (Jensen, G. Shoem aker, D., 2007). It is painful to consider that youth who foughtRead MoreEssay on Juvenile Justice1630 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿ Juvenile Delinquents and Treatment Models Mark Roggeman Colorado Christian University Juvenile Delinquents and Treatment Models Among those who work in the juvenile justice system there is much discussion on how to effectively determine the appropriate consequences and or treatment for their actions. There are those who believe in punishment that includes incarceration and boot camp and there are those who believe in treatment programs withRead MoreEssay about History of the Juvenile Justice System2644 Words   |  11 Pagesof the juvenile justice system and how it has come to be what it is today. When a juvenile offender commits a crime and is sentenced to jail or reform school, the offender goes to a separate jail or reforming place than an adult. It hasn’t always been this way. Until the early 1800’s juveniles were tried just like everyone else. Today, that is not the case. This paper will explain the reforms that have taken place within the criminal justice system that developed the juvenile justice system. BeforeRead MoreToday s Juvenile Court System Essay2037 Words   |  9 PagesToday’s juvenile court system handles most cases involving those under the age of 18-year-old. This was not always the case and the ideal of a separate court system for adults and children is only about 100 years old. When looking at the differences that set juvenile courts apart, it is important to study the history and see how it developed over time. The movement to separate children from adults in the court system can be traced back to English common law, just like most of America’s criminalRead MoreChild Welfare And The United States Department Of Justice1692 Words   |  7 PagesAccording to the United States department of Justice, Over sixty percent of American children are exposed to a type of violence every year (Finkelhor, D., Turner, H., Ormrod, R., Hamby, S., and Kracke, K. 2009). These forms of violence can be perpetrated by a victims home, community or school, with majority of children knowing the perpetrator(s). These experiences with violence whether primary or secondary, can cause serious psychological trauma to a child and in worst case scenarios death. The 2009Read MoreJuvenile Crime Issues in Today’s Criminal Justice System18893 Words   |  76 Pagesrights that may be threatened by technological advances and other developments:  ©  ©  ©  © chapter 15 Juvenile Justice chapter 16 Drugs and Crime chapter 17 Terrorism and Multinational Criminal Justice chapter 18 The Future of Criminal Justice These individual rights must be effectively balanced against these present and emerging community concerns: Widespread drug abuse among youth The threat of juvenile crime Urban gang violence High-technology, computer, and Internet crime (cybercrime) Terrorism

African Colonialism And Its Effects On Africa - 1669 Words

In the 1800’s countries were in search for land to expand their country into, this happened to many places including Africa. Colonialism was a time when countries took control of another land, which they then governed through direct or indirect rule depending on the country. During this time, Africa was most sought after due to its resources and its uninhabited land. Due to this, all colonial powers scrambled to get their hands on a piece of Africa in order to expand their areas of rule. As a result of the scramble for Africa the Berlin Conference was held. At this conference representatives from fourteen countries came together to divide up Africa’s land (Africans had no say in the matter, however). With colonial powers now in control, not everyone was pleased seeing as the governing country was only using them for natural resources and economic gain, which of course caused resistance with people refusing to assimilate to the colonial power. Eventually, anti-colonial m ovements sprung up and they did whatever they could to try and regain their right to self-rule. This ultimately led to boycotts, strikes, the formation of unions and political parties just to regain independence. Independence was a struggle that happened in many ways, such as violence and agreement as shown in Swaziland’s case. Swaziland has a particularly special story of colonialism, due to the fact that they started out just asking for some support. Swaziland s journey toward colonialism started in theShow MoreRelatedImapct of Colonialism on Africa889 Words   |  4 PagesIMPACT OF COLONIALISM ON AFRICA In this view of the circumstances that existed during history in regards to colonial Africa. I venture to examine how colonialism is viewed, introducing you to a variety of texts which expose you to different views and debates about what Africa may well have been like today, had the colonization never taken place. The African resistance to colonialism put another perspective on the colonization of Africa by the Europeans and the Western influence Africa faced. EachRead MoreAfrican Perspectives On Colonialism By Adu Boahen1138 Words   |  5 PagesBoffa History 108 Section G 4/23/15 â€Å"African Perspectives on Colonialism† is a book written by A. Adu Boahen. This book classifies the African responses to European colonialism in the 19th century. Boahen begins with the status of Africa in the last quarter of the 19th century and follows through the first years of African independence. This book deals with a twenty year time period between 1880 and 1900. Boahen talks about when Africa was seized and occupied by the Imperial Powers ofRead MoreInfluential Colonisation And Its Impact On Contemporary Africa1507 Words   |  7 PagesOutlined by this quote, that although in terms of times colonialism is a small section of African history, it has left an imprint throughout the continent. This essay will look at how influential colonisation is in contemporary Africa, there are two main groups of scholars who argue how influential colonialism was in Africa the first is outlined by Gann and Duigan and they hold the view that the colonial era was ‘ the most decisive for the future of Africa’. The alternative school of thought is held by BritishRead MoreAfrican Americans And The European System Of Africa1719 Words   |  7 Pagesconsidered Africa, as a continent that could not support itself since Africans were savages who were not able to prosper on their own. Because of this, life was not easy for Africans and their way of living was very mediocre. Africans’ weakness eventually became evident to the other nations of the world. The European system for instance, fortunately for them, decided to take control of Africa. This was a decision that benefited them financially as they exploited the richness that Africa enfolded.Read MoreColonization Of The Colonial System1473 Words   |  6 Pagescountry, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. Between 1870 and 1900, Africa faced European imperialist aggression, diplomatic pressure, military invasion and eventual conquest and colonization and at the same time African societies put up various forms of resistance against the attempt to colonize their countries and impose foreign domination. However, by the early twentieth century, all Africa except Liberia and Ethiopia was seized and occupied by the European imperial powers ofRead MoreThe Colonialism Effect Of Africa1002 Words   |  5 PagesThe Colonialism Effect of Africa As the world races for its place in history, many continents excel on their mark on the map. It is because Africa was in the right place, but in a different time they were taken advantage of their glory. Although it is difficult for Africa to retrace and reclaim its memoirs, it has an origin that had existed before colonialism. The attempt of challenging modern history has desperately provided an economical realm that extracts and injects into Africa resources. Read MoreThe African Struggle Over Time1097 Words   |  5 Pages The African struggle over time has been a topic discussed by many scholars. In Walter Rodney’s, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, he approaches the issue of how Africa’s power was stolen from them. Rodney focuses on the relationship between Africa and Europe and the effects of exploitation on the African people by, â€Å"reinforcing the conclusion that African development is possible only on the basis of a radical break with the international capitalist system.† The tone in which the book is wroteRead MoreAbstract. The Research Examines The Social, Economic And1704 Words   |  7 Pagespolitical effect of colonialism in West Africa. A critical view of the activities carried in the study to explain the social, economic and political effect of colonialism, and a qualitative of the growth rate of the West Africa countries were examined. The study therefore concludes that colonialism greatly had an impact in the growth of the countries in the selected West Africa countries. 1.0 Introduction Our research study will focus more on the effect of colonialism in Western part Africa by examiningRead MoreColonialism in Africa911 Words   |  4 PagesCivilizations II Mr. Mitchell 10:00-10:50 (MWF) Colonialism in Africa Neither imperialism nor colonialism is a simple act of accumulation nor acquisition†¦ Out of imperialism, notions about culture were classified, reinforced, criticized or rejected† (BBC World Service). The nineteenth century saw massive changes in Africa. Some were driven by famine and disease (BBC World Service). Some changes were the result of the territorial ambitions of African rulers. As the century progressed alliances withRead MoreColonization of Africa1542 Words   |  7 Pagessubjected to colonialism have been faced with a number of impediments throughout the years which have hindered social and economic growth, and laid the foundation which bred cultural conflict. Colonialism, however, too bought Western civilization and all its attractions to underdeveloped countries during the process of colonialism. The following essay will highlight the effects of colonialism on the developing world from an economic, political and social perspective. The colonization of Africa has a

Isolation in The Metamorphosis by Kafka and Heart of...

It is said that no man is an island, and no man stands alone. Hence, true human existence can not prevail positively or productively without the dynamics of society. Yet, this concept is very much a double-edged sword . Just as much as man needs to exist in society and needs the support and sense of belonging, too much social pressures can also become a stifling cocoon of fantasies and stereotypes that surround him. He becomes confined to the prototype of who or what he is expected to be. Thus, because society is often blinded by the realms of the world, its impositions in turn cripples humanity. If he does not conform, he becomes a social out cast, excluded and excommunicated from the fabric of life. The theme alienation in a small†¦show more content†¦On the contrary, in Heart of Darkness, Conrad focuses on the isolation of â€Å"Kurtz† the, main man of the â€Å"Congo†. Conrad’s medium of the river plays a focal point in the setting as a boundary t hat separates Kurtz from civilization. The river â€Å"resembles an immense snake uncoiled, with its head in the sea, its body at rest curving afar over a vast country, and its tail lost in the depths of the land† (10). The expanse of the â€Å"snake-like† river embodies a negative connotation of something sinister and stealthily lurking. While the Congo had been described as being â€Å"one of the darkest places of the earth† (6). This creates feelings of darkness, despair and desolation. Again in Metamorphosis, forces alienation which reveals the cruelty of man, which forces him to question the purpose of his own life. In instances when, â€Å"Gregor had absolutely no intentions of opening the door†¦ locking all the doors† (6). This impacts Gregor by leading him to lock himself away and retreat to his room. What began as imposed isolated, is now becoming self imposed. As a result, he starts to â€Å"feel abandoned in the empty room† where à ¢â‚¬Å"he had been used to his furniture for so long† (Kafka 33). As man continues to live his life according to what society wants rather for his desires. He finds himself settling and conforming, to that which makes him lack individuality and clones him in this single celled world. Even Gregor conforms to his new life as a bug, â€Å"...totallyShow MoreRelatedMetamorphosis and Heart of Darkness836 Words   |  4 Pagesalienation from a small society is depicted through setting by both authors Conrad and Kafka in Metamorphosis and Heart of Darkness. This depiction demonstrates how this isolation has a negative impact on man. As illustrated in Metamorphosis, Kafka demonstrates the isolation of Gregor, the protagonist through the medium of his room. The â€Å"room† symbolizes how Gregor lacks relationship with his surroundings, his family and others. Kafka describes it as being â€Å"A regular human room† with â€Å"the four familiarRead MoreHow to Read Lit Like a Prof Notes3608 Words   |  15 Pageswife)—the determination to remain faithful and to have faith iv. Hector: The need to protect one’s family d. The Underworld—an ultimate challenge, facing the darkest parts of human nature or dealing with death e. Metamorphoses by Ovid—transformation (Kafka) f. Oedipus: family triangles, being blinded, dysfunctional family g. Cassandra: refusing to hear the truth h. A wronged woman gone violent in her grief and madness—Aeneas and Dido or Jason and Medea i. Mother love—Demeter and Persephone 10. It’s more

Antigone (546 words) Essay Example For Students

Antigone (546 words) Essay AntigoneAnd OedipusAntigone and Oedipus, written by Sophocles, are dramatic plays with a tragicending. The main theme for Antigone is that people sometimes have to learn thehard way from their mistakes. This theme is expressed in the final four lines ofthe play. They read, There is no happiness where there is no wisdom; No wisdombut in submission to the gods. Big words are always punished, And proud men inold age learn to be wise. These lines are an important part of the play. Theysymbolize Creons bad decisions he made, his defiance to the gods, thepunishment he went through because of his edict, and the wisdom he gainedbecause of all his mistakes. There is no happiness where there is nowisdom demonstrates how Creon not using wisdom in his decision affected him. By declaring that Polyneices could not have a proper burial, he went against thegods and the other citizens of Thebess beliefs. This was not a wise decisionon his part, and because of it he lost his wife, his son, and his happiness. Creon also defied the laws of the gods. This is what is expressed in the line,No wisdom but in submission to the gods. In Antigone, the edict anddecisions that Creon made demonstrated that his law was more important then thegods laws. His defiance of the laws eventually made him believe, by talking toTeirisias, that something bad would happen to him, so he gave in to hisdecision. When he gave into the gods he gained wisdom and learned that hisactions would be punished. Creons edict is considered his big words. In thethird line it says, Big words are always punished. Creons edict waspunished by his loss of happiness. He proclaimed to his city that Polyneices maynot be buried, when he did this he was very proud and demanding about hisdecision. He was determined not to change his mind for anything. These big wordsthat he proclaimed would bring his downfall. Because Creon locked Antigone up,for burying Polyneices, she killed herself. Creons son Haimon, who wasengaged to Antigone, also co mmitted suicide upon seeing his beloved Antigonedead. Also Creons wife took her own life. If Creon hadnt gone against what wasright, by making his laws more important then the gods laws, and issuing hisedict, he would not have suffered the way he did. By getting involved instopping Polyneices burial by his edict he brought upon his own terriblepunishment. The last line, Proud men in old age learn to be wiseexplains the main theme of Antigone. The proud man is Creon, the King of Thebes. By all the mistakes he makes he learns to be wiser. As a ruler he was a veryproud man. He didnt seem to care about anything as long as his commands werecarried out. By losing his son and wife and probably the respect of manycitizens of Thebes he grew wiser. Creons bad decisions he made, his defiance tothe gods, the punishment he went through because of his edict, and the wisdom hegained because of all his mistakes, all contribute to the main theme of Antigone,that people sometimes have to learn the hard from their mistakes. Theexplication of the final four lines of the play really give a betterunderstanding of the theme that Sophocles was trying to get across to hisaudience.

Saturday Essays - 1159, , Term Papers, Research Papers

Saturday Saturday Saturday. The first day of the weekend, the first day of freedom at the end of every week at school. Saturday was always a day of great anticipation for me during my younger years. It signified not only the beginning of a weekend away from the rigours of Primary school and learning my times tables, but also my first real social experiences. Saturday was Club Day. At around the age of 8 or 9, my Mum decided that I needed to get out into the real world and get a taste of Saturday life, and all it had to offer. So, on the advice of my much older and wiser 10 year old cousin, I chose to join the local craft club. Each Saturday morning from that day onwards, I would join the 6 or 7 other girls in the hot, cramped Cathys Crafts store in Montmorency. For $7 a week I could paint pieces of wood shaped as teddies, or perhaps even stick some glitter on a nice picture for Mothers Day. Either way it served as a warning for the rest of my life that craft was definitely not my scene. Project after project, week in, week out, I came home bearing one more useless, awful testament to bad taste and craftsmanship. Mum would be gently supportive with kind words such as why dont you give this to Nana for Christmas? Or in other words I never want that hideous toilet roll cover in my house again. Dad wad not quite so understanding. My skills with the paintbrush were often criticised, as I had not used a polyglaze or a neutral undercoat or a size 12 brush. Although the $7 a week had produced some memories of gluing too many sequins on my photo frame, or never being able to paint flowers quite right, the time had come for me to give my craft club days away. Forever. And so it was that I found myself, hand glued to Mums, at the Little Athletics sign-up day. And so it was that I found myself being talked into being patriotic and signing up with the valiant Montmorency, who had never yet won a club championship and are likely to never achieve this coveted goal. My Saturdays had taken on a new light, a change of direction and an earlier morning wake-up. Every Saturday I would wake up early, in excited anticipation of the day ahead. Mum would check my schedule and inform me of the days events. If I was lucky, I would have The Walk, the 200 metres and Long Jump my best events. With deck chairs and thermos in tow, Mum would drive to Willinda Park in our old beat-up Holden Kingswood, and, despite my howls of protest, pull up right outside Montmorencys headquarters. It really was an old (embarrassing) Kingswood. The rest of the day would pass in a blur of events, icy poles and catching up on what was happening in my friends Lisa and Traceys lives. Usually we would compete against each other especially in The Walk. My pet event. I could do 11.07 mins into a head wind, pulling a tractor. I was Montmorencys little pocket rocket. In my mind, when it came to the walk, I was a star. Around 20 30 of us, just little under 10s, would line up on the starting line on the back straight of the track and nervously wait for the marshals to finally call us up for the start. Usually I needed to go the toilet. The thought of racing for so long was overwhelming at the time and more than a couple of girls would drop out before the race had begun. But I never gave up. I never lost sight of my goal. And that goal was, to beat Sarah Hicks. Sure, I wanted to win for myself. And my beloved Montmorency. But more than anything, I wanted to walk over that finish line ahead of Sarah, and turn around to see the look on her face as her Olympic dreams vanished into thin air. I wanted to see her crying to her Mum, and telling everyone that she wasnt even really trying, when everyone