Information Security Profile for Air Force Reserve Command

Introduction The United States Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) incorporates operations, technological adjustments in war fighting and develops Airmen. This body deters nuclear operations, command and control, offers combat support, and ensures superiority on cyberspace. Since it offers services to third parties, the public, it has outlined some controls to make sure that its set standards are not overstepped (U.S Air Force Reserve Snapshot, 2012).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Information Security Profile for Air Force Reserve Command specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, AFRC aims at long-term and high value services to the entire concerned partners and clients. For example, in managing its information system, the body ensures that there are well explained and coordinated procedures of handling the whole information. These may include channels of communication and modalities that the information must f ollow to the required destination, the precautions that must be taken when handling such information, and the parties that can get access to information. These rules assist AFRC in upholding democratic processes in the entire society; hence, ensuring accountability and transparency among societal leaders. Notably, information confidentiality is an essential factor in determining the modalities, channels and delivery systems (U.S Air Force Reserve Snapshot, 2012). Again, the number and kind of people who are authorized to handle such information and fundamental elements that are determined in information processing. On the other front, the drastic and steady change in technology has forced the AFRC to apply controls, which could help to minimize illegal access to some information by third parties. Worst still, some third parties can un-authentically gain access to these pieces of information and even go ahead to block the messages from further access. This information vulnerability m akes it a necessity to set up controls that can help guard the reports (Freedom of Information Act, n.d.). For instance, illegal access to information in a website do not require forceful intrusion and the hacker must not be close the owners to break into their infrastructural system. Since AFRC is a national organization, it needs to ensure that its plans and operations are secretly guarded to avert information leakage to the wrong parties. Controls and specified standards The specialized force only under exemptions allows some individuals to gain access to information that is not meant for the public. This control helps to maintain the secrets that are contained in the messages, as there are properly-guided procedures under which a person can view some information (Freedom of Information Act, n.d.). Only verified people can access these pieces of information with prior knowledge of the specialized force. From this perspective, AFRC is attempting to practice information authenticit y.Advertising Looking for report on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moreover, this control shows that although AFRC established a website on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), there are procedures that one has to follow in order to gain access to information. Evidently, an individual’s information freedom is controlled. The control helps the Reserve Command to maintain their set standard on information accessibility by third parties. Additionally, there is a control on information accessibility by any person. This occurs when one of the outlined nine exemptions prohibits information disclosure to the public. The protection to federal agency records is also guarded by the special law enforcement record exclusions (Freedom of Information Act, n.d.). Precisely, one of the three laws upholds the inaccessibility of such information. A control of this nature guarantees information privacy. For example, one cannot gain access to such information that should not be disclosed to the public even though one has a right to seek judicial address from the court of law. As a result, there is control on information accessibility; it ensures adherence to standards by preventing an unauthenticated access to information. However, not all information is kept off the public’s access, as they become informed on the fundamental functions of democratically elected leaders; therefore, being able to hold them accountable of any misconduct. At the same time, it encourages leadership transparency by minimizing unethical practices like corruption and nepotism. Moreover, there is a control that AFRC applies to records held by individuals, courts, and local government bodies. It holds that the citizens must request for information access in the records that the above listed bodies hold. Remarkably, individual states have their own managerial laws that guide their operations (Military Introduction, n.d.). Therefore, people have to consult their respective states in order to access these pieces of information. At AFRC, FOIA only guards federal agencies; therefore, there is no authenticity in accessing other records from institutions like the courts. Another control that this organization monitors, that is the fees for processing FOIA. The requesters’ are divided into three categories. These three groups pay different fees in order to access the same information. The categories are in terms of intended use of the information or message. For instance, commercial use, educational use, and media use. Information for commercial use, for example, pays reproduction, search, and review fee. On the other hand, information for scientific studies, which are non-commercial levies only reproduction fees and are given the first 100 printable pages at no cost.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Information Security Profile for Air Force Reserve Command specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Occasionally, a fee waiver can be in force that is, pieces of information that their disclosure are deemed to significantly help the public undergo through this process. Public’s access to information empowers them to understand the roles of different government agencies (The Presence of Commercial/External Links, n.d.). Notably, the requester must not use such information for commercial purposes. A deep scrutiny is done to validate the intended use of these pieces of information. These notwithstanding, AFRC ensure information security through provision of mailbox details and website where people can send their FOIA requests. Obviously, this technique ensures information security as no third parties are incorporated in the whole inquiry process. Alternatively, if one needs information for personal use, he/she must prove beyond doubt to the AFRC that he/she is the only person requesting for such information. Specifically, the person must prove his/her identity during requisition. Notably, requesters who have close affiliation to Air force are prohibited from using government materials and equipment like office mail and telephones channels during FOIA requisition. This approach maintains high standard of security for the information available. People are also not required to release their e-mails like organizational and personal e-mails (The Presence of Commercial/External Links, n.d.). This step helps to protect internal information, as it could violate the agency’s regulations. If the information is released through e-mail, it would create unwarranted loopholes that would allow for unauthorized access to certain information hence privacy violation. On situations where one uses his/her personal postal address or e-mail to communicate to AFRC, the details could only be used to communicate back to the person. According to The Presence of Commercial/External Links (n.d.), the infor mation the client has sent can only be shared with a relevant agency dealing in the same line. This control ensures public confidence and loyalty in this organization. Outstandingly, a person is not required to give other personal details like social security numbers during communication. Therefore, the control also protects violation of personal privacy thus maintaining the standards that the organization has set to follow.Advertising Looking for report on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Furthermore, AFRC has established a computer system that collects statistical data. During this process, the software in the computer can detect any unauthorized access to a given website (The Presence of Commercial/External Links, n.d.). Internet hackers can alter, damage, or erase all information in a website. Evidently, the organization has put in place a modern technological application that assists in mitigating illegal activities that could tamper with information and violates an individual’s privacy. Simultaneously, this control helps in assessing pieces of information that are mostly read and those that are least read; this also helps in management of sites. Conclusion Conclusively, the controls put forward by AFRC, surely, help in ensuring high standards in service delivery and development of trust among its stakeholders. In addition, the organization has clearly prohibited against accessing private sites, altering information, uploading information, and denying othe r people services. These acts are punishable in court. For example, unauthorized access of password-protected data leads to imprisonment for a term of not more than twenty years or subjection of a fine under the title (Military Introduction, n.d.). Notably, these charges are levied if the victim’s access to the information was for personal financial gain and the act furthered criminal or tortious acts, such as causing physical injuries to any person. Therefore, such controls ought to be fully implemented so that the integrity of the Air force command remains higher than any other organization. References Freedom of Information Act. (n.d.). Air Force Reserve Command. Retrieved from https://www.publicaffairs.af.mil/ Military Introduction. (n.d.). Global Security. Retrieved from https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/intro/index.html The Presence of Commercial/External Links. (n.d.). Air Force Reserve Command. Retrieved from https://www.afrc.af.mil/ U.S Air Force Reserve Snapsh ot. (2012). Air Force Reserve Command. Retrieved from https://www.afrc.af.mil/ This report on Information Security Profile for Air Force Reserve Command was written and submitted by user Isis Underwood to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Virtually Anyting essays

Virtually Anyting essays  ¡Virtually Anything ¡ Virtual reality is a computer simulation that allows the viewer to see three-dimensional and realistic images. Virtual reality is made possible through sophisticated computers and complex programs designed to detect and interact with the person ¡s actual body movements and actions in real time (instantly). The person can manipulate the  ¡virtual ¡, or computer generated, environment with specially designed tools such as gloves, a helmet, and a variety of other such devices (Virtual Reality: History). These tools that are needed for advanced virtual reality simulations are usually owned by institutions such as NASA, universities, or government training facilities. Using tools such as the clothing type is usually restricted to the more expensive or educational experience of the technology. In fact, most people that use virtual reality may or may not know that they are because it is so common and due to the fact that using VR is not restricted to wearing the specialized gea r. Virtual reality didn ¡t always have such a commercial appeal even though it is most widely used today as a consumer product-enhancing agent when it first surfaced. In fact, VR wasn ¡t even a concept to the general public when the idea first arose to use a graphical representation of computer data. This was the first step in creating the idea of virtual reality because the computers of the time (late 1950s) were  ¡only glorified adding machines ¡ (Virtual Reality: History) that printed out on the old dot matrix type of printer. Also, these computers dominated the huge air-conditioned rooms that contained them and were not owned by the everyday Joe. With the further development of the computer came the increase in technologies that would yield the beginnings of intricate visual displays that would be known as virtual reality (Virtual Reality: History). Although the first ideas of linking c...

Biography of Meriwether Lewis, American Explorer

Biography of Meriwether Lewis, American Explorer Meriwether Lewis, born August 18, 1774 in Virginia, is best known as the co-captain of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition. But in addition to his role as a famed explorer, he was a young plantation owner, a committed military man, a controversial politician, and a confidant of President Jefferson. Lewis died in 1809 of gun shot wounds while en route to Washington, D.C., a trip he undertook with the intentions of clearing his muddled name. Fast Facts: Meriwether Lewis Occupation: Explorer, Governor of Louisiana TerritoryBorn: August 18, 1774,  Albemarle County, VADied: October 11, 1809, near Nashville, TNLegacy: The Lewis and Clark Expedition traversed the country through nearly 8,000 miles, helping consolidate Americas claims to the West. The explorers produced over 140 maps, collected over 200 samples of new plant and animal species, and established peaceful relations with 70 Native American tribes along the way.Famous Quote: As we passed on, it seemed as if those scenes of visionary enchantment would never have an end. Adolescent Planter Meriwether Lewis was born at Locust Hill plantation in Albemarle County, Virginia, on August 18, 1774. He was the eldest of five children born to Lt. William Lewis and Lucy Meriwether Lewis. William Lewis died of pneumonia in 1779 when Meriwether was just five years old. Within six months, Lucy Lewis married Captain John Marks and the new family left Virginia for Georgia. Life on what was then the frontier appealed to young Meriwether, who learned how to hunt and forage on long treks through the wilderness. When he was about 13 years old, he was sent back to Virginia for schooling and to learn the rudiments of running Locust Hill. By 1791, his stepfather had died and Lewis moved his twice-widowed mother and siblings home to Albemarle, where he worked to build a financially stable home for his family and over two dozen slaves. As he grew to maturity, cousin Peachy Gilmer described the young plantation owner as â€Å"formal and almost without flexibility,† determined to the point of obstinacy and filled with â€Å"self-possession and undaunted courage.† Captain Lewis Lewis seemed destined for the life of an obscure Virginia planter when he found a new path. A year after joining the local militia in 1793, he was among the 13,000 militiamen called up by President George Washington to put down the Whiskey Rebellion, an uprising of farmers and distillers in Pennsylvania protesting high taxes. Military life appealed to him, and in 1795 he joined the nascent U.S. Army as an ensign. Soon thereafter, he befriended another Virginia-born officer named William Clark.   In 1801, Captain Lewis was appointed as an aide to incoming President Thomas Jefferson. A fellow Albemarle County planter, Jefferson had known Lewis all his life and admired the younger man’s skills and intellect. Lewis served in this post for the next three years. Jefferson had long dreamt of seeing a major expedition across the American continent, and with the signing of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, he was able to win funding and support for an expedition to explore and map the new territory to find â€Å"the most direct and practicable water communication across this continent, for the purposes of commerce. Meriwether Lewis was a logical choice to lead the expedition. â€Å"It was impossible to find a character who to a complete science in botany, natural history, mineralogy astronomy, joined the firmness of constitution character, prudence, habits adapted to the woods a familiarity with the Indian manners and character, requisite for this undertaking,† Jefferson wrote. â€Å"All the latter qualifications Capt. Lewis has.† Lewis chose William Clark as his co-captain and they recruited the best men they could find for what promised to be an arduous multi-year trek. Lewis and Clark and their 33-man Corps of Discovery left from Camp Dubois in present-day Illinois on May 14, 1804. Map of the Northwestern United States depicts the route taken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their first expedition from the Missouri River (near St. Louis, Missouri) to the mouth of the Columbia River (at the Pacific Ocean in Oregon), and their return trip, 1804-1806. (Photo by Stock Montage/Getty Images) Over the next two years, four months, and 10 days, the Corps of Discovery covered nearly 8,000 miles to the Pacific coast and back, arriving in St. Louis in early September 1806. Altogether, the expedition created over 140 maps, collected over 200 samples of new plant and animal species, and made contact with over 70 Native American tribes. Governor Lewis Back home in Virginia, Lewis and Clark each received about $4,500 in pay (equivalent to about $90,000 today) and 1,500 acres of land in recognition of their accomplishment. In March 1807, Lewis was appointed governor of the Louisiana Territory and Clark was appointed general of the territorial militia and Agent for Indian Affairs. They arrived in St. Louis in early 1808. In St. Louis, Lewis built a house big enough for himself, William Clark, and Clark’s new bride. As governor, he negotiated treaties with local tribes and tried to bring order to the region. However, his work was undermined by political enemies, who spread rumors that he was mismanaging the territory. Lewis also found himself deeply in debt. In carrying out his duties as governor, he accrued nearly $9,000 in debts- equivalent to $180,000 today. His creditors began to call in his debts before Congress approved his reimbursements. In early September 1809, Lewis set out for Washington, in the hopes of clearing his name and winning his money. Accompanied by his servant, John Pernier, Lewis planned to boat down the Mississippi to New Orleans and sail along the coast to Virginia. Stopped by illness at Fort Pickering, near present-day Memphis, Tennessee, he decided to make the rest of the trip overland, following a wilderness path called the Natchez Trace. On October 11, 1809, Lewis died of gunshot wounds at an isolated tavern known as Grinder’s Stand, about 70 miles southwest of Nashville.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Murder or Suicide? Word quickly spread that the 35-year-old Lewis had committed suicide as the result of depression. Back in St. Louis, William Clark wrote to Jefferson: â€Å"I fear the weight of his mind has overcome him.† But there were lingering questions over what had occurred at Grinder’s Stand on the night of October 10 and 11, with rumors that Lewis had, in fact, been murdered. Over 200 years later, researchers are still divided on how Lewis died. For decades, descendants of the explorer have sought to have his remains exhumed for examination  by forensic experts to see if they can determine if his wounds were self-inflicted or not. To date, their requests have been denied. Sources Danisi, Thomas C.  Meriwether Lewis. New York: Prometheus Books, 2009.Guice, John D.W. Jay H. Buckley. By His Own Hand?:  The Mysterious Death of Meriwether Lewis. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2014.Stroud, Patricia Tyson. Bitterroot:  The Life and Death of Meriwether Lewis. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2018.

Booktalking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Booktalking - Essay Example This is like a trailer of a movie-the good snippets to get their attention Type B : The Discussion: This kind of booktalk generally begins by the booktalker asking a few questions of The questions generally summon them to step into the character's shoes and draws out answer in the form of yes or no from them. From here on he moves to discuss an interesting scene or plot from the book intermittingly asking the questions to build up the audience's interest. Type C: First person: This requires acting skill on the part of booktalker as he becomes one of the characters from the book. No reading from the book .He becomes an actor and plays the character himself Its human nature not to be satisfied with what one has. Some of us wish for longer hair, the ones with long hair would like to have straight hair, people with straight hair would ask for curls .the wishes are endless. But imagine if your wishes are granted and you get a chance to change your looks. Yes, the character of our first book, Tally, is a teenager who definitely is getting such an opportunity .She basically lives in this town called Uglyville, where all the "Uglies" live .Now this town is a strange one. Strange in the sense that when some inhabitants of this town turn sixteen he or she undergoes an operation that changes the physical attributes of him or her completely. Pre operation they are Ugly (as all the inhabitants of this town are) and post operation they are pretty and are transported to another town, which has all pretty people and where fun never ends. Now Tally has still two months to wait before she gets a make over. But she cannot wait .she plans to spy on the newly turned pretties. She sneaks into their town and meets Shay. Now Shay is also ugly, but he is smart, adventurous and full of life .He shares his birthday with Tally and is lined up to turn pretty on the same date as her. They hit off very well. He talks to tally about a town where they can live as they are. No operations, no makeovers for the uglies of that town. Shay has now become very close friend of Tally, but she is now torn between two choices,.first one to turn pretty and .second to be with shay who doesn't want to turn pretty. So what would you do had you been in her shoes Turn pretty or be with Shay and be happy with your status quo. What if you opt for choose one but to reap its dividend you have to betray your best friend. What would you do TRANSITION: A tough decision indeed lets read the book to find out what Tally does .Did she betray Shay Did she turn pretty Meanwhile lets move on to the next book in which we have another girl Ursula Riggs who is rendered emotionless because of being Ugly. This is a first person booktalk and for next five to ten minutes I am Ursula Riggs of BIG MOUTH & UGLY GIRL I am Ursula Riggs and "Since that day I woke up and knew I wasn't an ugly girl, I was Ugly Girl" so you can chose to call me an "Ugly Girl" .I am a loner and have fierce eyes. People often find me as staring directly into their eyes .I don't know whether I do it consciously or it's just an illusion. Whatever be the case I am least bothered. . I am a student of high school and unlike other children of my age I have no time for dating, friends and other petty things .I would rather play basketball and mind my own

Google Inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Google Inc - Essay Example In other words, the Chinese clientele cannot access information that is deemed objectionable by the Chinese government. The major problems that Google faces are from US Justice Department, American legal department, its international clients and global forums like human right groups and free press. Its digression from its core mission and vision of ‘don’t be evil’ has adversely impacted its credibility and image in the international market. Google’s business strategy in China is seen as a support for repressive regime that is against human rights and freedom of people, including press. Brin, Page and Schmidt need to evolve new strategies to work in China so that their core business mission of providing full access to information is not compromised. While China is high potential business venue, the company must realize that its business strategy is fundamentally based on free access to information that true, well researched and comes from highly credible sources. In the long run, there are great chances of it getting boomeranged on its rest of the global market who would rather go in for organizations that promote common global causes and are stable in their principles and ideologies. If the negotiation for more freedom fails, they should remove their business from China and focus on other developing nations. Brynn Harris, Brynn and Ogilvy, Allison. (2007). Google: Entrance into the Chinese Market and Government Censorship. Eugene D. Fanning Center for Business Communication, Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame. Case Study Competition

How Cleanliness Affects the Life of an Individual Essay Example for Free

How Cleanliness Affects the Life of an Individual Essay The significance of cleanliness and hygiene cannot be overlooked by any society. Every faith and civilisation stresses the importance of cleanliness. Historically, cleanliness has been considered one of the important factors by which to judge a civilisation’s or society’s development. Islam places great emphasis on cleanliness and purity, both physically and spiritually. In Islam, spiritual purity is linked to physical cleanliness and purity. More impor tantly, cleanliness is termed an indispensable fundamental of faith. However, this fundamental and powerful tenet of our faith, unfortunately, is not reflected in our society practically. Serious reflection is required on our individual as well as collective practices in order to make this valuable principle of Islam part of our lives. There are many verses in the Holy Quran which reflect the importance of cleanliness. For example, Allah says â€Å"†¦Truly, Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean† (2:222). In the Quran worship and seeking Allah’s love is conditioned with cleanliness and purity as the Holy Book says â€Å"†¦In it [mosque] are men who love to clean and to purify themselves. And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure† (9:108). Furthermore, in one of his sayings the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has termed cleanliness as half of faith. The above few examples from the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet reveal that without cleanliness of our body and environment, one cannot receive the proximity of Allah spiritually and most importantly, faith cannot be completed in the absence of cleanliness and purity. Much is said rhetorically about cleanliness in our society but practically its application is missing. A quick observation can reveal how insensitive a culture we have developed regarding cleanliness and hygiene. Throwing garbage in the streets, roads or parks has become a common practice in our society. In public places dustbins are seldom found. Even if dustbins are installed, people do not use them properly. Rather, they prefer to throw garbage outside them. It is also observed that people clean their homes and shops and throw the garbage on the street without considering its implications. It is evident that even students of elite schools throw garbage on the ground even in the presence of garbage bins. This shows our attitude towards cleanliness and hygiene. Another habit that is commonly found in our society is spitting openly. People spit paan from running vehicles without considering the pedestrians walking on the road. This practice not only affects the environment but is also an eyesore. Another area that needs consideration is the horrible condition of public toilets. The shortage of public toilets is a big challenge, hence people are compelled to use open spaces to answer the call of nature. The toilets that do exist are in such pathetic condition that one cannot use them. There are many other examples which can be cited to indicate the pathetic condition of cleanliness and hygiene in our society. Hence, conscious efforts are needed to tackle this issue. There is a dire need to educate and sensitise people about the importance of cleanliness in light of our faith. In this regard social institutions such as educational institutions, the media and religious institutions can play a vital role. It is essential to provide civic education in order to train the younger generations of a society. In Pakistan, the education system needs to transform its practices. Teaching and learning material regarding cleanliness and hygiene should be included in the curriculum and textbooks. Educational institutions should demonstrate cleanliness in their premises. To train young people schools should involve students in cleaning their schools, homes and environment and highlight proper sanitary practices. The use of dustbins should be strictly followed in the school premises. Secondly, the media can be a powerful source to educate and sensitise the masses about the importance of cleanliness and disadvantages of an unhygienic way of life. It should focus on both the good as well as unhygienic practices in our society. Thirdly, religious institutions such as mosques and madressahs can also play their part in educating the people about the importance of cleanliness in the light of Islamic teachings. Furthermore, the role and commitment of the government cannot be overlooked in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in society. The government’s will is very crucial in making policies and implementing them at the grass-roots level. The government can play an important role in cleaning areas, installing dustbins, collecting garbage and enforcing laws against littering etc. The importance of cleanliness cannot be ignored in individual as well as communal life. On one hand it is an important factor for human health and spiritual development; on the other hand it is essential for environmental development. By adopting a clean and hygienic lifestyle, a valuable amount can also be saved where health issues are concerned. A clean and healthy life helps in refining the culture of a society and reflects in every aspect of life such as art, architecture, food, music and so on. Ultimately, it leads towards a higher level of civilisation. Islam has put unique emphasis on the importance of cleanliness by making it a part of faith. Hence, there is a dire need to make conscious efforts in educating the people about the importance of cleanliness. In this regard, serious steps are required at multiple levels to make this precious value of our faith part of our individual and collective lives. Cleanliness  is both the  abstract  state of being clean and free from  dirt, and the process of achieving and maintaining that state. Cleanliness may be endowed with a moral quality, as indicated by the  aphorism  cleanliness is next to  godliness,[1]  and may be regarded as contributing to other ideals such as  health  andbeauty. In emphasizing an ongoing procedure or set of habits for the purpose of maintenance and prevention, the concept of cleanliness differs from  purity[disambiguation needed], which is a physical, moral, or ritual state of freedom from pollutants. Whereas purity is usually a quality of an individual or substance, cleanliness has a social dimension, or implies a system of interactions. [2]  Cleanliness, observed  Jacob Burckhardt, is indispensable to our modern notion of social perfection. [3]  A household or workplace may be said to exhibit cleanliness, but not ordinarily purity; cleanliness also would be a characteristic of the people who maintain cleanness or prevent dirtying. On a practical level, cleanliness is thus related to  hygiene  and disease prevention. Washing  is one way of achieving physical cleanliness, usually with  water  and often some kind of  soap  ordetergent. Procedures of cleanliness are of utmost importance in many forms of manufacturing. As an assertion of moral superiority or respectability, cleanliness has played a role in establishing cultural values in relation to  social class,  humanitarianism, and  cultural imperialism.

Heart of Darkness - A Reform Piece or Racist Trash? Essay -- HOD Josep

Heart of Darkness - Reform Piece or Racist Trash?      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In 1890, Joseph Conrad spent four months as a steamship captain in the Congo. Like his character Marlow, Conrad became both physically ill and greatly disturbed as a result of his experiences. The Congo haunted Conrad, and despite the fact that he spent relatively little of his time there, he felt compelled to write about his experiences years later.1    Indeed, the Congo had a profound influence on Conrad. While there he met Roger Casement who was to become a life long friend and ally in the campaign against Leopold II. Conrad's experience was much like Marlow's. As a young man, Conrad would look at maps and desired to journey to the as yet unexplored Congo, much the same way Marlow did. He was the captain of a steamboat that traveled between Stanley Falls and Leopoldville. Like Marlow, he also became very ill as a result of his travels. While in the region he kept a daily diary that would aid him in future work. Conrad originally wrote a short story about his experiences in the Congo, but later decided that a slightly longer work would be necessary to deal with the topic.2 Out of this profound influence came a profound novella, Heart of Darkness, which was published in 1902 at the height of the Congo controversy.    Heart of Darkness painted a very dark picture of the Congo. It is no surprise that there is so much dark imagery in Heart of Darkness, Conrad adequately described the tone of the Congo. Kurtz can be seen as a white man who set out for the Congo, like so many others, in an effort to "civilize" the inhabitants of the region. In the end though, it's Kurtz who is the most savage. Kurtz could be a representative of any of the members of the For... ...on different races have improved. That there even is a debate would indicate that people today are more aware of issues of racism than they were in 1902.    Works Cited (1), (2), (6) Forbath, Peter. The River Congo. Harper & Row Publishers. New York. 1977. (3) Widmer, Kingsley. "Joseph Conrad". Dictionary of Literary Biography, vol. 34. Gale Research Company. Detroit. 1985 (4) Watts, Cedric. Conrad's "Heart of Darkness": A Critical and Contextual Discussion. Mursia International. 1977. (5) Pakenham, Thomas. The Scramble for Africa. Weidenfeld and Nicolson. London. 1991. (7), (8), (9), (10), (12) Achebe, Chinua. Hopes and Impediments, Selected Essays. Doubleday. New York. 1977. (11), (13) Sarvan, C.P. " Racism and the 'Heart of Darkness'". The International Fiction Review. winter, 1980. International Fiction Association.