Maya Angelou: A Remarkable Renaissance Woman

A Remarkable Renaissance Maya Angelo: A Remarkable Renaissance Woman Maya Angelo is a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director. Throughout Angelinos writings, she expresses the realities of growing up in difficult circumstances and has now become one of the most influential figures of American literature. The works of Angelo reflect the strength of womanhood and the impact she has made during her lifetime. Despite being abused and molested as a young girl, Angelo has proven to the world her capability of accomplishing her dreams.Maya Angelo, originally known as Marguerite Johnson, was born on April 4, 1928, in SST. Louis, Missouri (Williams). She adopted the name Maya Angelo in 1953. Angelinos parent's divorced when she was only three years of age. Once the divorce took place, she and her brother, Bailey, were sent to live with their grandmother in the small town of Stamps, Arkansas (America's Renaissance Woman) . While living in Stamps, Angelo experienced the racial discrimination that was the legally enforced way of life in the American south, but she also absorbed the deep religious faith and old-fashioned courtesy of traditional African American life (Williams).After living with her grandmother for four years, Angelo went through a phase of silence. The silence was the result of being sexually molested by her mother's boyfriend (Williams). Angelo felt as if she did not have the right to speak after hearing news of her uncle murdering her attacker. Angelo felt guilty and that it were her words that had killed the man. Angelo fell silent and did not speak for five years after the death of her attacker (Williams). It was not until the age of thirteen, when Angelo and her rather rejoined their mother in San Francisco that she began to speak again.Maya was finally able to overcome her fear of speaking. Throughout the years that Angelo attended Mission High School, she excelled in her school work. Angelo was not only able to excel at school, she also surpassed in the workforce outside of school life. When Angelo was seventeen, she became the first African American streetcar conductor on San Franciscans Market Street Railway Cones). She also worked various jobs such as a cook, dancer, and singer Cones). Angelo proved that she was a very active teenager and worked diligently at whatever task she was given.It was during this time that Angelo was exposed to the progressive ideals that animated her later political activism. Maya gave birth to her son, Guy, at the age of sixteen. She and her son moved to New York City in 1957 Cones). While living in New York, Angelo became involved in many different activities. During her time there, she raised money for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (CLC) with a show called Cabaret for Freedom Cones). Angelo wrote, directed, and starred in the show. In 1972, Angelo rote the script for another movie titled Georgia, Georgia.The many plays and movies that Maya produced contributed to the fame she has received today. Although Angelo has a varied career as a singer, dancer, actress, composer, and Hollywood first female black director, she is most famous as a writer, editor, essaying, playwright and poet (Angelo). Given Angelinos reallocates existence – from poverty in Arkansas to Journalism in Egypt and Ghana and ultimately to her destiny as a successful writer and professor in the States – it has been no surprise that Angelo has not limited herself to only one or two genres (Meet the Writers).Angelinos career ranges in a wide variety from writing poetry to directing shows. She has written books of poetry, autobiographies, children's books, and screenplays Cones). Angelo has also been a singer, actress, and movie director. As a child, Maya loved to read and dreamed of one day being the author of her own book. Her favorite writers were William Shakespeare, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Longs Hughes, and W. E. B. Dubious Cones). These writers inspired Angelo to be the excellent writer she has become today. Angelo published her first short story in a Journal called Revolute ¶n in 1958 Cones).The events that took place during Mama's childhood in Stamps, Arkansas, led her to writing the well-known auto-biography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This auto-biography illustrates the life that Angelo had to live and the struggles that she had to face to finally reach where she is now. Maya Angelo has been a strong influence in American literature. She has also made an impact with her involvement during the civil rights movement and being a women's rights activist. Angelo was among the first, if not the first, to create a literary franchise based on autobiographical writings (Meet the Writers).Angelo has become a populist poet due to her writings on paper and being a suede-voiced speaker. Angelo has been awarded numerous awards for her various products she produces or writes. An award do es not always have to be materialistic. It is Just as much or a greater award for Angelinos works to still be shared throughout the world today. Angelinos 1993 poem â€Å"On the Pulse of Morning,† written for Bill Silicon's presidential inauguration, was later released as a Grammar-winning album (Meet the Writers). The Springing medal in 1994 was awarded to her for her achievement in literature (Williams).Angelinos 1995 poem â€Å"Phenomenal Woman† is still passed along the Web among woman as inspiration (Meet the Writers). Before Angelo received these awards, she had become involved with helping Martin Luther King Jar. , and his Southern Christian Leadership Conference fight against racism Cones). Angelo also agreed to help Malcolm X, but two days after Angelo returned to the United States from a trip, Malcolm X was killed. Martin Luther King, Jar. And Malcolm X both influenced the decisions that Angelo wanted to change in her life. Angelo realized that she could infl uence people the same as they were both able to.Angelo decided that she would help African Americans achieve equality through her writings. Angelo was able to accomplish her goal, plus take on many more challenges. Angelo is now a great-grandmother and is a professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N. C (Angelo). Angelo states that she does like to be called Dry. Angelo (Angelo). Although she never went to college, she has been awarded more than 30 honorary degrees. Angelo is an American study herself. â€Å"l created myself,† she says. â€Å"l have taught myself so much. † The multi-talentedAngelo is very proud of her accomplishments in life. She still enjoys being politically involved and making a difference in the United States. Angelo shared, â€Å"I'm not a writer who teaches. I'm a teacher who writes. But I had to work at Wake Forest to know that. † This statement Just shows how important it is to Angelo to make a difference in others' lives. Maya Angelo has been a hard worker since she was a young girl. As a result of her hard work, Angelo has written and published many successful pieces of literature. She has also been awarded numerous prestigious awards.

Procurement and Supply Chain Management Essay

Executive Summary Boeing Australia Limited (BAL) is relatively new company and a global extension of the US firm, the Boeing Company. The BAL developed capabilities in the areas of space and communication, site management and the upgrade and maintenance of military aircraft and equipment. As BAL grew, it had developed various systems to support the procurement operations at four key divisions and 12 sites that made up the organization. However there is no interface of these systems and they operated autonomously, resulting in a lot of administrative redundancies, low productivity, and high processing time for the procurement processes. The dilemma exists in whether to continue to sit on the fence and seek a long-term improvement tools for integration with the current systems, or to invest in a new system that would simplify the procurement processes across the different divisions and support complex interfaces with suppliers? As Russell Menere, National Procurement Manager, I recommend to pursue a cost effective e-Procurement system, which would integrate with the various legacy information technology systems currently in place. The e-Procurement tool should simplify the  processes across the different divisions and support the multiple suppliers. Issue Identification: Immediate Issue: The immediate issue BAL facing is the necessity to find an e-Procurement system that would link the BAL, the Australian Defense Force (ADF) and the major suppliers. Following are the requirements to the e-Procurement system: High process efficiency (to help reduce the manual processes, which create errors); Decreased lead times; Cost savings; Compliance with ADF standards for procurement, which support the provision of services for the ADF. Systemic Issues: 1. Central administration with decentralized procurement processes BAL had made a strategic move to establish in the organization’s head office the following departments: Central Administration Finance Purchasing Engineering Logistics Technical Publishing Management Information Systems Project Management These departments supported 4 key divisions: 1. The Military Aerospace 2. The Commercial Aviation 3. The Knowledge System 4. The Space and Communications By relocating 4 divisions under one roof BAL achieved synergies through more centralized and standardized operations. Although, the 4 divisions were still autonomous – they executed their own work, reported the same measuring  criteria in financial dollars, project performance and product quality terms, as well as range of other measures for the BAL balanced scorecard. 2. Systems Architecture Issues The information systems architecture encompassed 12 different BAL sites, which were strategically located close to major BAL customers. And at multiple sites the numerous programs and application were used by employees to meet their operational objectives. The following applications were used: 1. ProPricer – bidding for projects; 2. OPP – project scheduling, planning and labour hours; 3. COBRA – cost performance; 4. eMatrix – data management The work packages form the above systems were fed into the ERP system, and then became KPI’s for the balanced scorecard. The main problem associated with the above systems architecture was that these were buy-in off-the –shelf applications, and were not developed in –house to meet the specific needs of the BAL various sites, and did not always interfaced with the other applications. Environmental and Root Cause Analysis Qualitative Analysis: 1. BAL is relatively new company with multiple divisions and sites that do not use one integrated procurement system; 2. Redundancy in processes for staff through using multiple system applications; 3. Slow manual processes for data management (manually entering data); 4. Deficient operations due to strict requirements to suppliers; 5. High cost of systems available on the market, which would provide systems integration solution; 6. Unknowns: not enough analysis done to guarantee that the new purchased system would meet all the functional requirements for the integration of system application already in place; 7. Staff resistance to change in case new procurement system will be implemented. Key Assumptions: Budget available for the setup, implementation, and training and interface and service of e-Procurement system and BAL legacy system. BAL suppliers are flexible with changing their existing procurement processes. E-Procurement system of choice is compliant with the ADF standards. Alternatives and Options: A1. BAL implements a sophisticated e-Procurement system, which integrates all parts of the current BAL legacy system already in place. Pros: There are average expenses associated with purchasing e-Procurement solution. Future lower costs, and cost savings long-term. Integrates with current legacy system. Based on the integration of current systems, which staff is already using – no steep learning curve and less resistance to change. Cons: Adding another system to the legacy system provides temporary problem fix until more budget available to purchase an ERP system. Major suppliers may not all meet the requirements of the new e-Procurement system. A2. Upgrading and redeveloping the existing ERP platform, and building new ERP system, which would include e-Procurement system to serve the needs of suppliers and end-users. Pros: Provides visibility and transparency of all the steps of the full cycle procurement process. Cons: High cost, long implementation time. A3. Continue with the existing system, and wait until affordable e-Procurement system is available to be purchased off-shelf (should be compatible with the BAL legacy system). Pros: This will save money short term. Cons: the risk of waiting for the low- cost solution will involve losing current suppliers and not having correct data available for current state analysis and reporting. The low-cost e-procurement tool may not be sophisticated enough to provide the necessary technical advantage and solve the current issues. Recommendations: 1. Gap analysis on what will be needed to implement the e-Procurement system  organization wide. 2. Identify mandatory, technical and functional requirements for the e-Procurement system. 3. Research of e-Procurement systems on the market.  4. E-Procurement system purchase and implementation.  5. Develop Processes internally (staff/end-users) and externally (suppliers) to sustain e-Procurement system. Implementation: Implementation Plan Recommendation: Activity: Who – Primary BAL Admin, Finance, Purchasing, Engineering, IS, Logistics, ADF, major suppliers Who – Support and Input BAL Admin, Finance, Purchasing, Engineering IS, Logistics, ADF, major suppliers When Immediate (I) Short run (S) Medium (M) Long run (L) Duration/weeks Monitor and Control There are two aspects to the monitor and control functions of the above recommended BAL procurement process improvements. The first aspect is the successful implementation of recommendations listed above. This process can be completed by continuous monitoring of what had been completed, developing project plan with all the dependencies and timelines indicated, assigning resources to tasks, and verifying the project deliverables. The second aspect is the controlling process, which measures and monitors progress after all the recommendations are implemented. This process identifies variances from plan and highlights when corrective action is required.  Following is the list of inclusions that may be used to measure the performance e-Procurement system: 1. Operational staff efficiency manual entry /error decrease 2. Cost Savings 3. Decreased lead time 4. Increase in suppliers cooperation Conclusion: The alternative solution for BAL is to purchase the cost efficient new e-Procurement system, with would be ADF compliant and will have the technical capacity to interface with the existing legacy system. The anticipated results of implementing new e-Procurement system will be cost savings, decreased lead times, operational efficiency and enhanced relationship with major suppliers and main customer (ADF). References: 1. Boeing Australia Limited: Assessing the Merits of Implementing a Sophisticated e-Procurement System Case. #HKU271. Centre for Asian Business Cases.

Best Summer Memory of My Childhood

When I was 11 years old, I attended a Unitarian church camp for a summer vacation with my family. It was a pleasant area, with the Puget Sound not far away, grass fields, many old-style wooden buildings, an expansive forest, and an elongated pond between the road and the camp. Deer and other wildlife regularly visited the grounds. It was an ideal place to forget your worries and the routine of common life. As an 11-year-old boy, it was a place for me to meet my friends, and maybe fall in love with a girl. However, this summer camp was more spiritual than others—not because of a religious message, but because I had an awakening at the camp that year. I had been going to this summer retreat almost every year since I was very young. But somehow, this year was different. It seemed my mind and soul was ripe for a transformation. I recorded my first poem in my 11th year, and I seemed more introspective than usual. I was less interested in playing and joking around with my friends. I was searching for answers to deep questions about life and God. While walking down a path next to a grass field leading to the camp’s cafeteria, suddenly my vision changed. The grass was shining, the texture of the bark of trees was lucid, and each detail around me seemed like it was the first time I was seeing. In a sense, it was a feeling of rebirth. In church, there is talk of baptism, which is more of a ritual than anything else, in my opinion. The real baptism is an inner transformation. But back to the experience, this natural baptism came spontaneously. No effort was put into it. It was like a light was switched on in my consciousness, and I saw everything as new again. This sight was accompanied by a fresh sense of peace—a mental silence that I had not experienced before. Also, joy was coursing through my being at the exhilaration of such a happening. From that moment, the world around me and within me was never the same. The only problem was that I was too young to fully grasp what had happened. In fact, I thought I was some sort of prophet. Seeing a tarot card reader only made the issue worse. Through the reading, I thought I was â€Å"the victory of the people,† and someone no one else was like. However, there were many other people who had the same experience—I just did not know this at that tender age. Later in life, I learned there are many people just like me, and that I was not all that special. What I learned from this experience is that baptism, or spiritual rebirth, is a spontaneous happening, and not done only from the hand of a priest. Also, I learned about getting a spiritual ego, where you think you are important based on spiritual experiences. My natural baptism and my knowledge of spiritual ego has allowed me to gain much in life: more creativity, inner peace, and how to be humble in the face of achievements.

HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY QUESTION ASSIGNMENT Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY QUESTION - Assignment Example Unlike meiosis which occurs in the gamete cells. The first mitotic stage is prophase. During this stage, the observable changes include the fading of the nucleolus while the chromatin material condenses together and forms the chromosomes. A chromosome is made up of two chromatids which have identical genetic material. Another significant change is the disassembling of the microtubules of the cytoskeleton. These are responsible for cell shape and motility. After this the cell moves to the next stage. Metaphase is the second stage in mitosis, during this stage, the nuclear envelope breaks making the nucleus no longer distinct. Another notable change is the elongation of spindle fibers. These elongate from the centrosomes and attach themselves to the kinetochores. After this, all the chromosomes are aligned in one plane at the center of the cell. This is due to the tension created by the spindle fibers. In anaphase, the third stage in mitosis, the spindle fibers shorten. The chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. In telophase, the fourth stage in mitosis, the daughter chromosomes are at the poles. The spindle fibers degenerate. Cytokinesis involves, the cleavage of a contractile ring that cleaves into the two daughter cells. After this microtubules responsible for cell shape reorganize it. Mitosis is important for growth and repair in eukaryotic organisms. The daughter cells have same number of chromosomes as their parent. It is important to note that unicellular organisms also use mitosis for reproduction. This is the type of cell division that divides the number of chromosomes by two. It occurs in gamete cells. Unlike mitosis, meiosis occurs in phase I and phase II of all the stages discussed in mitosis. The result is that the genetic material is divided by two. Prophase I: Chromosomes become visible at this time due to the condensation of the chromatin material. During the S phase, the chromatid duplicates so they are two

The Reasons Surrounding the Global Financial Crises Essay

The Reasons Surrounding the Global Financial Crises - Essay Example The essay "The Reasons Surrounding the Global Financial Crises" talks about the Great Depression which occurred in 1930 and was triggered off by the sharp and unprecedented decline in the American stock exchange, the Americans wrapped themselves up around Hoover blankets they had no jobs and the unemployment rate went completely out of control. The recent economic meltdown gave rise to a plethora of economic problems; it was triggered off by the subprime crisis. This paper will shed more light on the subprime crisis. Barrack Obama had to issue a bailout package to save the economy of America, earlier the credit rating of America was triple A but after the recession, it became double A which means America is less likely to pay its debt than earlier. Such news often sends panic waves across the world. The financial crisis triggered off because of the subprime crisis, subprime refers to excessive borrowing and the inability to pay back the debt. â€Å"Several times recently, Treasury Secretary Paulson has claimed that the "root cause" of the current financial crisis is "the housing correction." (Root Cause of the Financial Crisis) The people in the US took loans from banks and other major financial institutions and invested that money into the housing sector but the prices of their houses declined sharply and they were unable to pay their loans back. Institutions like Lehmann Brothers and others went bust because they could not recover their loans and the ever-increasing debt affected them immensely.

Methods Used To Evaluate Supply Chain Performance Essay

Methods Used To Evaluate Supply Chain Performance - Essay Example 166). The measurement of performance of the supply chain is quite vital especially in setting objectives and evaluating the performance of such supply chains as well as determining the necessary future course of action. Companies should consider themselves in the chain supply not as the producer or just as the suppliers of the products thereby reducing the products and or service cycle time. Additionally, a significant supply chain allows competitors to cooperate in order to achieve smooth movement in the supply chain. Companies are engaged in planning and coordinating the process of product flow from the foundation to the end user as a combined system rather than independent processes (Keebler 33). This has made the evaluation of the chain of supply mandatory to ensure that the more profitable supply chain is applied in the course of the business. Therefore, businesses must use the different methods of evaluating the performance of the supply chain to ensure that they remain abreast in the competition by employing the most effective supply chain in the business. Businesses are often involved in different supply chains including those that supply raw materials and the finished products. Therefore, without a proper functional supply chain, business that involves at the same may waste time and resources in such supply chains resulting to low productivity and profitability of such businesses. Hence, it is vital that product manufacturers

History of Art and Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

History of Art and Design - Essay Example This write up gives an account of the plan of the house and activities that were carried out there. The Romans valued space in relation to setting up buildings that they would use for various purposes such as rituals. This would be compared to the design of the temple together with the forum within the Roman Empire. The Romans participated in various rituals that required people to come together in spacious structures. This meant that every structure considered space aspects when being constructed because ritual activities were to be performed in such a setting (Clarke, 1991, 65). The houses were built based on a public perspective. This meant that enough space was provided within the house for visitors and even those uninvited. These houses formed the focal point of activities that would be political, social and even business related. The houses were also decorated, and this revealed the minds and perceptions of the ancient Romans. This is the place that served as the meeting point for people in which they would discuss different issues that would be political, economic or even social. In the context of the roman houses, the domus is valued because of its importance in the ancient period. Those who made plans for its construction were required to ensure that its spaces had proper proportions. The domus had party walls on its flanks and was structured in a way that ensured that a back area was enclosed in it (Tang, 2005, 20). In addition to this, its main opening to the outside was located on the street front and formed an entryway. The houses above also had fauces that marked the axis from the point of entry which was long and narrow. The central part of the roof was also designed to allow rainwater to flow from the top to the basin below the impluvium. The compluvium was within the central space and served as a source of light to the atrium and those that would be found within it. The domus being the most common structures within this setting served to hold s alutationes activities. The domus held that paterfamilias, patrons of paterfamilias and the extended family. This was in regard to social and economic reasons that were far beyond the immediate family. This formed the clientela which was composed of relatives who did not have paterfamilias status and included slaves, freemen and other people who made daily salutationes guarantee their economic and political safety. Part two Byzantine churches Byzantine architects based their drawing on Roman temple features that were widely known within Italy. For instance, they combined ideas that were used to construct the basilica and other central-plan religious structures. This resulted on a structure with a square, central mass that had four arms of equal size. The most striking feature in these structures was the domed roof above the square area. The dome shape was suspended above the square by arches on each of the corners of the square, and this resulted into an octagon shape which would be referred to as a pendentive. These structures were characterized by towering spaces and luxurious decorations. In addition, this, marble columns, mosaic, inlay and inlaid stone pavements were also incorporated within this setting. These structures are believed to have extended in Christian East and other places such as Russia (Gagarin & Elaine, 2010, 443). The interior of the structures incorporated mosaic aspects, paintings and other arts. For instance, the painting was based on devotional panels. This was because the cult of icons was

Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Nursing - Essay Example Interest in professionalizing the nursing occupation emerged in healthcare organizations in 1970s. This stemmed from the need to provide a substitute motivation for workers with blocked access to structures of mobility and that the ideological draw of professionalism offered the promise of higher degree of control. (Barker 2008, p. 9) Here, it is important to underscore that profession through their scientific credibility becomes a source of power and prestige. Indeed, it arises out of self-interest and provides a means by which occupational groups exert influence to advance their own interest in society. By professionalizing the nursing profession, it was expected that traditional collective action such as unionism would be countered and that nurses, being educated as professionals in colleges and universities, were expected to exercise their knowledge and skills without bureaucratic constraint. The classical criteria that make a field or profession professional were posited in 1915 by Abraham Flexner, an imminent sociologist, who outlined several qualities. The most important of which follows: Flexner’s qualities for professionalism stressed rationalism, scientific standards and objectivity. These criteria were addressed by the model that conceptualized nursing professionalism, the Miller’s Wheel. In the wheel model, the center represents the essential foundation of nursing education in an institution of learning and, according to Miller: Each of the eight spokes represents other behaviors deemed necessary in maintaining or increasing nurses’ professionalism. They are competence and continuing education; adherence to the code of ethics; participation in the primary and referent professional organizations, i.e., ANA and state constituent member associations; publication and communication; orientation toward community services; theory and research development and utilization; and

Proofread Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Proofread - Essay Example During physical assessment, I noted several bruises on the chin and abdomen. The patient informed me that the bruises were from a previous fall. I proceeded to monitor her heart for atrial fibrillation. During my assessment, I noted that the patient’s pulse was elevated and her blood pressure was high. I administered 40mg of Lasix by IV pulse via peripheral line and left the patient to rest. A few hours later, I went back to take the vital signs. Her blood pressure has decreased from 141/62 to 113/70. The patient was on fall precaution due to side effects of medication, which was hypotension. The Lasix was pushed slowly because it could cause hearing problems if it was pushed too fast. Thoracencetis was done and 1 liter of fluid was drained. I did not observe any ABD distention or swelling of the lower extremities. The patient was taking Lasix and void 1400CC of clear and yellow urine that was the expected outcome. I was confused during the auscultation of the lungs because I expected to hear crackles upon auscultation. However, I did not hear crackles, so I was puzzled by where all the fluid was coming from. I did not see any edema in any of extremities. The patient appeared healthy to me. After several discussions with my clinical instructor, I learned that the continuous weight loss could be an indication of cancer. The patient had PMH of hyperthyroidisms since even after consuming large amounts of nutrients, she still lost weight. At first, I thought the patient was losing weight because of thyroid. Later, I got convinced that it could have been an indication of cancer because she did not have any problems with weight loss during previous diagnoses. This patient’s symptoms were similar to my cousin’s. They were both losing weight very rapidly and coughing with no mucus. Later, my cousin was diagnosed with

An Assessment of the Need for Worker Representation in the 21st Essay

An Assessment of the Need for Worker Representation in the 21st Century - Essay Example ship: Aggregate union density: No union members: Union density of 50% or more: Recognised unions: (% employees) (% workplaces) (% workplaces) (% workplaces) All workplaces 34 64 48 30 Sector of ownership: Private 22 77 8 16 Public 64 7 62 90 Management attitudes towards union membership: In favour 60 8 58 84 Neutral 22 76 9 17 Not in favour 5 93 1 4 Table 2: Union Presence, by Sector of Ownership and Management Attitudes (Source: Marchington and Wilkinson 2008 p.390) The importance of management attitudes is discussed later in this paper. Employee Relations The latest ideas to involve workers more in the workplace are employee engagement and employee involvement and participation (EIP). These follow changes from collective and multi-employer bargaining brought about by international competition and globalisation. Increasingly, although employees have various rights enshrined in law, employers are dictating terms and, in some cases, unilaterally attempting to change contracts of emplo yment to the detriment of employees (Curtis 2010b). Heery (2009 p.334) discusses the representation gap, restating key themes of â€Å"union revitalisation, non-union representation and the effectiveness of public policy† as needing further research. Szell (2010 p.184) describes â€Å"the neo-liberal economic system† as having â€Å"declared war on the trade unions and workers’ participation† when considering the impact of the global financial crisis on the trade union movement and labour policies, specifically in the EU. This is even more important with the austerity drive being pursued by the current UK coalition government as, following the announcements of substantial budget cuts for the public sector, unions have advised that they intend striking to protect both their members’ jobs... An Assessment of the Need for Worker Representation in the 21st Century Hutton believes that the employment relations culture in 2010 resembles that of the 1970s and this causes many employees to take employers to employment tribunals to obtain justice. He highlights that â€Å"around a third of all people at work have experienced some form of unfair treatment in the past year†, the gender pay gap and low pay as evidence that there is a need for â€Å"a more effective collective worker voice in the workplace†. Employment relations are as difficult an area as ever, with workers still requiring protection within the working context, whether through legislation or union representation. Employers seem determined to exclude workers from decision making and regard them as simply resources, like fixtures and fittings, with no opinions, attitudes or voices of their own once they enter the workplace. Representation is still required, and will continue to be so until employers realise that employees’ full participation in organisational decision making improves the bottom line. One area that organisations might like to explore in this respect, is stakeholder theory. Although most organisations pay lip service to stakeholders other than shareholders, adopting such an approach would generate many positive benefits, including within the employee relations arena. The key issue to be addressed is the power differential between employer and employed. Until this is resolved, employees will still be treated poorly and still require representation, both as individuals and collectively.

Social Psychology Essay Example for Free

Social Psychology Essay In social psychology there are many researchers who investigated and challenged different theories within including well respected psychologists including; Sheriff(1935); Jenness(1932); Asch(1951); Crutchfield(1955) and Mann(1969). The aim of the study was; guessing how many sweeties were in the jar in a competition fashion and testing if the participants conformed to their guesses. The hypothesis was people would conform under group pressures of the pre-set guesses. The null hypothesis was that people would not conform under group pressures unless due to extraneous variables. The experiment was a field experiment using the techniques of independent groups design. The experiment was dressed as a competition based on the following three conditions; high pre-set; control pre-set and low pre-set guesses. The group used random selection in three math classes with the senior pupils of three different levels (higher, intermediate one and intermediate two). The IV (independent variable) that was used was the pre-set guesses and the DV (dependent variable) was the level of conformity performed by the participants. The conclusion of the results showed that 31. 5% of the high pre-set guesses conformed (in the reign of 40+), 23. 33% of the low pre-set guesses conformed (in the reign of -30) and 43. 48% of the control pre-set guesses conformed (within the reign of 25-45). The breakdown of the analysis for instance the mean of all conditions and overall, the range of all conditions and control(appendix 13). After the group completed the experiment thought was put into how testing conformity could be continued. The ideas from the experiment could lead to testing the intelligence levels of people who conform and test is this level of intelligence has an effect on the level of conformity. Introduction Social psychology is an area in which investigations are made into the effects of behavioural differences of individuals and how they reflect on future behaviours patterns. Within social psychology there are different sub topics including the chosen topic of conformity. Social psychology studies the effect specific surroundings have on an individual. Conformity is when a person acts or reacts in an expected way or to yield to group pressures. This varies from peer pressure to pressures that the person is not actually aware of. People conform for two reasons; Normative social influence; the feeling of having to fit in; informational social influence; the feeling of always having to be correct. Jenness(1932), Asch(1951), Crutchfield(1955) and Mann(1969) all studied conformity in different ways. Sheriff(1935) also used the auto kinetic theory to test conforming in specific situations, the auto kinetic effect is a visual illusion which tests observation skills in light movement. The participants were asked individually their answers and were apportioned to a similar answer group. This is to test if the person will conform and the three will decide on an answer which is very similar. The conclusion from this is that in a situation which the participants had no confidence which the correct answer is they looked for a sense of guidance from the group to feel included. Due to the ambiguous nature of Sheriff’s research, Asch(1951) used a laboratory experiment with a group of participants. One ‘naive’ member of the group was removed and the remaining participants were shown a picture of three lines of different sizes. The group was instructed to give a specific answer (incorrect) when the second question was asked to the ‘naive’ participant. When the ‘naive’ participant returned they were shown the three lines, and a single line, they were then asked to give their answer. This was a test to confirm whether the individual would go against the wrong answer of the group under pressure. The hypothesis was that the person who was removed would feel pressure to go against their instinct and go with the majority answer. Crutchfield(1955) also used a conformity based theory of ‘the question booth pressure’ which investigated how the person conformed even though it was anonymous. 100 males were used in the study all average age of 34, their profession orientating around good obedience or leadership skills. This experiment was conducted ballot style; male participants joined into five groups in individual booths and were told to remain silent. Answers from the men showed similar wrong answers and questionability over their leadership skills in a group situation. Mann(1969) also used other valid research to vary the terms used in describing aspects of conformity including; normative conformity and compliance which includes the fear of being rejected in a group situation. Informational conformity; level of ignorance, not knowing so turning for some kind of support and receiving it by copying the group (agreement with Sheriff). Internalisation; when the person publically conforms but personally disagrees (in agreement with the auto kinetic effect). Ingratiation; is a need for some kind of reward for conforming Finally the last term used is non-conformity which is the term used for not yielding to group pressures for reasons which include; individuality and trusting their own judgement, or just going against the group’s decision to rebel. Jenness(1932) conducted an experiment with a jar of beans, participants had to correctly guess the number of beans the jar contained. Pre-recorded guesses (the IV) were written prematurely to test conformity, a base line of whether other guesses were influenced by this issue. This unknown pressure was effective as the finding came that the guesses did in fact have an effect on the other participants. This theory was seen as very useful, as the group used this same idea in their experiment. The groups aim was to test conformity when guessing how many sweeties were in the jar in a competitive fashion. For this experiment at study, the experimental hypothesis was; people will conform under group pressures of the pre-set guesses in order to feel included and correct. The null hypothesis was; people will not conform under group pressures of the pre-set guesses in order to feel included or correct unless due to extraneous variables; conforming in result of bullying, personal problems with the individual and intentional corruption of the experiment . The independent variables (IV) were the pre-set guesses made on the sheets before given to the participants. The dependant variables (DV) was the answers which should be averaged around the pre-set guesses. Method Design The experimental method used was a field design involving independent measures. This design was selected as it was felt that if a field situation was used it would help the problem of ecological validity and loosen experimental tensions. This experiment was conducted in three mathematics classrooms. One of these classrooms were of three levels; intermediate 1, intermediate 2 and higher. When the group entered the class, there were three sheets; one high pre-set, one low pre-set and one control pre-set sheet. These sheets were given to the three rows in the class (the layout of all math classes). The control technique that was used was that each sheet was strictly kept between each of the assigned rows. The independent variable was the pre-set guesses, with the conditions of the IV being high, low and control pre-set guesses. The dependent variable is the participant’s guesses. The selected group member stated the standardised instructions; which was clearly said to all classes; as soon as we entered the class. Also the mood/ general emotions of the class were noted. Experimental methods used include; the brief verbal request; which asked if the chosen pupils wanted to participate. The standardised instructions; stated consistently by one group member. The standardised instructions(appendix 13) stated that it was a competition, there was a prize, it was free of charge and anyone who did not want to take part did not have to. A list was made to make sure all group members were fully aware of their roles including sheets they were responsible for. The response sheets with the pre-set guesses were collected and put on a table (appendix 12) to be analysed.

Benjamin Franklin’s Life and Study Essay Example for Free

Benjamin Franklin’s Life and Study Essay The following discussion is based on an article, â€Å"Franklin, Modernity, and Themes of Dissent in the Early Modern Era† by â€Å"Carla Mulford† from â€Å"Modern Language Studies, Vol. 28, No. 2. (Spring 1998), pp. 13-27. This has been taken from â€Å"JSTOR† Archives. JSTOR Archive is a trusted digital repository for academic journals and scholarly literature around the world. It is supported by Libraries and Scholar Societies. The article discusses about Franklin’s views on Religion, Metaphysics and Deism. One can see how dissent was meant in Franklin’s days and how it’s perceived now. Creation of American Dream, learning about socio metaphysical ways of leading a life and several facets of Franklin’s views on religion can be seen here. Franklin was a precursor among â€Å"natural scientists† and his work on natural philosophy is also discussed here. Also his association with his friend’s daughter as a tutor and assisting her to pursue her study on natural philosophy and his views on historical production can be examined. He was more a deist than an atheist but people see him more as an atheist in his days and some of his family members too were of the same view. His similarities with George Whitman and other personalities are discussed. His spoofs on religion, advice to people to indulge in philosophy and to be useful to fellow beings, his facts about Bible and Christianity during her grand fathers’ days can be examined here. Franklin was a pioneer in more than one field and he was also a successful businessman and a diplomat. In author’s view, history production involves some assumptions about the past and some relevance to national myth making and silencing the past. Since the stories of the past are forever expandable, the accumulation of multiple stories blocks a nation’s ability to accommodate stories of other sort which might disrupt the conventional and accepted wisdom about their founding fathers. She quotes Trouillot suggestion that if the producers of the stories in the past lived inequalities then the stories yield unequal historical power (Carla Mulford, P 13). In the same context she says, US citizens who knows much about Benjamin Franklin doesn’t know about his son and who bore him and the records which exist are silent on this issue. Also when people speak about confederation and constitution, they tend to speak about Anglo-American debates and the Civil war instead of the native people representing the six nations. Also she quoted Benedict Anderson’s words; US community alienates themselves from conventional ideas of â€Å"dynastic empires, absolutisms, serfdoms, ghettoes† and is more inclined to â€Å"republican institutions, nation-states† (Carla Mulford, P 15). Benjamin Franklin was a Scholar, Deist, Philanthropist, Writer, Diplomat, Journalist, Civil Leader and a Scientist. There is more to his astounding brilliance in every respective field. Franklin and Religion: His was a puritan family and it had much influence on him. His religious views were simple and straightforward. According to him, religion should make people do more good and help our fellow beings. Deists don’t believe in orthodoxy and age old superstitious customs. Although he was a deist, he was more outspoken and sometimes confesses that this doctrine though true is less useful in making people virtuous. He always believes that service to mankind is service to God. He had Unitarian views and sometimes visits Unitarian Churches along with his friends. However he cannot be included among the Unitarians as he never openly stated about his inclination towards Unitarianism. He used to go to Unitarian Churches with his friends. According to Wikipedia, â€Å"Deism is a religious philosophy and movement that derives the existence and nature of god from reason and personal experience in contrast to theism†. He rejects orthodox Christian views. In a way he dissents the principles of Church. In his days, dissents were those who speak against church. Religion used to be associated with almost everything and hence to speak against something orthodox was treated as dissentious. Explaining about the dissenting nature of his family he says how his Great Great Grandfather conceals the English Bible from the officers of the spiritual court. He admires the Evangelist Preacher, George Whitefield. He says religion should be the best way in explaining morals to the people. In Geoffrey Sills lines of similarity between Franklin and Whitman Their strong interest in science and technology and America was a radical experiment in democracy and their similar views on religious dissent†. Thus Franklin’s view of religion as a moral freedom brings closer outlook on the religion disciplines which people follow. He had friends among Unitarians, Deists and other religions. He treats all religions the same. When he supported his friend to setup a Unitarian Church he stated that whoever leader comes irrespective of religion should be allowed to preach. On his funeral, people who thronged to see him were a mix of all religions. There were views in those times that people who believe in science doubt religion. Franklin doesn’t agree to this. Instead he sometimes confesses the virtues of religion. Franklin, a Scientist: Franklin was arguably the first American Scientist. He crossed the Gulf Stream and he used to take weather forecasts on his horse ridings. He studied storms and discovered Electricity. He was also the founding father of Civic Science in America. One can see Franklin flying a kite in their school text books. Being a Civic Scientist, he did public service and organized sermons. He formed the JUNTO, a discussion group for his friends, leaders and business people. He promoted Libraries, Civic Societies and Education, Hospitals and Schools. He developed Mail Delivery System and Dead Letter Office. With one of his French friends, he once queried, â€Å"What signifies Philosophy that doesn’t apply to some use? † He regards insects worthy of an enquiry and research because, as per him, even appropriate use of insects can benefit humans. He says one should never neglect one’s essential duties in keeping line with the study. He wrote in â€Å"Poor Richard† for October, 1750, â€Å"Hide not your Talents, they for use were made, / what’s a Sun-Dial in a Shade! † He invented Franklin stove and bi focal lens. He also studied sea water luminescence and ocean temperatures. He explained about the dangers of Lead Poisoning and hypothesized about Wave Theory of Light. Franklin, a Diplomat: He encourages Education. He wasn’t sent to school due to his father’s poverty. He was mostly self educated. He worked in a printer shop initially and then later shifted to work in a press. He was one of the founding fathers of America. His role in American Revolution is still remembered. Franklin was courageous and bold and had very good rapport with French and resolved most of the issues during the war. Franklin with all his diplomacy skills worked in forming a peace treaty during the war with French. He helped in the establishment of Pennsylvania’s first State University. A town was named after him due to his services. He was also famous for his anecdotes. Conclusion: This article covers almost all aspects of Benjamin Franklin, his personality and his achievements. I can clearly examine his views on religion and how he was a dissent among his people. Till date whenever I hear of Franklin, I can only imagine a bald guy flying a kite and running as this should be the case with most of the people. Our schools teach Franklin’s discovering Electricity in thunder storms. It’s only after reading the essay that I found the innumerable qualities and facets of his life. I came to know now that he was not only a scientist but a diplomat. You would see him in almost every walk of life. There is no surprise to find his name under every subject. Apart from Electricity I usually hear his name linked with American Revolution, his diplomacy in having a peace treaty with France. Now I can imagine how great a personality like him would be. His life spanned over eighty years ranging from a writer to a scientist and to a Legislative member. He was the founding father of the concept of Great American Dream. I’ve also found out from this essay about his works on Natural Philosophy. I’ve also learned about his role as an educationist and in promoting Women Education. Also I came to know about his friends among several religious groups and about his mutual interest in both deism and Unitarianism. He is famous for his wit and humor. There was a story that during Constitution Writing which Franklin resolved a hard stop by asking the Ministers in the Council to pray for a few minutes. Most of them didn’t agree and he resolved the issue without a prayer. America would remember Franklin as long as they remember Martin Luther King. Work Cites World Wide Web: 1) â€Å"Ben Franklin Scientist and Philanthropist†. http://www. nps. gov/archive/inde/Franklin_Court/Pages/franklinscientist. html 2) â€Å"Franklins Contributions to the American Revolution as a Diplomat in France†. http://www. ushistory. org/valleyforge/history/franklin. html 3) Lane, Neal. â€Å"Benjamin Franklin, Civic Scientist†. October 2003, page 41. http://www. physicstoday. org/vol-56/iss-10/p41. html 4) Rev. Clear, Bruce. THE RELIGION OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. Sunday. May 1. 2005. All Souls Unitarian Church. Indianapolis. http://allsoulsuuindy. org/ser20050501. htm.

Definition Of What Good And Evil Are Philosophy Essay

Definition Of What Good And Evil Are Philosophy Essay Hsun Tzu rejected the idea that humans had a natural inclination towards goodness. People were born with an evil mind and if the mind was to be properly trained, only then may it lead to goodness. He believed that all humans are bad by nature but he did not disagree with the fact that personal experiences and interactions could help to cure the evil mind and embody human goodness. For example, he believed that babies were evil because as soon as they are born they do not know any better. They do not know the difference between right and wrong. If a baby were to pull its mothers hair, it would not be considered a wrongful action. What humans define evil is the ideal evil of society. Doing something that makes somebody else uncomfortable or unhappy is considered a wrongful action, but whether or not it is, is a different story all together. Society has taught us that babies do not know the difference between right and wrong, therefore even if the action is considered wrong to a grown p erson, there is no way the baby knows what he or she is doing. Until you live life and are able to experience and interact with others, your mind is set to neutral. If a baby has not been taught the difference between right and wrong, regardless of what people who have been taught the difference believe, there is no possible way the babys actions are bad. Although Hsun Tzu believed this way, Mencius believed the complete opposite. Mencius believes that people are born good, and that it is the evil situations/surrounding that people are placed in that cause them to act evil. When discussing the Yi, it is referring to the way one values them self. As soon as a person falls under their own standards as a person, they are a disgrace to themselves as well as to everyone else. Keeping this in mind, because he believes that everyone is born with a good mind, they only way to destroy that is yourself. Regardless of the experiences that life throws at you, its up to you to make sure you do not fall victim to the negative aspects that could alter your non-evil mind. A very important aspect to consider is that of societies view on good and evil. Without knowing what is considered truly evil or good, no one can judge others or even themselves for that matter. Ones actions are judged by all, and if society has outlined something such as killing to be wrong, then the actions of a killer are evil. Usually when someone commit s a crime, they had to have thought about it first, so its safe to say that thoughts are just as evil as actions. The constant repeating of ones evil actions are also considered wrong or immoral. No one wakes up one day and decides to do something wrong unless they have gone through the experience of seeing someone else doing it or being taught it first hand. Therefore, once you are lucky enough to be given to opportunity to make a suitable life for yourself, it is up to what information humans attain to decide what type of person they turn out to be; good or bad. Platos idea of universal goodness and evil however are quite different from the views of both Mencius and Hsun Tzu. According to Plato, people are representations of things on earth and therefore people are born without being ultimately good or evil. It is impossible for a person to be truly evil, because humans only represent the ideal evil. Nobody truly knows what evil is. Evil is what is taught to us through the personal experiences we encounter throughout our life. It is also learnt through what is taught to us by teachers as well as other people. If someone is considered to be a good person, then it only takes one wrongful act to turn him or her evil, or so we have been taught. According to Aristotles Law of Non-Contradiction that states that something cannot be said to be and not be at the same time illustrates that man is good, and if man is good then he is not evil, concluding that good are evil are two opposite things. Nobody is perfect, so it is impossible to say that somebody can be truly good or evil. What everybody knows for sure is that what people view to be good and or evil actions differs from human to human. If there is no universal census or conclusion on what makes a person truly good or evil then it outlines that there is not just one answer as to what people are thinking of when first born. Everybody is born with a neutral mindset and without the experiences that life has to offer, regardless of whether it turns humans into good or bad people, it is what is taught to you in life that defines people as individuals. This concludes that without the knowledge of living life to the fullest, nobody can be considered good or evil because we are all born with neutral minds. Thee definition of what makes a person truly good or evil is impossible to prove as it differs between different societies as well as over time. No one can be considered truly good or evil, as it is only a state of mind placed on a person in a given experience from his or her daily life. Without the experience of being able to interact with others, it is impossible to consider someone good or evil. It because our nature it is because our nature has taught us to be both good and bad that there is no tangible evidence to prove that one overpowers the other to create the ultimate good or evil person. Furthermore, no one person can be born good or evil as it is against our biological make-up to be evil in the first place. People are born neutral and then learn how to define ones self through personal experiences and interactions. GOOD VS. EVIL ESSAY By: Alexee Simon Date Submitted: April 2nd 2010 Submitted to: Dr. Brown Course Code: HZT4U1

Culture of the Dominican Republic Essay -- Cultural Dominical Republic

Culture of the Dominican Republic The People Dominicans’ ethnicity consists of Taino, Spanish and African. The native people on the island were the Taino. The Taino were hunter and gatherers who lived off the land. Led by Christopher Columbus, the Spanish conquered the island in 1492. The Spanish overtook the Taino forcing them to be their slaves while killing many in the process. The Africans were then later brought to the island as slaves. Certain traits of these ethnic groups are still present in the Dominican culture, such as the food, language, religion and personality of the people (Goodwin, 116). A true Taino is hard to come by in the Dominican Republic, yet most Dominicans consider themselves part Taino. During the conquest the Spanish killed massive amounts of this indigenous group and their population almost vanished. However, Taino culture is still seen in some of the foods that are eaten in the Dominican Republic. Dominicans also use some of the Taino’s words in their language, such as tobacco, hammock and canoe (Lonely Planet website). One of the most significant aspects of Taino culture that is still present today is the importance of land. The Taino lived off the land and respected Mother Nature. This is still seen in Dominican agriculture which grows a rich produce of bananas, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco and cacao. Importing these products is one of their major sources of income (Goodwin, 116). The Dominicans have intermarried with Tainos, Spanish and African people but their African physical features are still present. Dominicans come in all different colors, ranging from very dark to very light and everything in between. Dominicans see skin color differently than it is seen in the ... ...Lonely Planet; Goodwin, 116-117). Throughout the history of the Dominican Republic certain heritage groups have played an important role in creating the Dominican culture. The Taino gave the Dominicans their love of Mother Nature, the African slaves gave them their physical appearance and the Spanish conquistadors shaped the Dominican’s language and religion. Although some influences are more dominant than others, overall the Dominican culture is a mix of three heritage groups that create a unique and intriguing culture. Bibliography Foner, Nancy. From Ellis Island to JFK. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2000. Goodwin, Paul Jr. â€Å"The Dominican Republic.† Latin America Tenth Edition. Guilford, CN: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin, 2003. Lonely Planet http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/caribbea/dominican_republic/culture.htm Accessed 22 March 2004

Essay --

2) The Three Main Fashion Centres Within France Paris, Lyon and Marseille are not only the three largest cities in France, but they are also the main fashion centres in the country. Each city has played a unique role in shaping France as a fashion mecca. France has been called the world fashion capital for many decades. France’s capital and largest city, Paris is home some of the world’s most elite French fashion houses. The Golden Triangle is a name given to Avenue Champs- Élysà ©es, Avenue Marceau, and Avenue Montaigne, the main districts for luxury shopping in Paris. These areas boast stores of the highest names in fashion such as Chanel, Dior, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin, Balmain and many more. There are also many high-end department stores like Printemps, Bon Marchà ©, and Les Galeries Lafayette, which draw thousands of locals and tourist every day. Other districts, like La Marais are home to many smaller boutiques, and much more affordable shops. It seems as though everywhere you turn in Paris, there are luxurious fashion houses, contemporary boutiques, and unique t... Essay -- 2) The Three Main Fashion Centres Within France Paris, Lyon and Marseille are not only the three largest cities in France, but they are also the main fashion centres in the country. Each city has played a unique role in shaping France as a fashion mecca. France has been called the world fashion capital for many decades. France’s capital and largest city, Paris is home some of the world’s most elite French fashion houses. The Golden Triangle is a name given to Avenue Champs- Élysà ©es, Avenue Marceau, and Avenue Montaigne, the main districts for luxury shopping in Paris. These areas boast stores of the highest names in fashion such as Chanel, Dior, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin, Balmain and many more. There are also many high-end department stores like Printemps, Bon Marchà ©, and Les Galeries Lafayette, which draw thousands of locals and tourist every day. Other districts, like La Marais are home to many smaller boutiques, and much more affordable shops. It seems as though everywhere you turn in Paris, there are luxurious fashion houses, contemporary boutiques, and unique t...

An Argument Against High Salaries in Major League Baseball Essay

An Argument Against High Salaries in Major League Baseball Twenty-five million dollars made per year. Over one hundred fifty-four thousand dollars made per game. Over forty-seven thousand dollars earned per at bat. Sounds a little ridiculous, does it not? That is what current Texas Ranger shortstop Alex Rodriguez earns to play the game of baseball (azcentral.com). Baseball is a game that children have been playing in schoolyards and fields for the past one hundred years. It may not be a game anymore. On the Major League level it has become a business. This is where the problem starts. There are twenty-five players who make more than ten million dollars per year, a price that, ten years ago, only two players made half of that (azcentral.com). The Seattle Mariners had the highest median salary in 2002 at over 3.3 million dollars per player. Ten years ago, the same Seattle Mariners had a median salary of $317,500; an increase of over three million dollars or an increase of over 900% (usatoday.com). This trend can be seen in all Major League franchises. The salaries in Major League Baseball are growing at an astronomical rate that should not only decrease, but halt, due to the fact that these salaries are pushing away the fans that support these businesses and the lack of parity within baseball itself. Baseball has historically been known as America’s pastime because the American people cannot only enjoy games that they play themselves, but attend professional games and have a good afternoon with friends. But in 1972, Curt Flood challenged the reserve system in court and became the first free-agent, a player who is legally able to sign a contract with any team he chooses for a... ...ined. The money of this nation should go towards those who will make a difference tomorrow. The salaries of professional baseball players are at such a level that fan support is dwindling from the franchises, as well as creating a talent gap among teams causing the game to be tainted. Works Cited Stark, Jayson. The Decision that Changed the Game. 22 November 2002. 25 March 2003 http://espn.go.com/mlb/columns/stark_jayson/891711.html 2002 MLB Attendance. 23 February 2003. Montreal Expos. 25 March 2003 http://mtlexpos.tripod.com/attendance2002_mlb.htm Baseball Salaries Database. 11 November 2002. USA Today. 25 March 2003 http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/default.aspx Twenty-five Highest Paid Major League Baseball Players. 12 May 2002. Arizona Republic. 25 March 2003 http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/ top25salaries2002.html

Sky bus airlines

Sky coach Airlines and Ryan air hoses were the both low cost air hoses and besides both companies were the rivals to each others. Both companies had struggled much to vie each other. The scheme of the both of the companies was about same to offer the low menu to the clients but due to the different installations and services the out semen of the both companies was wholly different. Basically low cost scheme is considered as a good arm into the market to vie the rival. So we must cognize about the low monetary value scheme that what is it where does it of import till what extent it should utilize. We can better understand it with following. â€Å" A low scheme in which a company offers the low monetary value to carry through the demands of the economic system and besides to acquire the high market portion into the market any company can utilize this scheme where the merchandise has no advantage of competition If we see with the point of these air hoses so this consist ofA individual rider categorySame type of aircraftPoint-to -Point FlightsFlying to Secondary and Regional Airports due to less congestionFree services for catering and other complimentary services is been eliminatedWhile we make analysis of the recent scheme be aftering history we should cognize about the company ‘s debut foremostCritical analysis of Ryan Air and Sky coachIntroductionRyan Air was the first no frills air hose in whole Europe. This air hose was setup by the ryan household headed by TONY RYAN in 1985 with the lowest portion capital we cant believe that the in first when ryan air takes a start the portion capital of this air hose Washington merely & amp ; lb ; 1 at that clip there was merely 25 staff members it lanuch its first fligth in the which is 15 seater aircraft. After wards ryan air started there manner to success by set uping the first flight from Dublin to london luton in merely & amp ; lb ; 99 which the lowesr menu at that clip it was the half monetary value of the ticket comparing the other line. if we have a expression upon the twelvemonth 2006 the air hose reecord the half twelvemonth porfit of ˆ329m for the first half of financial twelvemonth 2007. The unit cost of the air hose addition by 7.5 per centum. The air hose was incresed by the 9 per centum as entire grosss which Is arise by 33 per centum to ˆ1.256bn. If we have a expression upon the twelvemonth 2006 the air hose reecord the half twelvemonth porfit of ˆ329m for the first half of financial twelvemonth 2007. Ryan air in 2008. Ryan Air has introduced 950 plus low menu paths across 26 states, linking 150 finishs. Ryan air is the World ‘s favorite air hose which operates a fleet of 210 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft with steadfast orders for a farther 102 new aircraft ( before taking history of planned disposals ) , which will be delivered over before the terminal of 2010. There are more than 7,000 people employed and Ryan air expects to transport about 66 million riders in the current financial twelvem onth In 2009 its recorded that Ryan air had carried 65 million riders to different finishs of the universe it increase the growing by transporting the 5 million riders and so 12 % more so it in December 2009Ryan air ‘s Stephen McNamara said:â€Å" Ryan air ‘s guaranteed lowest menus and no fuel surcharges and our figure one on clip public presentation, fewest lost bags and least off flights continue to pull more and more riders every twelvemonth. We are delighted that over 65 million riders travelled with Ryan air in 2009 and we are confident that even more riders will choose for our guaranteed lowest menus in 2010. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.easier.com/64302-ryanair-reports-13-growth-in-2009.htmlLashkar-e-taibas concentrate on some points of Ryan airOBJECTIVES AND VISION Of Ryan AirCustomer servicesTo acquire the higher market portionTo be a cheapest and profitable air hoseCost decreaseGenerate more grossCheap MenusRyan air is a low menus air hose. The system of seats is like 70 % of seats are sold at the lowest two fares.30 % of seats are charged at higher menus. The last 6 % are sold at the highest menu. They provide no nutrient on board rider can purchase or can take nutrient with him self. Air line offers Dublin to London with menus runing from & A ; lb ; 18 to Euro & A ; lb ; 152Cost DecreaseRyan air have non any bureau to sold the ticket via them it sold their tickets via web site instead so to pay any committee to the agents it create the direct nexus with the client. This reduces the cost of the ticket. You can book the ticket online though Internet. This saves them 15 % on bure au committee. They use secondary airdromes to set down because its is cheaper to wing from a secondary airdrome like Stan stead instead so the Heathrow and these sort of secondary air ports are non normally busy so the air trade can be move easy The finish airdrome of Ryan air are secondary so it cut down the menu every bit good.AdsThey spend non much on advertizements. They use simple manner that tell riders that Ryan air has low menus. The aircrafts are decorated with advertizers e.g. News of the World, Jaguar and Kilkenny. There is no cheque in for the air hose on airdromes. You merely demo your passport and give your mention figure.EmployeesThey recruited the pilots when they are immature as pilot plebes. Cabin crew wage when they want their uniforms to be cleaned. They invest in their ain preparation.Excess menus on boardYou can non hold a preferable place. The regulation is foremost come, foremost served. There are no air bridges or tunnel which connects your manner to aircraf t you have to walk or are use coach to the aircraft. Your Baggage is sent straight to the terminus it ‘s speedy. However if your bag is lost or broken into do n't anticipate high degrees of client service.Increasing grossReducing the cost was the chief scheme for Ryan air. To bring forth the gross was the basic focal point sky coach aircraft has the installation of gift store, nutrient store selling all sort of nutrients and gifts like aromas tickers vesture and toilet articless The outside of the aircraft and cabin is full of advertizements like on operating expense bins, rugs, tray tabular arraies. Low cost menus and sky coach advertizementSky BusThe company was established in 2003 and is based in Columbus. On April 5, 2008, Sky coach Airlines it is known as the extremist low cost air hoses after the Ryan air. The planning of Sky coach was to offer cheapest menus in USA which will be 25 % cheaper so south west. The aircraft is designed with the advertizement on it all around on the inside. The air hose offers $ 10 on every flight on this point the CEO of Sky coach said that the flight will offer 10 seats at least $ 10 on every flight Sky coach applied for operating blessing on January 1, 2005, received blessing to run on March 15, 2006, and FAA enfranchisement on May 10, 2007. It had been granted a release to get down ticket gross revenues on April 24, 2007, Sky coach ‘ first rider flights out of Columbus began on May 22, 2007. Less than a twelvemont h subsequently, Sky coach announced on April 4, 2008, that it would discontinue operations as of April 5, mentioning the lagging economic system and lifting fuel costs as causes. Not cited: operational issues doing the air hose to run late flights about 50 % of its short history, low employee morale and rapid enlargement non envisioned in the original concern programMenusThe get downing menus of the all mark finishs began at $ 10 one manner. Airline advertise Al around that 10 seats merely for $ 10. the tickets of the sky coach air hose was the on the half monetary value so the other air hoses. In a 10 dollar one manner ticket the revenue enhancements and other airdrome fees in non included. If we include all of the revenue enhancements and other airdrome fees so a grownup ticket have a cost about $ 40 on manner. So it was the really inexpensive menu to go aroundExcess feesSky bus charge excess fees for any other excess installation other so the ticket this thing is about common in the other cheaper air hoses. A rider can take merely one bag and one personal point in board if he want to transport any excess luggage so he have to pay like if rider want to transport two bags under 50 lbs so he have to pay $ 12 at the counter on the airdrome. If the rider want to transport more extra luggage after two bags so he have to pay $ 50 for each bag. About the over weighting if the weight is over 50 lbs so he have to pay $ 25 but if the weight of the bag exceed 70 lbs so that bag was non acceptableCost decreaseSky coach scheme was to cut down the cost of care so for this the equipments purchased was unvarying which include the engine, electrical parts, and the forces gear. The other scheme of the air hose was to utilize secondary airdromes which are largely non to occupy so it is easy to turn the aircraft and less to rent infinite there is non any tunnel connecting to the aircraft so it cut down the cost on the airdrome the tickets are to be bought online instead so thro ugh any agent it cut down the coursers like committee.Employee rewardsSky coach wage the rewards to the employee with this scheme the attenders were paid $ 9 per flight hr. This pay to the attender was the lower rewards if we compare it with the viing air hoses. Flight attenders besides received 10 % of all gross revenues made during the flight. Sky coach paid the rewards the pilot besides low so the others $ 65000 was paid to the captain yearly and for first officers it was $ 30000. sky coach pilots work 8-10 hours and can work maximal 16 hours.Increasing grossReducing the cost was the chief scheme for sky coach. To bring forth the gross was the basic focal point sky coach aircraft has the installation of gift store, nutrient store selling all sort of nutrients and gifts like aromas tickers vesture and toilet articless The outside of the aircraft and cabin is full of advertizements like on operating expense bins, rugs, tray tabular arraies. Low cost menus and sky coach advertizement.AdThe plane was to the full covered with the name of the air hose and a butterfly logo on the tail of the aircraft. The same advertizements were non for all air trade. The plane of sky coach was branded aeroplane so branded planes featured with the full organic structure advertizements along the fuselage with the tail of the plane and engine of the plane with the sky coach colour strategy.SWOT ANALYSISStrengthsLess cabin crew – no demand of more so plenty cabin crew as there is even no nutrient helping.Increase air trade sittingCost difference from others which is much elf for net incomesFailingThe company has no past backgroundsPoor client coveringFew finishsLimited resourcesSky coach hubs do non supply connexion chances for ridersOpportunitiesPeoples use to go all around so market is largeTax vacations on aircr aft leasingBog advantage from less exposure to political hazardsMenacesRivals in marketWorld crisisChange in oil monetary valuesIndustry analysisBusiness schemeThe concern scheme of sky coach was really similar to Ryan air and sou'-west air hoses if we go through the complete aims and the schemes adopt by these two cheapest air hoses so we have come to cognize that sky coach was based on these two air hoses.The concern scheme the air hoses wasIt focus on low costOnline finingSky coach covered merely 17 finishReduced the costingAd on the planeRequire immature pilotsIncrease the aircraft infiniteExcess menus on excess installationsPESTEL ANALYSISPoliticalGovernment mark is to pull the foreign investing in the stateBlessing of declaration of independencyAfter acquiring the aircraft enfranchisement ( FAA ) granted for ticket gross revenuesEconomicOil monetary values acquiring higher so mite be there will taxation of air goingAir pollution due to aircraft ]Modern turbo fan lessening fuel ingestionBuying power of client is acquiring higherSocialAddition in growing rate and involvement in touristryNo frill airlines comingPeoples going more because of the low costsTechnologicalAircraft industries constructing new air trades with more seatsEngines are created which making less pollution and noiseE – ticketingPorter ANALYSISDickering Power of Suppliers:Now a yearss providers of the aircraft are on the extremum it means they are all holding good market portion because of the high monetary values of the air trade on the other manus the monetary value of oil is altering twenty-four hours by twenty-four hours the providers of oil have a great Impact on the market to supply the oil to the air hosesDickering Power of Customers:Peoples are really witting about the monetary value and besides want the high services for low monetary values the outlook of the clients towards the air hose are acquiring more sing to wellness and safety they appreciate the flights in clip now a yearss the recognition card system have increase the purchasing power of the clients can besides make shopping from cyberspace every bit good as they can be after their vacations and purchase the ticketsMenaceThere are allots of air hoses giving the same services at that place no non much large difference in the monetary value many air hoses besides offers low monetary values due to high competition in the market and there are other replacements of going like trains and coachs so it is besides a menace some clip airdromes are much busy Ns take clip a batch so other replacements take less clip in theses all thingSelling PlanThe scheme of the air hose is to bring forth the gross there is gift store in the air trade for the rider to shop the gifts like aromas, tickers, pocketbooks etc and besides nutrient store which non even the particular nutrient of all types ‘ even particular nutrient for diabetes patient. For the advertizement they have advertise on the inside and outside of the air trade this air hose was known as merely bird fly cheaper because it was merely for $ 10Ryan AirSWOT ANALYSISStrengthRyan air developed a place in the market in 14 old agesIt acquire the benefit of low air port charges by cut downing cost94 % of engagement of ticket done from cyberspacePoint to indicate flight salvage the clip and moneyUse of aircraft for long clip to do more moneyFailingPoor client serviceLimited finishsIncrease in valuesLow Employee lessonOpportunitiesMany more other finish will be unfastened in European sectorOther sectors from European sector will be unfastenedNo frills air hoses can increase the market portionMenacesOil monetary value fluctuationMany planes fly in the air every twenty-four hours so air trafficConscious client about monetary valuesPlague AnalysisPoliticalUS is a politically stable stateIn first the states save there national air hoses but after the bilateral understanding between Ireland and UK. Ryan air can wing to different statesEco nomicFuel and Energy costs are cause of uncertainness.Economic resection is all overSocialTourism tendency is spread outing in every stateLow cost ticket pull the individuals more towards touristry.Tourism has expanded the market in the unexpected statesTechnologicalInternet installation to look into in.Ryan air uses same type of aircraft -Boeing 737s. This reduces operating costs to a higher extent.Industry AnalysisBusiness schemeThe company offers the low menu tickets and point to indicate flights between Ireland and UK. The menu of air hose was extract to the demand of the riders 70 % of seats in a flight are sold at less menus for the path Ryan Air flight Dublin to London was really inexpensive with menus runing ˆ19.00 to ˆ169The characteristics of Low Cost Carrier:Ticket monetary values should be every bit low as possible in Europe.Use of secondary and smaller airdromes100 % E-distribution of ticketsTo increase the capacity of aeroplanesMaximal use of aircrafts due to f ast turnaround times.Extra charges for extra serviceFuel HedgingCost-cutting stepsTo do a chief base location in London – United kingdom.Analysis of the Low – Cost AirlineDickering Power of Suppliers:There are merely two chief providers of planes Boeing and airbus and different provider in the market have different standards so if the air hose wants to exchange the provider from one to other so its hard for the company because air hose has to retrain the pilots and mechanics. in fuel cost is straight connect to the oil monetary value so Ryan air controlled it with the aid of fudgingDickering Power of CustomersNormally client are really sensitive in the instance of monetary value they expect and demand more from the air hoses there are many air hoses in the market who offer besides inexpensive tickets so we have to care of this menu dickering client can easy exchange to the most inexpensive line through cyberspaceMenacethere are other many option of going like autos, tr ains, ferries, etc so this is besides a menace because some clip airdromes are busy on cheque in due to several flight at same clip. The monetary value of oil does non acquire stable any clip.Selling programRyan Air will go on the same services and schemes of low monetary value to pull the client and bring forth the more income. The company is seeking to increase the seats in the aircraft to transport more riders from topographic point to put this thing will increase the fiscal growing of the company ryna air is a low cost service every bit good as a low quality service but company is still seeking to do it up in different manner company is traveling to present the fleet of Boeing 737-800 really shortly. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ryanair.com hypertext transfer protocol: //solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdf hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ryanair.com/en/about hypertext transfer protocol: //www.planespotters.net/Airline/Skybus-Airlines hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ehow.com/about_5499571_history-skybus-airlines.html hypertext transfer protocol: //www.airfleets.net/flottecie/Skybus-history-a319.htm hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ryanair.com/ie/news/ryanair-calls-for-yes-to-europe-vote-on-2nd-october hypertext transfer protocol: //ritamcgrath.com/ee/images/uploads/Ryanair_Report.pdf

Cybercrime in Indonesia Essay

Even if Indonesia has not ratified or signed the Convention on Cybercrime yet, officially Indonesia has implemented almost all cyber crime provisions set forth in the Convention. These provisions are set out in several articles in Law No. 11 Year 2008 on Information and Electronic Transaction. The seven provisions, among others; offense related to child pornography, illegal access, illegal interception, data interference, system interference, misuse of devices, and computer related forgery. The provisions of computer-related fraud and attempt and aiding or abetting are no longer regulated under this Act due consideration has been accommodated by the existing provisions in the Penal Code. Likewise, some offenses related to infringements of copyright and related rights are deemed to have been sufficiently set forth in the Law on Intellectual Property Rights. In addition to the above provisions, the Law No.11/2008 is the merely cybercrime statute in Indonesia, which also includes provisions on e-commerce and e-signature referring to the UNCITRAL Model Law and the EU Directives on such subjects. This is by virtue of the awareness of regulator about inevitable legal convergence of telecommunications, media, and informatics. By means of the principle of neutrality and efficiency, this product of law will be able to encompass the three specialties. Moreover, hacking, according to BATAN is defined as ‘infiltrating or breaching activities into an electronic system without rights, which usually aim to misuse or damage the system.’ Identical definition of hacking is also proposed by David S. Wall which is ‘deliberate unauthorized access to spaces over which rights of ownership or access have already been established.’ Therefore, hacking can be incorporated into illegal access provisions. In the Article 30, there are three paragraphs that organize illegal access, inter alia; 1. ‘Setiap Orang dengan sengaja dan tanpa hak atau melawan hukum mengakses Komputer dan/atau Sistem Elektronik milik Orang lain dengan cara apa pun.’ It means ‘any person intentionally and without right or unlawful access to computers and/or electronic system belongs to any other person in any way.’ 2. Setiap Orang dengan sengaja dan tanpa hak atau melawan hukum mengakses Komputer dan/atau Sistem Elektronik dengan cara apa pun dengan tujuan untuk memperoleh Informasi Elektronik dan/atau Dokumen Elektronik. It means ‘any person intentionally and without right or unlawful access to computers and/or electronic system in any way aim at obtaining electronic information and/or document.’ 3. Setiap Orang dengan sengaja dan tanpa hak atau melawan hukum mengakses Komputer dan/atau Sistem Elektronik dengan cara apa pun dengan melanggar, menerobos, melampaui, atau menjebol sistem pengamanan.’ It means ‘any person intentionally and without right or unlawful access to computers and/or electronic system in any way by infiltrating, trespassing, surpassing, and breaking through a security system.’ The first offenses are to be punished with imprisonment up to 6 years either with or without an administrative fine of up to IDR 600 million. Meanwhile the second offenses are to be sentenced by imprisonment up to 7 years either with or without an administrative fine of utmost IDR 700 million. The latter is to be sanctioned by imprisonment up to 8 years either with or without an administrative fine of up to IDR 800 million. During the past four years since enactment, a myriad of hacking incidents have taken place in Indonesia . However, only two cases were successfully expressed and processed in court. The first case is a case of hacking (defacing) the Election Committee website in 2004 by Dani Firman. While the second case is a similar case against the website of one Indonesia’s largest party, Golkar, by Iqra Syafaat. In fact, according to data from the Association of Indonesian Internet Service Provider (APJII), in 2003, it has recorded 2267 cases of network incidents and in 2004 there were 1103 such cases. It can be concluded that the cases which fails to trial far less. Furthermore, another concern is phishing, defined as ‘the pursuit of personal financial information that is subsequently used to defraud the victim and relies upon the recipient’s inability to distinguish a bogus email from a real one.’ Hence, it should be categorized into ‘computer related forgery’ provision. Article 35 states ‘Setiap Orang dengan sengaja dan tanpa hak atau melawan hukum melakukan manipulasi, penciptaan, perubahan, penghilangan, pengrusakan Informasi Elektronik dan/atau Dokumen Elektronik dengan tujuan agar Informasi Elektronik dan/atau Dokumen Elektronik tersebut dianggap seolah-olah data yang otentik.’ It implies ‘any person intentionally and without right or unlawful manipulate, create, delete, alter, or suppress any electronic document and/or information with the intent that it be considered as if it were authentic.’ Accordingly, this breach is to be sentenced up to 12 years in prison and a maximum fine of IDR twelve million. Unfortunately, there is no case hitherto which is brought to court proceeding. Finally, rare incidents of cybercrime exposed and processed in court trial as the aforementioned are caused by several factors, inter-alia; the lack of awareness among users, the absence of single identity number, the reluctance of victims to report, the limitedness of infrastructure or equipment and devices in the field of IT, and also the lack of law enforcement officers who have expertise in the field of IT. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Indonesia Law Number 11/2008 about Information and Electronic Transaction, entry into force on April 21,2008 [ 2 ]. See (n 1) art 27 and art 9 in Convention on Cybercrime, Council of Europe, entry into force on July 1, 2004 [ 3 ]. See (n 1) art 30 and art 2 in Convention on Cybercrime, Council of Europe, entry into force on July 1, 2004 [ 4 ]. See (n 1) art 31 and art 3 in Convention on Cybercrime, Council of Europe, entry into force on July 1, 2004 [ 5 ]. See (n 1) art 32 and art 4 in Convention on Cybercrime, Council of Europe, entry into force on July 1, 2004 [ 6 ]. See (n 1) art 33 and art 5 in Convention on Cybercrime, Council of Europe, entry into force on July 1, 2004 [ 7 ]. See (n 1) art 34 and art 6 in Convention on Cybercrime, Council of Europe, entry into force on July 1, 2004 [ 8 ]. See (n 1) art 35 and art 7 in Convention on Cybercrime, Council of Europe, entry into force on July 1, 2004 [ 9 ]. art 8 in Convention on Cybercrime, Council of Europe, entry into force on July 1, 2004 [ 10 ]. (n 9) art 11 [ 11 ]. (n 9) art 10 [ 12 ]. Indonesia has several Laws on IPR such as Law No.12/1997 about Copyright, Law No.29/2000 about Vegetal Variety Protection, Law No.30/2000 about Trade Secrecy, Law No.31/2000 about Industrial Design, Law No.32/2000 about Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, Law No.14/2001 about Patent, and Law No.15/2001 about Trademark [ 13 ]. See UNCITRAL Mode Law on E-commerce on http://www.uncitral.org/pdf/english/texts/electcom/05-89450_Ebook.pdf and UNCITRAL Mode Law on E-signature http://www.uncitral.org/uncitral/uncitral_texts/electronic_commerce/2001Model_signatures.html accessed September 28, 2012 [ 14 ]. (n 1) Explanation [ 15 ]. BATAN is an Indonesian government institution which constitutes one of consulting agents of ICT, http://www.batan.go.id/sjk/uuite.html accessed September 29, 2012 [ 16 ]. Wall, David S, ‘Cybercrime: The Transformation of Crime in the Information Age’, (Polity Press 2008) 53 [ 17 ]. (n 1)

Kite Runner Essay Essay

Do you know that Afghanis play a game where they fight with kites? The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini describes kite fights between local Afghani kids, regardless of their social status. The main characters in this story that come from a higher socioeconomic level are Baba, a lawyer from the Pashtun tribe, and his son Amir. The main characters in this story that come from the lower socioeconomic level are Ali, a servant from the Hazara tribe, and his son Hassan who are servants to Baba and his family. The Kite Runner explores how different classes of people worked together to run things in Afghanistan. In the Kite Runner discrimination in Afghanistan is demonstrated by the relationship between the Pashutns and Hazaras. The Hazaras were often demeaned and persecuted (www. Sparknotes. com). Baba, however, taught his family to be kind to the Hazaras. Baba learned this from his father, who was a highly regarded judge in Kabul (Hosseini 24). The story describes a day when the grandfather sentenced two young Pashtun men into the military for killing almost an entire Hazaran family. The grandfather was very dismayed that the five year old boy who survived the incident would be left an orphan. Amir remembered â€Å"As for the orphan, my grandfather adopted him into his own household, and told the other servants to tutor him, but to be kind to him† (Hosseini 24-25). The young survivor was named Ali. Quite a few years later, Baba took in Ali’s son Hassan to be a servant for his son Amir. While Baba’s house was a fair and kind place to live there was still a social barrier (www. Sparknotes. com). For example even though Baba called Ali his â€Å"family†, Ali still lived in a hut and slept on the floor (www. shmoop. com). Although Hassan was believed to be Ali’s son he was actually Baba’s out of wedlock son (Hosseini 224-225). Baba and Ali never told Amir or Hassan that they were brothers because it was shameful that Baba had a relationship with Hassan’s mother, who was in a lower socioeconomic level. Baba would never be respected again if that ever got out. Later on in Hassan’s life, he had difficulty with becoming anything but a servant. Hassan had a very strong identity as a servant, and because of this he had no sense of entitlement when he grew up. Hassan took care of Baba’s house, even after Baba left (Hosseini 218). In a scene in the book Hassan tries to protect Baba’s old house from Taliban invasion, and gets killed (Hosseini 219). Through his dying day Hassan never felt a sense of entitlement and continued to serve Baba as his owner rather than as his father. At the time of Hassan’s death he was no longer Baba’s servant. The Taliban, warriors taking over tribesman under the guise of uniting their country, made Afghanistan a very dangerous place. The Taliban were very discriminating and typically tortured, beat, and executed people of a lower socioeconomic level. During childhood, Assef bullied Hassan and Amir. Assef came from a higher socioeconomic class than Hassan. Assef is now presented in the book as a Taliban militant. The Taliban banned music in Afghanistan (Hosseini 280). Hassan’s son, Sohrab, was forced to dance to music by Assef. The Taliban continued to flex its muscles to get other people to conform to their rules. Amir thought â€Å"I guessed music wasn’t sinful as long as it played to Taliban ears’† (Hosseini 280). Amir was very critical about the Taliban and stupidly admitted to Assef â€Å"I had read about the Hazara massacre in Mazar-i-Sharif in the papers† (Hosseini 277). Amir’s point was that the Taliban killed the Hazaras anywhere they could find them even though they didn’t do anything wrong. Clearly the Taliban did not value the lives of the Hazaras (www. Sparknotes. com). Assef was one of the cruelest of all the Taliban. He told Amir this â€Å"Afghanistan is like a beautiful mansion littered with garbage, and someone has to take out the garbage† (Hosseini 284). Taliban influence in Afghanistan heightened discrimination and did not unite the country. The Kite Runner clearly demonstrated how different classes of people who are able to live peacefully together although keeping within the bound of their social class. The Taliban did not tolerate people from the lower socioeconomic classes and without conscious killed and destroyed their lives. Hassan and Amir, technically brother, grew up together but were never treated as equals (Hosseini 25). However they were able to coexist without hating each other (Hosseini 25). Amir never truly considered himself as a friend to Hassan (Hosseini 25). Hassan always considered himself a servant to Baba even at his death, in chapter 16. In my opinion the Afghan culture before the Taliban was one of working together and living peacefully but after the Taliban invaded the culture changed by forcing discrimination among the socioeconomic classes. Works Cited Hosseini, Khaled. The Kite Runner. New York: Riverhead, 2003. Print. â€Å"The Kite Runner Chapter 4 Summary. † Shmoop. N. p. , n. d. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. . â€Å"The Kite Runner. † SparkNotes. SparkNotes, n. d. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. .

Media Thinness and Teenagers

The following paper will present a counterargument to the idea that body image is shaped by attitudes in the media.   Part of this counterargument will rely on the fact that thinness is cultural problem and not a media problem as will be examined using the peer reviewed article Ingrassia & Springen wrote The body of the beholder,   which examines attitudes of race in regards to body thinness and how Caucasian women are more strict on their bodies while African American women, due to culture, perceive their normal bodies to be normal.The other argument being presented in this paper will be on how models do not warp young girls’ minds to the ideas of thinness but rather it is an individual perspective that allows women to feel as though they are not thin enough.   Thus the paper’s main idea will be that media does not present a too thin body but rather it is in the perception of the culture that does this.Part A Body image in the media is used to represent a product and to sell that product, like coca-cola or something else.   The media giants choose thin models not as them saying to how women should look but rather as a way to how they want their product to appear to the audience; thus, the scope of this problem comes from teenagers, girls, who buy into the marketing media of supermodel thinness, and then become anorexic to fit this ideal.The idea of thinness is misconstrued on the idea that women’s bodies are too thin and thus those too thin bodies present to the advertising world what their body should look like, but this is not true.   Thinness is in the eye of the beholder, â€Å"When individuals evaluate their appearance, they can either concur or disagree with other evaluators.   If dissensus occurs its direction can be either self enhancing or self-denigrating† (Levinson 1986; 330).Women and men are sensible enough to know what is too thin to be realistic; often times media transform their model’s bodies and digitally improve or reduce the model’s body thus presenting a false image.   This is not done in order to tell young girls that their bodies should be thin but in keeping in mind with the best possible way to present the product of the advertisement, therefore the problem is affecting a mass amount of people, especially in the western society since marketing is targeting these countries.   The fact that such images are digitally ‘improved’ in one way or another is no secret and therefore the good reason that such images produce too thin body ideals does not hold against the argument that they indeed do,I mean we can alter that body shape definitely†¦I mean the computer can pretty much do anything.   You can alter it†¦they don’t tend to †¦but its kind of up to the model editor†¦You make ‘em†¦sort of squish them together to make them look thinner (Milkie 2002; 851).Another argument against the too thin body image present ed in the media is that this is more of a cultural attitude.   In The body of the beholder the authors stress that more often than not Caucasian women have poor images of themselves while African American women do not; this is due to culture and not to media; in other words, the body image is in the eyes of the beholder and not in the eyes of the media, â€Å"Quite commonly researchers restrict samples to white subjects or ignore race as an independent variable in their designs.   However, existing anecdotal and case studies report that blacks assign positive qualities of well-being and power to heavy-women† (Levinson et al. 1986; 331).Part B Culture teaches that thinness is the ultimate ideal; but whose culture?   The argument of this paper now becomes mingled with the fact that American culture is imitating African American culture in dress, song, and literature.   Rap, Hip-Hop and Gansta Rap are all becoming the values by which the culture focuses its appearance ri ght down to cars, jewelry, clothing, and body image.   It is now considered normal to have grills on one’s teeth, to wear ‘bling’ and to copy in whatever capacity possible the African American culture and nowhere is this seen more often than in suburban neighborhoods as rap sales are more than half sold to young white audiences.With this new found cultural thing alive in the American culture the other argument evolves into one that also mirrors the body image of African American women which is voluptuousThe minority respondents, in sharp contrast, did not emulate these images nor compare themselves as negatively with the models.   Even though most of the black girls occasionally read the mainstream publications, they considered the images less relevant, belonging to ‘white girls’ culture and not part of a reference group toward which they oriented themselves†¦The black girls indicated that they did not relate to the images and did not wish t o emulate the rigid white beauty ideal (Milkie 1999; 200).African American women present to culture their body image as counter to waiflike, with curves and in fact African American women are more content with their body image than white women and this goes against the media portraying real, curvy women.   Adolescence will impersonate whatever they see as ‘cool’ or popular and right now there are two conflicting things that arise; the ideal of the waiflike woman, and the ideal of the more voluptuous woman as seen in African American culture.An adolescent will turn to whatever is deemed as cool in their social clique.   This leads to the fact that since American culture has included into its ‘cool’ factor the images of African American women that soon the idea of thinness will be counter culture and African American women’s standards will be the normal standard, â€Å"†¦there’s growing evidence that black and white girls view their bo dies in dramatically different ways.The latest finding come in a study to be published in the journal Human Organization this spring by a team of black and white researchers at the University of Arizona.   While 90 percent of the white junior-high and high school girls studied voiced dissatisfaction with their weight, 70 percent of African-American teens were satisfied with their bodies† (Ingrassia & Springen 1995; 66).This study goes on to state that even when overweight black teenagers were interviewed they still viewed themselves and described themselves as happy.   This source of size in fact is somewhat of a source of pride, the study further emphasized other different facets by which white and black girls viewed themselves, â€Å"Asked to describe women as they age, two thirds of the black teens said they get more beautiful, and many cited their mothers as examples.   White girls responded that their mothers may have been beautiful—back in their youth.   Says anthropologist Mimi Nichter, one of ht study’s coauthors, ‘In white culture, the window of beauty is so small’ (Ingrassia & Springen 1995; 66).Part C Thus, the problems of thinness arrive from the culturally dishonest.   Black and white girls are exposed to the same media but their sense of self identity as seen in that media is quite different as the above statements have proven.   Thus, the ideals of beauty are the main contributors of what is considered to be normal.   White girls see 5 foot 7 inches and between 100 to 110 pounds to be normal while African American girls describe their ideal size as exhibiting full hips, thick thighs, and basically in the words of Sir Mix-A lot ‘baby got back’ (Ingrassia & Springen 1995; 66).   These African American teens also described ideal beauty has having the right attitude.†¦African American mothers must teach their daughters how to negotiate between two often confliction cultures: Black a nd white and must prepare daughters to cope with the racial and sexual dangers in the realities of the world that Black women must confront†¦Black mothers also play an important role in mitigating the dominant culture’s devaluing messages by providing more positive messages and alternatives to the white middle class ideal to their daughters to offset the negative reflections they see of themselves in the eye of the dominant culture (Lovejoy 2001: 253).This study only further exemplifies the argument in this paper that it is not the media that perpetuates the cult of thinness but rather this false ideal is found in the fact that perception is the ingredient in thinness.   Culture is the curse from which thinness arises,Underlying the beauty gap are 200 years of cultural differences. â€Å"In white, middleclass America, part of the great American Dream of making it is to be able to make yourself over,† says Nichter. â€Å"In the black community, there is the real ity that you might not move up the ladder as easily. As one girl put it, you have to be realistic-if you think negatively about yourself, you won't get anywhere.† It's no accident that Barbie has long embodied a white adolescent ideal-in the early days, she came with her own scale (set at 110) and her own diet guide (â€Å"How to Lose Weight: Don't Eat†).Even in this post-feminist era, Barbie's tight-is-right message is stronger than ever. Before kindergarten, researchers say, white girls know that Daddy eats and Mommy diets. By high school, many have split the world into physical haves and have-nots, rivals across the beauty line. â€Å"It's not that you hate them [perfect girls],† says Sarah Immel, a junior at Evanston Township High School north of Chicago. â€Å"It's that you're kind of jealous that they have it so easy, that they're so perfect-looking.† (Ingrassia & Springen 1995; 66).Thus, the black ideal can be argued to be less limiting, and less fo cused on something that is unrealistic.   Since white culture stresses the make-over then black culture stresses self respect and being happy with ‘you’.   In Ingrassia & Springen’s article they quote Tyra Banks, a supermodel who had said that in high school she was the envy of her white friends when she would repeatedly say that she wanted thighs like her black girlfriends; the split of culture is clearly found in this fact.The media centers on selling a product through presentation of an ideal body.   However, the media world is being taken over by Black culture from BET to Fox.   The ideals are changing with regards to body image.   The strongest signal that is competing for body image is peer pressure.   Since groups of teens are influential with their friends the black community is able to reiterate their ideals of body image to their friends and since they do not emulate the waiflike figures of supermodels so common in culturally white media (wh ich is diminishing) they are more able to disregard the unrealistic image presented to them in advertisements.White girls however are suffering from their own culture and the reiteration of this culture not only through media at times but through the concept that has been taught to them that their mothers are always on a diet.   White culture has taught these girls more than the media has that their daddies eat and their mothers are on diets (Ingrassia & Springen 1995; 66).Ingrassia & Springen further emphasize that white culture teaches that it is okay and even normal to have an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, but in black culture these are even more of a phenomenon as black girls do not succumb to this masochism since their culture does not present it as a strong factor to be considered normal, â€Å"Black teens don't usually go to such extremes. Anorexia and bulimia are relatively minor problems among African-American girls.And though 51 percent of the black teens in the study said they'd dieted in the last year, follow-up interviews showed that far fewer were on sustained weight-and-exercise programs. Indeed, 64 percent of the black girls thought it was better to be â€Å"a little† overweight than underweight. And while they agreed that â€Å"very overweight† girls should diet, they defined that as someone who â€Å"takes up two seats on the bus.†Ã¢â‚¬ Ã‚   (Ingrassia & Springen 1995; 66).Ingrassia & Springen state in their study that 90% of white girls have some dissatisfaction with their bodies and that 62% of them are on a diet within the past year.   The study further states that 70% of black girls are happy with their body image and 64% say that it is better to be a little overweight than a little underweight (Ingrassia & Springen 1995; 66).This paper has stated that the media’s norms are changing with the introduction and focus on black culture that presents different body images.   The paper further s tated that media was not the only device by which white girls receive their dissatisfied approach to their own bodies but with their mother’s influence of dieting thinness became an ideal.   It is with the changing cultural norms of switching focus from white culture to black culture that new media images will begin to filter into society as is exemplified through programs on television such as Queen Latifah whose body image though overweight by white culture standards is considered to be beautiful with black cultures.   Thus, the focus of a more voluptuous body, with curves, and a larger ‘booty’ is becoming the American standard.BibliographyDittmar, Helga & Sarah Howard.   (December 2004).   Professional hazards? The impact  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   of models' body size on advertising effectiveness and women's body-focused  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   anxiety in professions that do and do not emphasize the cultural ideal of  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   thinness. 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