The Moviegoer Essay Example For Students

The Moviegoer Essay The MoviegoerWalker Percy is the author of The Moviegoer, which is written about a young man named John Binkerson Bolling otherwise known as Binx. He is the main character who grows up in New Orleans. He is a moviegoer who is on a search but the object of his search is not clear. The people he encounters help him along the way, especially his stepbrother Lonnie and an African American man. The Moviegoer takes place during Mardi Gras when Binx discovers that something more is needed in his life. The story begins with Binx receiving a letter from his Aunt Emily saying that they need to have a talk. This talk is about his cousin Kate who Aunt Emily is worried about. She has been moping around the house ever since her fiancs death and Aunt Emily wants Binx to cheer her up (28). She wants him to treat Kate as he did before and joke around with her to make her laugh and smile. She has been staying inside and has not interacted with people in a while. On Binxs way to his aunts house, the id ea of a search occurs to him (13). The search is what anyone would undertake if he were not sunk in the everydayness of his own life. To become aware of the possibility of the search is to be onto something (13). But what exactly is Binx onto? Binx doesnt know and doesnt reveal the purpose of his search because he fears exposing (his) own ignorance (14). Is this search about God? Binx hesitates to answer, since all other Americans have settled the matter for themselves and to give such an answer would amount to setting himself a goal which everyone else has reached and therefore raising a question in which no one has the slightest interest. For, as everyone knows, the polls report that 98% of Americans believe in God and the remaining 2% are atheists and agnostics which leaves not a single percentage point for a seeker (13, 14).Binxs search continues through his attraction to the movies that are onto the search, but throw him further from the truth. The search always ends in despair (13). The movies are a way for him to fill the emptiness in his life. They give him incite into others lives and into his own life. Before I see a movie it is necessary for me to learn about something about the theater or the people who operate it, to touch base before going inside (74). This helps him learn more about how others live and learn more about life, which helps him move further along in his search. As a moviegoer, he only goes to movies with Kate and Lonnie because they know not to talk. Lonnie and Binx can communicate in silence. They know what each other are thinking during the movie and can share moments together without speaking. Binx relates being a moviegoer to being Jewish based on evidence; a sociologist reported that a significantly large percentage of solitary moviegoers are Jews (89). He believes he had been a Jew in a previous incarnation . . . Anyhow it is true that I am Jewish by instinct (89). Binx believes he is not religious but that something was in hi m in the past. Even if he was slightly religious Binx would refuse to have his search center on God and religion for he believes there is something more for him.The Negro mentioned at the end of the book is also significant in Binxs search. A Negro gets out and goes up into the church and is described as more respectable than respectable; he is more middle-class than one could believe (233). He goes into the church for an unknown reason, but when he comes out, his forehead is an ambiguous sienna color and pied: it is impossible to be sure that he received ashes (234). This is a sign of being absolved from your sins and being forgiven. It is a sign of a new beginning, a new chapter that Binx is starting. The Negro gets in his Mercury and does not leave immediately but sits looking down at something on the seat beside him (234). It is unclear as to what he is in search for and it is impossible to say why he is here (234). Just like Binx, he is in search for something and it is unknown as to what. But, the Negro received ashes despite his need to search and has received forgiveness. The Negro is not complete but still has to search even though he is rooted in his religion. The path to ones search is individualized and varies depending on the person. Peoples single encounters with other people along the way influence their path.Binxs search then takes him to visit his Catholic mother who has remarried because Binxs father died in WWII. Through this remarriage, Binx has a sickly stepbrother named Lonnie. Through Lonnie, Binx grows in his search. On Sundays, he and Lonnie have a program. First we talk, usually on a religious subject; then we take a ride; then he asks me to do him like Akim (164). Binx beats up his stepbrother and Lonnie responds with, I am still offering my communion for you (165). Binx knows and admits to loving Lonnie when he asks. Lonnie makes Binx aware of religion and makes Binx open up in conversation. Although they do not have the same belief s, Lonnies way of life, of being content and rooted in God even when he is so sick, helps Binx.During Binxs search he discovers that the believers are far from unique themselves (109). I had discovered that a person does not have to be this or be that or be anything, not even oneself. One is free. Binx again discovered something about life and this has opened his eyes that he can be whatever he wants to be and he is free to do what he wants.Binx and his cousin Kate take a train to Chicago, and return to a very sick Lonnie. On the trip, Kate tells Binx that he (Binx) is not religious. God is not religious. You are the unmoved mover. You dont need God or anyone else no credit to you, unless it is a credit to be the most self-centered person alive. I dont know whether I love you, but I believe in you and I will do what you tell me (197). This describes what Kate believes about Binx. Even though he is not religious, she still loves him and will listen to him. She doesnt think Binx has a chieved anything in his search, but this is proven to be false. In the end Binx decides to give up his business as a bond dealer and go to medical school, and he and Kate decide to marry. He does not know his exact plan but there is only one thing he can do: listen to people, see how they stick themselves into the world, hand them along always in their dark journey and be handed along, and for good and selfish reasons. It only remains to decide whether this vocation is best pursued in a service station or (233). This is what he does through going to the movies and now he can apply what he learns to his own life.Because of this search, Binx discovers that he is free and can do what he wants with his life. He does not need to be as religious as Lonnie but he has choices. Lonnie is willing to fast even though he is very sick and this gives Binx faith that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Even on Lonnies deathbed, he is content. After his half-brother Lonnie Smith died o f a massive virus infection which was never positively identified, he is asked what will happen to Lonnie (237). The children ask Binx, When Our Lord raises us up on the last day, will Lonnie still be in a wheelchair or will he be like us? and he responds with, hell be like you (240). This he may not act in a religious way but at least he does not deny the Lord. So even though he is not all religious, he has taken the faith of Lonnie and directed it into his life. Lonnies belief in the long run affects Binx and helps him so many times in his search. He started as a moviegoer, living his life through the movies and now he realizes he can live his life through his actions. He was inspired by one he knew very well and by others everyday actions. He was inspired for the better and hopefully his new profession and wife will fill the void that hes been feeling for so long. .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491 , .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491 .postImageUrl , .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491 , .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491:hover , .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491:visited , .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491:active { border:0!important; } .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491:active , .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491 .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u5c11f268f1af7512c28718c318a31491:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Benefits of healthy eating and exercise Essay We will write a custom essay on The Moviegoer specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Words/ Pages : 1,703 / 24

Convicted Criminals essays

Convicted Criminals essays How should we treat convicted criminals Convicted criminals have been judged and tried by a jury of twelve. When found guilty and housed in a penitentiary they should lose all their rights as a citizen. Once imprisoned they are no longer able to vote they lost their citizenship so why are we allowing them to complete an education, have access to libraries and recreational equipment. They have all of these rights, yet do we ever stop to think about the families of the victims. The pain, the anguish, and the immense suffering these loved ones go through because of the actions of these merciless criminals. If you can, draw up from your memory the actions of Susan Smith. Yes thats right the woman whom drove her two innocent kids in to the lake. She willingly drove her car into the lake as her two young sons sit seatbelted in the backseat of her car. Susan then got out of the car and watched as the cabin of the car filled up with the icy cold water eventually drowning the two. Just think of how they felt as they sit in the car crying for their mother frantically, wondering why mommy left them there? Barbaric...Barbaric is exactly how I would describe her actions. Yet, the jury doing her case sentenced her to life not death. The Jury only explained that she would suffer more through her depression, but does that justify the short-lived lives of two completely harmless, defenseless and innocent children. In todays society the idea of having deadly criminals: sentenced to life in prison, get paroled and then go back into society and strike again is absolutely frightening. Criminals like these should not be allowed to socialize with other, better their education, and for these criminals to think they will be treated civilized when they have not acted civilly themselves. With that, consider the old saying; treat others how you want to be treated. These criminals are the ones ...

THG Management Services Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

THG Management Services - Case Study Example It is apparent from the case study that the region in which THG is planning to run an HMO, has been lagging behind the rest of the nation in terms of availability of healthcare centers, which is resulting in higher costs for the services. With the announcement of the program called TennCare, healthcare in Tennessee became a national issue and it is now being felt that running a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is bound to prove a profitable proposition because; i. Despite an increase in managed care in the state, the commercial premium per member/ per month in the HMO sector has not come down. It is worthwhile here to mention the hospital days for patients have instead come down. This indicates that there's still a growing demand for HMOs. ii. THG has been able to take advantage of the first mover advantage in several areas. This advantage reflects in the capitation in the commercial market. Capitation is the term used to identify the payments given to the physicians attached with HMOs. It is a fixed payment made to the physician depending upon the number of people enrolled with the HMO and the number of members put directly under the care of the physician. It is worthwhile here to mention that, the capitation amount is paid to the physician irrespective of the number of visits made by a member to the physician or irrespective of the number of members visiting the physician for their healthcare needs. Using the capitation network model, THG has been able to bring greater efficiency to the southern US healthcare market. iii. Having fixed its priorities, THG was able to develop a fast growing company with considerable success in short period of time. It was during their expansion plan that THG started evaluating the options of managing versus owning the risk. The two options being assessing the practical aspects of having a commercial group guaranteeing 8000 lives in Texas and managing Medicare projects in Atlanta, Georgia with another AMC. iv. Both HMO and PPO enter into an agreement with insurance companies, but the HMO offers its services at predetermined rates while in case of PPO the rates can vary depending upon the medical condition of the individual. v. HMOs often happen to be very restrictive and expect the individual to seek assistance for medical needs from within a network of doctors, medical practitioners, healthcare organizations. On the other hand a PPO doesn't have any preconditions attached and allows the individual to any place for treatment. Except in cases of emergency, tor an individual enrolled with HMO, it's a prerequisite that s/he must go through the primary care physician from within the HMO network and if this physician feels necessary then only the individual will be referred to any specialist. This might appear little restrictive in the sense that the individual has to follow couple of procedures before getting specialized treatment. On the other hand in case of PPO, there's no such restriction and an individual can seek the opinion of a specialist of his or her choice. But it is equally relevant

History of Christian Thought - Final Exam Questions Essay

History of Christian Thought - Final Exam Questions - Essay Example They were concerned with the future consequences of the kingdom. They identified themselves as â€Å"The Community of the Poor† and their social philosophies always favored the poor people (Frend, 27-28). Jesus Christ was given a violent death by his antagonists who crucified him onto a cross. The Jewish religion believed that the prophets usually sacrificed their lives as a martyr, and Jesus death occurred in a similar circumstance. Of course, being the â€Å"Son of God†, he resurrected himself within three days of his dying. Thus, his followers came to regard him as â€Å"the true and faithful martyr† who sacrificed his life for the salvation of mankind (Frend, 54). Paul, a religious genius, shifted the Christian ideology away from Palestinian Judaism to the Jewish cultural centers in Europe and Asia Minor. According to him, although Christianity was a reform movement within Judaism, one could become a Christian only through a formal process of baptism to the r eligion. However, Paul had not respected the Christian followers at Jerusalem and they naturally opposed his philosophies (Frend, 89). 2. During the 2nd century, Rome emerged as the leading center in Christianity. According to the account in Clement I, the Roman Church was governed by presbyter bishops, instead of a single authoritative bishop. Hermas’ account suggests that different religious officials were responsible of carrying out different tasks: Clement was in charge of the foreign correspondence of the Church while other bishops or overseers were asked to monitor the area of hospitality and other charitable activities of the institution. During this time, Rome also started implementing beneficial activities for communities living beyond the city (Frend, 130). During 130-180, the Christian religion experienced the advent of the Gnostic movement. The movement advocated a form of Gentile Christianity, which encouraged its followers to encompass all kinds of knowledge and experience in their ultimate aim of achieving salvation centering around the divinity of Christ. Basilides, Valentinus, and Heracleon were three of the pioneering teachers of the movement, who working in Alexandria, spread its influence to Rome, Italy, Asia Minor and the Rhone valley. The Gnostic philosophy laid the foundation for the Alexandrian school of theology and Christian Platonism, which flourished in the subsequent centuries (Frend, 195). During this time, the Christian religion was retained its presence although in a smaller scale. During the second century, Christians had become almost a minority in certain places of the western world. By this time, new religious movements were also emerging which differed from Christianity in their basic ideals. Religious fanaticism had reached such a peak that, Christians being a minority began to be persecuted at different places of the Roman Empire. 3. During the 2nd and the 3rd centuries, the Roman Empire started to witness evidence of religious syncretism among its citizens. During the ancient time, the empire had been under the pagan influence after which the Christian religion had become popular among the people. Now, influences of other religions had started percolating into Christianity and the people had started to include these new practices within their existing

History Comparison Betwen Mexican and African Americans Essay Example for Free

History Comparison Betwen Mexican and African Americans Essay The history of Mexican Americans is comparable to that of African Americans: filled with stories of conquest, racism, and discriminatory acts posed by society. The past has triggered Chicanos to fight back against injustices, in hopes of reforming immoral treatment, and emerging as an equal part of America’s society. The Chicano movement yielded some successes in this aspect. However, mass media and stereotypes confirm the notion that Mexican Americans are still viewed as a â€Å"lesser† people. This stems from the long-established concept of racial stratification. In this case, it indicates that Anglo-Americans have hierarchy over Mexican Americans. Consequently, discrimination towards Chicanos is still prevalent, despite ongoing efforts by activists for change. This nation was socially molded based on the idea that there is a hierarchy of races, and as long as that idea exists, Mexican Americans will continue to suffer inequality. In â€Å"Sexual Violence in the Politics of Conquest’, Castaneda explores the sexual crimes against Amerindian women during the Spanish conquest of Alta California. The soldiers accompanying the missionaries on the settlement raped and violated the native women openly. There were many incidents before rules were set to govern the matter, but even after the rapes continued to occur. One court case recorded in 1773 indicates that there was no intention to grant justice to the victims. The natives took matters into their own hands and formed forces to seek their own justice (similar to Chicano activist groups that seek reform for discrimination), but to no avail. Castaneda goes on to explain that the actions of the soldiers were not farfetched from practices of Western civilization (27-28). Because these dark crimes were normal for the dominant culture, they were automatically imposed on the natives, who were supposed to accept this without resistance. This is similar to Mexican Americans during the Chicano movement, who were not given equal opportunities for education and employment because they were not in the central group. In both situations, the majority emasculates the men and oppresses the women of the minority. The idea of hierarchy is apparent in this passage; Catholic missionaries try to strip the natives of their culture and convert them to value Western practices because they consider themselves the ‘prominent’ people. The history of the Chicano Movement can date back to the Manifest Destiny. In the 1840s, the United States planned to expand its territory and take Mexico, which had become independent from Spain. In reporting these events, Leo Cervantes notes the attitude of superiority that the Americans displayed in their imperialist plan. He notes one adherent’s thoughts, who asked â€Å"why resign this beautiful country to the custody of the ignorant cowards who have ruled for the last 25 years? † (13). Cervantes also quotes Thomas Jefferson, who has similar views of the matter, and promoted â€Å"policies of non-miscegenation† during the expansion (14). Even before Anglo-Americans were acquainted with Mexicans, they held predisposed opinions of contempt for them. As I suggested, Arturo Rosales agrees, â€Å"An underlying cause for the hostility Anglo-Americans felt for Mexicans was a preexisting ideology of racism† (5). These preconceived notions of Mexican Americans were the beginning of negative stereotypes attached to them. Today Chicanos are often represented in the media as uneducated thugs, loose women, or undocumented workers. Even whites who claim they are not racist may practice aversive racism by absorbing the images portrayed in media. It is this ideology of racism has contributed to discrimination over the years and inversely, the building of the Chicano Movement. The movement flourished in the 1950s and 1960s, feeding off other civil rights movements, particularly the African American movement. Both African American civil rights activists and Chicano activist protested the unlawful repression of minorities in America. They protested the terrible education system, police brutality, and denial of economic opportunities. Arturo Rosales compares Chicano activist, Cesar Chavez to Martin Luther King. It is expected that on this path to address the plight and repression of their people, Chicanos were met with resistance from White Americans. Rosales notes that police officers and other uniformed officials â€Å"were employed to suppress manifestations of discontent and did so using violence† (xv). It can be suggested that Anglo-Americans considered Chicanos a threat to the racial hierarchy, so they took action. Cervantes supports this theory, quoting Brooks Adams who said, â€Å"When a highly centralized society disintegrates, under the pressure of economics condition, it is because the energy of the race has been exhausted (18). This point illustrates the pressure Anglo-Americans felt to keep superiority over Mexicans. The American achievement ideology suggests four points: Anyone can make it. American society is fair and open. Success is based on merit. Moreover, inequality is the result of differences in ability and ambition. This ideology contradicts the apparent effects of a racial hierarchy. Stratification of races has formed structural discrimination among minorities, specifically, Mexican and African Americans. The poor education, poor neighborhoods, and badly equipped jobs that these minorities are subjected to prevent them from achieving upward mobility. However, white America still neglects to acknowledge these factors. Historian, Oscar Lewis, believed that people living in poverty are to blame for their own situation, yet minorities’ history in America consists of repression and treatment as inferior beings. There is no questioning it; racial classes have been socially constructed and this has directly affected minorities. The Chicano Movement has led to some advances for Mexican American such as the growing numbers of Latinos attending school, and raise concerns about unequal treatment to Chicanos. However, because underlying values of America are products of a deep-rooted, corrupt social structure, issue of prejudice will continue to exist.

The Impact Of The American Revolution On The Womens Rights Movement Es

The lack of participation of women in society in the United States before the women's rights movement in 1948 was remarkable. They did not participate in activities such as voting and fighting in wars. They also could not own property and "belonged" to their father until they were married, when they would then become the property of their husband. They were brought up to get married, often while they were still very young, then to become a good mother and housewife. The lack of activity though changed during the American Revolution that lasted from 1775 to 1783. This American Revolutionary experience had a great impact on the eventual movement for women's rights. Previous to their rights movement, women, by law, were declared inferior to men, had no separate existence from their husbands and every one of their possessions, acquired or inherited, would be passed on to the ownership of her husband. The children in a marriage belonged to the father alone and the custody of the children if one was to get divorced, was usually given to him. If a woman's husband died, she would receive only the use of one third of his real estate. They could be beaten as long as the stick was no bigger than a man's thumb and single women were excluded from earning a living, with the exception in a few poorly paid trades. They wanted to feel useful to society so during the American Revolution, women, who did not usually participate in the war, actively participated on the home front. They knitted stockings and sewed uniforms for the soldiers. They also had to replace men out in the factories as weavers, carpenters, blacksmiths, and shipbuilders. Other women also vol unteered out on front to take care of the wounded, become laundresses, cooks and companio... ...also were not represented, and made women understand that this inferiority dilemma that was going on every day had to stop, and that they had to revolt and fight for their own rights. Her influence combined with other women fighting and the spirit of rebellion already set in men spiked women's interests in their rights and made them want to struggle for their privileges. Before the American Revolution, women did not realize just how unfairly men were treating them until they experienced working, managing a household, and life without their husbands. It made them aware of their place in society and many wondered just why they were inferior to men at that time. That American Revolution was what led up to the women's rights movement of 1848 and without it, who knows when women would have ever revolted against this unjust behavior and obtained the right to vote in 1920. The Impact Of The American Revolution On The Women's Rights Movement Es The lack of participation of women in society in the United States before the women's rights movement in 1948 was remarkable. They did not participate in activities such as voting and fighting in wars. They also could not own property and "belonged" to their father until they were married, when they would then become the property of their husband. They were brought up to get married, often while they were still very young, then to become a good mother and housewife. The lack of activity though changed during the American Revolution that lasted from 1775 to 1783. This American Revolutionary experience had a great impact on the eventual movement for women's rights. Previous to their rights movement, women, by law, were declared inferior to men, had no separate existence from their husbands and every one of their possessions, acquired or inherited, would be passed on to the ownership of her husband. The children in a marriage belonged to the father alone and the custody of the children if one was to get divorced, was usually given to him. If a woman's husband died, she would receive only the use of one third of his real estate. They could be beaten as long as the stick was no bigger than a man's thumb and single women were excluded from earning a living, with the exception in a few poorly paid trades. They wanted to feel useful to society so during the American Revolution, women, who did not usually participate in the war, actively participated on the home front. They knitted stockings and sewed uniforms for the soldiers. They also had to replace men out in the factories as weavers, carpenters, blacksmiths, and shipbuilders. Other women also vol unteered out on front to take care of the wounded, become laundresses, cooks and companio... ...also were not represented, and made women understand that this inferiority dilemma that was going on every day had to stop, and that they had to revolt and fight for their own rights. Her influence combined with other women fighting and the spirit of rebellion already set in men spiked women's interests in their rights and made them want to struggle for their privileges. Before the American Revolution, women did not realize just how unfairly men were treating them until they experienced working, managing a household, and life without their husbands. It made them aware of their place in society and many wondered just why they were inferior to men at that time. That American Revolution was what led up to the women's rights movement of 1848 and without it, who knows when women would have ever revolted against this unjust behavior and obtained the right to vote in 1920.

Religion as the Opium of the Masses

Religion as the opium of the masses. Like the Hebrew prophets of old, Marx knew that to speak of social justice, we must become socially self-critical, and that means becoming critical of the ruling powers whether they may be kings or priests or investment bankers. Power and privilege in society always disguise their own arbitrariness behind the facade of fair play, which may be called providence or karma or standardized test scores.Whatever basis is used to claim an objective and unbiased perspective such claims need critical analysis and challenge. About 90% of the world belongs to some sort of religion. Marx understood that purpose and that is why he made the statement, â€Å"religion is the opium of the masses† which means that religion is what keeps the masses motivated, like a medicine that blinds them to all the hardships of life.Religion has blinded the people to enjoy their sufferings hoping for something like a ‘purgatory’ or a ‘heaven’ that they would enjoy after their toiling on earth. It has come to control the people with its guiding principles although most of its guiding principles aren’t adhered to by its top leaders for example: on the news there are various stories of pastors molesting children or their congregations, popes, monks and nuns breaking their vows; yet their followers are faithful due to the promise of a peaceful after life.For Marx, all ideas are relative to the social location and interests of their production. And like the prophets before him, the most revealing perspective is not from the top down or from the center outward, but the view of the â€Å"widow and the orphan† – the point of view of the exploited and the marginalized. Suffering can see through and unveil official explanation; it can cry out and protest against the arrogance of power.This brings us back to how Marx viewed religion as the â€Å"opium of the masses†. That is we tend to think Marx had a monol ithically negative view of religion but that is not the case immediately preceding this language â€Å"the opium† the following is found Religion is at one and at the same time the expression of real suffering and a protest. Religion is the sign of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world and the soul of soulless conditions.Here Marx recognizes in religion an active moral agency especially for the deprived and the despised. Religion is not simply the ideological expression of the powerful, legitimacy the social hierarchy as in the case, for example, of singing hymns with the hidden message that there’s a â€Å"King in Heaven† so there shall and should be kings on earth. No, for Marx in the hands and voices of the poor and exploited, religion is â€Å"protest†.It is a crying out against â€Å"real suffering† not illusory sufferings such as fear of punishment from the gods or suffering caused by some impurity inherited from a previous i ncarnation. For Marx, the essence of religion is its voicing of â€Å"suffering† its crying out against the realtors of exploitation and degradation. The essence of being human is a passionate suffering, a struggle to take back into our hands a world we have made but which is then taken away from us.Religion has found a way in which it governs our or lives or society in general. It is normal for the major religious group in a society to automatically control the ruling party. The major religious group affects the behavior of the people in power and somewhat controls their decisions due to their effect on the people. A major religious group can influence the choosing of who stays in power or who comes into power just by saying ‘God’ has chosen a particular person to lead us and make our country or state stronger.The people have no choice but to follow the doctrine that’s why Marx made the statement, â€Å"religion is the opium of the masses† was made . Religion has somewhat found a way to control every aspect of the lives of individuals in the society. It has become the new trend of the day; everyone belongs to a religion because of the returns that they intend to receive. Religion has turned into the medicine for all types of sorrows this in turn controls the people who come to it for help.