Myths as a Mirror of Society Essay

In a democratic society that struggles with how to support individuality and yet develop a consciousness of shared concerns and actions that promote equality, the color of your skin and the place of your origins still matter to a lot of people. Power relationships between people still exist and continue to influence people’s perceptions of themselves and the members of other groups. One of the struggles of a certain person is the construction of self, including identification and affiliation with one’s gender and a racial or ethnic group. Living in a â€Å"melting pot† of cultures like the United States, one could not help but encounter different people that belong to different ethnic group. In an article by Linda Seger entitled â€Å"Creating the Myths† (2000), she averred that although people come from different cultures or has a different skin color, We share similar experiences in the life journey of growth, development, and transformation. We live the same stories, whether they involve the search for a perfect mate, coming home, the search for fulfillment, going after an ideal, achieving the dream, or hunting for a precious treasure. Whatever our culture, there are universal stories that form the basis for all our particular stories. The trappings might be different, the twists and turns that create suspense might change from culture to culture, the particular characters may take different forms, but underneath it all, it’s the same story, drawn from the same experiences (p. 308). Living in a multi-ethnic society does not come in as easy. Often, we have heard or maybe encountered ourselves some prejudice with regards to people that has not the same color of our skin. In television and in movies, there are clashes in cultures. Unknown prejudice caused mainly by people’s refusal to accept reality as it is. When you see the word crash, it always summons to mind an unfortunate event that has to deal with vehicles. Someone even told me that it is prohibited to say this word when you are boarded on an airplane because you might cause panic among another passengers. Planes, cars and even computers crash. Crash basically means collision. Similarly, the title of Paul Haggis movie is Crash (2005). However, viewers will see not only collisions involving cars, but collisions involving race, culture and classes. Although it is just a movie, †Crash† tackles the realities of what cross-cultural panorama of Los Angeles urban life looks like. More than an interwoven stories of mythic heroes, it involves no direct good or bad people. These are people interconnected to each other in vestiges of crime, racism, corruption, obligation, indignation and chance over a two-day period. The storyline superimposes the complexity of the multifaceted narratives of their lives entwined under the numerous social and psychological issues usually hidden inside the closet of the American consciousness. Demystifying the Plot Seger proposed that a myth is a story that is â€Å"more than true. † She elaborated that these stories are true because one person, somewhere, at some time, lived it. Like the stories that intertwine in the movie Crash, these events are based on facts that we encounter in our daily lives. We connect to a â€Å"myth† because we believe that this is more than true because it is lived by all of us, at some level. The plot of the movie Crash are stories that connects and speaks to us all. One of the poignant stories that revolve around the movie is about two cops, one senior and the other junior. The other jaded and abusive, the other one is a novice and willing to learn the ropes. These cops are played by Matt Dillon and Ryan Philippe respectively. One day, when they were assigned in their beat site, they pull over and eventually harass a black couple (Terrence Howard and Thandie Newton) because the SUV they’re driving vaguely fits the description of a carjacked vehicle that was reported. Viewers get the impression that the character of Matt Dillon is racist chauvinist pig. We immediately tag him as the villain. More complications swiftly supersede within 24 hours as archetypes of characters cross paths again in separate incidents of incredibly high tension. These archetype characters challenge both the prejudices that have formed between them and the assumptions we draw out from their different perspectives about race and culture as a whole. Later in the film, we are surprised to see that it turned out that Christine (Thandie Newton) that she encounters Sgt. Ryan (Matt Dillon), the racist cop who sexually molested her during a traffic stop the previous night, the officer on the scene who tries to pull her from the burning car. Of course, she refused. â€Å"Anyone but you! † Christine screamed. We see the frustration in the face of Sgt. Ryan. He profusely apologized and explained that nobody was there to help but him. He informed that gasoline was dripping off her car. More or less, she has to get out of there before it explodes. Hesitantly, Christine agreed after Sgt. Ryan promised not to touch her anymore. Luckily, Christine was pulled out before the explosion. Viewers are perplexed with the transformation of Sgt. Ryan as an anti-hero. Maybe, he was not bad after all. Heroes and anti-heroes abound the movie Crash. To further intricately muddle the conflicts, characters encounter and reencounter one another in highly convenient ways. For example, a young African-American criminal Peter (Lanrez Tate) is murdered. Fortunately, he has a brother, Graham (Don Cheadle), an LAPD detective, who discovers Peter’s dead body in the desert. Prior to learning of his brother’s death, Graham is thwarted by the district attorney’s office into suppressing evidence that may partially absolve a white police officer charged with killing a black cop. Incidentally, the district attorney (Brendan Fraser) is looking for a conviction that would help him gather enough support from the black community, since he is trying to manage a potential media scandal. He and his wife (Sandra Bullock) were carjacked in Sherman Oaks by two young black men. We come to realize that around the community of New York we get acquainted with various myths, as this movie depicted. We witness the patterns and elements that connect with our own human experience As film involves various crashes and clashes, forcefully it does not just invoke commonly hackneyed racially-charged confrontations found in some films, but it almost subliminally showcases how passive prejudice and pre-conceived notions are often prevalent in simple day-to-day life. Thus, people could just collide and all these complications happen within a blink of an eye, unaware that they are villains and victims all at the same time of the milieu. The Myths of Crash Although the dominant illusion of myths that Crash could perpetuate among its viewers about its own narrative is that each character does something virtuous in one situation, and something unconscionably racist in another. Entirely, this is not the case because some characters could be deemed as purely good people. These characters are not simply out and out heroes. They are called anti-heroes because they do not possess certain respect that people should bestow them because of racism and prejudice. The Latino locksmith Daniel exists solely to incur racist threats and insults from other characters, then to disprove their opinions through his role as the most upstanding of family men. Unfortunately, other characters display no redeeming traits, like the DA’s wife, Jean Cabot (Bullock) is depicted as a self-involved rich and uptight woman who is there to speak the unspeakable ‘truth’ when justifying her fear of black men. Eventually, she stops just short of calling Daniel a wetback, and undergoes a quite insincere transformation that resulted from her inability to understand that her housekeeper Maria (Yomi Perry) is nice to her when she fell down some steps and fractured her leg, and nobody else has given her sympathy. She had no choice, but be nice to the person who helped her (Sicinski, 2005). Craig Detweiler (December, 2005) analyzed that Haggis portrays the film as a depiction a fine interconnectedness of realistic portrait of pertinent issues with a subliminal touch of magic realism. The movie offers a range of familiar types, attempting to prick his viewers’ consciences without being overbearingly preachy or nearly jingoistic. As the film kicks off, tempers are already surging as invectives and epithets are blurted out without batting an eyelash. Prejudices are looking for confirmation. â€Å"I am angry all the time, and I don’t know why,† laments a frustrated housewife. The first half of the film whips up the melting pot of complications, with racist assumptions spilling out of the characters ears. Viewers relish a platter of racism and crime, seasoned with sexual harassment, a broken health-care system and the purchase of firearms. In the softer second half, Detweiler explains that the isolated moments suggest a possibility of redemption for the characters. A motorist hassled by the cops for â€Å"driving while black† turns out to be a conflict-avoiding â€Å"Buddhist for Christ’s sake. † But that doesn’t dissuade the police from violating his humanity and that of his wife. A statue of St. Christopher shows up at surprising times, but it ultimately proves ineffectual. A protective icon inspires a random act of violence. As Christmas unfolds in the movie, we see images of the nativity that could only summon unrealized prayers for â€Å"peace on earth† (Detweiler, 2005). Circumscribing the â€Å"circle† that goes around the film’s plot, a realization could smack its viewers that in the small world we are living in, we are connected to each other, like it or not. Conclusion To quote John F. Kennedy, he said that â€Å"every American ought to have the right to be treated as he would wish to be treated, as one would wish his children to be treated. † In our present time, racism is a topic well-tackled among discussions. We are aware that it is generally loathed by people and we heard calls of putting a stop to it. We have seen the fall of Apartheid, we have seen those protests voicing out equality, but people still commit racism unconsciously as they encounter each other in their daily lives. Is prejudice primarily a question of color? How do differences of language and culture play into our misunderstandings? What must be done to bridge understanding and permanently inculcate the ugly face of prejudice regarding our differences? The film Crash does not present the myths to an ultimate panacea to racism and prejudice. But certainly, it is a mirror of the archetypes that persist in American society. It is presenting a consciousness about the interconnectedness of people and the situations that made them come up with their own realizations. Thus, the film invites its viewers to come up with their own realizations about the contemporary cross-section of American society and provide a space about perspectives on how to deal with their own prejudices. Works Cited Detweiler, Craig. Cultural Collisions. Sojourners Magazine. Washington, (December 2005), 34 (11): 45-46. Seger, Linda. â€Å"Creating the Myth. † Signs Of Life In The USA. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2000. 308-316. Sicinski, Michael. Crash, Film Review. Cineaste. New York, (Fall 2005), 30 (4): 51-54.

Light in the shadow of jihad: the struggle for truth

IntroductionThe world needs to learn to understand each other’s faith and belief and respect it in every way.  Following the September eleventh tragedy, Christians face the dilemma of comprehending the truths of the tragedy and responding to it in a Christian way. That dilemma is answered through deep study and understanding Islam guided by the bible and prophesies contained in it. America and the world must realize that God fulfills his purpose frequently through disasters.With the tragedy, a lot of essential questions arose: Is terrorism the true focus of Islam? Is god absent in such disasters?As America mourned, some celebrated. It is true that some people may think that they are terrorists but some may think they are freedom fighters. The belief that actions can be justified politically has been going on for years. Politicization of morality has given an opportunity to justify actions politically and one it is done, it could be morally accepted as well (Lyon). Other demo cratic nations believe that the individual is the arbiter of right and wrong. But some like Bin Laden thinks differently.Faith is the basis of morality but at the same time it is the root of relativism in every means to establish one religion. This makes their inconsistencies evident. If moral agnosticism is the absolute of relativism, how come relativism tells us that no one can discern right from wrong?  On the other hand, the attackers have spent their last hours with prostitutes in night clubs. If their absolute is Islam, why spend their last night to satisfy their sexual needs instead of their spiritual needs?Zacharias’ BookRavi suggested in his book, Light in the Shadow of Jihad: The Struggle for Truth, five major questions that prevail in people’s mind after the September 11 Bombing. These questions are: Did the terrorists’ action portray a true Islam belief? What can state and church do in shaping the outlook of people on religion and how does it affec t the culture of the nation?Did the incident illustrate an Islamic tradition or such only undermine the religion of Islam? Were there any known predictions that such phenomenon would actually occur? What is the implication of such incident to the world and to the Future?  Moreover, He implicitly asked how God views the incident (Zacharias). Was God in favor of what happened? Why did He allow such violence take place? These were few of the questions directed to question the inclination God towards the 9/11 Bombing.Osama Bin Laden; A Protagonist or an Antagonist?Discernment begins with intuition. But as everybody knows, may often be wrong. Like for instance, Osama Bin Laden’s intuition has failed him (Zacharias). After 9/11, he deliberately complained about the bloodshed in Afghanistan. The bloodshed has suddenly become too reprehensible for Bin Laden. Intuition is simply not enough bases for discernment. Therefore, reasoning must come to place. But how do we move from intuit ion to reasoning? Relativist has said that reason could not move us to morality and that people are not capable of discerning right from wrong simply because right or wrong does not exist. Morality derived from intuition then become in conflict with morality derived from reasoning (Zacharias).As these conflicts arise, a need to go back to the foundation of morality is in place. The society merely recognizes that need. It is urgent and must be taken into consideration.Bin Laden, has his own way of looking at and discerning of the Islamic belief and tradition. Likewise, he has his own way of interpreting the codes of conduct or the morality included and written in the Quran. If his decision failed him, then logically, somehow his knowledge and interpretation of the Quran may be different from the original message of it.Muslim, Islam, Allah and the 9/11 BombingSeptember 11 terrorists thought or believed that their action is Allah’s will (Zacharias). While other Muslims think it is corrupted Islam. If such difference of belief exists among Muslims, what does other people from other beliefs to believe?Is terrorism a fruit of an Islamic worldview or a fruit of socio economic situation? People then must examine Islam to answer this urgent question. As discussed in the book, Islam is a religion which originated from Muhammed. It was through military invasion that Islam was spread out. After the death of Muhammed without a heir or successor, Islam movement was divided (Zacharias).In this time of division, some readings of Quran were destroyed. Thus, this incident becomes a controversy among critics for they think that textual tampering took place. Four sources of Quran accounts and history after the incident emerged- the Hadith, the Sunna, the Sira, and the Tafsir (Zacharias). But different sects of Islam have different levels of importance to these sources. This is an evidence why Muslims, most of the time, are not unanimated in terms of opinion, actions or met hods within their religion today. In this situation, Muslims rely on abrogation. But in this method, another problem arises. Which Quran readings abrogate other Quran readings? Differences among Muslims arise even more. Some Muslims persecute Christians to the point of killing them. There have been several reports about it. Like 9/11 tragedy is persecution to Christians (Muhammad). It is extreme and unfair.Educators has attempted to have an in-depth study of Islam but has met resistance with Muslim leaders. There is a chance that they are trying to manipulate the minds of other Muslims. What could be derived from Islamic history?There exists a major confusion among Muslims about their religion. This confusion is primarily caused by the division that is still evident today. From this as well, we can safely say that not all Muslims agree to violence (Zacharias). Organizing and restudying of Islam is urgently needed by Muslims.Christianity and the War of the Religious FaithsWhat about in Christianity? Is it not in any way predicted or prophesied by the bible? Throughout history, the prophesies in the bible has come to pass. As for example, in the book of Daniel about Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar had a problem about a statue which has four different parts.   It was a dream that Daniel had to interpret. Daniel explained to Nebuchadnezzar that it concerns kingdoms (Muhammad). The first kingdom would overcome the kingdom before them until it reach the fourth. These came to pass as prophesied. Jesus conquered human history without any political agenda. According to theologians, God is there but his presence is not obvious. This is called â€Å"the hiddenness of God†   (Muhammad). Atheist, on the other hand, thinks that if God would manifest himself, they would believe he exists. Other Christians sometimes wish so too.As Muslims persecute Christians, Christians persecute Muslims as well (Muhammad). After 9/11, Muslims faced everyday the discrimination against the m. Every Muslim is perceived to be a terrorist (Lyon). What does that say about Christianity? What is the difference between Muslims and Christians with this king of discrimination?This desire to see God tells more about us than about God. We turn to God when we have no one or nowhere to turn to and questions him when are needs are not met. This happens because of our tendency to rely on our intellect and the continuous nurturing of our minds with knowledge. Deep inside each of us yearns for rational evidence.  With Christians, faith varies but same beliefs are evident. A true relationship with God is when we begin to relate to him in both our ups and downs. God has a purpose. He intends to have us trust him and submit our lives to him in the midst of tragedy.Religion and the FutureThe world is suffering from lack of critical minds in relation to worldviews (Lyon). We are corrupted with so much information, too many voices. But it will never be enough for people top just listen to them and absorb everything. It is important for people to filter it before accepting it as true.The world should put to use faith as a basis of morality. Intuition and Reasoning is not enough. We should put to use the basis of religion as the solid ground of morality in our society. Religion may vary but it is sure the most solid, even if it may be inconsistent, foundation for morality.Respect for other culture and religion must be evident in every individual for the betterment of humanity. We may live in a democratic society but still discrimination is still evident. We must realize and accept that our religion or faith varies. Respect comes from understanding and learning each others cultures. Learning from the experience and moving on from it is in need. It is a challenge for everyone to understand each other. It is time for us to move on from the tragedy. It is time to move on from the corrupted and discriminating society that we are today. Let us move on and be better.Works Ci ted:Lyon, David. Surveillance after September 11 . Blackwell Publishing Limited , 2003.Muhammad, Elijah. Christianity Versus Islam. Secretarius Memps Publications , 1997.Zacharias, Ravi. Light in the Shadow of Jihad: The Struggle for Truth . Multnomah , 2002.

A Literary Analysis of Margaret Atwoods Happy Endings

In the story â€Å"Happy Endings† the author Margaret Atwood gives 6 scenarios in alphabetical order from A to F of how a couples life could play out over the span of their lives. In these six scenarios Atwood uses satire to emphasize how interchangeable and simple each couples life is. In this story Atwood uses character, style, and point of view to chastise the desire for the everyday common life and the concern for only the â€Å"whats† in life and not â€Å"how or why†. The use of flat characters in â€Å"Happy Endings† is one of the ways Atwood’s satirical tone is especially emphasized. The first characters introduced, Mary and John, are barely developed and we only learn simple details about their life that appears to be happy and comfortable. For example, we learn that they both have jobs but not what they do for these jobs. The narrator describes them as â€Å"worth while and remunerative jobs, which they find stimulating and challenging. † We also learn that they continue to enjoy their lives but are still not given any exciting details. For example, all the important aspects of their life are described by the narrator as â€Å"they buy a charming house†, â€Å"when they can afford live in help, they have two children. They turn out well. † â€Å"They go on vacations together. They retire† , â€Å"They both have hobbies they find stimulating and challenging. † Atwood uses this lack of detail to emphasize how flat and dull the characters are, building the idea that the main desire in life is focused on the â€Å"whats†. Throughout the different scenarios Atwood continues to use the writing style of repetition to make the point that the root of each story is the same. For example, almost everything in the characters lives throughout the six scenarios are described as â€Å"stimulating and challenging†, all the houses in the story are described as â€Å"charming†, and the real estate market is always mentioned. The most important thing that is repeated at the end of every story is that they all die, no matter what happened in their life, they all eventually die. Death is key to this story because regardless of the â€Å"whats† the characters have in life, Atwood wants to emphasize that death will always equal us out. For example, in scenario F these exact ideas are mentioned by the author â€Å"you’ll have to face it, the endings are always the same however you slice it† and â€Å"the only authentic ending is the one provided here: John and Mary die. John and Mary die. John and Mary die. † The third person objective point of view that this story is written in is what makes the characters so flat, the repetition so empty, and the story so simple. For example, a much more descriptive story in B is emotionally detached and flat because of how the author purposely lacks passion by writing, â€Å"Mary falls in love with John but John doesn’t fall in love with Mary. He merely uses her body for selfish pleasure and ego gratification of a tepid kind. † This statement is so emotionally loaded and could be very upsetting but the way its delivered, so fat and blunt, takes away the emotional attachment. The death as well in story B is a dark and heart breaking part but is also told so bluntly to remind you of death being the equalizer. For example, the author writes so easily about the death â€Å"Mary collects all the sleeping pills and aspirin she can find, and takes them and a half bottle of sherry. You can see what kind of woman she is by the fact that its not even whiskey. She leaves a note for John. She hopes he’ll discover her and get her to the hospital in time and repent and then they can get married, but this fails to happen and she dies. † The non-emotional way her death is described is an indicator of the flatness. The use of character, style, and point of view that Atwood uses to write this story gives you a real feeling of pity for these characters, only having horrible lows or average highs in their relationships. It appears that there is no great place to be in her story. Reading this story for the first time, the reader could assume Atwood has an obsession with bad relationships, boring average marriages, and death. The key to understanding what the author is trying to convey is realizing how the stories all link together and how they all lack the essence of excitement and desire. The author brings the idea that without focusing on the â€Å"how and why† of life and only focusing on the â€Å"what, what, what† will leave you with an average life. Reference Endings, and Margaret Atwood. 2016. Happy Endings. Goodreads. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28673445-happy-endings. Topics, Sample Papers Articles Online for Free. (2016). Happy Endings – Margaret Atwood. [online] Available at: http://studymoose.com/an-analysis-of-margaret-atwoods-happy-endings-essay [Accessed 21 Nov. 2016]. Happy Endings Summary. 2016. Www.Bookrags.Com. http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-happyendings/chapanal001.html.

Service Project Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Service Project - Case Study Example The primary contact for the conference was Maurice Hoover. As far as planning of the conference most of it was already completed when we arrived, after we were informed as to where the various sessions would take place, all that was required was to help direct people and attend the lectures, which was quite interesting and very helpful. We also assisted in setting up chairs and other minor logistical issues. At the end we did help clean up and we left at around 5:30. The name of the conference where our service project took place was called "Equanimity: Maintaining Balance." The conference itself gave me much insight into the nature of Buddhism at least as it is practiced in the United States. Our classroom preparation on Buddhism gave me some familiarity with some of the terms they used, such as the sangha and the types of meditation. I was also aware, through my previous classroom experience, the deference paid to the leaders of the conference. In this reflection paper I will try to explain what I learned during this service project not only about Buddhism as a religion, but the way in which religion is understood and practiced and I hope to explain what I learned about myself as well. One thing I immediately learned is how different religions adjust to the culture in which they are practiced. For example one of the speakers the Venerable Bhante Kassapa Bhikkhu engages in a number of practices such as Sunday Services, and youth ministry. He is also the Chaplain to Buddhist inmates at a federal corrections facility in Texas. Furthermore, in the description of Kassapa they refer at one point to his close collaboration with an abbot. All of these practices and institutions are primarily Western in character, the abbot is a position within a Christian church and many of the other elements are also Christian in nature. This blending of religious practices is a common feature of religions, and in fact most religions undergo some level of syncretism. What is interesting in this case, is how seamlessly the blending of various practices seemed to be. One might expect that certain religions, especially ones that derive from a completely different tradition to be resistant t o these kinds of formal structures from other religious traditions. However, they have managed to do so and still recognize the authenticity of their traditions. The central concept during the panel discussion was about Equanimity. The Pali term for this is called Upekkha. Upekkha or Equanimity is very important concept in Buddhism for both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions. It is one of the Four Enlightened States and serves as a stepping stone to reach nirvana or sati. It is a part of the spiritual development process and is often considered the last-identified. In English equanimity refers to one's ability to be undisturbed mentally during periods of stress or trouble. This is not unrelated to the way upekkha is understood in Buddhism. It is important to note and as was emphasized during the panel

Answering 10 questions regarding the Greeks from myth to reason Assignment

Answering 10 questions regarding the Greeks from myth to reason - Assignment Example The Greek political life demonstrates the best features of freedom through the perception that democracy can be considered a civic freedom, whereby there is direct participation of citizens. However, Greek political life demonstrates the best features of freedom through a requisite idea that freedom depends on restraining powers of the government. In this case, the capability of these reasons is related to the development of constitutionalism, while the limitation is the decline of civil freedom. Most of the Greek political experience was borrowed by the western worlds through the interaction related to trade, thereby making the political experience substantial to the western world in order for them to shape their political system in a way that could foster democracy. The process commenced when some thinkers rejected mythical explanations for the natural phenomena, whereby they broke the mythopoetic perception of the Near East, and conceived a new way of viewing the nature and society that was based on the western scientific philosophical traditions (Marvin, Chase, Jacob, and Jacob, 74). The Sophists and Socrates advanced the tradition of reason and humanism through the standards of living at the early stages, due to an obligation of banding themselves together into communities that had moral standards and laws. Both Plato and Aristotle were considered the greatest Greeks-Socrates, and they also shared philosophical attitudes such as scepticism, and a mistrust of possibility of absolute knowledge. Moreover, both of them applied this skepticism in their life to foster the rise of moral and political philosophy in Greece in an atmosphere of scepticism. However, unlike Aristotle, Plato was more positive, and he reproduced his master’s teachings and decided to carry them to a stage further. The Greek drama, art and historiography contributed to the tradition of reason and humanism through the

Reflaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reflaction - Essay Example There are different issues and concepts that can be cited in relation to this which includes the different roles of women in the society most especially inside the home, in marriage and the family. Andre Lorde explored the issue related to the empowerment of women through the concept of the erotic. According to her, erotic is equated to power due to the fact that it can add passion to any type of activity a person is doing. It can be considered that women have the capability of being physically, intellectually and emotionally powerful. As a result, men are very much under the power of well-rounded women to the point that through history this capability of the female members of the population scared the society led by men. Lorde pointed out that erotic element in our daily existence is absent and reduced to a role related to sexual issues when the real sense of the word is related to passion in everything we are doing, e.g. work. Women are made to believe that exploration of the taboo that is erotic is against morality, but exploration of such concept can be related to empowering them (Lorde par.1). In the present modern society where women are more empowered and can practice almost the same rights as that of men such as the right to vote, to work and even to lead, traces of the lower status of women can very well be seen still. Women are expected to take the role of a mother who stays at home and takes care of her family. Even with the women succeeding in different fields, this expectation is still inevitable. For example, in the paper by Rhacel Salazar Parreà ±as, which explores the problematic issues of the mothers working abroad as domestic helpers and leaving families in the Philippines to face what according to the society are situations leading to degradation of culture and morality of the children, shows that even until now women are expected to stay at home with the

Reflexivity in relation to anthropologicalethnographic filmmaking Essay

Reflexivity in relation to anthropologicalethnographic filmmaking - Essay Example The Ax Fight was originally created to show students the difficulty in placing a single point-of-view out of a certain field experience. The footages actualize the teaching process and problematize the translation from one cultural experience to another cultural idiom, within which the anthropologist often condenses, analyzes and-makes intellectual models (Ennis, Asch, 1). In the first unedited section of the film all the events are presented and the sound continues even after the film goes dark and the comments of Chagnon, Asch and Johnson are just heard. In the second part, Napoleon Chagnon explains the socio-political significance of the fighter's behavior. The third part, delves more into the socio-cultural complications of the village people. The final section is an edited version. Timothy wanted his students to understand the shortcoming of a film that is has smooth editing and fibula structure like the Nanook of the North. Films like The Ax Fight show how an intellectual inter vention influences an onlooker. The film is also a direct criticism of the inconsistencies of spectatorship and how the desired effect in understanding is achieved by a good filmmaker. Contrary to pre-disposed notions in science and filmmaking, anthropological faithfulness to observation of another culture cannot ever be beyond bias, unless reflexivity is used to both question that objectivity and nurture mental exercise within the spectators. Anthropological filmmaking combines two processes together. One is the filming process and the other is social science. The balance is crucial since science and art clash headlong. The frame within the camera may help to communicate cultural conditions and also further Western knowledge of the "Other", but a culture cannot be completely understood just by introducing a non-fictional narrative as Flaherty does. The limitations are numerous. First, a narrative forces the plot of the actual observation towards a composition of a fiction. Flaherty wanted to manipulate viewers understanding of the biography of Nanook and not further any racist understanding of the Eskimo culture. But with Timothy Asch reflexivity is the first sta nce to question the all-understanding nature of the anthropologist. He wanted to keep certain signs and their nature open to critical interpretation and never risk a comfortable lapse leading to an acceptance from his audience. The conscious effort to keep the audience visually uncomfortable while watching the fight makes the confrontation of inter-cultural experience more critical. Accumulation of data, the process of accumulating it, narration, and little editing of the film may help the nature of critical viewership and gives minimum control to the maker. Timothy and Chagnon relinquish all control of their point-of-view and plunges their own spectatorship with that of the audience in such a way so that it becomes impossible to neglect the cultural and ideological subjectivity of the anthropologists. The students are left to situate the filmed observations within the sphere of public and uniform scientific study. The anthropologists become a part of the study themselves since their psychological perspectives are of profound value in regard to the choice of the subject itself. Human recording of another human behavior is the proper subject of postmodern dialogism. The indefinite and inadequate interplay of

Research Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Research Methods - Essay Example With respect to Heffernan et al, â€Å"Self-Compassion and Emotional Intelligence in Nurse†, fathoming the emotions of patients that are cared for by the nurses is a key in health care delivery (Horsburgh & Ross 2013, p. 1126). The sufferings and variations of emotions of patients is a principle to fuel and facilitate care delivery (Czaja & Blair 1996, p. 69). In this essay I will showcase how significant sampling is to the achievement of valid and representative findings to a particular study. To validate the reason for settling to compare and contrast the sampling, the researcher explains the purpose of sampling: Sampling provides a range of statistical information of a qualitative research (as per this context) about the whole population by evaluating a few units selected. Sampling method is thus the scientific mechanism of choosing the sampling entries which provides the necessary estimates with associated margins of uncertainty resulting from evaluating only a portion and not a whole. To further amplifies the reason for selecting sampling, a population will always be big and hence it becomes difficult both in terms of time and cost, data analysis as well as its communication to stakeholders, sampling thus becomes valid to help represents population based on few selected units (participants) This therefore means that a flawed sample will lead to non-representation or biasness in participant’s selection. It is therefore, fundamental to critically and carefully en sure a clear representation of the population under study based on the effectiveness of sampling method employed. The issue to be dealt with respect to the same will be sample size, advantage and disadvantage of sample and types of sample used. It is noted that the two qualitative researches have employed the non-probability sampling (Convenience-IJNP and Purposive-JNC)

American Auto Manufacturers Losses Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

American Auto Manufacturers Losses - Essay Example In 1979, the US Big three used to sell 9 out of 10 vehicles in US, but in 2004, foreign firms have overtaken the US auto sector and now local firms sell only 50 percent vehicles in US. By 2005, 60 percent of the US market belonged to Toyota, Honda and Hyundai (Gordon, 2006).The US auto industry is in terminal decline, if this trend continues, the day is not far away when 100 percent of US auto sector will be taken by the foreign firms. There are many unanswered questions about the declining US auto industry. Analysts are wondering, why US auto industry is constantly on downward spiral from decades, but in the recent times, the decline has been proved catastrophic. There were many bad omens in US auto industry for the past two decades, which often gave a warning that further decline is coming. For example from 1995 to 2005, GM replaced its 14 percent volume per year; its average showroom age was 0.8 year old compared to industry 5.8 percent. On the contrary the Japanese replaced 20 percent of volume per year, their average showroom was 1.5 year old, which enabled them to gain 7.2 percent of the market. As a result GM (General Motors) market share declined from 42 percent in 1985 to 26 percent in 2005. The graph below shows domestic production patterns ( Clair,1996). Ford is also on decline and recently it suffered huge losses, resulting in closing down many 14 plants and cutting down 30 thousand jobs. Ford is also expected to take one billion dollar from pre-tax charges in 2006 to do cost sweeping of its plants (Gordon, 2006).. It is also expected to take charges of $250 million in 2006 for its hourly staff and write off the value of plants and equipment clearly proves that Ford is going down the road. Even though Ford mentioned that it is looking forward to work on trucks in US, in present circumstances, it is mere wishful thinking. Similarly Delphi, which was US biggest auto Parts Company, went bankrupt in 2005,

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay Example for Free

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay Dear Mr. Doerflinger[1], In response to your article on Embryonic Stem Cell Research, I would like to point out that man’s war against disease, has recently advanced dramatically through the introduction of such techniques as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and has been instrumental in both saving lives and preventing disease. This approach, which has already been used to fight such disorders as Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and more recently, cancer, opens the way for undreamt of possibilities concerning both the future diagnoses of different diseases, and their subsequent treatments (Genetic Engineering, 2007). Throughout the world, thousands of children are born with life-threatening diseases and conditions, which man, through genetic science, is now potentially capable of either treating, or maybe even entirely eliminating. By allowing genetic scientists the necessary freedom to continue with research, and to use the recent advancements that science has acheived in embryo screening, future generations will be able to live longer and healthier lives (Bionet, 2007). Within your statement you claim that â€Å"More than two decades of research using mouse embryonic stem cells have produced no treatments . that are safe or effective enough for anyone to propose in humans. These cells have not helped a single human being† (Richard M. Doerflinger, 2007). However, in recent years genetic science has already saved, and changed, the lives of many, giving hope to families facing desperate situations. Adam Nash’s birth, in August 2000, is just one example, which so clearly demonstrates the beginning of a whole new adventure that is just beginning to open before man. Adam’s embryo was chosen after having been screened for Fanconi anemia (FA), which is a rare, and often fatal, congenital blood disorder, due to the fact that Adam’s parents’ were both carriers of the disease. They already had one child, Molly, who had been born with the rare blood disorder, and the Nash’s wanted a sibling for their little girl but one who was not inflicted with the same disorder. However, doctors, through the use of PGD, were able to find an embryo with tissue that matched Molly’s, which led to their daughter being cured. For the first time in medical history doctors â€Å"blended the sciences of in vitro fertilisation, stem cells, and genetic screening† (5280.com, 2005). One-day-old embryos were tested for FA’s genetic code, and healthy ones were further screened for a tissue match. The embryo was then transplanted into Lisa Nash’s womb and immediately after Adam’s birth blood was removed from the umbilical cord. This was then used for the critical, life-saving transplant. Today both Molly and Adam Nash are healthy, normal children that can, along with their parents, look ahead with confidence (ScienCentralNews, 2004). Clearly research is needed to determine whether the use of embryos is murder, and restrictions enforced to ensure that asthetic choices, such as gender and appearence, are not permitted. But medical sicence isn’t interested in obtaining perfect babies, its objective is curing and preventing disease. Therefore, scientific research in this field to should be continued to advance the human race, especially if he is to make any headway in understanding the nature of disease, its origins and its cure. And, although there is a need to address both the ethical and social questions that have been raised by those who fear the posibility of ‘designer babies’, medical science must be allowed to progress, if we are ever to successfully combat diseases and conditions that both wreck lives, and kill human beings (Caroline Mackie Ogilvie, 2007). The likely possibilities are immense; but genes offering protection against fatal and crippling diseases are not the only benefits of this incredible medical advancement. There are also genes that enhance intelligence, the five senses, beauty, and almost every other aspect of man, which opens up other avenues of exploration. Many animals, for example, possess skills and senses that humans don’t have such as better hearing, or leg regeneration. In the future it may be possible, through gene identification, to incorporate these functions into humans (GMO, 2007), and use them to heal conditions such as deafness, or in limb replacement. It is clear that ethical and social questions concerning the future use of genetic engineering within modern society will need to be addressed. While appropriate democratic laws and structures will hopefully reflect a considered and balance view of the importance of genetic medicine for future generations, such measures should not be allowed to interfere with future scientific research. References 5280.com, Online Article, The Miracle of Molly, 2005. Information retrieved 03/27/2007. http://www.5280.com/issues/2005/0508/feature.php?pageID=21 Bionet: Explore life science and debate the issues, Online Article, Design-a-Baby? 2007.   Page Downloaded 03/12/2007. http://www.bionetonline.org/English/Content/db_cont1.htm Caroline Mackie Ogilvie, et al., Online Article, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis—An Overview, 2007. Page downloaded 03/19/2007. www.jhc.org/cgi/content/full/53/3/255 Genetic Engineering, Joà £o Pedro de Magalhà £es, Online Article, Defining Our Children’s Traits, 2007. www.jp.senescence.info/thoughts/genetics.html 19k GMO: Genetic Engineering, Online Article, Designer Baby Ethics, 2007. Page downloaded 03/19/2007. www.netlink.de/gen/Zeitung/2000/000305a.html 9 Richard M. Doerflinger, The Ethics Religious Liberty Comission, Online Article,   Testimony of Richard M. Doerflinger on Embryonic Stem Cell Research, 2004.   Page downloaded 03/19/2007. http://erlc.com/article/testimony-of-richard-m-doerflinger-on-embryonic-stem-cell-research    ScienCentralNews, Online Article, Stem Cell Siblings, 2004. Page downloaded 03/19/2007. http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?article_id=218392351cat=3_2 [1] Audience: Richard M. Doerflinger is Deputy Director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, where he has worked for 25 years. Among his duties is the preparation of policy statements and congressional testimony on abortion, euthanasia, embryo research, human cloning, and other medical-moral issues for the bishops’ conference.

Examining The Various Procurement Methods Available Construction Essay

Examining The Various Procurement Methods Available Construction Essay A review is being formed to clearly state and show the trends of construction procurement in the period 2008-2010. The review will mainly be based on industrial journals and other resources such as books, magazines and internet websites. Procurement describes the mixture of actions undertaken by clients to obtain a building. There are many types of methods in construction procurement however the common types of methods are traditional, design and build and management contracting. Procurement methods are vital in the construction industry which helps cutting costs of waste and its environmental impacts by clearly defining your requirements and how you expect your chain response. To profit fully from waste reduction and recovery on a project, enough practice must be adopted at the beginning stage by following the selected procurement process. Few major points would need to be communicated among the clients and contractors such as planned actions, metrics and targeted outcomes. After this is then passed down right through to the design team, subcontractors, waste management contractors and material suppliers. The nature of many project increases the risk which includes, finishing a project which does not meet needs, and also when its delivered late or costs more than the clients core business. This is where the procurement strategy should balance risks against project objectives at an early stage. Below is a list of points that can be affected: Cost (cost certainty) Time (Certainty of completion date) Quality (Performance) Importance on only one of the key points could have a negative result upon others. In this case when the correct procurement method is used considering the type of project the following will be achieved: Certainty of cost and time which is developed by a architect, however this a slow process also known as the traditional method or design bid build. Certainty of speed and cost, however this is mainly controlled by the contractor, method known as design and build. Relative speed for a design developed by the architect employed by the client, cost is uncertain until the end of the project, method known as management procurement systems. One of many common method of construction procurement which is well recognised in the industry is traditional method. The method consists of architects and the engineers acting as the project coordinators. His or her responsibility is to design the project, and propose the specifications and produce drawings, administrate the contracts, tender the work and manage the project from start to finish. There are direct contractual links connecting the architects client and the main contractor. Any subcontractors will have a direct contractual link with the main contractor. The design and build method has become popular over the years which consists of an entire package which is made up of, fixtures, fittings and equipment to create a refined and fully completed functional building. In some cases the design and build method may also include finding of a site, adapting and applying for all required statutory consents. The owner creates a list of things needed for a project, providing an overall insight of the projects purpose. Many design and build contractors shows ideas on how to complete these aims. The owner picks the ideas which are best and hires the right contractor who is suitable for the job. Usually it is not just a contractor but a number of them working collectively. Once a contractor has been hired, they start building the first phase of the project. As they build phase one they design phase two. This is in contrast to a design and bid build contract, where the project is completely designed by the owner. The third method, management procure ment systems works as the client performs and active role in the procurement system by entering into separate contracts with the designer, architect, engineer, the construction manager, and individual trade contractors. The client then takes on the contractual role, while the construction or project manager provides the active position of managing the separate trade contracts, and ensuring that they all work efficiently and successfully together. A management procurement system is often used to speed up the procurement processe and allows the client greater flexibility in design variation throughout the contract. The ability to appoint individual work contractors, separate contractual responsibility on each individual throughout the contract this overall provides a greater client control. Over the past ten to fifteen years much work has been done on attempting to define procurement paths and master man (1992) provides a good background to some of this work. As the traditional procurement method route came under closer scrutiny other procurement routes developed and as a result means for selection were considered. It is known that procurement methods play a key role in defining and shaping contractual and work relationships between parties involved in the construction process. Therefore a better understanding of those methods and criteria that practitioners use in their selection is a very vital step in outlining our understanding of the issue. A review of current practices in the UK shows different approaches to the procurement of building projects. A classification of these approaches is extremely complex because there are not clear and generally accepted definitions of what a particular procurement method is. The public sectors obsessive tick box approach towards letting new work threatens to drive long-established regional firms out of business. That is the stark warning from Neil Edwards, chief executive of contracts information specialist The Builders Conference, after research showed local firms with proven track-records are missing out on work across the country. Edwards said: The present method of procurement by public bodies is restricting recovery and growth in the construction market. The value of tenders bid in August leaped from  £1.8bn in 2008 to  £4.8bn this year, with education accounting for half the sum recorded by the Builders Conference. Previously, a roofing contractor could have happily tendered for  £200,000 contract to replace the roof of a local school. But now that would be in a big multi-million pound framework agreement. A proven experienced local firm wouldnt even make it on to the tender list now. Edwards said that today the whole process is prescribed by a checklist and scoring system, which procurement chiefs cannot use firms that have faultlessly worked for them for many years. He added: There was a time when procurement professionals were allowed the freedom to innovate and eek out the best way yo get a job done. My fear is that the sector has shifted so far in favour of the major players that, in future, SMEs and even  £20m-plus contractors will have no choice but to work as subcontractors. http://www.contractjournal.com/Articles/2009/09/18/71780/clients-tickbox-mentality-to bidding-threatens-future-of-local-firms.html Sustainability is becoming more and more common therefore in the low carbon construction report it was issued by the UK government that 40per cent of new builds are bought by the public sector. For that reason the government are trying their very best to introduce sustainability in the construction industry. It is alleged that putting procurement into place can help reduce the carbon which helps cut the greenhouse gas emission. It is suggested that using the correct method of procurement and contractual agreements can help cut down to zero carbon building as the same value as a normal building. Estimated to be in excess of  £40 billion a year, local government expenditure on goods, works and services clearly has significant economic, social and environmental impacts. Local authorities have long been at the forefront of sustainable development and have gained valuable experience of green procurement http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/aio/1701515 The government are trying to prioritise the change in public sector procurement. New chief czar industry have quoted The adviser, who is set to be appointed in November, will be responsible for securing better value for money, as well as promoting innovation and sustainability. Rudi Klein, CEO of the Specialist Engineering Contractors Group, said the czar should focus on procurement change and not be a mediator between government and industry.   We want to move towards procuring construction using a more collaborative, team-working approach, he told SM. This will help reduce industry waste and promote sustainability. http://www.supplymanagement.com/news/2009/calls-for-czar-to-go-public/ Private Finance Initiative/Public Private Partnership (PFI/PPP) projects signifies different traditions of financing and procuring public sector facilities. The theory behind PPP/PFI is fairly straightforward, if key capital expenditure is not to be funded by direct taxation therefore PFI provides a way forward by enabling assets to be procured off-balance sheet instead of municipality or government body through investment by the private sector. The private and public partnership began in the UK and its being undertaken in many countries across the world, and its been used to offer a wide range of facilities, such as bridges, roads, tunnels, schools and hospitals. PPP/PFI creates a number of legal challenges to accomplish the quality of the assets constructed, to provide security for the investors contributing finance and to allocate responsibilities between participants. The Dudley Hospitals PFI project led to a  £34 million dispute between main contractor and mechanical and electrical sub-contractor inEmcor Drake HYPERLINK http://www.keatingchambers.co.uk/resources/reported_cases/2005/lr_1_ca.aspxHYPERLINK http://www.keatingchambers.co.uk/resources/reported_cases/2005/lr_1_ca.aspx Scull v Sir Robert McAlpineHYPERLINK http://www.keatingchambers.co.uk/resources/reported_cases/2005/lr_1_ca.aspx  HYPERLINK http://www.keatingchambers.co.uk/resources/reported_cases/2005/lr_1_ca.aspx[2005] 98 Con LR 1, and the case was argued in the Court of Appeal by a Keating Chambers team on the issue of the  scope of a letter of intent. Another leading reported case,  Midland Expressway Ltd v Carillion ConstructionHYPERLINK http://www.keatingchambers.co.uk/resources/reported_cases/2006/CILL_2317_TCC.aspx  HYPERLINK http://www.keatingchambers.co.uk/resources/reported_cases/2006/CILL_2317_TCC.aspx(No. 2) [2006] CILL 2317, was heard in the Technology and Construction Court and has created widespread interest and, indeed, concern, amongst those engaged in PFI projects.   The case concerned the construction of the tie-ins between the M6 and the new M6 toll road.   The Court held that provisions in a building contract that restricted a contractors right to interim  payments to a proportion of the employers entitlement (Equivalent  Project Relief) would be  unenforceable as  when pay-when-paid provisions contrary to the HGCRA 1996.  Ã‚  Since such clauses have been widely used in PFI projects, the implications are considerable. http://www.keatingchambers.co.uk/expertise/contractual/pfi_contracts/default.aspx Sustainability is acknowledged by the government as a key section of good procurement, in 2008 major steps were followed by the OGC to improve their management and governance on the issue. Some departments are on course to be practising sustainable procurement across their business by the end of 2009, the governments target year. Progress has been made and there are initiatives which have reduced environmental impact and saved money. However, scope for improvement on various categories. Most departments are not routinely complying with minimum environmental standards, and have made limited progress in building environmental considerations consistently into procurement processes, engaging suppliers, and giving their staff appropriate skills andà £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬incentives. To accomplish value for money, procurement decisions need to be based on a thorough understanding of costs and benefits and environmental impacts. Departments are not routinely identifying and quantifying environmen tal impacts, and opportunities for reducing them. There are other concepts that still need attention like direct economic benefit to the authority from the development.

To Fast or Not to Fast? Essay -- Weight Loss Dieting Diet Papers

To Fast or Not to Fast? Introduction "Rapid weight loss", "quick and easy weight loss", "preventative", "therapeutic" and "low cost"; with these guarantees, who would not want to attempt a seemingly unchallenging fasting diet!? According to a report on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) web site, as of 1995, tens of millions of Americans are dieting at any given time, in the process spending more than $33 billion annually on weight-reduction products. Are you playing the weight loss game? Here I will identify weight-loss programs advertised on the internet, discuss their claims to success, highlight specific fallacious claims, and report on findings of both the FDA and various medical studies. What’s on the Web? A collection of "easy" fasting or very low-calorie weight loss plans advertised on the world wide web includes the following: California Dreaming, The Wellness Center of Alaska’s "weight loss on-the-web", Medifast, Optifast, 4 Season Weight Control Center’s "medically supervised weight loss program", Liquid Fasting Diet, All-natural Aspen Spa diet program, and various methods compiled by Fasting Center International. As an example of programs guaranteeing a quick fix to weight problems, I will focus on both the Medifast and Fasting Center International (FCI) methods and claims concerning weight loss. Medifast According to the Shape Up America web site, a supporter of the Medifast product, it is a "physician-supervised very low-calorie diet program of fortified meal replacements providing 450-500 calories per day". (http://www.shapeup.org/sua/publications/hwhl/partax9c.html) The purpose of Medifast is to promote quick and healthy weight loss to its customers by creating a great defic... ... Dulloo, A. G. Human pattern of food intake and fuel-partitioning during weight recovery after starvation: a theory of autoregulation of body composition. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 56: 25-40, 1997. Macdonald, I. A. and J. Webber. Feeding, fasting and starvation: factors affecting fuel utilization. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 54: 267-274, 1995. Masoro, Edward J. McCay’s hypothesis: undernutrition and longevity. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 54: 657-664, 1995. Schwartz, Michael W. and Randy J. Seeley. Neuroendocrine responses to starvation and weight loss. The New England Journal of Medicine. 336(25): 1802-1811, 1997. Schwartz, Michael W., Dallman, Mary F., and Stephen C. Woods. Hypothalamic response to starvation: implications for the study of wasting disorders. American Journal of Physiology. 269: R949-57, 1995.

Responsible Fates Essay -- essays research papers

In the play Romeo and Juliet and the musical Wet Side Story, the two pairs of lovers were part responsible for their tragic fates. First, Romeo’s and Juliet’s families were enemies. In comparison, Tony and Maria of West Side Story were practically apart of gangs that were enemies as well. Second, both couples knew they shouldn’t have been together especially if they had to hide it. Third, Romeo and Juliet gave up hope when they committed suicide. Last, the couples knew their situations would be dangerous and would cause more feuding than there already was. To begin with, the Montagues and the Capulets were enemies and so were the Sharks and the Jets. In modern day life, one would not even think of speaking to a girl or boy if it is known that the person is of enemy blood. That would be a...

Robert Bolt :: Essays Papers

Robert Bolt Over his lengthy, distinguished career, British screenwriter and playwright Robert Bolt has been thrice nominated for Academy Awards and has won twice for Doctor Zhivago (1965) and A Man for All Seasons(1966). Born and raised in Manchester, Bolt served in the British Air Force during WWII and afterward attended Manchester University. Following graduation, Bolt became a teacher of English at the prestigious Millfield private school in Somerset. He remained there between 1950-58. In his spare time, Bolt wrote radio and stage plays, but gained little recognition until he penned the script for his play Flowering Cherry (1957). His third play, A Man for All Seasons opened in 1960; the original production made actor Paul Scofield a star and was a hit on the London and Broadway stage. The publicity surrounding the production attracted the attention of movie producer Sam Spiegel who hired Bolt to completely revise recently exiled writer Michael Wilson's script for David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia. (1962). The result was an Academy Award nomination for Bolt's script. Throughout the decade, Bolt would specialize in adapting literature to the screen. He would not have an original script produced until Lean directed Bolt's Ryan's Daughter (1970). Unfortunately, the film bombed at the box-office. After that, Bolt spent a while working on his playwrighting career and found success with Vivat! Vivat Regina! (1970). His next script was for the costume drama Lady Caroline Lamb (1972) starring Bolt's wife Sarah Miles, who had also starred in Ryan's Daughter. In 1976, Lean approached Bolt with a new idea for an epic reworking of the story of the Bounty mutiny. With funding by Dino De Laurentiis and Paramount studio, Bolt set to work on the script. Over the next two years, Bolt concentrated most of his energy on the script, creating two versions. Robert Bolt :: Essays Papers Robert Bolt Over his lengthy, distinguished career, British screenwriter and playwright Robert Bolt has been thrice nominated for Academy Awards and has won twice for Doctor Zhivago (1965) and A Man for All Seasons(1966). Born and raised in Manchester, Bolt served in the British Air Force during WWII and afterward attended Manchester University. Following graduation, Bolt became a teacher of English at the prestigious Millfield private school in Somerset. He remained there between 1950-58. In his spare time, Bolt wrote radio and stage plays, but gained little recognition until he penned the script for his play Flowering Cherry (1957). His third play, A Man for All Seasons opened in 1960; the original production made actor Paul Scofield a star and was a hit on the London and Broadway stage. The publicity surrounding the production attracted the attention of movie producer Sam Spiegel who hired Bolt to completely revise recently exiled writer Michael Wilson's script for David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia. (1962). The result was an Academy Award nomination for Bolt's script. Throughout the decade, Bolt would specialize in adapting literature to the screen. He would not have an original script produced until Lean directed Bolt's Ryan's Daughter (1970). Unfortunately, the film bombed at the box-office. After that, Bolt spent a while working on his playwrighting career and found success with Vivat! Vivat Regina! (1970). His next script was for the costume drama Lady Caroline Lamb (1972) starring Bolt's wife Sarah Miles, who had also starred in Ryan's Daughter. In 1976, Lean approached Bolt with a new idea for an epic reworking of the story of the Bounty mutiny. With funding by Dino De Laurentiis and Paramount studio, Bolt set to work on the script. Over the next two years, Bolt concentrated most of his energy on the script, creating two versions.

World History Unit

Which of the forces at work in Europe played the greatest role in helping to prompt the outbreak of war? A force at work in Europe that played a large role in helping to prompt the outbreak of the war would be the formation of alliances between the several superpowers at the time. If they would have gone along with themselves and Just keep each other In check while keeping everything balanced It would be easier to create a treaty Instead of war. The alliances created Increased tensions. Another main factor is the murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria Hungary. . Was he description of the Balkans as the â€Å"powder keg† of Europe justified? Yes, the Balkans was overlapping many groups that were trying to unite the Slavs and take ore more and more territory. That caused major conflict in Europe. Powder Keg refers to a keg full of explosives. It would be very unstable. The Balkans caused instability in Europe due to different people wanting its land. Not everyone could ha ve it. Everyone wanted It and no one would Just allow the other to invade it and take it for them. 8. Do you think World War I was avoidable?Yes, practically any war Is avoidable. The thing Is that more often than not the people Involved don't always know the consequences of their actions or simply don't know how everything can happen peacefully, especially when there Is tension. If Balkan â€Å"powder keg† was taken care of earlier on then the war could have been avoided. World War I would have been a difficult thing to avoid, but if tension in Europe could have been resolved then it might not have happened. Page 415 3. Which countries comprised the Central Powers? Which countries comprised the Allies?The countries that comprised the Central Powers are Germany, Austria/ Hungary and Turkey. The countries that had comprised the Allies are Britain, France, Russia, Italy, United States, and Japan. 4. What were the characteristics of trench warfare? The soldiers that were in tren ch warfare had to undergo horrible conditions. It was muddy, rat infested, and messy. Rats, lice, diseases, and fleas would be spread In massive numbers In the trenches. There would be bodies Just lying In the trenches and sometimes water would flood the trenches.Blood would be everywhere. For defense and offensive there was barbed wire, machine guns, poison gas attacks, tank attacks, and more. The trenches were set up with interlinking passages to the front and the command center. 5. What factors contributed to Russian's war difficulties? The first factor was the factories. Out of all the European nations, Russia was the least developed. The factories could not manufacture enough supplies and didn't always have enough materials. Second factor is Education. Russians weren't able to be trained too well for the war.Most troops weren't educated well. A large majority couldn't read or write. Third factor is transportation. As I said earlier the Russians are much undeveloped. Their railw ays were not efficient and It took a long time to bring food and supplies up to the front. Fourth and last factor Is leadership. Russian generals were not the best generals. Plus with the uneducated troops, most of them weren't able to effectively give orders. 6. How was war on the Western and Eastern front different? How was It the same?The war for the Eastern led to the collapse of Russia whereas the war in the Western front did Austrian defeated the Allied forces and defeated Russia. The Western front had very developed trenches, while the Eastern had less developed trenches. 7. Why did the Schlemiels Plan ultimately collapse? The Schlemiels plan was designed so that the German army would not have to fight on two fronts. It failed more several reasons. There were many delays, for example the Belgians resisted Germany. Although Germany definitely overpowered them, Germany was still delayed one month.This allowed the French to move north to confront the German army. Because of the delays caused by the British and Belgians, the French had more time to transfer troops. The Russians were then able to mobile their army in an amazing 10 days instead of the expected 6 weeks. 8. Why might it be fair to say that neither side won he battles of the Some or Verdure? Both sides lost a massive amount of soldiers. The losses were extremely horrendous. Very little ground was gained for either side. Both of the sides lost hundreds of thousands of men. All of that gave them no gain in distance.It was a negative battle for both sides, therefore neither side had won. It would be hard to choose if a side won because both lost so much and gained so little. Page 422 6. In what ways was World War I truly a global conflict? World War I was a global conflict for a number of reasons. It involved fighting in many different nations. Not only in Europe but outside countries, such as United States, Japan, and the countries of the British Empire which are Australia, Canada, India, New Zeal and, and South Africa). There wasn't a nation in the world that wasn't somewhat affected.The world was shifted. It involved a majority of the world's great powers. 7. Do you think governments are Justified in censoring war news? Why or why not? In wartime some censorship is necessary. People who do not value freedom tend to be cautious and censor too much. However sending out false news is not ethical. The government also wouldn't want a lot of panic. The enemy could also easily read their papers so they wouldn't want to give out information that might Jeopardize their battle plans. Censoring could help with rebellion against the government. . Which of the non- European countries had the greatest impact on the war effort? America had the greatest impact on World War l. Before we came in the Allies had virtually lost and even Britain was nearly overtaken. America also took part in the treaty. President Wilson attended the conference and was one of the four who created the entire peac e treaty. Page 427 6. Were the Versailles treaties fair? Consider all the nations affected. The Versailles readies were after World War l. The Versailles was fair to everyone except the Germans.Most of the nation's got what they were looking for. Those nations made sure to get what they wanted for the pain and suffering that they had undergone. 7. Why might the European allies have been more interested in punishing Germany than in creating a lasting peace? The European allies still went to war with Germany. They would have their reasons to be interested in punishing them. They did kill their men. 8. Was the United States right to reject the Treaty of Versailles? Why or why not? Yes, because those terms towards the Germans were very harsh and not

African American and Obama Essay

In â€Å"A More Perfect Union’†, a speech given by Barack Obama, there are multiple issues addressed, with race being the biggest of them all. In Obama’s speech, his main focus is the issue of racism, and he touches on the examples of racism today and how we should cope with these problems. Obama uses various tones and experiences in both his life and the lives of others as well, to portray his thoughts on the subject. Obviously in a speech about racism given by an African American man, there are going to be mixed responses portrayed by the audience, and I think those mixed reactions are exactly what was occurring in the audience. As being part of that audience, I think Obama did an exceptional job of showing how racism is still present today, not only towards African Americans, but every other race as well. In â€Å"A More Perfect Union†, Obama not only talks about the conventional types of racism consisting of whites and blacks, but also that of all the other ethnicities we have in this country. As a result of doing this Obama presents all these issues fairly and unbiased, without concentrating too much on which form of racism applies to him the most, which would be racism towards African Americans. He makes a case that there is also racism towards Caucasian Americans, which is not usually thought of when dealing with prejudice amongst groups of ethnicities. By doing this, Obama really shows that he is presenting his concerns equally, and is no way biased towards a certain group or race in his speech. Obama talks about different types of experiences of racism in his life that many other young African American men and woman might have also experienced. And since he has such a rich cultural family, with many different ethnicities, he makes his life relatable to almost every race in America. The points he uses in his speech are both realistic and appropriate towards the audience that he is addressing, which are the voters of America. Obama had a very valid point which I think intrigued many people, when he spoke of his family situation. He explained his family background and all the different ethnicities that were intertwined within his family tree, including his white grandmother. Just like any other grandson, he loved his grandmother and she loved him no matter what her views on racism were. By presenting this background Obama made it clear that race was no boundary when it came to family life, so why could this not be the case between associates in every day life. I think this story of his grandmother is one of the most vital points in the speech. Most everyone in the audience can relate because mostly everyone in the audience would probably of had a grandmother that they loved as Obama did. Out of everyone in the audience who had a grandmother, I would almost guarantee they would love the same even if they were a different color or race, which is the point Obama is trying to make here. While Obama was giving this speech he had a very distinct tone, which I think was made known to everyone who had heard it. Listening to the speech, I couldn’t help but think of his tone as sad and disappointed. Also I think it was clear that Obama was very disappointed when it came to his feelings regarding his very own Reverend Jeremiah Wright, and rightly so. When talking about active racism going on in a country like America today, there should be no feelings other than disgust and disappointment. I believe that it didn’t take long for the audience to pick up on Obama’s tone for the speech, and henceforth this tone set the stage for the rest of the speech. Obama used his tone to his advantage when speaking and, really helped him make a more emotional speech when talking to his audience. Obama used various different tones and examples when giving his speech to the American people. The reason he did this, was to try to connect with all the different types of audiences he was addressing. Obviously he was addressing the American people, but there are many sub groups within the American people. Obama made sure to speak of racism toward African Americans, as well as other ethnicities, including Caucasian, to eliminate any bias there was when giving the speech as an African American male. Doing this was very important when giving this speech, because if all the different different audiences weren’t addressed, it would automatically be assumed that this African American man, was speaking towards his race only, and therefore isn’t taking into account the rest of the American people. If the audience would of reacted to this speech, I would assume they would think that Obama is not only an unfit candidate for president, but a morally challenged American as well. Obama’s â€Å"A More Perfect Union Speech†, was not just a speech, but a message to all of the American people that we will not succumb to racism today, as we had in the past. By addressing America in this way, I think he gained a lot of respect from people that otherwise wouldn’t have even considered voting for him in his presidential campaign. In his speech he brings up many concerns that we had as a country, and I think that he addressed those concerns as well as anybody could of. Obama presented a lot of valid points, and showed to America that he had many insightful experiences that qualified him to be a successful leader in a country such as the United States. â€Å"A More Perfect Union†, really set the stage for the new movement against racism, by giving this speech Obama changed the view of many Americans’ on the subject of racism, and I think that is exactly what Americans needed to realize.

A Legacy to Education Essay

The philosophy of learning, leading and serving is a systematic approach to providing an educational experience that is developmental and individualized. To teach is to learn, to lead and to serve, colleagues, students, the community and to influence the world we live in with what we have learned. The philosophy of a learner is to have an instructive knowledge that is developmental and individualized. A learner with experiential, life-centered and a relevant learning educational experience will move toward self-directed learning. I will impact Learner’s lives with education that is valued as a resource where learning is driven, first by internal motivators rather than external motivators. (Western Michigan University Department of Therapy 1995) I will have a positive influence on learners by using the art of teaching. With my skills acquired by my experience and study and the science of my occupation, I will impact their learning experience and accelerate their abilities to its highest potential. I will be remembered for my emphases on creating an atmosphere for learning, bringing qualified data through presentation and innovation, of the highest quality, including unpredicted events into the lessons. Learners will remember me as a teacher, and an artist who’s medium of expression is spontaneous, unpredictable, unrehearsed, and a God created experience of learning between teacher and student. (Parkay and Stanford) The legacy I bring to learners in the field of education believes that all students can learn in an effective and collaborative way that will maximize my learned skills, as well as my student’s learning and ability to achieve. (COE Conceptual Framework) I will lead in the field of education by serving pupils, contemporaries, and the public with tenacity and appealing to a diverse global community in the practice of learning and achieving their highest God-given level, to achieve the highest values in life, that they may in turn, influence their shifting world with positive contributions. (GCU COE) I will lead by teaching learners to develop critical thinking skills, to develop a social support system for learning, and to be able to tap into their most operative learning styles and to develop lifelong learning skills. (Knowles, M. Holton, E. & Swanson R. 1998) I will lead in diverse educational settings and apply the theories and concepts learned in my program of study, to meet the needs of learners PK-12th grade. (COE Learner goal #6) My legacy and will in the field of education is to serve with my God-Given talents in a positive, purposed and passionate way that will instill value to the profession of teaching, that will be remembered by my students, colleagues and community as someone who made a difference in the lives of those I touched. I will make a difference in those lives while serving by exhibiting the highest professional disposition, demonstrating the art of teaching and the science of teaching that impact the educational community as well as my own professional growth and development. (COE Conceptual Framework) I will serve using teaching skills that reflect the HQT requirements of the state and Higher Education Learning Institution and my best professional development skills. (COE) The legacy I will leave with my students is imparted knowledge of critical thinking skills, analytical and evaluating skills, survival skills, that will live on and pass on from generation to generation. My legacy is a gift that will keep on giving, long after the career is over, learning and teaching will go on. I will leave a legacy of the passion to learn, to share to grow and thrive and to be an asset to the community. I leave a legacy of believing in myself, and believing in my students, and inspiring them to finish, completing what they have started and I have started within them. I leave the Legacy that they will remember that the fate of our world and humanity is in their hands, so learn and teach and teach and learn, from the cradle to the grave. (Sally Broughton of Montana (CCSSO Teacher of the year 2008) REFERENCES College of Education Conceptual Framework College of Educational Conceptual Framework (Learner goal #6) Sally Broughton of Montana (CCSSOS Teacher of year 2008) Western Michigan University (Department of Occupational Therapy 1995) Knowles, Malcolm, Holton, Elwood & Swann, Richard. (1998 The Adult Learner & Human Resource Development) Forrest Parkay & Beverly Hardcastle Stanford, (Becoming a Teacher)

Plato and Aristotle: An Analysis Essay

Determining the best form of political association was important to the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle, and each of them expressed his opinion in important works such as the Republic and Politics. In explaining, comparing, and contrasting the political philosophies of Plato and Aristotle, it is evident that each of them shared the same goal of identifying and promoting the best form of political government. They also shared in common the same philosophy regarding the origins of a political state. The State arises, Plato says through Socrates in the Republic, â€Å"out of the needs of mankind. † (Plato) Aristotle agrees, and declares that the state is a political partnership that exists for purposes of self-sufficiency as well as for the sake of living well. In other words, the State exists in order to provide for the well-being of its citizens. Aristotle expresses this in Politics when he argues, â€Å"the good life is the purpose of the city-state. † (Aristotle) Furthermore, both Aristotle and Plato agreed that Man is by nature a political animal, because he has the ability to express his thoughts about justice. Their respective analyses reflected their respect for justice, and their elevation of it to the highest priority. In the Republic, Plato defines just political rule as a system in which each interest is satisfied to the proper extent and everyone has what is theirs. The philosophers have the knowledge they want; the warriors have the honors they want; and the commoners have the goods and pleasures they want, under the enlightened guidance of philosophers and warriors. The methods of Aristotle and Plato were similar in many ways. They both utilized logic, evaluations of contemporary politics, and lengthy comparisons of various types of political rule to arrive at their conclusions. As citizens of ancient Greece, they both shared much the same outlook on society, religion, morality, and politics. They also shared similar historical perspectives, and their perceptions of contemporary events were formed through the same philosophical context. One of the contrasts between their methods is that Plato used analogies to make his points. He examined a political state by comparing the state with the human soul. Unlike Aristotle, he also used a style of approach in which he made his points through dialogues involving Socrates. He also designed an ideal state run by people he referred to as â€Å"The Guardians† which differed from Aristotle’s approach in Politics, in which style and form more closely resembled an essay or monologue. In Politics, Aristotle emphasized that correct political rule involves pursuing policies which are to the common advantage of the most people. Aristotle reasoned that rulers who placed their own interests above everyone else’s had no political legitimacy, for their tyranny brought suffering upon their own people. Aristotle described the best forms of political rule as kingship, aristocracy and polity, and described the worst forms as tyranny, oligarchy and democracy. Plato was also harshly critical of tyranny, and described it in the Republic as, â€Å"not a matter of minor theft and violence, but of wholesale plunder, sacred and profane, private or public. † (Plato) Both men’s methods involved a comprehensive analysis of the consequences of each form of rule. Aristotle criticized Democracy because its consequences were rule by the multitude, which causes injustice. He criticized Oligarchy because its consequences were rule by the wealthy, which also causes injustice; and he criticized Tyranny because its consequences were dictatorship, which again causes injustice. In terms of the merits of the citizenry, Aristotle notes that the people may collectively be the best judges of certain things, so it is justified for them to take part in deliberations. But like Plato, he feels that the common people are not qualified to share in the highest offices. Both Plato and Aristotle also agree that laws need to be made in accordance with the regime, and agree that the more just a ruler is, the more just the laws will be. Essentially, both Aristotle and Plato asserted that the goal of politics should be justice. One difference between them is that Plato believed that the best claim to rule was education and virtue, although he conceded that there is also a claim to rule based on wealth and on numbers. Another difference is that Aristotle emphasized that the most important task for a leader was to be a lawgiver, and to frame the appropriate constitution for the city-state. In Aristotle’s system, it was the leader’s duty to provide enduring laws, customs, and institutions for the citizens. According to Aristotle, once the constitution was in place, the ruler needed to take the necessary steps to maintain it, to implement reforms when he considered them necessary, and to guard against any subversion of the political system. Aristotle’s emphasis on a constitution sets him apart from Plato, who considered philosopher kingship the best form of political rule. Aristotle described a constitution as â€Å"a certain ordering of the inhabitants of the city-state,† and as â€Å"the way of life† of the citizens. (Aristotle) He also speaks of the constitution of a community as â€Å"the form of the compound† and argues that whether the community is the same over time depends on whether it has the same constitution. (Aristotle) It should be noted that despite the fact that Aristotle’s political views were influenced by Plato, he was very critical of the ideal city-state set forth in Plato’s Republic. He based his criticism on the grounds that Plato’s ideal city-state overvalued political unity, embraced a system of communism that was impractical and inimical to human nature, and neglected the happiness of the individual citizens. In contrast, in Aristotle’s view of the ideal State each and every citizen would possess moral virtue and the equipment to carry it out in practice, and thereby attain a life of excellence and complete happiness. All of the citizens would hold political office and possess private property because â€Å"one should call the city-state happy not by looking at a part of it but at all the citizens. † (Aristotle) In conclusion, the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle were both concerned with identifying and promoting the best form of political association. In works such as the Republic and Politics, they used similar methods of analysis to evaluate the best form of political rule. For Aristotle, the best form of political rule corresponded to the best way of life for a human being. Since the best way of life is living nobly and according to virtue, the best political form of rule is the one which promotes this kind of life. For Plato, the best form of political rule was Aristocracy, for it involves rule by the best people in the political community. Bibliography Aristotle. Politics. New York: Dover Publications, 2000. Plato. Republic. New York: Viking Press, 1955.

Art and Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Art and Technology - Essay Example This section of the Tapestries provides information dated back to a time when the battle had not taken place. The choice to explore the Battle of Hastings is critical to gaining knowledge that relates to the fact that the battle marked the very last time that the Island was conquered by a foreign power. This section therefore provides a one-time conflict that any scholar throughout the world ought to know about. Ubiquitous is defines as act of being everywhere, all at the same time (Smith 53). Ubiquitous computing is a form of computing paradigm that is considered to be the next big thing in the computer industry. Every day is characterized by a number of ubiquitous computing elements and activities. One of these is mobile devices in the context of Ubiquitous computing. Mobile development has developed mobile capacities and capabilities to a more complex aspect, allowing mobile devices to handle user environments; like setting up reminders based on the location of the phone. Biometrics is another ubiquitous computing observed. It is a privacy control mode of computing characteristic to many firms and organizations. Biometrics employs physical characteristics, and a user can be identified by simply touching the ubiquitous device. Ubiquitous networking is another example. Computing activities and performance heavily dwells on networking. Transmitted computing networks are not visible yet they are actually put into use. Ubiquitous networks range from low power, short range, ad hoc to wireless networks and systems (Smith

Brazil Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Brazil - Research Paper Example An uncontacted person or tribe refers to a person or a group of people who live by choice without having contact with connected civilizations of the world. Given the sheer size of Brazil, it comes as no surprise that it contains a very large and rather extensive ecosystem. A variety of habitats can be found throughout Brazil; indeed, there are many species of plants and animals that have not yet been documented and it is not uncommon for new species to be found on a regular basis. Scientists and researchers have estimated that the exact number of plant and animal species in Brazil could easily approach four million (Scaglia, 2010). Some of the animals that can be found throughout Brazil include, but are not limited to, pumas, the extremely rare bush dogs, slots, New World monkeys, and peccaries. Brazil is also home to the largest tropical forest in the world, the Amazon Rainforest, which covers an approximate 1.7 billion acres. The Amazon represents more than one half of the Earthâ⠂¬â„¢s remaining rainforests and is composed of the largest, most species-rich region of tropical rainforest found in the entire world. ... Uranium, petroleum, diamonds, limestone, platinum, and hydro electricity power make up just a short list of the many resources found in the country. The great amount of resources throughout Brazil has â€Å"helped a lot in the enhancement of financial status of the country (Baer, 2001).† Because of the presence of these many resources, not only has Brazil been able to secure a healthy economy, but they have also found themselves to be less dependent on foreign imports, which is something that many other countries in the world are unable to make a claim to. Similarly, Brazil is a country that prides itself on what it is able to export. Coffee, for example, which is not only the choice beverage of Brazilians and the national drink, but it is also one of the greatest exports of the country. Brazil is the number one supplier of coffee to other countries, sending out approximately 2,249,010 tons of coffee each year (Rohter, 2010). Other major Brazilian exports include ethanol, airc raft, automobiles, steel, iron ore, and electrical equipment. These exports, which are on high demand throughout the world, have also helped increase and keep steady the economy of Brazil. Brazil is a country rich with culture and the Carnival is no exception. The Carnival of Brazil is an event that takes place every year forty-six days before the Easter holiday and is thought to be the most important holiday in Brazil. The purpose of the carnival, which dates back to the pre-Christian pagan era, is to say goodbye to all of the bad things in one’s life as a preparation for Christ’s death and resurrection, which is also symbolized in these carnival celebrations (Guillermoprieto, 1990). The Carnival of Brazil is celebrated differently throughout all of the cities of Brazil,

Operations Managemen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Operations Managemen - Essay Example The challenge gets even worse with the great variety of products presented with every single wear vendor. Product lines vary in styles, cloths and sizes - the range of goods a vendor must produce to attract the attention of buyers is enormous. Minding the fact that only a small part (50% in the case of Jossey Menswear) of the whole stock is sold at full price it becomes clear that wear vendors put up with significant wastes. And because of what Because of inaccuracies and misconceptions of fashion forecasts. Since the production cycle of clothes is rather long (it takes 18 months from the first sketch of a designer) companies have wear in their stores, which were presumed to be popular a year and a half ago. Obviously, there are two ways a company can take to improve its chances of hitting the bull's eye of customers' popularity. The first one, extensive, lies in broadening its product range and increasing volumes of production. The second path is intensive, and tries to improve the accuracy of forecasts, which only can be made through shortening the production cycles. Of course, the second path is better for Jossey Menswear since it leads to full price sales proportion increasing, while keeping the production volumes the same, or even lower than before, which increases profits for the company. Meanwhile, the first way simply increases revenues along with manufacturing costs. Thus, the efficiency of forecasts falling over time and wastes associated with manufacturing of unpopular products are the main reasons behind the choice of quick response (QR) manufacturing system. The main driving factor between the strategies based on QR manufacturing is the reduction of lead time - this business concept is also known as 'agile manufacturing' (Suri, 2003). Another business concept, known as 'lean manufacturing' uses wastes elimination as the main driving factor. Despite the common opinion these two theories are not mutually exclusive and can be applied together (Martin and Towill, 2000). So the question for Jossey Menswear is not stated as "agile or lean approach" - both concepts should be used, because the main objectives of supply chain improvement for Jossey are both reducing lead time and eliminating wastes. Inevitably, every improvement action taken by the company should be monitored in order to learn lessons from it. The implementation of QR manufacturing requires to be monitored from several dimensions: informational, financial and external (customer). The informational perspective can be considered primary, as it reflects the main goal of improvement increase the speed of information flow between different segments of supply chain. Financial perspective can be analysed with the help of total cost analysis. TCA assessment offers a final statement reflecting not only the cost of improvement but all aspects in the further use and maintenance of inventory. For instance, TCA may show that while direct costs of the improvements may be high, a further reduction of material and inventory costs acquired from the increased velocity will be beneficial (Kauffman, 2004). The customer perspective may be reviewed through customer profitability analysis (CPA). This technique assigns revenues and costs to groups of customers rather than to organisational units, products, etc. By doing so, CPA gives its users the information, which customers are the most beneficiary for them, which in our case will show how helpful is the improved supply chain in adding revenue from customers. 2. It is

Pimps up, ho's down Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Pimps up, ho's down - Essay Example In particular, the goal of the author was not to describe hip hop music or sexism, but to relate hip hop culture with the behavior of black women, especially in their response to the superiority of the black men. The book is a revelation of the worsening case of gender politics. Equally important, the Motivational Education Entertainment (MEE) Productions, Inc., a firm that specializes in research about urban and ethnic groups, also performed a study regarding the views of the Black urban youth on intimacy or sexual activity. The study was titled â€Å"This is My Reality: The Price of Sex: An Inside Look at Black Urban Youth Sexuality and the Role of the Media.† MEE was able to provide a picture of the present day value of sex to the black urban youth, who seems to have become unmindful of the consequences of sex. Apparently, the impact of hip hop culture to the lives of the younger generation has reached the point of affecting their relationship with the self, family, friends , and society. Hip hop is not only a trend, but a culture that is influencing the lifestyle of today’s younger generation. Thus, to a certain extent, because of its profound impact on the lifestyle of the young blacks hip hop culture created sexual abusers. The impact of hip hop culture on the lives of the African American youths is indeed profound to the extent that it is affecting their views about sex and relationships. In particular, the messages that are inflicted in hip hop music are often condemned because of expressing misogyny, or hatred towards women. Hence, the lyrics of hip hop music in it have encouraged the abuse of African American women through words that destroy their image in the society. The abuse of women has continued through the years, and this time not only through words but sexually and emotionally. The world sees movies that show Black women in strip clubs, and the adult entertainment industry obtains profit from this type of dirty business (Sharpley- Whiting 12). More and more men feed their illusion by making women object of sexual abuse. The worsening case of sexual abuse is already being manifested in the things people see in television or hear on the radio. With hip hop music going mainstream, it is no wonder why many adolescent black females are involved in sexual relationships (MEE 23), sexual relationships that bring them to the abuses of men at an early age. Males call their female sexual partners as the shorty while they call their other partner the wifey whom they consider for a long-term relationship (MEE 26). Thus, if one is the shorty better yet expect nothing more than sex. Apparently, hip hop is nowadays more than just a musical genre, for it has become a catalyst of change that influenced the black males to feeling that they are more superior compared to women and that women, at present, are vulnerable and easily deceive by their false promises. In relation to the abuses encountered by young black women in the so ciety, sexual violence, sexism, beat downs, sexual dishonesty and anti-lesbianism are some of the challenges that these women have to deal with in everyday life (Sharpley-Whiting 12). These female difficulties reflect how young black women are being maltreated by some men. However, because of the emergence of hip hop culture, these difficulties were made to appear as if it were a normal part of life (Sharpley-Whiting 12). The â€Å"patriarchal and misogynistic notions of manhood and masculinity combined with racism†