An Ordinary Man Essay Example

An Ordinary Man Essay Rusesabagina writes that â€Å"a false view of history is a toxin in the bloodstream. † How have you experienced this is your own life? Is there such a thing as a completely true view of history? It seems as though wherever there is a disagreement between two people, each of them always has a different story. Given this, two friends of mine fought over a bet they had made. One said the bet was for $20 while the other disagreed that they had never shaken hands to declare it. This is a prime example of what Rusesabagina is describing. No matter what situation one is in, there will always be differing opinions over what took place simply because people are often biased in their views of the past, seeing only how it affected him or her. Thus, I do not believe in such a thing as a true view of history. 2. The culture of hate enabled Hutu murderers to think of themselves as victims because â€Å"the person whose throat you do not cut will be the one who cuts yours. † Where do you think that sentiment arises from? How do you think it can be counteracted? The sentiment of â€Å"the person whose throat you do not cut will be the one who cuts yours† is one that is taught early on. Hutu students were taught in class that they were insignificant to Tutsi children, causing them to feel inferior. Years later, when the Hutu students grew to become adults, Radio-Television Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM) became very popular. RTLM transgressed from a typical radio show to a politically racist show bringing back many of the same emotions from grade school to the Hutu people. This could have been counteracted had the government discontinued the show after its first few discriminating remarks. . Rusesabagina describes how he would listen to absurdly racist radio debates. Though he loathed the opinions expressed, he found the shows fascinating. Why do you think people are drawn to media sources that they disapprove of? Media will always be attractive to society. Though we may despise it, we still read Star magazine, watch Saturday Night Liv e, and listen to music with disturbing lyrics. We read, watch, and listen to opinions we disagree with daily. If we did not, we would have nothing to say when our peers discussed last night’s TV show or the new song on the radio. To further prove this theory, I read an interview with Rusesabasgina and he states, â€Å"You have to know what people are saying in order to argue against their points of view. â€Å" 4. When you see a man like Rusesabagina (or Oskar Schindler in the film Schindler’s List) save lives by paying bribes to government agents, does it change how you look at the role graft plays in society? This is not just a â€Å"yes† or â€Å"no† answer. Explain your answer. No, graft will always be in a government. Whether it is a governor being tried for adultery or a president being impeached, graft is a role in every government. We will write a custom essay sample on An Ordinary Man specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on An Ordinary Man specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on An Ordinary Man specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Without it, Rusesabagina or Schindler would not have been successful in carrying out their compromises. 5. How does Rusesabagina use the â€Å"Rwandan No† as a way to critique first his own culture and then the international community? The â€Å"Rwandan No† has become a universal term. In the autobiography, An Ordinary Man, Rusesabagina speaks of his country, Rwanda, as a peaceful place. He mentions that Rwandans are too polite to say no. Instead of simply declining, Rwandans make up excuses until the inquiring person gives up asking or gets the hint. Throughout the novel, Rusesabagina shows many instances where the â€Å"Rwandan no† gradually transgressed from polite to scornful as it became used internationally. In many cases, the obscure declination was used in situations of dire need by both the United Nations and the United States towards Rwanda. 6. Given Rusesabagina’s experiences, what do you think the future holds for Rwanda? I am not quite sure what the future holds for the country of Rwanda. From the looks of the government, it is still run quite the same as before. There isn’t much of a democracy with one candidate winning 95% of votes, however, I believe that the country truly cares about its history and in an attempt of consolidation, will not let another event happen to repeat the genocide of 1994. 7. What different choices do you think you would have made if you had been in Rusesabagina’s position? I do not believe I would have handled the situation as successfully as Rusesabagina did. I understand he acted under pressure, but knowing myself, I would have not been able to deliver myself as eloquently as he did in any of his situations. 8. What effect do Rusesabagina’s accounts of the actions of the United Nations and the United States have on your impression of either? Rusesabagina’s accounts have left me to believe that the United Nations could have easily stopped the progression of the genocide in the beginning. If they had stayed in Rwanda to portray the slightest bit of protection to the people, I believe the Hutu murderers would be have been threatened enough to back off for the time being. Also, Rusesabagina’s account of asking the White House for help at the last minute and recalling how each person responded with an obscure eclination gravely upsets me. Our country was hypocritical in its acts of speaking of protection, yet when the time came, our nation’s leader avoided it. There was no justice between the United Nations and United States towards Rwanda. 9. Do the horrors described in the book make you look at Africa differently? Explain your answer. This book has caused me to look at Africa differently. Before, I never heard much about Africa or its struggles. Now, I have opened myself up to learning about Darfur and the genocide that has been taking place roughly since 2003. Rusesabagina’s autobiography has opened my eyes to my own government, as well. I catch myself watching the news more frequently and reading up on archives in my spare time. This book has discreetly made a difference in who I am now. 10. Rusesabagina refers to himself as an ordinary man. Were his deeds those of an ordinary man or of a hero? Explain your answer. I have mixed feelings towards this. Rusesabagina deserves the title of a â€Å"hero† in which he saved many lives in those few months. He acted in a way I could never see myself acting. He befriended his enemy and compromised what was sought after for a bottle of wine. Rusesabagina acted the way he felt he should, which thus makes him an ordinary man. We, as humans, are all created with instincts for survival. Therefore, we use them in whatever way possible to keep us alive. It is my belief that Rusesabagina took advantage of both his instincts and his knowledge to keep him, his family, and his guests alive. It is my opinion that he is both a hero for managing to save so many lives and as an ordinary man for using his instincts and knowledge to survive.

Free Essays on “Marks” Vs. “The Youngest Daughter”

â€Å"Marks† vs. â€Å"The Youngest Daughter† The two selections that I will be comparing are â€Å"Marks† by Linda Pastan and â€Å"The Youngest Daughter† by Cathy Song. Both of these poems relate to a mother, her family, and her difficulties. In the poem â€Å"Marks† the author reflects on how the mother is being graded by her family, also on how the mother feels about their decisions. In this poem, I think that it is sad. The mother is going to leave just because her family is too harsh on her. I would never want to be in her situation. Ultimately the mother will be giving up on her family, even though she knows is she applied herself more to her families’ likeness, that she would receive better grades on her household duties, as a mother. In the poem â€Å"The Youngest Daughter† the author wrote how the daughter compared her mother in her past to how she is now. The author also describes in detail what the daughter has been doing to her mother. In this poem, I thought that it was sad too. The mother is getting older and the daughter doesn’t want to take care of her any longer. She just wants out. I wonder if she thought about putting her in a nursing home. In â€Å"Marks† the mother went on to say, â€Å"Til they learn I’m dropping out.† (11-12) As the reader reads this they learn that she will be giving up may be by suicide, on her family. In â€Å"The Youngest Daughter† the daughter says, â€Å"She knows I am not to be trusted.† (5,8) In this quote the interpretation could be taken as the daughter wants out of taken care of her mother by killing her mother. In both of my selections we have learned that the mothers are giving up on their families. Also, in â€Å"Marks† the mother wants to give up because she feels her family judges her to hard. In â€Å"The Youngest Daughter† the daughter wants to give up because she is tired of living her life the way it is right now.... Free Essays on â€Å"Marks† Vs. â€Å"The Youngest Daughter† Free Essays on â€Å"Marks† Vs. â€Å"The Youngest Daughter† â€Å"Marks† vs. â€Å"The Youngest Daughter† The two selections that I will be comparing are â€Å"Marks† by Linda Pastan and â€Å"The Youngest Daughter† by Cathy Song. Both of these poems relate to a mother, her family, and her difficulties. In the poem â€Å"Marks† the author reflects on how the mother is being graded by her family, also on how the mother feels about their decisions. In this poem, I think that it is sad. The mother is going to leave just because her family is too harsh on her. I would never want to be in her situation. Ultimately the mother will be giving up on her family, even though she knows is she applied herself more to her families’ likeness, that she would receive better grades on her household duties, as a mother. In the poem â€Å"The Youngest Daughter† the author wrote how the daughter compared her mother in her past to how she is now. The author also describes in detail what the daughter has been doing to her mother. In this poem, I thought that it was sad too. The mother is getting older and the daughter doesn’t want to take care of her any longer. She just wants out. I wonder if she thought about putting her in a nursing home. In â€Å"Marks† the mother went on to say, â€Å"Til they learn I’m dropping out.† (11-12) As the reader reads this they learn that she will be giving up may be by suicide, on her family. In â€Å"The Youngest Daughter† the daughter says, â€Å"She knows I am not to be trusted.† (5,8) In this quote the interpretation could be taken as the daughter wants out of taken care of her mother by killing her mother. In both of my selections we have learned that the mothers are giving up on their families. Also, in â€Å"Marks† the mother wants to give up because she feels her family judges her to hard. In â€Å"The Youngest Daughter† the daughter wants to give up because she is tired of living her life the way it is right now....

Astronmy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Astronmy - Assignment Example 58-60). Ursa Major has also moved downwards and has crossed the meridian and its pattern has also changed. There is unnoticeable change after ten minutes repeat of the observation (Hale, p. 60). Less change could be recorded after ten minutes. From these observations, we can conclude that Polaris is always on the meridian and a star that never sets and can always be seen throughout the day and night at the same position. Also Ursa Minor and major rotate as the sky rotates and will set at some point and cannot be seen throughout the day and night (Hale, p. 59). The nest observation was at 02: 29. Star Polaris had not changed the position but remained on the meridian line. It is acting as the tilt point of Ursa Minor. However, less change has been observed with Ursa Minor (Pasachoff and Filippenko, p. 80). Its position has changed a bit as it is on the meridian line but the pattern has not changed. On the contrary, Ursa Major is also changing in its position but the pattern has remained the same (Hale, p. 60). It is slowly approaching the west side and still the same stars seen in its pattern at the beginning of the observation could still be seen which are Mizar, Alkali, and Dub he (Pasachoff and Filippenko, p.

Globalization Across The World Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Globalization Across The World - Dissertation Example The concept of globalization is referred to the process of greater economic interdependence and mutual awareness regarding economic, political and social factors across different nations. The phenomenon of globalization comprises of various micro and macro factors. The micro factors emphasize on personal and global relations where people, ideas, and culture are moved across national borders. On the other hand, the macro factors focus on cross-border investment and trading, movement of resources and globally integrated supply chain. Both micro and macro factors bear equal importance as their combination is significantly critical as the impact of globalization is not uniform with respect to different organizations, countries, regions, and individuals (Ndhlovu, 2012). Globalization is extensively related to gleaming sports vehicles, smartphones, tablets, the digital revolution, economic networking and trade opportunities associated with economic integration. The proponents of this kind of viewpoints frequently claim that open markets inculcate competitive organizational culture resulting in economic prosperity and liberty. In the context of globalization, the credit of minimizing national borders and lower product cost is often attributed to technological advancement in information flow and communication systems, dynamic expansion of the global financial system and financial deregulation. Additionally, it has also been advocated by many authors that, quick adjustments to various changes have the potential to initiate economic growth where the consumer will have greater choices and high living standards. However, globalization has been significantly criticized by numerous individuals as a creator of the financial crisis and for  declining employm ent opportunities. Globalization is also condemned for increased poverty, inequalities, worsening working environment, extended work hours and decrease in overall earnings (Ndhlovu, 2012; Gupta, 2011).

Comparative Analysis of Keys to Successful Revenue Synergy Programmes Essay

Comparative Analysis of Keys to Successful Revenue Synergy Programmes - Essay Example That’s the reason behind companies’ preferences for achieving cost synergies at the loss of revenue synergies. It is quite interesting to know why companies do not make additional effort into recognising and providing revenue synergies although investors may give an increased level of confidence to achieve cost synergies and they show heightened awareness over revenue synergies, therefore, offer an increased value premium. Need is to provide increased insight to investors on revenue synergies so that the market could present a complete perspective of the strategic reasoning and better value as an outcome (Griffin & Sheikh, 2012). Revenue increase, its criticality in valuation and its provision after acquisition can be derived by dividing various sources of revenue synergy, aimed through the acquisition, such as: expansion into a new sector; expansion into a new areas; cross-selling products and services; Advantages from intangible rights and technologies; and growth in current market share. There is need of a closer insight at the difference between cost savings and revenue increase as add-ons to success, in the context of the degree of total value of the acquisition coming through revenue synergies and through cost synergies. It needs to be clear whether a pre-completion synergy appraisal requires a detailed bottom-up process or it should be a top-down high level method. Before finalisation of the in-advance synergy appraisal, it needs to be confirmed whether synergy aims are clear to all leading stakeholders (Griffin & Sheikh, 2012). Normally, there is no ambiguity relatively in the difference of drivers and expectations of M&A functions changing with time and as per the ongoing economic environment. It is interesting to observe the market behaviour after the recuperation from the recession worldwide on whether companies are currently acquiring for achieving revenue synergies or cost synergies (Griffin & Sheikh, 2012). When acquisition values co rrectly show possible synergies from both cost savings and revenue increase and when these are of central concern to the management after the acquisition, the results are more possible to fulfil or exceed aspirations (Griffin & Sheikh, 2012). The Kraft acquisition of Cadbury was projected to offer $1 Billion in Synergies, as declared by the Kraft Foods. The incremental revenue synergies of $1billion were excluded of $750 million to be achieved in cost synergies by 2013. These revenue synergies, according to the Kraft, would be derived from the business increase in developing regions from one/fourth of the total revenue to approximately touching one/third after the merger. A statement was made by Kraft Foods’ CFO Tim Mclevish prior to an analyst conference in New York, stating that â€Å"This combination of factors gives us great confidence that our company will generate organic revenue growth of 5% or more, margins in the mid- to high-teens and EPS growth of 9% to 11%† (Tse, 2010). The confidence of the Company management is getting reflected from the acquisition, as it expects to become a long-run high-bracket performer in the food industry world wide. Presently, the Company is earning more than 50% of its revenue from outside North America, from countries like Brazil, China, India and Mexico, where GDP and demand growth are the most firm (Tse, 2010). Kraft CEO, Irene Rosenfeld, also holds the same opinion from the â€Å"unique and complimentary combination† of Kraft and Cadbury, stating that, â€Å"

Influence of Stigma in Healthcare

Influence of Stigma in Healthcare Step 1: Discuss the ways stigma can influence healthcare delivery for marginalised people and groups in Australian society. People from the following groups may be stigmatised. Explore this question from one of the following marginalised groups: refugees, indigenous Australians, mentally ill or homeless people, older adults or the disabled. Step 2: My definition of stigma is when someone is discriminated against and stereotyped by their mental health illness causing them to be treated unequal to others. I have made many observations in relation to stigma and mental healthcare delivery while working as an assistant nurse in a mental health hospital. In my experience, I observed staff stigmatise and discriminate against certain mentally ill patients due to the staff’s values and expectations of mental health illnesses. This caused a lower standard of care as the staff neglected certain patients if they believed mental health was not a valid health issue. When related to the sociological imagination template (Germov, 2014, p. 7, 8) this issue relates to the historical factor as in the past mental health was not valued as highly as biomedicine and there was a higher rate of stigma in mental health. It also relates to the cultural factor as the cultural values of the staff I observed impacted on the delivery of healthcare. In addition to my observations in the workplace, I also experienced stigma first hand during my adolescent years as I experienced depression. I found I was less likely to seek help and healthcare when others within my society such as peers had a lack of understanding or had specific cultural and historical views that caused them to stigmatise me. This impacted on the delivery of healthcare as health professionals were unable to help me unless I presented to them with my issues, causing a lack of healthcare in this situation. The stigma I received from my peers was due to the way the education system is structured as it doesn’t include education about mental health from an early age. It is my experience with depression followed by my observations of stigma that has helped me understand that stigma is such a universal concept affecting many people and their healthcare. Germov (2014, pg. 3) explains health sociology is based on the concept that health issues come about from the social world. Germov also explains (2014, pg. 3) the treatment and causes for health problems are within the social context of the individual. Therefore, if stigma and discrimination are within society, it can not only cause mental health issues, through self-stigmatizing, but also prevent them from improving, by causing individuals to not seek healthcare. Now that I have an understanding of Willis’ sociological imagination template (Germov, 2014, p. 7, 8), I am able to reflect on my experiences with a deeper understanding of the implications stigma has on the delivery of healthcare and the ability of a mentally ill person to seek help. Step 3: Cockerham Cockerham’s (2010, pg. 24-41) reading has deepened my initial observations of how stigma impacted on my own experience of mental illness as they explain the impact globalisation has on the structure of the healthcare system and advancement in medicine, and also the cultural values and expectations of mental illness. The article (Cockerham et al. 2010, pg. 24-41) explains globalisation and the advancement of western medicine is a means to scientifically understand the body in order to improve diagnosis and treatment options. This has had an effect on all aspects of healthcare; however Cockerham et al. (2010) explain the historical neglect of mental health research, due to supernatural and religious beliefs of the past and the view that the study of the mind was the role of the church. This reading has allowed me to understand the development of the structure of mental healthcare as historically mental health was seen as mysterious and religious (Cockerham et al., 2010, pg. 24-41). The article explains that the study of the mind was eventually thought of as medical science, but due to the past perceptions, medical science in physical health was valued higher than mental health knowledge (Cockerham et al., 2010, pg. 24-41). This perception is found within Australian society as Germov (2012, pg. 165) states biomedicine is an important model of health and illness. This may have caused the cultural values of the staff I observed in my workplace, causing them to put biomedicine above mental healthcare, often devaluing the need for mental health care. The high value for biomedicine and the high value for medical science of physical health before mental health has allowed me to understand the historical cause of stigma. I have since realized I was a victim of stigma durin g my adolescent years which affected my ability to seek healthcare. Healthcare needs to develop further to treat the mentally ill with the respect and dignity they deserve. Step 4: By reflecting on my experiences within mental health it is clear stigma influences healthcare delivery in two main ways 1) through the values and expectations of healthcare professionals and 2) whether or not individuals seek healthcare treatment due to stigma impacting on their perception of their mental health issue. As stated in step 2, health sociology is based on the concept that health problems are created from the social world of the individual, and both the treatment and cause of health issues can be identified in the individual’s social context (Germov, 2014, pg. 3). This topic is very broad, so I will base my reflection on the three main factors from the sociological imagination template (Germov, 2012, pg. 7-8) that present the link between a person and their society/environment i.e. the cultural values and opinions of Australian society and the way the education system is structured and how it can be improved from a critical standpoint. These factors link closely an d impede heavily on the delivery of healthcare in Australia. Such implications include a lower standard of healthcare due to the values of healthcare professionals, and the inability to live up to societys’ expectations causing self-stigmatizing attitudes, leading to a lower chance of the individual seeking out healthcare. There is the inability or decision not to seek help early due to a lack of knowledge given from the education system; however the healthcare system has advanced to create positive outcomes for someone with mental problems within Australian society. It is important to remember that cultural values and structural systems do not just affect the individual, but the society as a whole. The cultural perception of being responsible for our healthcare (Germov, 2014, pg. 8) within Australia has profound implications for people with mental illness as they are often unable to take responsibility of their healthcare. Their inability take charge clashes with views of society and in turn stigma develops. Angel and Thoits (1987) explain that culture mandates the behaviors, response and help-seeking attitudes of individuals’ to their illness, and Chacon (2009) states cultural factors play a large role in help-seeking. Hence the value of being responsible for our healthcare juxtaposed with the failure of the individual to do so, causes the mentally ill person to steer away from seeking treatment, as they are made to believe they have failed their society. Weiss (2010) has given me insight into this value from the doctor’s point of view and that is doctors cannot help us if we won’t help ourselves. This is true to some extent, however in the case of someone with a debilitating mental illness, they are often unable to help themselves. During my experience, I also felt as though I could not help myself as my illness caused a lack of self-confidence and respect to help myself. This ultimately causes a lack of healthcare and a failure of the healthcare system to deliver care due to the values and expectations of society and healthcare professionals. Cappelen Norheim (2005) have given me insight into another viewpoint of being responsible for our own health. It is explained that lifestyle choices have a huge impact on our health and hence why some believe putting responsibility on the individual is fair (Cappelen Norheim, 2005). However, if a person has chosen to take illegal substances for example, that have ultimately caused a mental illness, who should decide whether or not they are discriminated against for doing so? And should the extent to which a disease is a result of individual choices be allowed to affect the degree to which it is given priority? This brings up the cultural values of the health professionals that I observed who had a high value for biomedicine and little understanding of how their views were being imposed on their patients, causing discrimination against them. From a critical perspective (Germov, 2013, pg. 7), healthcare delivery can be improved through the structure of the education system. If more education about mental health is provided within the curriculum for young students, stigma among the mentally ill will be reduced due to a greater understanding and acceptance of mental illness among the younger generation. Programs such as headspace, as well as mental health resources, guidelines, and support will help improve the mental health and wellbeing of individuals (State Government Victoria, 2014). This is turn will improve healthcare delivery as the mentally ill will feel less like they have failed their society and more likely to seek treatment. Looking back on my experience, the delivery of healthcare is strongly impacted by the values, expectations and stigma of Australian society towards mental illness. By improving education in Australia we may be able to reduce stigma providing better healthcare outcomes to patients. Step 5: By answering this eModule question, I have developed the graduate attribute of demonstrating respect for the dignity of each individual and for human diversity. I have expanded my knowledge on the impact of stigma on both myself and the individuals within my care, giving me a better respect for the dignity of the individual. Germov (2014) has given me a deeper knowledge that individual problems can be faced by the majority of society at one point or another, giving me the understanding that others, like me, often feel a sense of devalued dignity due to the values and expectations of society as a whole. I have a wider knowledge of the impact my experience had on myself as an adolescent, and would not allow others to feel the same way or experience the same issues. This has allowed me to better care for others keeping in mind the impact of stigma on healthcare delivery, ultimately giving me the skills to become a better nurse. References Angel, T., Thoits, P. (1987). The impact of culture on the cognitive structure of illness. Culture, Medicine and psychiatry, 11(4), 465-494. Doi: 10.1007/BF00048494 Cappelen, A.W., Norheim, O.F. (2004). Responsibility in healthcare: a liberal egalitarian approach. Journal Med Ethics, 31, 476-480. doi:10.1136/jme.2004.010421 Chacon, C. (2009). Depression: the tole of cultural factors and perception of treatment. Retrieved from http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4998context=etd_theses Cockerham, G.B., Cockerham, W.C. (2010). Globalization: Health benefits and risks. In Health and globalization (pp. 24-41). Cambridge, UK: Polity Press. Germov, J. (2014). Ethnicity, health, and multiculturalism. In J. Germov, Second opinion: An introduction to health sociology (5th ed.). (pp. 163-183). South Melbourne, Vic: Oxford University Press. State Government Victoria. (2014). Student mental health and suicide response/planning. Retrieved from http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/health/pages/studenthealth.aspx Weiss, P.J. (2010). Take responsibility for your own health. Retrieved from http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2010/12/responsibility-health.html

Nicaragua :: essays research papers

Nicaragua The area of Nicaragua is 50,193 sq. mi. The Nicaraguan highlands, with a elevation about 2000 ft, cross Nicaragua from the northwest to the southeast. Several mountain ranges, the highest of which, the Cordillera Isabelia, reaches an elevation of more than 6890 ft, cut the highlands from east to west. In the west is a great basin, or depression, containing two lakes, Nicaragua, the largest in Central America, and Managua. The two are connected by the Tipitapa River. A chain of volcanoes, which are a contributory cause of local earthquakes, rises between the lakes and the Pacific coast. In the east, the Caribbean coastal plain known as the Costa de mosquitoes (Mosquito Coast) extends some 45 mi. inland and is partly overgrown with rain forest. The four principal rivers, the San Juan, Coco (Wanks), Grande, and Escondido, empty into the Caribbean. The natural resources of Nicaragua are primarily agricultural. Deposits of volcanic material have enriched the soil, which is extremely fertile. About half the land is covered with forests. The country has some deposits of gold, silver, and copper. About 77% of the Nicaraguan population is mestizo (people of mixed white and Native American descent), about 10% is white, and the remainder is Native American (4%) and black (9%). The population of Nicaragua is 3,745,000, yielding an overall density about 75 per sq. mi. Approximately 60% of the population is concentrated in the western part of the country, and more than 55% is urban. Political Divisions and Principal Cities Nicaragua is divided into six regions and three special zones. Managua, with a population of 682,100, is the capital and commercial center. Leà ³n is an important religious and cultural center. Granada is the terminus of the railway from the main port of entry, Corinto, on the Pacific coast. Spanish is the official language of Nicaragua. Nearly 90% of the Nicaraguan people are Roman Catholic; most of the remainder are Protestant. As in other Latin American countries, the culture of Nicaragua reflects Spanish cultural patterns, influential since the colonial period, combined with an ancient Native American heritage. Nicaraguans hold many colorful celebrations to commemorate local saints' days and ecclesiastical events. The marimba is extremely popular, and ancient instruments such as the chirimà ­a (clarinet), maraca (rattle), and zul (flute) are common in rural areas. Dances from colonial times survive, as do fine examples of architecture. The coast of Nicaragua was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1502, but the first Spanish expedition, under Gil Gonzà ¡lez Dà ¡vila, did not arrive until 1522; it established several Spanish settlements. A second conquistador, Francisco Fernà ¡ndez de Cà ³rdoba, founded Granada in 1523 and Leà ³n in 1524.