Sociological Concepts of Shutter Island Essay Example

Sociological Concepts of Shutter Island Essay Example Sociological Concepts of Shutter Island Paper Sociological Concepts of Shutter Island Paper Shutter Island is about a World War II veteran, Andrew Laeddis who believes he is a United States marshal. He believe he has been sent to Ashecliffe mental hospital in Shutter Island, Boston to investigate a missing patient. Along the way Andrew faces several hardships but those that are most pressing lie in the areas of deviance, illness, and intelligence. Andrew Laeddis is actually at Ashecliffe because he killed his wife after she drowned their three children in the lake behind their house. He knew he was mentally ill but did not find her appropriate help, therefore making him feel responsible for the death of his children. He created the alter ego of U. S. Marshal Teddy Daniels because he could not stand to be Andrew Laeddis knowing what he had done to contribute to his childrens death. Although it was not his own deviance that left him in Ashecliffe, it was his wives that did. No matter the circumstances, murder goes against social norms and most often entails some form of punishment. All of the people around him while at Ashecliffe were deviants, mostly murders and became a part of who he was as Teddy Daniels. Perhaps, Andrew Laeddis did not seek help for his wife Dolores because of the negative stigma that goes along with mental illness. She believed there was a bug in her brain, Andrew was aware of this and his ignorance may have ultimately lead to the death of his three children. Andrew created an alternate universe for himself where he did not have to feel guilt. He said he would rather die a good man, than live as a monster. Although it was ultimately mental illness, his knowledge helped him cope with the trauma he had faced. His doctors were able to create a role play that helped him realize the truth. Shortly after, he relapsed, likely because reality was too difficult for him to deal with. Many social issues are addressed in Shutter Island. Humans often face the issues of deviance, illness, and knowledge. Andrew Laeddis story was able to bring all of these issues to a whole new level.

Why Thanksgiving Dinner Makes You So Sleepy

Why Thanksgiving Dinner Makes You So Sleepy Does a big turkey dinner make you sleepy? Unless a microwave dinner is your idea of a Thanksgiving feast, you probably have had firsthand experience with the after-dinner fatigue that sets in after the meal. Why do you want a nap? To escape the dishes? Perhaps, but the meal itself plays a big part in the way you feel. L-Tryptophan and Turkey The turkey is often cited as the culprit in after-dinner lethargy, but the truth is that you could omit the bird altogether and still feel the effects of the feast. Turkey does contain L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid with a documented sleep inducing effect. L-tryptophan is used in the body to produce the B-vitamin, niacin. Tryptophan also can be metabolized into serotonin and melatonin, neurotransmitters that exert a calming effect and regulates sleep. However, L-tryptophan needs to be taken on an empty stomach and without any other amino acids or protein in order to make you drowsy. Theres lots of protein in a serving of turkey and its probably not the only food on the table. Its worth noting that other foods contain as much or more tryptophan than turkey (0.333 g of tryptophan per 100-gram edible portion), including chicken (0.292 g of tryptophan per 100-gram edible portion), pork, and cheese. As with turkey, other amino acids are present in these foods besides tryptophan, so they dont make you sleepy. L-Tryptophan and Carbohydrates L-tryptophan may be found in turkey and other dietary proteins, but its actually a carbohydrate-rich (as opposed to protein-rich) meal that increases the level of this amino acid in the brain and leads to serotonin synthesis. Carbohydrates stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin. When this occurs, some amino acids that compete with tryptophan leave the bloodstream and enter muscle cells. This causes an increase in the relative concentration of tryptophan in the bloodstream. Serotonin is synthesized and you feel that familiar sleepy feeling. Fats Fats slow down the digestive system, giving Thanksgiving dinner plenty of time to take effect. Fats also take a lot of energy to digest, so the body will redirect blood to your digestive system to tackle the job. Since you have less blood flow elsewhere, you will feel less energetic after eating a meal rich in fats. Alcohol Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. If alcoholic beverages are part of the holiday celebration, then they will add to the nap-factor. Overeating It takes a great deal of energy to digest a large meal. When your stomach is full, blood is directed away from other organ systems, including your nervous system. The result? You will feel the need to snooze after any big meal, particularly if it is high in fats and carbohydrates. Relaxation Although many people find the holidays stressful, the most relaxing part of the festivities is likely to be the meal. No matter what you may have been doing throughout the day, Thanksgiving dinner provides an opportunity to sit back and relax a feeling that can carry over after the meal. So, why are you sleepy after a big turkey dinner? Its a combination of the type of food, amount of food, and celebratory atmosphere. Happy Thanksgiving!